Matthew Stamos
Forum Replies Created
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MXF support for CatDV is really a two part solution as Marvin points out. The MFX components for CatDV and a suitable codec for playback in quicktime. CatDV option manages P2 for example natively all the way to archive while codec extensions for quicktime like Calibrated make the files playable.
You may contact me directly for list pricing and for a reseller info in North America.
Matthew Stamos
415-256-2800 (O)
matts@jbanda.com
https://www.jbanda.com -
You can insert a variable in the Catalog name to make unique catalog names. Not all the variables will work but hit the help button in the Worker for a quick list of variables. Examples are to create a catalog name based on a timestamp or a parent folder name. Be sure to have the latest version as there is some nifty new enhancements!
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Just a quick update with Version 8.0 we can now add the MXF and Archive options as bolt ons to existing installs of both Desktop Pro and Server products!
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Great write up Dennis and certainly helps clears up how the products really take a different approach.
But one weakness in (standalone) CATVDV is that it is too easy to delete something. I hate that. I have done that. If you don’t catch it and hit undo, it is gone – not the media, just the clip info and metadata.
This can be achieved in CatDV server but is really a bit of a work around by creating read only catalogs and or using the user permissions.
But with Final Cut Server, you can manage projects that will contain assets. It will work like a library system – I check out a project and work on it. Then I might add new assets. When I check it back it, FCS will upload the new assets. Someone else can check the project out and continue to work on it with media remaining on the server or copied to a local drive. There is none of this Final Cut Pro can’t find media bull. And media is never duplicated. If you use the same asset if 10 projects, it is smart enough to not copy it.
CatDV Enterprise client works as a standalone application and though there is no formal check in check out process you can take your proxies with you to work remotely and publish changes when you connect back to the server. This also provides for logging of new material and publishing new catalogs when connected.
Inside Final Cut Server, the stored FInal Cut Pro project contains the media or alias to the media. It is very slick at maintaining organization. You can also script it to send emails when certain objectives are achieved and automate it to run files through Compressor and send them on to another destination.
The CatDV automation client WOrker Node has built in email notification for the completion of processes and notification of errors. When both FCP and CatDV are open an XML connection provides live exchanges between both applications for media and metadata.
You do not need any special software to view assets and annotate them A small java app runs Mac or PC; even over VPN. Proxies are automatically created. In fact, FCS works really well over VPN. I am managing a server in Finland from Canada.
CatDV can operate offline with any cataloged assets as it maintains thumbnails and metadata in the database. As for VPN access that is a separate that maybe the developer can shed more light on. I know there are ways to work around this by sharing catalogs and meta data.
Final Cut Server also manages levels of permission really well so things don’t get deleted accidentally. I think that is pretty dang important. Maybe the server version of CATV will do this; I don’t know.
CatDV server has permissions as well but does not operate with open directory as FCServer does. The CatDV Server has the concept of production group permissions in addition to user permissions and together offer a excellent degree of granularity to managing permissions through out the workflow.
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Alan I pretty sure this is being addressed in the future release of Worker Node!
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CatDV default tape name for the archive plug in with Cache-A is to pick up the serial number of the LTO tape. This is automatically picked up by CatDV when working with an attached Cache-A. Previously archived material is tough! One possible solution is if you know what has been archived already you can tag all the assets with the tape name very easily. If not that would be tough…. email or contact me directly and we can look at some options!
Great video Bryson!
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The list is biased for sure and what would you expect on a CatDV forum…..? 🙂
Yeah GUI ease of use is kind of silly but seriously and exceptions aside there are some pretty clear differences in the list that may a apply in your workflow. My experience is one of these feature differences is usually significant enough to make the choice clear.
As for handling FCP projects the connection between CatDV and FCP requires both apps be open and then clips in FCP can be managed in CatDV and vice versa.
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Videography magazine agrees and of course so do I!
https://www.videography.com/article/94148 -
CatDV really takes a very different approach than Final Cut Server and Mark brings up some really critical points. You have to keep your workflow organized and CatDV can help but as Kevin says there is no “magic bullet”. Here is a brief comparison to Final Cut Server.
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I got my running shoes ready Bryson also CatDV will at…..
Atempo Booth # N5137
Isilon Booth # SL4105