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Proper AVCHD Work flow for Bluray/DVD output?
Hi all,
I am struggling with my first go with AVCHD footage and figured it was time to come ask the experts to assist me with creating the correct work flow for a few different shoots that I will be editing.
Shoot #1:
Subject: A 2 set concert
Running time: each set is about 1.5 hours
Goal: output both DVD/Bluray with as little compression as possible.
DVD Output: 2x DVD9 with 16/48kHz audio (1 set on each disk)
Bluray output: 2x BR25 with 24/48kHz audio (1 set on each disk)Cameras used: 2x Sony AVCHD HXR-MC1
FH mode: Approx. 16Mbps (1920 x 1080, 60i)Editing:
Adobe Premiere Pro CS5
Sequence setup with the AVCHD 1920×1080 60i
Imported the AVCHD footage, synced with audio, multiclipped, doneQuestion 1:
I noticed when I put the AVCHD footage into the timeline it immediately went red, showing it wanted to be rendered – is this normal? I triple-checked the sequenced settings to be sure everything matched, and it did.Question 2:
I was able to mutliclip this raw AVCHD footage, but if I was to add a third camera angle, my computer would most likely choke. Therefore, what is the proper way to handle multiple files of AVCHD so you can edit? I’m at a loss as to what I should do when this happens (see Shoot #2 below)Question 3:
Now that I have an edited sequence I want figure out the proper way to render this AVCHD footage and there are so many options that my head is spinning. I tried to DL to Adobe Encore, but the 24bit audio was a no go for the Bluray. I believe it would be best to render out of Adobe PPro using Media Encored, so I can either use Adobe Encore or DVD Architect5 to make the bluray/DVDThis now brings up many more questions. Since this is AVCHD footage, should I render the Bluray as h264 or mpeg-2? I noticed that when I rendered as h264 and brought the files into DVDA5, it wanted to re-compress… AGAIN!
So please, what do you suggest the proper work flow to export from PPro to DVDA5 and/or Encore for Bluray? I have the DVD figured out… but this second recompress at DVDA5 or Encore is insane!
Also with the above source material at 16mbps avg, what settings should I use? I tried h264, 1920×1080. target 25mbps, max 30mbps and it’s taking over 20 hours on a Q6600 with 4GB ram…
Shoot #2
Subject: A 2 set concert
Running time: each set is about 1.5 hours
Goal: output both DVD/Bluray with as little compression as possible.
DVD Output: 2x DVD9 with 16/48kHz audio (1 set of each disk)
Bluray output: 2x BR25 with 24/48kHz audio (1 set on each disk)Cameras used: 2x Sony AVCHD HXR-MC1 (1080p 1920×1080), 2x Canon HV30’s (HDV, 1080i)
Where do I begin? So I will not have 4 angles, 2x AVCHD@ 1080p and 2x HDV @ 1080i.
Question 1:
How should I setup my PPro sequence? What template do you suggest?Question 2:
My computer is unable to handle all these angles for smooth multiclip. What should I do with the AVCHD footage? What should I convert it too?THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR ANY HELP/GUIDANCE
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1 Reply
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AVCHD multicam blues.
Mike,
I shoot long-form (2+ hours in duration) Live stage productions using 3-4 AVCHD cams. It has been a nightmare trying to figure out a good workflow. I am almost there however.
First….the machine specs. I had a PC with an Intel Q6600 Core 2 Quad, 8 gb ram, 10k C-drive etc. etc. Early on I figured it would have to have enough power, its a quad core right?? WRONG…..stuttered all day with AVCHD footage. I found out quickly you can have all the RAM you want, and it wont matter, it is 100% processor.
So I left the Adobe Creative Suite went over to my new Mac mini, and started using Final Cut Pro. Transcode the AVCHD footage to Prores LT, bring to the timeline, multicam edit, export to Quicktime movie….go into encore. Not bad, did 21 shows this summer with that workflow. Problem was my Mac mini was taking WAY TOO long to transcode initially, and even longer to export my FCP timeline (12-15 hours.) Cutting the footage in the multi-clip editor was smooth as could be. I made through those shows and decided that if I am gonna stay in business I gotta get a better/quicker workflow.
Looked at a new 6-core Mac Pro, 16 gb RAM (something that would handle AVCHD natively with CS5)….would have been the end of my problems. And also the end of my savings account, coming in at $5700. So a buddy of mine replaced his board processor and RAM a few weeks ago in his PC. He got a 2.8ghz AMD phenom 2 6-core processor, 4 gb RAM (1333mhz memory) and an ASUS board. cost him somewhere in the neighborhood of $600. I took my external raid-0 enclosures up there to test out native AVCHD footage, and WHALLAH!!!! cut 3 cameras 35-45min duration each in the multicam window like butter.
So,a few days ago I ordered a 3.2ghz AMD phenom 2 black edition 6-core processor, ASUS crosshair board, 16 gb of 1333mhz RAM, and stuck it into my PC this afternoon. I am able to cut 4 cameras 1 hour 15+ minutes of AVCHD footage at FULL playback quality in the multicam window….and it doesn’t even flinch….in fact I pulled up the task manager to see where my processor was at, and it was hanging around 35-40%. So as far as machine goes I got that part of the workflow narrowed down. A Q6600 just ain’t gonna cut it. As far as transcoding to something it will handle, I have heard that Cineform Neoscene works well, but I tried the free download and didnt have much luck personally. (my parts cost me about 850 bucks….compare that to $5700+ for the Mac…..I could build 5 of these PC’s and still have money left.)
I also stuck a blu-ray burner in my machine as part of the upgrade, so as far as the authoring to blu-ray….I would also like to know the answers to that. ANYONE?
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