[Chris Detjen]

Use the program called MPEG Streamclip to convert the files on the DVD into a Quicktime movie. Import the resluting QT file into FCP.

[Chris Detjen]

Is the process detailed below the correct way to transfer P2 data from the HVX200 to a Mac? We will only have the camera on our short production, and will not have a P2 store. Just want to make sure we do the proper thing when offloading the clips.

>>File transfer (only for the data recorded on the P2 card):

1. Connect the AG-HVX200 to the MAC through IEEE1394.

2. Press the mode button to light up the MCR lamp and then hold the button (for 2 or more seconds) so that the PC lamp lights.

3. When communication has been established normally, a drive is mounted on the MAC.

4. Copy the CONTENTS folder in the drive to some folder on the MAC.

5. Select “PanasonicP2” in “Import” menu of FinalCutPro, and select the folder, in which the CONTENTS folder is contained. (File –> Import –> PanasonicP2)

[Chris Detjen]

Thanks for the info!

[Chris Detjen]

Thanx Guys!

bee eph

[Chris Detjen]

Thank you, sir.

One more thing of note:
In FCP I used the Analyze Clip option in the Tools menu. The animation movie had a frame rate of 29.97, but also had dropped frames (although it plays smoothly). The uncompressed 10-bit movie exported via QT Conversion also had a frame rate of 29.97, and no dropped frames.

Not sure if that relates to my inquiry.

[Chris Detjen]

I imported the animation .mov into FCP and looked at the clip properties. FCP says the clip has a frame rate of 29.97. I trust FCP, but am curious why applications like QuickTime Player and VLC report an unintended FPS when playing this animation .mov.

[Chris Detjen]

Thank you for the response. The odd thing is I exported out of Final Cut. I made an error in my report above. Just to clarify my workflow:

I made an image sequence in Quicktime with the Apple PNG codec. I imported that file into a FCP sequence and synched the video with an audio track. Then I exported the full sequence out of FCP with QuickTime Conversion. I set the options to use the Animation codec, 29.97 fps, etc.. The resulting file plays fine, but, as stated above, QuickTime player reports an odd FPS. Whereas when I use QuickTime Conversion and export an uncompressed 10-bit movie, the FPS is reported as intended–29.97.

[Chris Detjen]

I’m not an expert, but my assumption is that VBR will use more compression during complex areas of video, and less compression on the simple areas of your video, all the while trying to keep the bit rate near the average rate set in the VBR options.

[Chris Detjen]

From my discussions with people who encode for DVDs the 6.5 to 7 bit rate is about the highest you should go in order to ensure that few DVD players will have issues with playing your video. If you push the bit rate higher chances are you can run into playback problems.

80 minutes should be able to fit onto a single-layer DVD. If you are not familiar with Apple’s Compressor the program has some presets that you can use. I often use the “Best Quality 90 Minute” preset.

Also, coming from FCP it can make things easier for Compressor if you first export a self-contained QT file from FCP, and then encode that file in Compressor.

[Chris Detjen]

You’re right. Compressor doesn’t have a preset. What I saw was a custom preset made by our editor. I am going to make a test file and upload it to DG FastChannel and see what their techs think. I’ll post any positive/negative results.

Is there a basic difference between program and transport streams? I’m unfamiliar with the terminology.

Thanks!