[Alex Vargas]

Hello Greg,

This is already an old thread, but subtitling isn’t, so here we go…
Maybe Digital Heaven started at 30 in earlier versions, I can’t say, but I am cutting a feature in FCP7 using Digital Heaven version 2.5.1. My fonts in DH are set at size 22. In my version of DH they start at size 6. Did you mean that the start suggested font size in DH is 30?

I wish I had clear info on a standard size with Digital Heaven_Subtitle for film cut in FCP7, but so far I am going with my gut.
If there is anybody who knows of a font size using Digital Heaven_Subtitle that fits the standard please be kind to share it.

Thanks!

Alex Vargas
filmmaker/composer
Macpro 5,1 12 core 48GB RAM – 16 Bay RAID – ATTO
Macbookpro 15″
FCP 7+/Logic 9

[Alex Vargas]

Thank you for the clear explanation Terrence,

I have to rate convert 30 fps to 24 fps before creating a DCP. There is no other way.
I am glad I got that clear now.

I’ll figure out what alternative delivery requirements other festivals will have and continue testing.

Thanks!

Alex Vargas
filmmaker/composer
Macpro 5,1 12 core 48GB RAM – 16 Bay RAID – ATTO
Macbookpro 15″
FCP 7+/Logic 9

[Alex Vargas]

Thanks Nick,

I am transcoding my footage to Prores (HQ) with the Media Manager in FCP 7, one scene at a time, without changing the frame rate. I chose to do this to only transcode to Prores what I know I will use. When the edit is locked and all sound and color is finished, I’ll transcode for different delivery destinations.

I normally shoot to match delivery needs, but in this case I have to go 30 to 24. I believe that OpenDCP can transcode from various frame rates, including 30 fps, which is why I am asking here if transcoding from Prores 1080p 30 fps to DCP (which must be 24fps) will degrade the quality.

The poster’s footage is already at 24fps, so there has been no talk about frame rate changes made with OpenDCP. This is where I am “hacking” the thread, in need clarification, both about it being possible to go 30 to 24 with OpenDCP and if it will degrade quality.
I believe it is a relevant question, but only if I understand right, that OpenDCP is able to transcode and change frame rates while at it.

Am I wrong?

Alex Vargas
filmmaker/composer
Macpro 5,1 12 core 48GB RAM – 16 Bay RAID – ATTO
Macbookpro 15″
FCP 7+/Logic 9

[Alex Vargas]

Hello Terrence,

Huge thanks to you and much appreciation for your work.

I am in post for my first feature, to be sent out to international festivals in about six months after I complete the edit, subtitling three languages, color correction, 5.1 Surround sound design and score (after which, a long holiday will be due). I am about 20% done with all post as mentioned above. I plan to test a 5 minutes scene into the different delivery requirements for festivals to be as ready as I can when all post is done.

I hope it is OK to ask, here, what may seem obvious to most, but not to me. This will be my first DCP work.

My timeline in FCP7 is set to Prores (HQ) 1080p 30fps. All my XDCAM (EX) footage is being transcoded, one scene at a time into Prores (HQ).

I will end up with an approximately 90 min movie in Prores (HQ) exported from FCP7 and 5.1 Surround sound edited in Logic 9. I will probably choose to crop it and then blow it up to fit the DCP Flat 2K (1998×1080), or maybe I’ll check out how it looks chopped on the sides, which you mentioned most won’t notice. I guess I’ll meet some projectionists either way. 🙂

Being that the transcode will turn my current 30p into 24p, I would simply like to know if you think this will maintain the original quality or degrade it. I know I have to try myself and I will, but a word from your experience would be very appreciated.

However, a million thanks go in advance go for OpenDCP.

Alex Vargas
filmmaker/composer
Macpro 5,1 12 core 48GB RAM – 16 Bay RAID – ATTO
Macbookpro 15″
FCP 7+/Logic 9

[Alex Vargas]

Hi Chris,

Just wanted to confirm that the set up works perfectly well for my needs.
As an old producer, my next project would be to set up a 5.1 reference monitoring set up in my car to check out my surround mixes. 🙂

Thanks for your help,

Alex

Alex Vargas
filmmaker/composer
Macpro 5,1 12 core 48GB RAM – Macbookpro 15″ – FCP 7+/Logic 9

[Alex Vargas]

Thank you so much Chris!

It’s all the decoding that the Z906 does, all depending on what signal it gets…
The six channels going in will be of course uncompressed and how or if the Z906 would accept it, is what was driving me insane.

It will all be clear once connected and configured.

The three cables will be the easy part! 🙂

Thanks for posting on this issue and for responding so fast! Very appreciated.

Alex Vargas
filmmaker/composer
Macpro 5,1 12 core 48GB RAM – Macbookpro 15″ – FCP 7+/Logic 9

[Alex Vargas]

Thank you Pete for the very organized steps.

Steinberg UR28M is ordered and on it’s way to me (when Sweetwater gets the new shipment).
I’ve used Cubase and Pro Tools. For the past few years I have stuck with Logic and will also use it for surround mixing.

Considering my budget for this “experimenting” project, the multi channel interface and speakers chosen are what I am adding to my studio. Considering that I don’t know how this combination will work for the purpose, I hope you don’t mind me asking about it.

Does anybody here have any idea as to the Logitech Z906 working as a surround 5.1 speaker system for monitoring while mixing? I got it two weeks ago. I have not been able to get a response or confirmation from the manufacturer or other users so far, except for one review in B&H.
I want to experiment with true 5.1 surround and do not want to invest a fortune on it. The Steinberg UR28M will work with whatever I use for speakers now and in the future, but the Z906 is an inexpensive solution to experiment with and I haven’t tested throwing six uncompressed channels for surround at it yet. Without having received the Steinberg UR28M, the Z906 only receives a stereo signal from Mac Toslink to Z906 Toslink, which is or course useless for my purpose.

For review of the Dolby coded final stereo audio file I can always use the Mac to Z906 Toslink connection and the Z906 will recognize the coded 5.1 surround signal.

MY DOUBT: In theory, connecting the 6 balanced channel outputs from the Steinberg UR28M into the Z906 three 3.5mm jacks for 6-channel direct analog sound should do it.
Can anyone verify this?

I can of course wait another three weeks to test it myself, but any experience shared about this matter would be great.

Thanks!

Alex Vargas
filmmaker/composer
Macpro 5,1 12 core 48GB RAM – Macbookpro 15″ – FCP 7+/Logic 9

[Alex Vargas]

Hi Shane,

I cut with an ATI 5870 on a mac pro 5,1, 12 core, 48 GB RAM.
Do you know if a card with more memory allow for renders that otherwise bring up error messages blocking rendering?

FCP 7 doesn’t always allow me to render so I have to remove some plugs, export, bring back the clip and apply the plugs I removed to it. Then it renders. Would a card with 3 or 4 GB memory allow for those renders to happen? If so, I need to know which cards would work.

Thanks

Alex Vargas
filmmaker/composer
Macpro 5,1 12 core 48GB RAM – Macbookpro 15″ – FCP 7+/Logic 9

[Alex Vargas]

Ok, I rebuilt directories with Disk Warrior on my boot drive. No changes.
It simply went from working solid to a mind of its own.

OSX 10.7.5 (Lion)
2×2.93Ghz 6 -core Intel Xeon
48GB RAM
FCP 7.0.3
The same message appears at login:

“Final Cut Pro wants to make changes. Type your password to allow this.”

Any info on this will be highly appreciated…client work waiting and all. Especially from you Nick…
Thanks.

I look forward to finishing this feature that keeps me tied to FCP7 until mid 2014 so I can jump into FCPX. Yes, I do. FCP7 reminds me of my senile grandfather… all that love…upside down.
And no, I will not run both on this mac. I won’t look back.

Alex Vargas
filmmaker/composer
Macpro 5,1 12 core 48GB RAM – Macbookpro 15″ – FCP 7+/Logic 9

[Alex Vargas]

Hi Nick,

I ran into the same issue today and I am now for the third time re-starting FCP7, Lion states that FCP wants to make changes and needs my password to allow that. I am not allowing it for now.
I have selected “ignore permissions” on my 16 bay RAID where my media lives, my scratch. I already used Disk Warrior on my RAID, but I still get this message. I am about to rebuild directories on my boot drive and see if that helps.
Have you figured it out? Any info on this would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!

Alex Vargas
filmmaker/composer
Macpro 5,1 12 core 48GB RAM – Macbookpro 15″ – FCP 7+/Logic 9