Sony EX-1 .MP4 file import issue

[Chris Babbitt]

The files should be in a folder labeled BPAV, and that folder should reside inside another folder. If that’s the case, you’ll need the Sony XDCAM Transfer software to convert the files for FCP use. If it’s not in that configuration, you’ll need to have your client re-submit it exactly the way it comes off the cards, or, better yet, as Quicktime EX clips that have been processed by the Transfer software.

[John Fishback]

MPEG Streamclip https://www.squared5.com/svideo/mpeg-streamclip-mac.html might be able to convert the files to a useable QT codec. That would be time-consuming to do many files and might result in a degradation of quality as compared to a more direct input to FCP. Hopefully, someone with XDCAM experience will have an answer for you.

John

MacPro 8-core 2.8GHz 8 GB RAM OS 10.5.5 QT7.5.5 Kona 3 Dual Cinema 23 ATI Radeon HD 3870
ATTO ExpressSAS R380 RAID Adapter, PDE Enclosure with 8-drive 6TB RAID 5
24″ TV-Logic Monitor
Final Cut Studio 2 (up to date)

Pro Tools HD w SYNC IO, Yamaha DM1000, Millennia Media HV-3C, Neumann U87, Schoeps Mk41 mics, Genelec Monitors, PrimaLT ISDN

[Kip Cole]

JP, you can import XDCAM footage from either SxS cards or a hard drive, but you will need the XDCAM Log and Transfer plugin for FCP.

For some reason it is hard to find. You can do a search for “XDCAM Plugin” or try this site: https://www.sony.ca/xdcamex/software.htm. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and download the version 2.5.1 file. I read that they’ve gone as high as 2.7, but this was the only version I could find. I works fine with my Macbook Pro. Someone else on this forum may know where to get a more recent version.

Once you install the plugin, “XDCAM” becomes one of your options under the import function.

Good Luck!

Kip Cole
WKNO-TV
Memphis

[Jeremy Garchow]

https://calibratedsoftware.com/MP4EXImport_Mac.asp

[J.p. Welgus]

I just would like to thank everybody that has provided information to assist me on my issues. Now I am off to try these suggestions. Hopefully everything works out. Again thank you.

JP Welgus
Apex Stock
Director of Content

[Chris Borjis]

[Kip Cole] “For some reason it is hard to find.”

you ARE talking about Sony here…. 🙂

[J.p. Welgus]

Yep, should have saw this a mile away 🙂

JP Welgus
Apex Stock
Director of Content

[Jeremy Garchow]

[Don Greening] “The Sony transfer tool app. (free) is to re-wrap the EX .mp4 files to MOV format otherwise FCP will not see the files.”

You can with this:

https://calibratedsoftware.com/MP4EXImport_Mac.asp

[Don Greening]

Nobody’s mentioned it yet but the minimum software requirements for viewing/editing XDCAM EX files with FCP are:

• Final Cut Pro v.6.0.2 or better
• Quicktime v.7.3.1 or better
• Mac OS v.10.4.11 or better
• Sony Transfer tool v.2.5.1 or better

The Sony transfer tool app. (free) is to re-wrap the EX .mp4 files to MOV format otherwise FCP will not see the files. As was mentioned each BPAV folder should reside within another uniquely named folder, otherwise the Transfer tool will not see the files. The BPAV folder should not be named anything other than “BPAV”.

– Don

[J.p. Welgus]

Thank you all for your support. I truly believe that the files are corrupt. All of the possible solutions that everyone has presented to me still come back either: invalid data, error trying to open source media file, access denied or unknown. If i stumble across something I will let you know.

JP Welgus
Apex Stock
Director of Content