[Don Greening]

I just imported some subclips and had no issues. No error codes, nothing.

Here’s my preference setup in XDCAM Transfer:

Under the general tab:

• Automatically add media – box is checked
• Show offline media – box is checked
• Audio channels – 4 boxes checked

Under Cache:

Location is: Library>Caches>XDCAM Transfer Cache

Under Import:

Import Location: Volumes>Media RAID (probably not all that important for this post)

[Don Greening]

Okay. Well it was a shot in the dark anyway. Obviously there are big differences in the way XDCAM Transfer imports disc media as opposed to SxS Pro card media. I’m totally ignorant when it comes to XDCAM HD disc stuff. You’ll have to wait for someone with more knowledge than I. Sorry I couldn’t help.

– Don

[Don Greening]

Well for EX clips the XML files get deposited in the same folder as the clips. That folder is the one specified in XDCAM Transfer preferences under the “Import” tab.

– Don

[Don Greening]

[Jeff Murchison] “or if there is a way that I can copy the metadata from XDCAM Transfer to the clips imported into Final Cut. “

I don’t use XDCAM discs but when I use XDCAM Transfer for XDCAM EX clips the program always generates an XML file for each clip, which is essentially the metadata. Is there not a similar file that gets generated when logging discs?

– Don

[Don Greening]

Thanks for adding your info to the mix, Craig. Do you think I’m right in assuming that it might be around the same cost as before to have Sony “un-brick” someone’s camera? I guess I could bother my local Sony Zone office and ask them……

– Don

[Don Greening]

[Tomilee Turner] “I think there is a new upgrade to the XDCAM transfer software, but I’d like to hear if someone has had this problem recently.”

The latest XDCAM Transfer is v.2.11 and you can find it here:

https://support.sonybiz.ca/esupport/eSupportHome.asp

You’re looking for this program description: XDCAM Transfer for Final Cut Pro PDZK-P1 V2.11

I’ve never seen the error message you’re describing but then I don’t do a lot of sub-clipping. I’m running Snow Leopard and FCP7.

– Don

[Don Greening]

[Paul van Deventer] “can one write these MXF files to XDCAM HD using the PDW-U1, to simulate a shoot disk, with the correct folder structure, etc?”

Although I don’t have a PDW-U1 I am thinking of getting one for the same reason as yourself. Here is the description of the functionality of the ‘new’ software for the U1 from the Sony web site:

“This new utility allows the affordable PDW-U1 drive to both read and record XDCAM MXF SD and HD files with XDCAM Prodisc media from/to either Windows or Mac platforms, as well as, providing general utility functions for the PDW-U1. The PDW-U1 directly supports all codecs, resolutions and frame rates available in the Sony XDCAM Optical Disc family including SD DVCAM 25 Mbps, SD MPEG IMX 30, 40, 50Mbps, HD 420 25Mbps, HD 420 35Mbps and HD 422 50Mbps.”

I think the software upgrade you’re looking for (for the U1) is at the bottom of this page:

https://support.sonybiz.ca/esupport/eSupportHome.asp

– Don

[Don Greening]

Thomas,

From what I’ve read around the web so far it looks like people have had much better success when they used a Windows machine to do the upgrade, rather than a Mac. There seems to be a problem with Sony’s Mac upgrade software or the way it interacts with the Mac OS.

So you might try using someone’s Windows machine and redo the upgrade on your EX1. At this point you don’t have much to lose as your camera isn’t working anyway. It’s either that or send it into Sony right away and have them do it. It’ll probably cost around 100 bucks USD, which was the cost for any firmware upgrade before the online DIY stuff became available.

– Don

[Don Greening]

D.I.Y firmware updates for:

PMW-EX1
PMW-EX1R
PMW-EX3
PMW-350

for both Mac and Windows platforms are now available at the Canadian Sony web site.

https://support.sonybiz.ca/esupport/eSupportHome.asp

– Don

[Don Greening]

[Jared Cicon] ” If I forget to put it back to ‘Dynamic’ before making a movie, it matters nothing since that is only for playback”

Correct. Dynamic RT will not affect final output quality.

[Jared Cicon] “Additionally, turning off the ‘Warning’ will save me precious time by not having to re-set. “

Right again. Instead of playing at full quality and ultimately dropping frames because your system can’t keep up, FCP dynamically adjusts the playback quality so you don’t drop frames during playback. Dropping frames wastes time and compromises your editing rhythm.

I think you’ve got a pretty good grasp of everything up until now. Good luck with your editing. Post back if you have other issues. Now you know which forum to come to for answers.

– Don