[Craig Seeman]

Just did a test where I took XDCAM EX MP4, encoded to MPEG2 Transport Stream at 35000kbit/s. Took that source into Episode Pro 5 and used it to Encode to XDCAM EX 1080p30. I then took that file and dropped it into XDCAM EX 1080p30 timeline in FCP 6.0.3 and it worked!

[Craig Seeman]

Sent you my Episode settings which have passed DG.

[Craig Seeman]

It seems for many, the toughest part of the DG spec is 720×512 from 480 or 486 with Vertical Blanking Interval.

On the Mac, Episode Pro does that. One would hope ProCoder can do that on Windows. MainConcept may also.

I addition to getting the VBI right you’d want to be able to hit their 18,000kbits/sec data rate for best quality. You also want to make sure encoding software doesn’t force change the pixel aspect ratio since this is for TV and not computer.

You’d need to have 5 spots pass their QC so you’ll know that your software/workflow is working before you deliver your first spot.

[Craig Seeman]

Post your email and I’ll send you Episode settings for DGFastchannel ASAP.

[Craig Seeman]

There’s Sony Clip Browser and Sony XDCAM Transfer. Two different tools. Making sure you’re not confused about that.

On the Mac
Sony Clip Browser can create folders, copy BPAV, Split 16GB to 8GB folders if needed. It only runs on Intel Macs.

Sony XDCAM Transfer tool rewraps the files to .MOV for Final Cut Pro. It’s Mac only and runs on both PPC and Intel Macs. It does not copy BPAV folder, it creates new MOV files. You must have Final Cut Pro 6.0.2 or higher to have EX codec to actually SEE the video but it can convert “blind” to MOV. FCP is providing the codec to view in this case.

On Windows
Sony Clip Browser is as Mac Sony Browser with the addition that it can rewrap files to MXF.

On Both Mac and Windows
ShotPutEXpress seems to be designed specifically for easy folder creation and management while copying BPAV folder.

On Both Mac and Windows
You can copy the BPAV folder by hand into a work folder. Create a separate work folder for each BPAV (SxS card). NEVER rename a BPAV folder. NEVER touch or alter the contents of the BPAV folder.

Just to clarify
Clip Browser on BOTH Mac and Windows can play the video and copy the BPAV.

On Mac you can only use XDCAM Transfer tool to VIEW the video IF YOU HAVE FCP 6.0.2 or higher installed. FCP provides the EX codec.

[Craig Seeman]

https://pairofhands.net/Ex1%20vs%20HVX%20Shootout.html

[Craig Seeman]

That USB drive going to be hooked up to anything like a laptop?

You can copy the BPAV to a folder (don’t DARE touch the contents by hand. You can use Sony Clip Browser for that too. You can use ShotPutEXpress. What you have to do is keep the BPAV folder intact and NOT accidentally erase or otherwise corrupt the content. Make a SEPARATE folder to put each BPAV folder in from the cards.

[Craig Seeman]

a year for the camera, time after that to work at the kinks (as is happening with Red, workflow to support it, ancillary gear that’ll make the cost much more than $3K.

[Craig Seeman]

Sounds like you’re describing issues with your CPU/Hard drive’s ability to playback.

I’m using MacPro 8 Core and using internal drives and have no stuttering at all.

How you go to tape and why really depends on your “target.” You haven’t described your intent.

I archive on DL-DVD both source and edit master file. No tape at all. When I’ve done local cable spots I deliver MPEG2 Program Streams. Client delivery has been SD DVD or for web.

If you wanted to go to tape you may changed to the appropriate codec in software. “Tape” can be anything from DV (YUCK!) DigiBeta, DVCProHD, HDCAM. That’s why when you say ETT or PTV it really depends what your going to AND WHY. Either you use the codec the tape requires, your “ideal” (maybe ProRes) and you get your system up to the specs needed to support playback (raid drives?, SDI or HD-SDI out?)

You’re really asking a very vague question.
Stuttering . . . get better external drive? Go to a Non GOP Codec (of your choice or necessity)
Go to tape . . . get the system to handle the codec you need.

[Craig Seeman]

Are you using a 720p60 Easy Setup in FCP?

Have you tried bringing a self contained export from FCP into Compressor and just using a Compressor DVD Best Quality preset?

Although I’ve gotten what I’d describe as line twitter issues (fine horizontal lines move when the camera slowly zooms) I haven’t seen anything like what you’ve described.

I usually check my work on a 1080p HDTV and a 13″ SD monitor.

Exactly how are you checking your DVDs?