Converting mpegs to a reasonable size file for final cut pro

I've been using mpeg streamclip and converting mpeg files so that I can edit them in Final Cut, but after the conversion the files are double, sometimes tripled the size they used to be. a 15 minute mpeg, once converted into quicktime format is just about 3gigs. i have some clips that are almost 3 hours, once converted, they will be way too hard to work with and burn onto dvd. i've tried multiple exports through streamclip trying to figure which would be the fastest, and be the smallest in size. if anyone has any ideas or suggestions, I would greatly appreciate it. these segments need to be edited for a job I'm working on, so they need to be done soon. thanks

If you're using DV as the format you edit with, it will take a gig for every 4.7 minutes of video... there's no way around this... Photo JPEG would likely be as large and look much the same most likely.
Quite frankly, any lower data rate resulting in smaller files will probably look pretty bad...
Hey, hard drives are cheaper than they used to be, and subclipping long clips sure makes them more manageable editorially...
Jerry

Similar Messages

  • How can I convert avi file to mov file for final cut pro?

    Hi
    I have source files which are captured by Canous Edious system.
    I want to edit these files on final cut pro 5.1, However, I got the audio but no image at all. Although I tired to use Discreet Cleaner 6.5 in my apple computer, it did not work. What sall I do with this problem?
    Someone told me that it should work with Cleaner, so I purchased.
    Is there any special setting for Cleaner?
    If anyone knows about this, plseae let me know.
    thanks you .
    system G5 2.3/4.5GB Final cut ST 5.1
    Discreet Cleaner 6.5

    This may assist:
    http://www.divx.com/divx/mac/?hp3macmoreinfo

  • HELP! Convert .mts files for Final Cut Pro 6

    Please help!
    I am a broadcast/video production teacher in California and we are struggling.
    I just bought some Canon R10s to go with our F200s. We edit on FInal Cut Pro and we have 20 G5, PowerPC Macs.
    How do we convert the video so we can edit in Final Cut?
    I bought an MST converter. Log and transfer doesn't work (we don't have Intel computers), I have tried to change the sequence presets. Some things work, but converting takes forever, we have to render everything, Final Cut crashes, and the video will skip right before the frame starts.
    When using the MTS converter, we convert using the settings: h.264, 30fps, 1500 bit rate.
    What should we change? What can we do?
    We put together a weekly 20 minute show, and if this continues, I will start to lose the kids.
    Thanks for the help,
    Ben
    [email protected]

    Welcome to the forum,
    Okay, as a starting point, if you're running G5s, you DO NOT want to transcode to h.264 for editing with. It IS NOT a working codec, it is a delivery codec, and/or an acquisition codec for many cameras. H.264 has a complex algorithm and is built on the mpeg4 format.
    Without meaning to sound like a grumpy old man, the amount of times we see people on a daily basis coming to this forum with problems caused by editing in h.264, is just ridiculous.
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  • Converting Samsung vp-hmx20c files for final cut pro

    Hey
    Ive got a samsung vp-hmx20c hd video camera and have recorded files in 1080/25p and 1080/50i.
    Im trying to convert them for editing in FCP but everytime i convert to something different playback is flickery and lags in both FCP and quicktime.
    Im using a Macbook pro intel core duo 2.2ghz with 2gb ram.
    Just wanting to know what the best way to convert the files and what i should be converting them to?
    Files info from Quicktime is
    Format: H.264, 1920 x 1080, Millions
    AAC, Stereo (L R), 48.000 kHz
    FPS: 50
    Data Rate: 14.54 Mbit/s
    Current Size: 1440 x 810 pixels
    Cheers

    Use ProRes 422.
    Is there any benefit of compressor or streamclip?
    MPEG Streamclip is possibly a little less complicated to set up than Compressor.
    I have a tutorial for it [here|http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=2070861&tstart=0]. Just substitute ProRes instead of the DV codec in the article.

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    I downloaded Brorsoft Video Converter for Mac and the Ackrock Video Converters and neither of them work. They just are able to import the audio but not the video portion.
    Very frustrated here, any advice? Thanks!

    The clips from the X70 are not XAVC-S, but XAVC (sometimes called XAVC-L) and the plugin from Sony linked above is not compatible with them. I also don't recommend those sketchy third party conversion options. Still, as of mid-December, the best options for getting Sony X70 XAVC clips into FCPX are:
    1. Use the free Sony Catalyst Browse to convert them (one at a time, although you can queue up multiple files without waiting for the previous one to finish)
    2. Use the $200 Sony Catalyst Prepare software
    3. Shoot AVCHD until there is a solution from Sony - supposedly Sony is at work on a plugin for FCPX to allow native ingest/editing of these clips. I've read that it should arrive very soon, but we'll see.
    I'm using option 1 - $200 is ridiculous, and I didn't buy a camera with 10-bit 4:2:2 and a strong codec to shoot in AVCHD 
    If it's any consolation, Avid and even Sony Vegas will not import them either.

  • Following Media Files Are Not Optimized For Final Cut Pro

    I'm sure you've seen this before and I've tried to search for a thread on it here and fell asleep, so sorry if this is a repeat.
    I have edited projects in Premiere Pro (on my PC) and I have tried to transfer them in FCP. It worked with the exception of two things:
    1. the error message, "Following Media Files Are Not Optimized For Final Cut Pro"
    2. the quality *****! watching it on the playback in FCP it looks great, but then when I burn it to Disc it's pixelated in spots and generally has a lower quality picture.
    I know that it's Standard Def. and can't expect the best, but I've done it before (once or twice) and it didn't seem this bad.
    Can someone suggest anything to help the quality? Should I run my AVIs through MPEG Steamclip to make it a QT file and if so what is the best format in that since there are many to choose from and most I'm not familiar with?
    Thank you,
    Crayton

    I did compress them to DV NTSC then burned it to DVD and the result was no bueno.
    I thought what I would do is try compressing them again before I send them on over to DVDSPRO. Here is a simplified break down of the situation:
    - I have edited the raw footage in Premiere Pro on my PC. They were recorded and captured as SD.
    - I rendered them in Premiere, then transfered the rendered AVI file to FCP.
    - When went to place the files in FCP, I received the warning message; "Following Media Files Are Not Optimized For Final Cut Pro" but I went forward anyways and it allowed me to do so.
    - Originally I went ahead and compressed them from FCP to QT Movie as a DV NTSC, which ended up poorly.
    - Therefore my question is, should I compress them using another file type (other then DV NTSC)? Which leads me to another program that I have called MPEG Streamclip, which offers tons of file types of which I am unfamiliar with most. I want the best quality of course but don't know what file type is the highest going from AVI to a format that can be accepted by FCP and ultimately DVDSPRO. Keeping in mind that I only have FCP5 and do not have Prores.
    Did that make sense?
    Thank you again,
    Crayton

  • Opening MPG files in Final Cut Pro?

    Am I correct in saying that you cannot open MPG files in Final Cut Pro? We have Studio 2 and Studio 3.
    From my previous experiences, we have always had to transcode to an MOV in Squeeze or some other program. I guess Compressor would do it too.
    We have a client that has 20 hours of footage in MPEG. Yes, I said 20 HOURS! It's low-res, but if my thoughts are correct, we'll have to transcode all of it. I don't know what exact flavor of mpeg the source is in, but regardless...that should take a **** of a lot of time. We only have a quad core with 6 gigs of RAM.
    Any thoughts? Would really appreciate it.

    Which flavor of MPG are you referring to?
    ----- MPEG1?
    As recommended above, Premiere Pro will allow you to import and edit MPEG1. Adobe makes a 30 day trial version available if you don't have it already with one of their bundles (or maybe it's time to get the Production Bundle and work After Effects and Photoshop into your workflow?)
    You could also find a utility that demultiplexes MPEG1; however, you'd probably want to convert it to Photo-JPEG at something close to 320x240 in frame size. You'll have to create a custom Easy Setup and/or Sequence setting. You could start with OfflineRT NTSC and change the compression amount from 35% to 100%.
    If you're not going the Premiere route, search Google for "How To Demux/transcode/convert Mpg on Mac" and some options will come back.
    Also, if you have Roxio Toast, it might be able to do the conversion for you.
    But, with all that said, the only time I use Premiere Pro is when I have to cut MPEG1.
    MPEG1 is meant for viewing video on a computer and/or devices that support MPEG1 at "VHS" quality. Or, simply put, this is almost the worst possible source video you could be given. (I'd put Photo-JPEG video streams from early point and shoot still cameras just below it. But then again, those would be easier to try to edit at first only to have the picture completely break apart when you try to export it). Two decades ago, MPEG1 was awesome, but even then you encoded it from an edited master that was on something better than VHS.
    If you can find some hardware that will play MPEG1 out via S-Video, it's probably worth patching that to a DV media converter or DV camcorder and pass that through to FCP at DV-NTSC settings.
    ----- MPEG2?
    The MPEG2 QuickTime component should already be installed via Final Cut Studio, allowing you to open MPEG2 streams directly into FCP; however, you'll probably be better off batch converting from MPEG2 to DV-NTSC and then cutting at the DV-NTSC easy setup.
    ----- HDV (MPEG2 codec for picture and MPEG1 Layer 2 codec for sound)?
    I'd guess this isn't the type of MPEG you're talking about based on your post. Also, this is, of course, supported in both versions of the studio that you have.
    -Warren

  • How to import MXF files to Final Cut Pro with smooth editing

    Summary: Follow this tutorial to learn how to import and edit MXF files in Final Cut Pro by converting MTS to FCP native format.
    If you have a Panasonic P2, Canon XF or Sony XDCAM series camcorder,
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    Along with some help from a top MXF Converter, it can be done. To
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    First of all, downloading the App- Brorsoft MXF Converter for Mac
    Overall, the program is a professional yet easy-to-use MXF Converter
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    only can convert MXF to ProRes for FCP, but also can transcode MXF
    videos for editing in Avid MC, Adobe Premiere Pro, iMovie, FCE, etc.
    Just download it and follow the tutorial below to get the work done.
    Transcoding (P2) MXF files to ProRes for Final Cut Pro 6/7/X
    1. Import MXF files to the converter
    Launch the best MXF to FCP Converter, and then click the “add files” button to browse and import MXF videos from your camcorder or hard drive.
    2. Select FCP editable format
    Click the Format bar, and move mouse cursor to choose “Final Cut Pro > Apple ProRes 422 (*.mov)” as output format.
    Tips:
    a. Settings- click to set video
    resolution(1920×1080/1440×1080/1280×720/720×480), bitrate (from 1Mbps to
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    b. Editor (next to “Add” icon)- click to set deinterlace, trim, crop, add effect, attach subtitles, etc
    3. Start transcoding MXF video to FCP
    Click “Convert” button to start converting MXF files to Apple ProRes
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    Source:How to import MXF files to Final Cut Pro with smooth editing
    [quote] jacknjchn.tumblr.com/post/76914947404/cant-import-mxf-footage-to-fcp-transcoding-mxf-to-fcp [/quote]

    You may refer to this step by step guide on how to convert MXF to Final Cut Pro more supported Apple ProRes or DV at http://www.idealshare.net/imovie-fcp/mxf-final-cut-pro.html
    It also applies to convert MXF to other video or audio format. It even applies to convert other videos like AVCHD, MOD, TOD, AVI, and MPEG etc to FCP format.

  • How to work on TOD files on Final Cut Pro

    Hi,
    I can't figure out how to work on .TOD files on Final Cut Pro. I'm using a JVC Everio HD40 camera. None of the sequence presets work. Is there a plug-in or something else I could try?
    Thanks for any help!

    .TOD is JVCs version of an MPEG 2 file.
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  • How do I open my Final Cut Express 4.0 files in Final Cut Pro 10.1.3?

    Hello,
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    How do I open these Final Cut Express 4.0 files in Final Cut Pro 10.1.3?
    Thank you!
    Anna

    TThere is no way to go directly from FCE to FCPX. If you know somehow who has FCP7, they can open the FCE projects and export XML files. These can be converted to FCPX XML format using the 7toX utility.

  • Can not import MXF files into Final Cut Pro

    I am full of anger and frustration!!! I purchased final cut pro only to find out that it WILL NOT import MXF files. How insane is that? ADOBE - NO PROBLEM. Then I had to go back to YOUR STORE and buy two different file converter applications before I found one that worked. Now FINAL CUT PRO will only import the audio segment of converted files after converting to PRORES in PAVTUBE. Are you BUCKING kidding me? This work flow BLOWS. Why the FELL does this have to be sooooo hard!  I am gone to creative cow and other forums to try to find out why I am sooo stupid that I can't get this simple process sorted out. YOU BUCKING MONEY MACHINE! How many more aps will I have to buy before I can edit CANON XF100 files in Final Cut Pro. BUCK politics! You should make your software with plugins that would allow you to edit without this kind of added step. JUST LIKE ADOBE. I want refunds for my final cut pro purchase. This is BUCKING rediculous. What a waste of time!

    Jeff Eyler wrote:
      Good thing I still have an iMac on Snow Leopard with FCP7 where I can import these files.  I was hoping to upgrade that system next month when the new iMac comes out
    There is definite upside to dragging one's feet on upgrades until necessary and this is a prime example. On a desktop running 10.6, and the XF Utility, FCP 7 L&T works reliably. And like you, that's my workflow for FCPX projects. Running 10,7 on a laptop, the EOS plug-in works well for FCPX imports – no workarounds needed. When I finally get around to updating, I will partition the HD, with one SL partition and the other partition with a later OS. Of course this strategy will work only as long as my hardware holds up.
    Russ

  • Canon EOS MOVIE Plugin-E1 for Final Cut Pro Now Available...

    There's been so much talk about the 5D, 7D, 550D on this board that I'm going to point to the EOS MOVIE Plugin-E1 for Final Cut Pro. This is supposed to speed to transcode of Canon Camera H.264 to FCP-friendly formats and let you add more metadata along the way.
    Enjoy!
    Canon webpage. Under Drivers & Downloads. Once you select your OS, "Mac OS X", the download should appear near the top of the "Software" list.
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    FWIW: The quick start guide says cameras involved are 7D, 5D, 1D, no mention of 550D. Sort of odd.

    For users in North America to make the Canon EOS REBEL T2i work (550D for Europe):
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    3. After the 7D info add the following lines of code (keeping to the coding structure):
    <key>T2i</key>
    <array>
    <string>Canon EOS REBEL T2i</string>
    </array>
    4. Save the text file. Close it. Everything should work now.
    Cheerz.

  • How to work with .XML files with FINAL CUT PRO HD

    Ok so I am a newby, kind of. We filmed a feature using the SONY XDCAM 350. uses the optical 23.3GB disc. I used the camera to copy all the HD files ( .XML ) to an 1TB external drive. Now the drive is readable, everything looks fine, when I select a .XML file. Final Cut Pro HD opens, but then asks to choose a TRANSLATION file. Where do I go from here. I do not understand that command of action it is asking. Newby here, so pity me for awhile.
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    my instinct is "No" but thats no (because the app is expecting th efiles to be located on an mounted XDCAM disc that is formated as such) ... but in your situation I'd be inclined to download the XDCAM Transfer app and try for myself
    what you may need to do though is get hold of the discs and a deck and import using the method above
    failing that you have the option of using Flip4Mac's MXF quicktime components ... not cheap.
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    ... and other than that, you're looking at switching to an NLE with native MXF support (Avid, Edius, Vegas etc)

  • Editing .AVI files in Final Cut Pro 5

    I am trying to edit .AVI files on Final Cut Pro 5 on a volunteer basis.
    I have converted the files to .MOV files with Quicktime Player.
    I am able to import one of these files into Final Cut Pro 5, and can even watch it in the viewer.
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    Based on past experience, the video would be harder to edit in a rendered state.
    Any advice on how to edit .AVI files would be much appreciated.

    AVI files are quite similar to some .mov files, but the devil is in the details (so to speak.)
    You don't give any particulars, so I'm going to assume you're working with standard definition NTSC video. Additionally, I'll assume that your system is PowerPC Mac since only FCP 5.1 and higher supports Intel processors.
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    The terms "QuickTime" and ".mov" (and probably ".AVI" for that matter) are kicked around as if they are specific but in fact they are quite vague. It's like saying you have a Ford; without any additional info like model and year,  it's hard to get down to cases.
    Use Compressor or QuickTime Pro to convert your footage to DV/DVCPRO-NTSC (if it's SD and you're in North America) and make sure the audio is converted to 48KHz/16-bit. This should match the NTSC presets and your timeline should a "cool" color (dark blue to light green) and playback nicely.
    Depending on the amount of processor power your system has, you may be able to play back clips with filters or even two or more layers of video without rendering. To be frank, don't count on it because someone has had well over 5 years to upgrade the system and hasn't so it may be "peaked out" already. You can usually step through the timeline using the arrow keys or by rendering short segments if you practice good "timeline hygiene" i.e., keep the timeline as clean as possible, don't strew clips over many video layers and let them stack up.
    That should get you going, I strongly recommend you take a little time to read the help docs/// they actually can help.
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  • How to Import AVCHD 1080/60p Files into Final Cut Pro 7?

    How do I import AVCHD 1080 / 60p Files into Final Cut Pro 7? And if there is no direct way [I certainly haven't found one, but I'm no expert], what additional software would be used? I want to import the files from a Panasonic HDC-HS700 onto an Intel Mac laptop [Mac OSX 10.5.8]? Obviously I don't want to compress & compromise my footage.
    I’m sure a simple, straightforward series of steps would help many people with this issue.
    Thanks!

    Thanks for the response!
    I'm guessing you've found ClipWrap2 to be better than competing products [such as AVCHD Converter for Mac, Toast Titanium, or Voltaic].
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    And finally, am I gaining anything by shooting 1080/60p on this Panasonic HD Camera other than a headache? [Some have suggested this is not a True 60p.]

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