[Randy Hopkins]

1. The problem is not $500 for software that works, it’s $500 for trivial importing functionality that should already be included in the grossly overpriced FCP.

2. The camera op assumed a level of competency software side that apparently doesn’t exist for FCP users at this point.

3. We’ve decided to get around that incompetency and just rewrap everything as MOV with a $35 piece of software. Another successful FCP circumventing (sad, sad, sad).

Thanks for the help though, guys! Really couldn’t have done it without your snide remarks and vague, misguided direction!

[Randy Hopkins]

$500+ software isn’t an option in this case, though I appreciate the suggestion.

Any cheaper alternatives?

[Randy Hopkins]

I understand that. FCP’s incompatibilities and trivial shortcomings are no strangers to me. This is just a new one.

What I still don’t understand is whether or not Raylight or Calibrate will convert or allow for the importing of “native” MXF files sans original file structure. Both product descriptions mention direct editing from a P2 card, or from an existing file structure, but it’s still not clear to me if they would also support a single MXF file.

Anyone with XDCAM experience have any insights?

[Randy Hopkins]

There has to be a way to accomplish this without the original file structure. Premiere CS4 (and even CS3) handles it just fine.

I’ll tell him to try those out. Any other help would be appreciated.

[Randy Hopkins]

Thanks for the quick response Shane. Just so I’m clear on this, the Log and Transfer plugin will let him import the lone MXF files (as in, no original content/structure folder) as MOV?

If so, that’s the perfect solution.

[Randy Hopkins]

I’ll check out LiveStream as well. I checked out that StreamingMedia article, definitely an interesting read.

[Randy Hopkins]

LiveU is most likely what we’re looking for then.

I’ll give them a call to see if I can find something out about their pricing structure.

Thanks again Craig.

[Randy Hopkins]

I also came across this, which sounds like a more elaborate version of what we’re looking for:

https://www.focusinfo.com/solutions/px-xdcam.asp

Live asset management is really what we’re looking at, it’s just the means of doing so [very] portably and wirelessly that we need a solution for.

[Randy Hopkins]

Thanks for the quick and helpful response.

The reason a laptop won’t work for this application is that each camera will be constantly moving and changing locations. It’s a reality TV concept.

I guess another way to phrase the end goal is this: we need the ability for editors to pull down the footage from servers in as close to real time as possible. I don’t know if that’s the same thing as saying we need to be able to “live stream”.

I will definitely look into LiveU. Thanks again.

I’d welcome with open arms any other ideas/suggestions.

[Randy Hopkins]

Really appreciate the help.