Problem Importing .mp4 into Final Cut Pro

[Andy Mees]

Ripping the already compressed dvd copy of the video to an MP4 then transcoding yet again to DV or other format on top of that is just degrading the image more and more. If you can’t get access to the original footage then instead of using MacTheRipper / Handbrake or whatever to rip the VOB to an MP4 first, just download and use the free MPEG Streamclip application to transcode the file directly from your friend’s DVD to a DV-NTSC file that you can edit with easily.

If transcoding is really what you want to do though, then you can use Compressor or Quicktime Player (or MPEG Streamclip) to transcode the file.

[Shane Mcgee]

okay well i actually downloaded that program you mentioned yesterday and have been attempting to use it. ive come to find that the actual mp4 file will go into it no prob but the files on the vob files on the dvd wont work with it…says its unsupported file format o something when i select them all and drag them in…

[Cinnamon Kennedy]

just wanted to note that I’ve had more success translating mp4 to mov in quicktime and then working from there. fcp seems to like that better than the mpeg streamclip options.

[Chris Montgomery]

David,

I understand the explanation in your up until the final part. Im working with HD footage, i’m looking for away to use very small (quickly compressed files) to do all my edits in FCP then before exporting, replace these files with the full Res versions. Mostly to avoid render times etc.

So, i build my timeline with the smaller files. Then i duplicate the sequence, correct? Then what? Im getting confused when it comes to replacing the files on the timeline with the full res ones. Can this be done automatically? Or must i learn the In/Out points of each clip and replace them manually.

Any help would be much appreciated!

Thanks

Chris

[Wade Francom]

I believe the process would be to create a duplicate timeline…this time with the video settings to match your original HD video. Then you select everything on your editing timeline and paste it to the new HD timeline. Of course, by doing this, Final Cut is going to want to render those files to the HD settings you have on the new timeline. Rather than do that, import your HD files, select everything on your new timeline, then go to “Reconnect Media” (under the File tab), select online files, and then browse for and select the HD files. This should replace the old files with the HD files on your HD timeline, and therefore skipping any need for searching or re-rendering.

I believe that’s how it works.

[Damon Gore]

Hi, I am having trouble importing an MP4 file that had come transferred from a Sony HVR Z7E (it’s in a BPAV folder next to .SMI,PPN, .XML and .BIM files).
MPEGStreamclip wouldn’t open the file, neither would do Compressor, or Toast, and an iSkysoft video converter turns the 35 mb MP4 into a 1.4 mb .mov…
I’d very much appreciate your help!

Damon

[Sara Weissman]

Damon did you ever find a solution to your problem? I am having the same exact issue.

[Emily Henry]

As we know, Final Cut Pro is a non-linear and non-destructive editing software application, it can only import non-destructive video format including DV, HDV, P2 MXF (DVCProHD), XDCAM, and 2K film formats. Nevertheless, the widely used MP4 is lossy format, which is a final delivery file type and is heavily compressed. In order to successfully import MP4 to Final Cut Pro, we have to convert the lossy MP4 to non-destructive format like DV which is compatible with FCP.

just google search Step by Step Guide on How to Convert MP4 to DV so as to Import MP4 into FCP/FCE

you will find a simply method to convert mp4 to dv

hope it helps more or less

[David Roth weiss]

Emily,

You just responded to a thread begun in 2008, with the last post before yours dated Dec. 4, 2010. Why?

I want to encourage you to answer people here if you like helping, but do keep in mind, the more recent the question the more pressing the need for help.

David Roth Weiss
Director/Editor/Colorist
David Weiss Productions, Inc.
Los Angeles
https://www.drwfilms.com

POST-PRODUCTION WITHOUT THE USUAL INSANITY ™

Creative COW contributing editor and a forum host of the Business & Marketing and Apple Final Cut Pro forums.

[Emily Henry]

i am sorry, i did not pay attention to the date, thanks for reminding