.avi files and Final Cut

When I try to import an .avi file Final Cut says .avi files are not optimal and I need to recapture the footage - but all I need is to import an already edited .avi file from my desktop to Final Cut, if it supports .avi files why can't I import them?

.avi is a wrapper and not a codec.
We need to know what codec you use.
If you don't know, open it with QuickTime and then get the info.

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.avi files and Final Cut Pro/Express

A friend of mine, a PC users, has a Cinemate film to video converter <http://www.moviestuff.tv/c_15.html>, and has digitized some footage for me. He saved it using three different systems: Scenalyzer, Vegas and Pinnacle. Each outputs a .avi file, which he put an a portable USB drive.
The files import into Final Cut (Express), but with this 'warning':
'The following media files are not optimized for Final Cut Express HD.
It is highly recommend that you recapture the media to create new copies of the files to improve their performance for multi-stream playback.'
They seem to playback, and the images 'appear' bring and sharp, so I don't really know what the warning means.
He does have the choice, when he captures, to save the files not as .avi -- his systems default -- but as NTSC DV files.
Would that be the preferred option? Or, put another way, what would be the best format for import into Final Cut Pro or Express?
Thanks,
Hal

<<You may want to invest in a software converter (flip4mac, for example) that will ingest your avi files into FCP.>>
This may turn out to be an option, but it isn't that FCPro won't accept the avi files; it's just that it gave me this warning that I didn't understand. If, as a previous posting said, it's just telling me that this wasn't imported via Final Cut, then 'no big deal'. If it's telling me something else, that's yet to be discovered.
<<If your friend saves the files as DV NTSC, they will still give you that warning when you bring them into FCP. DV NTSC may mean DV stream, which will have to be demuxed (the audio & video are mixed together) and is not easily editable. However, QT pro can demux these files for you.>>
It'll be an interesting 'experiment', and I'll be sure and post the results.
Curiously enough, iMovie imports these same files without blinking, and seems to convert them on the fly as it were to .dv files, with no apparently loss of quality. These can then be imported into FCPro/Express.
<<About the only thing that doesn't give a warning are files captured using FCP ....>>
If that's all it's tell me, that I didn't capture these using FCP, then I guess I could say it's telling me something I already knew. <grin>
Thanks for the input.
Hal

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.
But when I place it in the Sequence tab to edit it, I get a screen that says "UNRENDERED" for the whole clip.
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.
FCP uses sequence presets that spell out the parameters for the timeline. If a clip is dissimilar or acquires enough filters to be functionally dissimilar,the timeline will become red for that portion of the timeline. The same is true for the audio portion of the clip.
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.
Good luck!

Importing AVI files into Final cut creates a pop

How can I stop getting a popping sound when I import AVI files into Final Cut. I figured it must be the type of file itself but I cant seem to find a free converter to convert my AVIs into what ever is need (which is what? .mov files?)
Please help

The very basics of non-linear editing is to know what video and audio codecs your particular NLE works with natively. FCP works with many video codecs but only a few audio codecs. Typically it works best with AIFF at 48khz, 16 bit.
You can find out all the various native codecs and formats in the User's Manual, Help Files or by looking through the Easy Setup list.
FWIW, both AVI and MOV are not really codecs at all; they are both merely containers that could contain video and audio made from any number of codecs. So saying you have an AVI file or a MOV file is kind of like saying you have a car ... it doesn't really tell anyone much at all.
Both QuickTime Pro and Compressor (which you most likely already have installed) should be able to convert to a native codec for use in FCP.
-DH

Why iMovie is importing my AVI (pinnacle 2004) files and Final cut pro doesn't

Hello
i'm importing my AVI made (2004) with Pinnacle software (sony cam) but can't import them in final cut pro!
but when i try in iMovie it works well!!!!
iMovie cost nothing and i payed a lot for Final and nothings works..........
Now made them with iMovie and then import the .mov files in FInal cut ......
can anyone tell me what to do so i can do the job in Final?
Jemajoro

Hello,
Play a clip in QuickTime Player and look in the Movie Inspector (command-I) to see the format, which will tell you the codec
dick glendon

Trouble understanding and converting .avi files in Final Cut Express

I recently just purchased my first Mac with Final Cut Express and am very excited to start editing again, both photos and video. The camera I use (Nikon D90) saves the video format as .avi But Final Cut Express can't read .avi clips when they get transferred. Now i know there are programs out there that fix this situation (I just downloaded the trial for VoltaicHD, its very easy to use and gets the job done) but its a limited download and will expire soon. Before I spend $, is there a free way of doing this (i.e. a free download) or is this something you normally need to purchase when coming across this situation? and Is Apples $30 dollar converter download any different from VoltaicHD's $30 dollar converter download. Thank you anyone who reads this and helps me out.

Hi there, and welcome to the Mac, and the Apple Discussion Forums.
I'd recommend you have a read through previous posts about AVI's - there's one not too far back, and others I'm sure.
I also don't think I'd be alone in recommending MPEG Streamclip as your converter:
http://www.squared5.com/svideo/mpeg-streamclip-mac.html
Regards,

Importing .avi files into Final Cut

I'm in the process of switching from Adobe Premiere Pro to Final Cut Studio Pro. I have a number of files in .avi format that import but only play audio. The video says "unrendered". When I tried to render, the sys. responded that there was no matching Codec. How does one get the .avi video to import correctly? Will Quicktime Pro solve the Codec problem?
Thanks

I'm surprised no one has mentioned Perian yet.
http://perian.org/
Once I installed Perian, all my format conversion issues disappeared. I initially had to convert .avi's created by Camtasia Studio on a windows machine to a QT friendly format. After Perian, they act as native to FCP/QT. Very nice piece of software that will save you a lot of headaches and format conversions (READ: Hard Drive Space)

MOD files and final cut pro

I am having an issue with importing files from a consumer hard disc drive JVC camera that works with MOD files. I want to somehow rip the files so they will work with final cut pro. Does anybody know of the right software for the job and where it can be found? Hopefuly for free!

<<You may want to invest in a software converter (flip4mac, for example) that will ingest your avi files into FCP.>>
This may turn out to be an option, but it isn't that FCPro won't accept the avi files; it's just that it gave me this warning that I didn't understand. If, as a previous posting said, it's just telling me that this wasn't imported via Final Cut, then 'no big deal'. If it's telling me something else, that's yet to be discovered.
<<If your friend saves the files as DV NTSC, they will still give you that warning when you bring them into FCP. DV NTSC may mean DV stream, which will have to be demuxed (the audio & video are mixed together) and is not easily editable. However, QT pro can demux these files for you.>>
It'll be an interesting 'experiment', and I'll be sure and post the results.
Curiously enough, iMovie imports these same files without blinking, and seems to convert them on the fly as it were to .dv files, with no apparently loss of quality. These can then be imported into FCPro/Express.
<<About the only thing that doesn't give a warning are files captured using FCP ....>>
If that's all it's tell me, that I didn't capture these using FCP, then I guess I could say it's telling me something I already knew. <grin>
Thanks for the input.
Hal

Transferring Betacam SP tapes to AVI files using Final Cut Pro?

What would be the most cost effective way to transfer Betacam SP tapes to AVI files?
I have a Betacam SP deck, Final Cut, and a Mac Pro.
I just need to connect the Betacam SP deck to the Mac Pro.
Thank you in advance for any thoughts.

Pretty much, yes.
As I noted above it will capture via FireWire to the DV codec as well as the other usual outputs.
If DV is good enough, go for it.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/325525-REG/SonyJ30SDI_J_30SDI_Compact_BetacamSeries.html#specifications

XDCAM EX files and FINAL CUT PRO

Has anyone figured out how to use / import XDCAM EX files (shot on Sony EX3) with Final Cut Pro 7.0.1 and OS X 10.6.2 Snow Leopard?
I can't get it to work and everything I read so far says Sony won't be releasing a transfer plugin or program that works in Snow Leopard till March 2010.
It's very frustrating since the files work flawlessly with the latest version of Avid Media Composer (I downloaded the trial version) but I don't want to buy Avid.

When I use L&T, I can see the files just fine, but when I select one, and/or select import to FCP I get the multi-color wheel of death, it stalls out and you can only force quit from there.
I've seen others on the net with the same problem so I don't think its anything unique to me.
I'm using an EX3 so perhaps the files are different than those from your EX1.

Having difficulties with XML Files and Final Cut Pro

Hi help community!
I am having a problem transfering / viewing / importing XML files from a hard drive onto Final Cut Pro.
I have tried importing and it says:
please choose a translation document file
followed by
ERROR:
No translation templates matching the selected XML were found. Unable to import this file.
I have also tried to convert using 'log and transfer' but in this instance I can see the XML file but its shaded & I am unable to click on it or drag it into the viewing window.
Any suggestions will be hugely appreciated! Thanks

Where did this XML come from? FCP only recognizes XML in the format it works with. It most likely willn not work with FCP in its current form.

XMF files and Final Cut

Was shooting on a hvx and firestore FS-100. Generally set the settings so the firestore records as quicktime files. However, recorded some footage accidently as XMF files. How do I import and covert the xmf files so it can be imported and used in Final Cut.
Using Final Cut 6.05

EDIT
the function to "organize P2" is in a menu on the firestore
Check your documentation it's been a while since I used one
should have put this in my previous reply

Sony DCR SR42 files and Final Cut Express

Hi - I am the owner of a new MacBook which I bought specifically to edit movies from my Sony hard disk Camcorder. I have since found that this model is not on the list of supported camcorders for iMovie and in fact iMovie does not recognise the mpeg files saved by the camcorder.
Can anyone tell me whether Final Cut Express would work with this camera? If not I will probably have to exchange my mac for a PC laptop.

Hi there,
I'm having the same problem with the same camera. I'm replacing it with a mini DV (picture quality is much better and so is compatibility with iMovie '06 and FCE).
But I've still got a ton of footage from the Sony that I need to convert.
When you converted your footage, what file format did you use? Were you happy with the new quality? And was the resulting footage easy to work with? Anything else you can share?
Thanks for your help.
Bryan

Using AVI files w/final cut

Tried opening/importing, no luck, only a black screen in the viewer. Strangely, the timeline reflected the length of the clip (12 seconds of AVI video), but fcp was unable to play the video.
I ended up having to import the files to a pinnacle system which read the files with no problem, record to dv, then digitize to fcp. Certainly not the method of choice.
Is there a setting I can change to be able to import/playback AVI files in fcp?
Or is there a conversion program out there that will allow me to convert the files prior to importing?

If you look up AVI in any of the video codec references, you'll see it's as bizarre as QT or WMP ever was/is. AVI was an architecture capable of employing dozens of codecs. Most AVI codecs are obsolete or never appeared in a Macintosh form.
You need to find out what codec was used and then acquire it, if it's available at all. Probably isn't.
Try to get your source to export them into a more commonly used format.
bogiesan

Protected Files and Final Cut Express

I have bought music on Itunes. For some reason out of the blue i can not burn the music to disc, I cant even import the songs to Final Cut Express. Why is this? I have imported music from Itunes into Final Cut with out any problems before many times. I guess the music is protected, (the music's icon has a little lock on the upper left corner, this is new).
PowerBook G4 Mac OS X (10.4.3)

Delfire,
FIles purchased from the iTunes Music Store are protected with Apple's Fairplay DRM.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FairPlay
The ideas is that you can create music CDs with your purchases, but you cannot directly convert them to MP3 or other formats.
All to help curb music piracy.
Matt

.avi files and Final Cut

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