[Christopher Nunn]

Hi Steve,

Thanks for your posts on this, my questions are in some way related to the dvd footage of my previous posts. I’m editing a documentary project utilising a variety of formats. I’m currently mixing DV, HDV, DVC PRO HD (From P2) and MPeg4 DVD ripped material all in the same timeline. Being new to project management of multi format timelines I’m trying to sus out the best way to manage the work flow so as to get the best quality result at the end. Any tips on this would be greatly appreciated. I’m particularly interested in up-converting lower quality formats (say DV to DVC ProHD in this case) and how to go about that- is it simply a case of creating a DVC Pro HD timeline and placing my DV footage in it? Or is there something else I need to do before that? Or indeed a better way to go about it? My final output will be to DigiBeta for TX and internet. All footage in this workflow is PAL.

Also, the DVD footage was ripped using HandBrake which I’ve been told is no good and should be replaced with MPeg4StreamClip. I’m wondering whether I need to recapture this footage with MPeg4StreamClip (for picture quality reasons) but as I’ve already placed a lot of this footage in my edit and don’t think a batch capture will apply, this will be a lot of extra work to eye match. Do you think this is worth it?

Many thanks,
Chris

[Christopher Nunn]

Thanks David,

That’s very useful. What format do recommend converting the MPeg4/DVD footage to? I’d like to convert it to an equal format in terms of picture quality and avoid degrading the footage if I can).

Many thanks and apologies for the multiple posts,

Chris

[Christopher Nunn]

Both very helpful responses, thank you so much!

David, the ‘load sequence preset’ has solved all my DVC Pro HD problems-excellent. Do you have any recommendations on how to deal with my MPeg4 footage. (It’s in this format as I’ve had to rip it from DVD (using Handbrake),since it’s my only source of some documentary footage I’m editing).

Bob, the instruction to go and buy myself a decent storage system has been invaluable to me, many thanks! If you have the time to explain why the hard drive is the over-riding answer to my problems I’d be very grateful. I understand that in simple terms it’s all about shifting high data rates quickly – hence the need for a super fast drive – but where does processor power come in to the equation?

Thanks again
Chris

[Christopher Nunn]

Hi Tom,

Maybe I didn’t explain myself properly, by ‘moving software’ I did mean re-installing.

So if I install FCP on one Desktop and register with Apple for updates etc, then later upgrade to a new desktop. When I reinstall my FCP software on my new desk top, is there an option to de-register my copy of FCP from my old desktop (on the basis that I have uninstalled it from my old desktop) and re-register with my new one and continue getting updates etc as before without Apple getting difficult and shutting down my FCP?

I’m aware that FCP can’t be installed on two desktops at the same time and want to find out if Apple have a system of transfer for users genuinely upgrading to new macs with no intention of piracy or any breach of license ?

Thanks,
Chris