XDCAM / MPEG IMX Import-Export

[Craig Seeman]

Not sure if any of these MXF importers will work specifically but you can always download trial versions free.
https://www.flip4mac.com/pro.htm
You don’t mention anything about versions of software you’re using so you may well have version compatibility issues.

[Mark Maness]

[Ian Shepherd] “I need to supply MPEG IMX files to my customer from a variety of sources.”

Ian, we need to know what format are starting from and what you plan to export to (Quicktime, tape or XDCAM disc).

[Ian Shepherd] “Everything seems to go smoothly – the files render and play fine, and when I go to export the XDCAM export window pops up and I get an MXF file as expected, of about the right size.”

Sounds like you are going to XDCAM disc… Keep in mind that IMX and MXF files can be different. SD XDCAM is an IMX format wrapped in an MXF file for playback on Sony XDCAM decks. MXF files can be made from other formats as well, such as Grass Valley Infinity and Ikegami EditCam. This is why FCP has trouble reading MXF files. It can read specific MXF files if told by specific software such as Flip4Mac XDCAM Importer, but its looking for an XDCAM disc on your network, not a single file on your hard drive.

Can you explain your workflow more thoroughly?

_______________________________

Wayne Carey
Schazam Productions
http://www.schazamproductions.com
https://blogs.creativecow.net/waynecarey

[Ian Shepherd]

Thanks for the replies. There are two supply scenarios – Digibeta, or MPEG IMX files supplied on hard drive. These are archived broadcast material so I assume will have come from one of the Sony decks.

In each case we’ll be making new edits from the supplied material and supplying it back as MPEG IMX. Importing the files directly from HDD should be straightforward, and the edits can be exported straight back – or, to a new drive, I assume.

However for testing purposes I wanted to try exporting some footage to a file on my own hard drive, but from what you’re saying, Wayne, this is where I’m going wrong. Currently I’m just exporting to a Mac formatted firewire drive , but I need to export to a dedicated XDCAM drive, in order for this to work and be able to re-import it to FCP, is that right ? Or use something like the Flip4Mac importer ?

Since we don’t have an XDCAM deck (yet!) is it possible to export from FCP and copy the files across to an XDCAM drive at a later date ? Or, is it best to have an XDCAM drive and export directly to that ? If so, what would you say is the best cost-effective way to read & write XDCAM from the Mac ?

Sorry for all the questions…!

Ian

[Mark Maness]

Thanks for filling in the blank spots for me, Ian.

Writing to XDCAM at a later date has always been a real problem, since XDCAM is not like an ordinary removable drive. The only solution here is to wait until you get an XDCAM unit in hand. You can use either the PDW-1500 deck or the PDW-V1 field player deck (which can record thru firewire using the Sony Transfer Software or thru ethernet using the Flip4Mac IMX Importer software).

Creating files for a hard is simple, too. When you have finished your program, you can export your sequence using File – Export – Quicktime Movie. When the dialog box pops up, look in the lower left corner and choose an IMX NTSC setting for your output. Keep in mind that for standard IMX footage there are three bit rates – 30, 40 and 50 mb/s. You’ll need to check with you client on which they want. IMX50 is definitely the best quality. You can then reimport these files into FCP if you need them. Be aware that this will take some time to render your sequences into an IMX file.

_______________________________

Wayne Carey
Schazam Productions
http://www.schazamproductions.com
https://blogs.creativecow.net/waynecarey

[Ian Shepherd]

Hi Wayne,

Thanks for the reply, you provided the information I needed – export as Quicktime, then choose the MPEG IMX codec. This results in a file I can re-import and check, so I have a round trip. I was trying to use Export > Sony XDCAM, which I now realise is of course intended to output straight to XDCAM drive. As it happens the customer e-mailed today and specifically asked for files with a Quicktime wrapper, so now I know I’m good to go.

Thanks again for your help !

Ian

[Mark Maness]

You’re welcome, Ian.

This is the sole purpose of the COW. To help our fellow colleagues in dire need. Just remember, with Final Cut Pro, there’s more (many more) than one way to do anything.

_______________________________

Wayne Carey
Schazam Productions
http://www.schazamproductions.com
https://blogs.creativecow.net/waynecarey

[Amit Sharma]

Hi, i am supposed to be editing an event of 2 hour long timeline. Earlier we have been working in the digi beta environment where in we would log our rushes and capture them in the DV pal format from the digibeta player for our offline work and later we would re-capture the edited timeline on the 8 Bit resolution.

This time i am informed we are receiving the rushes on a Hard Drive instead the regular digi beta tape. The rushes are being shot with the help of EVS.
I am confused as to how this workflow operates and if we are at all going to work offline and then upgrade the video!! The files i assume will be IMX format. Kindly suggest on to how do start functioning with this new technology. Is there a specific set up for this environment in the EASY SETUP?
Am i correct if i start the project with MPEG IMX set in the EASY SETUP? it gives me IMX 30 MB/s, 40 MB/s and 50 MB/sec, which one to select? We work on the PAL format here.
Any suggestions would be a great help.

Thanks,
Amit Sharma