[Tim Vaughan]

The station has a list of req’s for how to bundle the spot up for their decks. What we’ve done in the past was create the product in AE to the customers specifics. Then, we’d bring it in to our editing program (Final Cut Pro for us), and check the IRE levels and get it set up for delivery, which included adding the slates, audio checks, and proper export(s). Then we’d edit it out to tape utilizing the built in color bars within FCP. I am assuming they want the commercial delivered on beta, as you mentioned beta.
Stations are different, and some of the only needed an upload of the project. You have the req sheet in front of you, so I’d recommend following it to the letter. Better than having your tape/commercial shot back at you for a technicality. (which does happen if you do not follow directions)

Tim

[Tim Vaughan]

While I know it is all based on where you are in the world, that rate ($55/hr) is extremely good. Ya get what ya pay for, and the lower you go, the more headaches and frustration will come. I’d walk away and do like Arnie said.

Tim

[Tim Vaughan]

…and not to mention MUCH less expensive in terms of disk space…

Tim

[Tim Vaughan]

Alan
I’ve found the best way to do this (and this is the best, though not quickest) is to render out the full rez movie, then in Compressor export it out to 8bit uncompressed NTSC, and setting the frame Controls on and to settings of: Resize Filter to Better (or higher), Output Fields to Progressive, Deinterlace to Better (or higher), and rate conversion to Good (or better). Also verify your Geometry settings to the the desired look. (Based on 4×3 or 16×9, keep an eye on your preview window to get the look you need)
Again, I am sure there are quicker ways, but from what I’ve found, going from upper fields to lower (HDV to DV) can be a real pain.

Hope this helps
Tim

Tim

[Tim Vaughan]

Much, much faster than the standard AE renders. The “render multiple frames” setting really bogs down the computer, whereas Nucleo not only renders in the background, but also renders a ton faster. I haven’t compared CS4 due to a much-awaited update, but from personal experience, it is WELL worth the money. But that is just my opinion….

Tim

[Tim Vaughan]

I love it. (I am, however, waiting ANXIOUSLY for the update to CS4…right now, I am without, and it takes quite a bit longer to render out on CS4 compared to CS3 with Nucleo)
While we have the pro version, I rarely use the extra features. I probably should, and I have NO complaints about them, other than I just haven’t implemented all the tools they’ve provided. Excellent software, and certainly looking forward to see how Flow can make my life a little easier as well….

Tim

[Tim Vaughan]

So far, I have to agree with you. Thank God Apple doesn’t do that with their Final Cut Pro/DVD Studio Pro software….oh wait…
I personally can’t wait to be surprised by the improvements, but if there aren’t any that really don’t add to a project, I am leaning toward waiting until the next version. At least then I won’t have the trouble of upgrading plugins…
Photoshop doesn’t look much better, though there are some small improvements I’ve seen. SMALL. All Flash/web. Sucks

Tim

Tim

[Tim Vaughan]

Probably going to state the obvious, but the best answer is to purchase (or use if you have an extra) keyboard/mouse. Wireless is great. It really helps out having a keyboard at home and the office, and it turns in to a no-brainer with the shortcuts. But that is just my solution…..

Wish ya luck…
Tim

Tim

[Tim Vaughan]

If you open FCP and click the Final Cut Pro–>About Final Cut Pro, your should see the splash screen. If I’m not mistaken, it would say Academic Version on this screen. If it is not there, you probably have the retail version. I could be wrong, but I believe I am correct on this. (Of course, you could take it in directly to the Apple store and explain your situation. You could probably load the upgrade, and if you have a problem, you’d be directly in the store. They may be able to change you out right there) Hope this helps.

Tim

Tim

[Tim Vaughan]

On the timeline, there is a drop-down box labeled RT. Check to see if the settings are set to Unlimited RT, Playback Video Quality to Dynamic, and Playback Frame Rate to Dynamic. (These can be altered at any time to fit your particular needs, of course) Also, under the User Prefs, uncheck the boxes for Report dropped frames during playback, abort capture on dropped frams, and abort ett/ptv on dropped frames. I usually set my “On timecode break:” to Make new clip.
This should take care of it, and you can modify the settings of each to fit your RAM and disk needs. Hope this helps

Tim

Tim