Avid vs FCP

I bought FCP and apple because i wanted to and i think its better. i like apple
but honestly..
whos winning the battle? which nle gets more work? is respected more in the video industry.. who makes more money a fcp editor ? or an avid editor? I'd like to talk about this so i can defend myself to future clients when they ask why i choose to use an apple and why i didnt go avid.
i dont know these things so thats why im asking.

what battle? c'mon dude, fcp like avid like premiere like video toaster before all, these are all tools, that is it and just like varieties of hammers, they come in different varieties and do different things and if you can swing a hammer effectively, you can probably use all them once you get around the interface. it's not a function of which nle is winning, it's a function of can you function with the interface.
yesterday, i had to deal with a broken down digital truck using cameras and operating controls which i've never seen, however, it's my job to get the cameras to look good. i can't say, "nope, can't use this truck, i'm going home." the director commented the entire game how good the pictures looked.
if you want your own business, you'll have to start relying upon yourself a bit more.
zeb

Similar Messages

Avid to FCP User Questions...

Hi,
I recently made the switch from Avid to FCP - loving it so far, by the way. I have a few transition questions if someone can help me. These are things I've done fluently on the Avid and can't seem to find it in the manual.
1. How do you mix audio levels and pans in the timeline for multiple clips? On MC, I set in and out point for the range of clips and move the level for it up and they all go up. Can't seem to do this in FCP.
2. If I'm working in a 48K/16bit sequence and import audio to the bin, (or video too) is the only way to change the sample rate by exporting it with the sequence setting and then re-importing it? This seems like a lot of extra work if you have many clips. In Avid, it changes it simply in the menu.
3. If I wanted to delete effects and transitions on multiple clips in the timeline, how do I do this? In the Avid, I would select the range of clips and then simply hit delete.
Thanks in advance,
Eddie

1. Highlight all the audio you want to effect...then type CONTROL-] to raise +3db...Control-[ to lower 3db. And Control + and - to raise 1db at a time.
2. NOt sure what you mean here. Are you asking how do youconvert the audio to 48k 16-bit stereo for use in the sequence? Convert it BEFORE you get to your sequence. iTunes does this for music, as does Compressor, which also does this for ANY audio.
3. Delete only the transitions and not the clips? Avid might have FCP there.
Shane

Premiere CS4 "Save As" for Avid or FCP

Hello,
Is there a way to save my composition or sequence for Avid or FCP .
My buddy works with Avid and FCP and he wants me to send him my composition or sequence so can work on it.
I use Premiere CS4.
Thanks

Ex Malterra,
> I'm curious as to which versions CS4 can save an FLA as.
Flash CS4 can save FLAs as CS4- and CS3-compatible files.
(By
comparison, Flash CS3 is able to save CS3- and 8-compatible
files. Flash 8
can save 8- and MX 2004-compatible files, and so on, back.
Always the
current version and the version before.)
> some customers require the version to be 8. For this and
> other reasons we need to be mindful when considering
> upgrading.
It can get tedious, but if you're using CS4 and want to save
for Flash
8, you'll have to Save As CS3, then open that file in CS3 and
Save As 8.
Keep in mind -- and this isn't new to CS4 -- you always risk
losing features
when you save to a previous version of Flash. For example,
Flash 8
introduced blend modes. If you use those and try to save your
file as an MX
2004 file, you'll lose that particular feature.
> Also, will CS4 allow us to create files as either AS2
(gotta
> have that Tree component!) or AS3 in the same way that
> CS3 does?
Yes. Flash CS4 supports all the versions of ActionScript as
Flash CS3.
That said, you can always use 3rd party components to meed
your needs, if it
comes to that. The Yahoo! Developer Network features free
(BSD license) AS3
UI components for Flash here, including a Tree:
http://developer.yahoo.com/flash/astra-flash/
David Stiller
Co-author, Foundation Flash CS4 for Designers
http://tinyurl.com/5j55cv
"Luck is the residue of good design."

Avid to FCP 5 with Automatic Duck Pro Import

Hi, I just successfully imported a full movie project into FCP 5 from Avid using Automatic Duck. Everything went pretty well but after the batch capture I began reconnecting my files and
ran into a couple of problems.
I should say that Automatic Duck is AWESOME. It saved me a month of work.
Here is the problem: As I said when I reconnect most of the time it is fine. But there have been some instances when I reconnect a clip and it actually shortens the length of the offline clip in the timeline. This is a serious problem because sometimes it cuts off dialogue that I need. A less frequent problem but no less annoying is when I reconnect and the clip is attached to a wrong scene all together.
I can only assume that it is the transfer of information between Avid and FCP project files. Does anyone have any ideas?
Thanks a lot for the help.

Direct your problem to Automatic Duck. Wes Plate who posted earlier in this thread is Automatic Duck. They (or he) will help. I had a problem with my installation and I got an answer almost immediately. Oh, the problem I was having. My client gave me the receipt number not the serial number. Please post back with the resolution of your problem.
It is a fantastic product. My client bought the export component so we could get all our audio automation info out to ProTools. A quick look at the error log showed me exactly where the problems were (nested material). I fixed the nests, rexported and it was perfect. This is a very rare occurence with software.

Avid to FCP comparison graphs or charts

Is there no quick charts to map what an avid icon looks like and the equivalent fcp icon?
If I wanted to lock the source (viewer) monitor to the record (canvas) monitor what would I use in fcp?
Is there a book that clearly describes the functions from avid to fcp? I am not having any luck with Final Cut Pro for Avid Editors.
G4 duel processor

I took a bit different approach than Jim when coming over to FCP. As an editor who uses both Avid and FCP on a regular basis I found that the most basic commands, mark IN, OUT, go to IN, OUT, clear IN, OUT and stuff like that that I do over and over each day, I mapped my FCP keyboard to match Avid as closely as I could. When it comes to basic everyday workflow and media management, I find Avid works better. When it comes to effects and integration with other apps, FCP is the hands down choice. As for a direct comparisons.... here are 2 articles.
This was written by Patrick Inhofer and is very nice:
http://www.fini.tv/articles/avidfcp2006.html
I wrote a follow up on my blog detailing some of the "simpler" things between the two apps:
http://www.scottsimmons.tv/blog/2006/02/18/avid-vs-final-cut-pro-my-take/
But the debate will rage on as long as both apps exist.

Any success or regret stories about a total switch from Avid to FCP?

Any success or regret stories about a total switch from Avid to FCP?
Mac Pro Mac OS X (10.4.8) Final Cut Studio 5.1

I'm currently working on a job in a facility that has 3 FCP systems and uses Terrablock networked storage. I was 3 months here so I saw a lot of the good and bad with this system. It's Fiber channel so quite fast but there were a lot of issues with the compability of the OS. When working it worked well. The Avid Unity systems are very solid and proven.
The biggiest issue I have with FCP in this enviroment is it's great if you keep a project on the same system but when you start moving edits around then you get into the media managment limitations of FCP. A large project with lots of media, audio, gfx of different types, lots of renders, can be a pain when moving and reconnect on a different system. In theory it should be flawless as you point back to the proper folders and drives but it rarely is. It can be done is just takes time. And the better the editor is with his/her media managment then the easier it is. Avid's media managment works much different so by nature it's a bit easier in the networked world. We'll see what FCP has at NAB to make this better.
Bottom line, FCP vs. Avid is a debate that will rage. I use and enjoy them both on an almost weekly basis so I can argue the + an - of both. They are both tools, same buttons, different places.

Moved from AVID to FCP...viewing on NTSC monitor question

I am in the process of migrating to FCP studio from AVID with mojo. With the mojo I used a S-video out to my NTSC monitor. Now with my FCP system, I have to always have my DSR-25 on and use the composite out to the monitor. Is there a better way? I am using FW and only editing in DV for the time being. A AJA IO would give me an S out but I do not have RS-422 control with my deck. Plus, that is a lot of bucks to pay just to get a clean video out to my monitor.
Any ideas? This switch to FCP is somewhat painful...but in the long run I feel it will be worth it.
Thomas

If you have a deck you don't need the Canopus....if it is a firewire deck all you have to do is connect it to a monitor and you are good to go.
#8 External Monitor Viewing.
Shane's Stock Answer #8:
A simple path is mac > firewire > camera or deck > rca cables > tv
Then start up your camera and tv, then open fcp.
Then go View > External video > all frames
Video playback should be Apple firewire NTSC (If you are using an NTSC set)
Audio playback should be Audio follows Video
Techinially, this should send synched video to your TV
If for some reason you can't view your timeline on your external monitor, there are a few things to try:
1) Make sure that the camera/deck is connected and powered on BEFORE you open FCP.
2) In the Final Cut Pro menu select AUDIO/VIDEO Preferences and make sure your signal is being sent out thru Firewire DV.
3) Go to the menu and select VIEW>EXTERNAL>ALL FRAMES.
4) Click in the % box above the image and select FIT TO WINDOW.
5) Go to VIEW->refresh A/V devices
6) Make sure the Log & Capture window is closed
If you want it to play in both the canvas and the external monitor you need to go to the FINAL CUT PRO menu and select AUDIO/VIDIO settings and make sure MIRROR ON DESKTOP is selected under the PLAYBACK OUTPUT section
Shane

Avid to FCP DV export

A question for my learned colleagues... I have a chance to create a tapeless workflow based on exporting a finished PAL DV25 420 sequence from Avid Xpress Pro and using that somehow in FCP, but the absolute proviso is not to take a quality hit on the way. The typical Avid plethora of confusing choices for QT export surely means they can't all export the media content in a native state...
I know Avid DV codecs reverse the field order of DV to match standard 601 (is that how they mix res's in timelines?) so some wrapper translation is inevitable. But I'd like to find a way to export the "essence" (to borrow a term from MXF) without modification. Most people suggest DVStream as the best "rewrap", but DVStream, though native to iMovie, has never been the best choice for FCP...
If it all gets too hard I'll go via tape but a faster-than-real-time picture export is tempting, especially as we need one for ProTools. Can anyone shed any light on this?
Thanks!
Quad G5, 3 x Dual G5s, G4 AGP @ 1 GHz Mac OS X (10.4.6) FCP 5.0.4, Final Touch HD

might be worth installing Avid's DV codec onto your FCP Mac, and then take a look at Shane's tip for Editing non-standard FCP codecs
hope it helps

Quicktimes from AVID into FCP

I exported a final piece from AVID Adrenaline as an uncompressed Quicktime. I took that QT to my Mac (G5, OS 10.4.1, FCP 5.1.4), and imported it into FCP. The resulting clip has audio, but the video is completely white. The QT also does not play on Quicktime 7.1.2, though it did play on the Mac Quicktime 7.1.2 on the Adrenaline system.
I dug around, and it appears that the problem might be related to the AVID codec for QT exports (which I don't quite understand why there would be a particular AVID codec if it's uncompressed). I went to the AVID sight and downloaded the codec they have for Intel macs and installed it. That did not have any effect. I gather from the posts I see on the internet that this is a problem that can have many unrelated reasons... any ideas? Or is there an AVID export codec that I should use on Adrenaline that is more consistent with FCP?
Thanks again in advance for your wisdom,
Andrew

I don't know your timeline codec in Avid, but I had the same problem. The thing is that avid codecs are "special", so special that avid is the only one that can read them. I was working with dvcpro timeline and if the "use avid codecs" was checked in the export settings it wouldn't play in fcp. So don't check the "use avid codecs" if you plan to export to fcp. One workaround I found few years back was to install avid free dv and then I got the avid codecs to work but it seems that avid has stopped the avid free dv project Hope this helps.

Transferring from AVID TO FCP

A fellow editor would like to transfer his project from AVID MEDIA COMPOSER to FCP (Windows to Apple).
I have absolutely no experience in this and don't even know where to start or what to ask. Does anyone have any thoughts? Advice? Links? Support?
Is it even possible?
Thanks so much.

What do you mean by bringing over the sequence, but not full projects with all the media? Media referring to what?
Meaning the CAPTURED FOOTAGE. Avid captures as MXF files...FCP as Quicktimes. MXF files aren't readable by FCP without third party apps. So, what I mean by this is that with Automatic Duck you can export an AAF from Avid...of the sequence. An EDL of sorts, that links to the media used in the sequence. Then Automatic Duck makes QT files that references that media, and translates the AAF to make the sequence appear in FCP. But that's as far as it goes...the sequence and media referenced by that sequence. None of the other footage, none of the bins...none of the project structure.
Let's say the project is simple NTSC footage that only has straight cuts. No titles, no effects, no transitions, nothing - just video.
OK...Good. That makes things easier. But again, you only get the sequence and the media referenced by that sequence...
I'm assuming it would be easier then to do everything?
What do you mean by that? "Do everything?" Do what? You CAN'T do everything...sequence only. You can get MXF4Mac and that will see the media. But then you need to import it all and reorganize everything into bins, and STILL use Automatic Duck to bring over the sequence. That right there is $1300 in software to get the media over.
You'd just use Automatic Duck and then the .mov files would reference back to the sequence and everything would stay in order?
Yes, Automatic Duck will make QT files that are reference files that link to the MXF files. But again, only the footage used in the sequence...none of the rest of it.
If you have time, and money, this is doable. But really, it would be best to finish this project with Avid, and then move to the new NLE after that.
Shane

Maybe making the switch from AVID to FCP, would like some input please.

Happy T-Day to all. Would really appreciate any thoughts on this. I have many questions and need some answers from folks who are not always pushing AVID ( my vendor) I am a one man shop and use all Apple apps (LiveType, Motion, etc.) but have always stayed in my comfort zone with AVID Xpro and MOJO. Am thinking of going to Media Composer but after a few days of consideration and a trip to an Apple store, I may do a complete turn around and commot to FCP. Recently made the move to HD with the Sony XDCAM HD system. Here are my questions...plese be patient, this is a major move for me.
1. If I purchase a new Intel G-5, will the internal SATA drives be OK for 35MPS HD?
2. What AJA card or product should I buy so I can view HD SDI on a client monitor and output HD to a Sony XDCAM HD F-70 Deck?
3. What graphics card should I order on the new machine?
4. Can I use the FAM ( File Access Mode) to tranfer content?
5. Any other considerations when ordering the new Intel machine?
I know I have many questions, but I really believe it is time for me to make the move. Any help would be really appreciated. Thanks again.
Tdub

1. Yes, but just. You'd only get 1 stream. Faster drives would allow you to do more than one layer of real time playback. You could stripe more than one internal sata and get the job done that way.
2. Kona LHe will do this, however you'd gain the ability to upconvert and cross convert the video to just about any format with the Kona 3.
3.The X1900. Motion and some effects in FCP will take advantage of it... down the line FCP is likely to rely more on the GPU is an educated guess of mine. the top of the line card is faster, but not enough to substaniate the price if you're working in Video. If you were working in 3D CAD environments, then the top of the liner would be the best choice.
4.I don't use XDCAM here, so I'm presuming that you're talking about a transfer mode with that. I'm pretty sure FCP 5.1.2 added this capability. Might search the COW on this term in the FCP forum there. http://www.creativecow..net.
5.Working with HD and MPEG streams would leave me wanting the fastest of the three machines. You'll want 4 gigs of RAM, but it's less expensive from other than Apple. I know just how scary it can be to move to a new platform, and did exactly as you are contemplating when FCP 2 arrived. I've never looked back. Hang here once you get started, and we'll help you with the transition. There is a book out there in the pro training series from Apple/Peachpit on ediiting on FCP if you're coming from Avid. I'd recommend you get that book. Will ease the transition no doubt.
Hope you make the jump!
Jerry

Switching fron AVID to FCP. Media Drives?

Making the switch. I am not very knowledgeable when it comes to the latest drives, any help would be greatly appreciated. I am currently using two internal ATA 250 GB drives. One for media and one for the system drive. I would like to add more space. I am currently editing DV but you never know about the future. Do I go with SATA drives, Firewire, or SCSI? I do know that I want the drives rack mounted. Looking forward to the switch to FCP. I like my AVID but I feel the future looks brighter with Final Cut. I am new to this forum, so any help would be wonderful. Regards, Thomas

That G5 has two internal SATA drives, not ATA drives which are plenty quick for DV all the way to DVCPROHD100.
I suggest a PCI SATA controller card with external connectors to a two or four drive SATA enclosure.
FirmTek
Sonnett
and others make them.
==+=+=+==
best wishes
david

From Avid to FCP (urgent)

a film was being edited on avid xpress pro, and half way through the director decided to switch to FCP, for reasons of connivance and costs, so i want to know if there is away i could transfer the avid project with all or most the work done on it to FCP.
i head that this is possible and its not a myth! so is it possible? how?
p.s., recapturing the film to FCP is not an option, very expensive.
also, the avid files are .omf and .aiff

dir.Mando wrote:
a film was being edited on avid xpress pro, and half way through the director decided to switch to FCP, for reasons of connivance and costs
In my experience, directors seem to make these decisions ill-informed of what and where costs can and will creep up. As the editor, don't be afraid to try to save the director from him or herself by dissuading them of the change. Just make sure you've done your research and your information is solid.
dir.Mando wrote:
p.s., recapturing the film to FCP is not an option, very expensive.
What format is the original material? Even though it may be expensive, it may very well be the cheaper option. Or perhaps staying with Avid is the cheaper option; I can't say not knowing many of the variables.
Switching platforms mid-stream is always a bad idea, but is sometimes necessary. It may or may not be such a necessity in your case.

HD ANIMATION FROM AVID TO FCP AND BACK

Hey,
I have a client who needs me to edit Avid HD sequences into a short promo in FCP. I want to do an offline edit and then reconnect the sequence to full HD quality and export the promos back to Avid. Has anyone had to do this? Would I loose HD quality going from Quicktime to Avid Media? Would my G5 Dual 1.8 with FCP 5 HD be able to handle import, edit and export of full quality HD media?
I hope this is enough info. Thanks

you will be much happier and much better off if you stay in Avid world and make those corrections there. Avid uses its own propritery media format that can't be easily transfered to FCP. You could use something like Automatic Duck to generate a list and then recapture in FCP but other than that, stay in Avid. In other words, it is not absolutely simple to move the MXF files.

Best HW solution for Avid and FCP

Hi there,
I have a MacPro system running both FCP and Avid. I'm currently using a Mojo to monitor from Avid and just using my DSR-25 to monitor output from FCP. However, it's a little annoying having to disconnect or change wires every time I want to use a different system.
Does anyone know of any hardware that would provide monitoring for both systems that would also connect up to a DVCam based deck at the same time? I currently use a DAC-10 at work but it seems to have problems when a deck is connected to it. Or am I best to stick with the Mojo and get a PCI-E based solution for FCP? Many thanks!

Don't think there's a fix for you here... the codecs used by Avid and those used by FCP aren't the same so all hardware made for the systems is unique to the systems they are intended for. I'd suggest you get off the fence and go one way or the other and stay there...
Look at AJA products for the best in FCP monitoring solutions. You can't have two FW devices connected at the same time either. i.e. the DAC and a FW deck... the OS doesn't deal with more than one at a time.
Jerry

Avid vs FCP

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