[Troy E. parker]

are you using a x-large resolution file? I got a similar message when I attempted to import a very large file for a pan-scan.

T

[Troy E. parker]

Hi,

Typically this is caused by having an empty layer in the psd file.

Check that first, if not on to the next step!

Regards,
Troy

[Troy E. parker]

Without having FCP5 in my hands to confirm, this should work just like a typical off-line to on-line project we now do in FCP. FCP is pretty good about allowing you to change the settings (some issues do exist such as 0,0 center placement etc) and then following a recapture of the required source using the existing edits. ….No need to make an EDL!

Log and capture, Edit as usual, and when you want to Up the project to HDV or better yet, as uncompressed HD if your system can handle it, you have few options to work with:

Duplicate the project (keeping the original if things go bad…) and change the project settings, recapture as HDV or better

Copy and paste DV based clips from timeline to a new HD timeline, recapture as HDV or better.

Use media Manager to create new file / project, change settings, recapture as HDV or better.

*** The most important factor here will be to do an accurate job when logging, including Reel Numbers, Clips logically named or numbered etc.

Possible issues could include:

FCP HDV Timecode – the long GOP might prove to be an issue for frame accurate recapture…no data here, just a thought that will need to be tested.

SD Editing vs HD Editing: As we know, the increased Resolution of HD can make some SD edits not optinmal, with both image quality (especially focus) and timing being potential areas of concern.

Hope this helps,
T

[Troy E. parker]

Hey Kevin,

To get a VO into the powerbook you have a few options with a preferred route to avoid any ‘Computer’ mic’s (very low quality) and use a good XLR mic that has its signal converted via an external A/D device to a USB or Firewire compatible signal. You should also consider a small mixer, and a good set of headphones to get started.

Audio is really important, and starting off with the best you can get given budget / equipment contraints will only save much time and money in Post.

We are using a few different mic’s with the Shure KSM27 a good option for most VO work (solid performer in the under 400.00 range). A small Mackie or Beringher mixer is a good bet (we use the Mackie 1402-VLZ), and for a converter from XLR to USB A/D convert I have used a few in past including the DigiDesigns and mAudio units with decent results on both.

Hope this helps….mobile audio is always a difficulty, and the success of the audio tack can make or break a well cut documentary…

Troy

[Troy E. parker]

hey Tom,

I just added a Memorex External DVD drive to my desk this week, firewire / USB2 and works with DVD -/+ R, Double layer and more. It was 179.00 at CompUSA. Needed to dub some DVD+R’s (have a DVD-R drive internally), opened box, plugged it into the OSX 10.3 G4 and away it went.

Solid performance, no hassles and maybe someday I will read the onwers manual…

Hope this helps.
Troy

—————-
Link to compusa for details

https://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?product_code=318664&pfp=BROWSE

[Troy E. parker]

hey Paul,

Yes this is possible….I am experimenting with a series of loopable backgrounds that are in this format. As I have not heard of any others doing this, I have come up with my own workflow…maybe not the best, but a place to start

I am guessing that you are looking to display the finished piece on a computer or projector?

What I am doing with good results on quality, but still working on final compression for playback (this size is within the HD resolution, though not True HD as to my knowledge not part of the spec… ‘Am I Right or Wrong on this ?..any takers?)

To make this happen you will need to set-up a sequence at the desired size, square pixel for computer, an appropriate non-ntsc type codec ( I am experimenting with photo-jpeg, animation, etc) for your render.

Basic Setting I am using:

1024 X 768
Square Pixel
Field Dom – none
RGB
30 frames / min
photo-jpeg 80% (still playing with the codec choice here)

Your source will need to be the same format/ frame rate etc as the timeline to avoid long renders and as the throughput is high, fast drive will be needed to avoid dropped frames. I am currently experimenting with outputting the source from a conversion timeline and then re-importing to the master timeline for the edit. As this is an unsupported format the Cinewave wants to render all transitions, layers etc….

I have been outputting as a mov and then re-compressing with Sorenson Squeeze as a Flash movie etc and no real decision here as to the best results for playback.

Hope this helps….and I think this may be a future growth area as we continue to mix video into presentations and similar.

Looking forward to hearing your results, and would welcome any additional thoughts from others….

Troy