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QT export has different running time
I am exporting a self contained QT in FCP 6.06 directly from the timeline and the resulting mov has a running time 7 seconds longer than the timeline. The sequence is HDV 1080i 60 HDV, NDF and 2 hours in length. I’ve applied no strange filters or settings to the export. I have the export set for current settings. What is the deal with the time differential? Also exported an MP4 using H.264 and had the same 7 second differential. When I copied the same sequence to another timeline that was set up for DF instead of NDF, the sequence also read 7 secs longer. However, the footage was all captured and editied NDF.
Rick D
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5 Replies
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Rick,
The only thing I can think of is that the edit seems to be reading at 23.976 fps and the export at 23.98 fps. Did some quick math and it seems that for 2 hours a seven second differential makes sense — but I’m jumping the gun on assuming those frame rates. The difference between 29.97 and 30 would also account for a difference. I have run into crazy drift on transcoding and exporting, especially moving between NDF and DF formats.
What are your frame rates reading in FCP exactly, and if you’re viewing the export in QT, what is it reading there? Might try moving the exported file back in FC and see if the time magically comes up with what you expect. I know that QT miscalculates sometimes, esp. on 23.98.
Let me know if I can help you out any further.
Josh
Digital Media, Thought Equity Motion
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I double checked the frame rate and it was 29.97 in both FC and QT. I did drag the QT back into final cut and the correct time came up in the viewer. So you must be right about some quirk with QT. I want to export a QT reference movie for a sound mix in pro tools so I guess I’ll have to make sure the mixer can open the reference in final cut or the omfs will be out of sync. Is that correct? Or should I try the whole export over again using a drop frame time line?
Rick D
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Rick,
I’m not sure how Pro Tools will respond to the TC inaccuracy within quicktime. I haven’t worked with it much. I’d just stick with NDF since that’s how you edited originally. I’d make the sound mixer aware of what you’re seeing, but I am assuming that the problem you’re seeing is exclusive to QT itself, not the actual file. As long as Pro Tools has a more intricate eye, it should line up with what FCP is seeing as correct running time.
Maybe others who have more experience working with OMFs and Pro Tools would have better input about the way that quicktime communicates with them. I think that it’ll probably come out okay though, since the mixing program has a bit more depth than QT. But your sound mixer should be able to tell if things are off from the beginning. If he knows that he should expect 02:00:00:00 and gets 02:00:07:00 than something deeper is going on with QT.
Good luck!
Josh
Digital Media, Thought Equity Motion
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P.S.
as long as pro tools can read NDF and the project settings match the input file things should be golden.
Josh
Digital Media, Thought Equity Motion
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Thanks for the help!
Rick D
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