Dave Friend
Forum Replies Created
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Manuel,
I just want to confirm that you don’t see the option to export to P2. So, if you select a sequence in the Timeline panel or Project panel and then choose File > Export there is no option called Export to P2?
I believe there is a 4GB limit on file size so perhaps that’s a factor.
My system can export to DVCProHD but that might be because I have an Axio card (and codecs) or maybe because I also purchased the Raylight codec from DVFilm. Maybe Raylight is what you need to get the job done.
Dave
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How about distributing as a stand-alone Flash Player application.
Dave
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Manuel,
You can export to the same codec (“raw format”) without having to wrap the files for P2. In other words, simply export the whole show to an avi or quicktime using the same codec you’ve been working in. Probably DVCPro HD.
Dave
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You are welcome. Happy I could help.
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Make sure that the file is RGB. If it is CYMK then PPro will not import it and you get a ‘not supported’ error.
Dave
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[Jeff Pulera] “my understanding was that to use CSS you had to submit the project on DLT tape.”
Jeff,
It has changed. Several authoring tools allow output of the DDP files to a hard drive. DVDSP and Scenarist are the two I know for sure that can. The resulting files can be burned onto a DVD and many (most?) replicators can and will replicate from these data discs.
Not that this method isn’t without peril. There are several experts that recommend against it.
One possible problem is that the replicator will make thousands of perfect copies of the DDP files. Not good. Make sure you clearly label the disc to indicate that it contains DDP files. Doesn’t hurt to make sure that your sales person at the replication house acknowledges they clearly understand what you are providing as a master.
Dave
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[Joshua Carlon] “Is hardware always better?”
One thing to keep in mind about hardware encoders is that they are essentially software on a chip. As such, the software is locked in and cannot be upgraded. IOW, the encoding algorithm is set in stone. At least this is true for the hardware encoders that I’m familiar with. What this means is that any advances in encoding technique are not going to be available to any but the most recently designed hardware encoders – if then.
That’s not necessarily a dire circumstance. The creation of MPEG2 is well understood and has been for many years.
In the days when computer power was a few powers of magnitude less than it is today hardware encoders allowed for a significantly faster turn time. A 10 minute video could be encoded in half and hour or less with a hardware encoder while a software encode might take half a day or more.
One advantage for hardware base encode is the ability to do segment based re-encoding. Unless you’re willing to shell out serious money this feature isn’t available with software encoders. Many software solutions will do multiple pass but it’s of the whole file not just sections that could use more attention. Not every hardware based encoding solution does segment base re-encode either. Ask your DVD creation house. Even if they can do it – do they?
Where I work we use a Sonic SD-2000 hardware based encoder. But we also have Cinema Craft software encoders on several of the NLE systems. The Sonic does a fabulous job. When a client sends a tape master we use it and never hear anything but praise for the results.
On the other hand, if a project is coming out of an NLE we use the Cinema Craft software. That too produces fabulous results.
Which do I like better? Most of the time it’s impossible to tell the difference. When I do see a difference the other guy in the room will often disagree with me about which looks better. It a highly subjective situation.
Compressor I’m not so fond of mostly because it will, from time to time, create m2v files that our Scenarist system won’t accept. I’d tell you why but the cryptic error code that Scenarist gives provides no clues. There have also be issues with out-of-spec data spikes with Compressor encodes. To be fair the SD-2000 can do this too. But segment re-encoding makes fixing this problem easy.
My advice – invest in the Cinema Craft MP encoder.
Dave Friend
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Glen,
The preview renders are not used when exporting. Instead, the entire timeline gets rendered again. So if you have complex multi-layer sections the export time required can get quite long.
One possible work-around is to “precomp” (to borrow a phrase from AE) the more complex sections. While you are developing the more complex portions use preview renders to see if you’re getting it right. Once you’ve got it properly polished, use the work area to export only the complex section. Be sure to use the “add to project” option. Then edit the precomp on a track above all the constituent layers. this leaves you with real time playback and all the pieces that went into it should you need to make changes. And, the exports will be much faster as it won’t have to do all the calculations involved with combining multiple layers.
As long as you uncheck the recompress option when you do the final export you won’t have any “generational” loss issues.
You might also want to consider changing from the Xena to an Axio card. The Axio can considerably accelerate exports depending on the file types involved.
Dave
Dave Friend
Co-Host Discrete Edit*ors COW -
Erik,
Perhaps the Raylight codec from DVFilm will help. I think you can download a free trial.
Dave
Dave Friend
Co-Host Discrete Edit*ors COW -
Trevor,
I can address some of your questions.
[Trevor Asquerthian] “1. Any way of editing sequences into other sequences without nesting? (default behaviour in Avid, cmd + insert/overwrite in FCP). I realise the appeal of nested sequences, but sometimes want to have the original clips edited into my sequence.”
You can copy and paste multiple tracks/clips from one timeline to the other. There is an insert paste command but I cannot remember the keyboard command for it (maybe ctrl+shift+v?). It is also available in the main menu under Edit.
[Trevor Asquerthian] “2. Any way of targetting more than 1 video / 1 audio track in a sequence? It seems not according to the manual.”
No. Really annoying isn’t it?
[Trevor Asquerthian] “3. Related – whilst I can load a sequence with multiple tracks into the source monitor there is neither a source track panel (if I wanted to patch A3 to A1 for example) nor a source timeline view (so I can view that sequence’s timeline without loading it on the programme side).”
Patching is pretty much non-existent. When using a sequence as a source clip you only get the mixed output of that sequence not the individual tracks.
[Trevor Asquerthian] “7. Is there an ‘extend’ command (like Avid/FCP) or do I have to roll an edit to acheive this?”
There is, but I don’t remember what it is because I never use it. The reason? It doesn’t function all that well. Certainly does not behave as well as the Avid or FCP equivalents. I gave it up in frustration and usually just use the roll (or other) trim tool instead.
Dave