Final Cut Express 4 Question

Hi guys!
I am trying to edit a video in FCE4. I have my DVD Movie Segment ("DMS") open and my Canvas ("C"). When I take the edited portion from my DMS and insert it into my C, the picture is cutting off my guys head. In other words, it is making my picture to large for the frame. Does anyone know how to fix this? It's rather urgent. I appreciate any help!
Thanks!
Moondahgi

DVD footage should not really work directly in FCE, so you are pretty lucky you have stuff to look at.
If you wish to resive the Canvas it may simply be the View as already mentioned.
At the top, middle of the Canvas Window is a number with a % sign, click it and select Fit to Window and check the Correct for Aspect Ratio field.
The above only changes the Canvas display not Sequence or clip properties.
Al

Similar Messages

Final Cut Express Question

Hello;
I want to upgrade my Final Cut express v.2 to v.4 but I cannot find my main disk. I have the serial number but I was wondering, if I get the upgrade disk to go to v.4, do I need my disk for v.2 or do I just need the serial number?
Thanks

You only need the serial number.
When installing on the upgrade disc you wil be notified that it's an upgraqde and will be prompted for a full version serial number.
Enter the numbers, the full version then the upgade numbers, and away you go.
Al

Does Final Cut Express 4 work with mac mini and other questions...?

I have a few questions I need help in answering... I would appreciate opinions on the following:
I am about to make a purchase of a new mac. I already have a mac mini PPC, but it is too slow...
Here is what I am thinking.
Mac mini, 2GB mem, 160GB hard drive. Will this new mac mini work with Final Cut Express 4?
Or should I go with the more powerful iMac?
I like to make movies on my mac but I hate iMovie 08 so I constantly use iMovie HD 06. Should I go to Final Cut Express 4 or just stick with iMovie HD 06?

There is no doubt that FCE 4 will run on an Intel mini - the GMA graphics processor is compatible. There is also no doubt that an iMac would give you somewhat better overall performance, though it's important perhaps to note that as complex as FCE is, it is actually a little less demanding on hardware than iMovie has traditionally been, so the difference between a mini with 2Gb RAM and a similarly equipped iMac will not be all that great in FCE, though it will become a little more noticeable if you continue to use iMovie 6.
The main reason for the performance difference between iMovie and FCE is that in order to provide a reasonably sophisticated video editing package that will run on very basic hardware, Apple relied heavily on caching techniques, meaning that while FCE basically spools from video and relies on CPU power, iMovie constantly moves data to and from the hard drive. The mini's hard drive is a (relatively) slow device in comparison to the iMac's - thus the iMac runs iMovie rather more seamlessly. In FCE, the difference is, as said, rather less clear unless you were to go for the top-end model.
If your budget can stretch to an iMac it makes sense to go that route simply because the extra power and overall performance (and the better graphics processor) will give you greater flexibility down the road. On the other hand, if funds are tight and you need to spend as little as reasonably possible, a mini will do fine, and is sufficient;y inexpensive that in a couple of years could be sold off and replaced without severe financial implications.
In terms of the choice between FCE or iMovie, beware that if you haven't used FCE before, the transition is not easy, and the learning curve for it is pretty steep. That said, it has far greater power and flexibility in terms of what you can achieve with it than has ever been possible with iMovie.
That said, for casual and home use, iMovie (version 6 at least) has plenty of power and tools for the majority of projects. iMovie 8 is, in many ways, deeply flawed for those who want that sort of power and workflow tools, being that it is designed for quick and easy creation of movies, not creative and considered productions. It has it's uses, but if you have experience with iMovie already, v8 is really not intended for you at all.
All that said, I've used iMovie 6 on systems will a lot less power than the current Intel minis, and have found it stable and workable, so I have no doubt it would work well on any current Mac.

Sony DCR-TRV140 w/Final Cut Express 4 - Capture format question

A big thanks to the forum for patience and direction. You all have helped me get an older digital camcorder hooked up to the Mac to date.
I'm now able to capture video from the camcorder to FinalCut Express.
So, on to today's question...
I have a Sony Digital Handycam DCR-TRV140. I know that it's NTSC (mainly because it says so right on the side of the camcorder). But I don't know what capture settings to use in Final Cut Express to get the best quality video onto the Mac, and ultimately onto DVD's or digital files I publish to my family over the net.
So when I go to the menu path Final Cut Express -> Easy Setup, I have a number of options to choose from... I (think) that I know that the best format option to choose from the dropdown is NTSC... But I don't know what to choose from the drop down list.
Here's a picture of the drop down list:
https://wu20hg.blu.livefilestore.com/y1pNUoJrOOSdf-4NJq3OjEIyrt38TEU64-Pid2LRNbw kG9grywxFV1qA2NshK8uSxl6eiTlYiq4uNbG86CJRUantQ/FinalCutExpressTim1.tiff
Specifications for the Sony camcorder can be found here:
http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=1055 1&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=11027762
or here
http://www.amazon.com/Sony-DCRTRV140-Digital8-Camcorder-Streaming/dp/B0000634T4/ ref=cmcr_pr_producttop
Can you help me decide what is the best option to choose? If it depends, maybe you could explain what it depends on...?
Many thanks!
Tim

The differences among the Easy Setups have to do with audio sample rate, device control, and widescreen shooting.
The Anamorphic setups are for widescreen. If your camera doesn't shoot widescreen (16:9), you can ignore them.
DV media is generally recorded with audio at 48kHz or 32kHz. Choose according to the audio recorded by your camera (some offer different record options). If you capture with the wrong audio selected in your FCE Easy Seutp, you'll get a warning message at the end of the capture.
What FCE Setup are you using at present? I'm guessing it's either DV-NTSC Firewire Basic or DV-NTSC DV Converter. If that's working for you, stick with it.

Final Cut Express? Many Questions.

I'm interested in shooting a short film in the near future. I'm looking to invest in a camera that will be under $1000.00. I'm also looking to use Final Cut Express to edit the footage. I believe Imovie will not offer enough editing options, and FCP will offer more than I need. I'm looking mainly to do simple cuts, transitions, put my footage in letterbox mode with the hopes of it looking like a real film, etc.
So here are my questions:
First off: With what I've written above, am I right in thinking FCE is a better option than FCP? Keep in mind I've never really done any work in video editing, but am anxious to purchase a new camera, shoot my film, edit it myself, etc.
Second: Will a HD camcorder work well with FCE? I'm currently looking to purchase a Canon HV 20. Link to the camera itself:
http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=177&mo delid=14869
Third: I want to purchase a laptop to use FCE and edit my future film. Will a black Macbook work well (upgraded with 4 GB of RAM)? Strong enough graphics card on that macbook? Or am I forced to move up to a Macbook Pro? (My thinking is that the Macbook Pro is unnecessary unless I want to use FCP.) Correct?
Answers to these questions and any additional advice would be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks!!!

Hi(Bonjour)!
HDV and FCE HD:
I shoot and edit in HDV with FCE HD without problem, but there are some points that need clarification.
1) HDV is converted upon capturing process within FCE to Apple Intermediate Codec movie. Regular HDV take the same amount of hard disk space as regular DV, but AIC needs aroung 49 Gig/hour of space.
2) HDV colorspace and compression sheme doesn't support well color correction or compositing (at least not as well than DV).
3) Rendering process is very very long one, and to play realtime effect you need a pretty fast CPU and many RAM.
4) A dedicated external hard drive runnig at 7200 rpm is a must to avoid drop frame on playback/capture/print.
5) Print to tape must be done overnight because it took a rule of 5 to 6 time the length of your sequence to operate.
6) HDV is astoning when viewed in a 1 to 1 pixel ratio on your computer screen, but it take at least 1920 X1080 pixel to do so. Apple Cinema HD display from 23" can do the job.
7) There is not easy/affortable way to distribute HDV on DVD right now. Your only option is to use your camcorder as VCR hooked on HD TV set, or use an Apple TV.
8) Final Cut Pro (part of Final Cut Studio 2) handles HDV natively but push hard on CPU. Compressor and DVD studio Pro allows to burn (in some forma right now, but with limitation) HD DVD disk.
9) I shoot in HDV but sometime, I downconvert from camcorder (Sony allows this) to DV upon capturing in DV NTSC in Final Cut Express. The result in a very good image (many pixels shrinked to fit the DV dimensions) in a standard def movie distributed on regular DVD or wide screen DVD.
10) HDV is still captured on tape, despite many manufacturers offer hard drive, DVD or card storing system for ohter flavor of HD like AVCHD. Tape is an affordable way to archive your material.
Final Cut Express HD 4 supports AVCHD.
Michel Boissonneault

Final Cut Express: Audio question. Please help!

Hi, I'm new to Final Cut Express and I have a random question.
I have a 2 minute video that I put into my timeline sequence. I added photos over some of the video and now I decided that I want to delete the rest of the video and audio since 2 minutes is too long. Well, now it will allow me to delete the video but not the audio. Does anyone know how to make in/out points for just the audio? and to cut it? Every time I make an in/out point, it only allows me to do it for the video. Now, I have this two minute-long audio that I need to get rid of that I just can't seem to delete/cut.
If anyone out there can help me, I'd greatly appreciate it! Thanks.
~Alice

You're making In and Out points in the timeline right? Make sure the autoselect buttons are black for the tracks you want to select.

Question re Final Cut Express Capabilities

I'm about to make the jump from another editing system over to Final Cut Express 4.
One of the things I want to be able to do is line up and load three different angles from three different cameras and be able to edit "on the fly" as the scenes play. I have a concert video, shot in a studio, with three cameras on tripods. Now I've got three tapes and I want to load them all into memory and then crossfade or cut between angles on-the-fly.
As well, I want to be able to shoot interviews with two cameras, each one pointing at the different people interview. Can FCE handle two different simulataneous inputs and then store the scenes in such a way that I can then cut between the two during the editing process?
Is there additional software or hardware needed for this? In my ten-year-old editing machine I've been using, this can be done ... but it's a major workaround and a major effort. And in the later versions of my same old machine, they had a feature called "Quad Cam" which showed up to four scenes on your monitor playing simultaneously, but it was expensive and needed a fast processor, which I didn't have. I suspect my new MacBook Pro will handle this, assuming FCE4 is able to do it.

Hi
The Multi Camera function in FCP is very time saving. And there are other functions
in FCP that might add to the value to take the leap.
The Color correcting tool was so much better and Color included (even more sofisticated)
DVD-Studio Pro
AND - Compressor !
Still to get more than one Camera to hard disk in live.
I tried a simpler version of this "Capture Magic HD" - only SD but
on a PowerBook G4 1.5GHz
one extra FW-port on a PSCIA (or whatever) card - to get an extra individual FW-port
and TWO Cameras in real-time download to internal hard disk.
EACH Camera Must have a true FireWire port - not a split one as on Mac 400/800
(they are one and the same)
It worked as a charm. Ready to be edited immediately after Capture.
Yours Bengt W

Final Cut Express Output Question

Hello...
I've just started working with Final Cut Express 4. I imported my DV 4:3 ratio footage using the DV-NTSC setup. I put together some basic material and wanted to test the output quality. I exported as a Quicktime Video. This gave me a resolution or 720 x 480. When played in Quicktime at the actual size the video is very crisp. However, when I increase the size of the playback window the video quality decreases and just looks horrible.
Ultimately, I need to export my final movie to a DVD to be played on a "normal" television, "non-widescreen", with a 4:3 ratio. When I do make the final DVD in iDVD will the footage be poor video quality, or is there some other settings I should choose to have a higher quality video be produced?
I just don't want create this major project and have all the settings wrong for final output.
Thank you in advance for any and all help.
~ Jarrod

When played in Quicktime at the actual size the video is very crisp. However, when I increase the size of the playback window the video quality decreases and just looks horrible
What did you expect? That's what happens when you stretch video larger than it's native resolution. It should display fine on any standard TV.
-DH

Camcorder Question/ Final Cut Express 2

Hello All,
I am looking to buy a new camcorder as my old one (Sony DCR-PC100e) has died on me. Am thinking of the Canon. Like the look of the XM2 but notice that on this board a lot of people talking about the HV20 and HV30.
I need mini-DV, am not bothered about HD necessarily cos I don't have an HD tv or anything else that's HD. Obviously am using a Mac, and need it to be compatible with Final Cut Express ( iahve version 2.0.3...old, I know, but suits me fine for now).
Any strong opinions on which one of these is better? XM2 or HV30.
The semi-pro version that Sony has, the DCR-VX2100-E is way too expensive....looks like the Canon XM2 is around £1500 or so?
Would appreciate any feedback, Thanks.

I have got the HV20 but cannot comment in depth on how good it is as I have only shot about 5 minutes of footage!
However, it received excellent reviews last year and is available for well under £600 new.
There are some 10 huge web pages to this review but they are worth wading through. The other reviews are shorter:-
http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/Canon-HV20-Camcorder-Review.htm#
http://www.pcpro.co.uk/macuser/reviews/115215/canon-hv20.html
http://www.simplydv.co.uk/reviews/camcorders/canon/hdv/canon-hv30-review.html
Ian.

Final Cut Express Audio Listening Question

I just installed Final Cut Express and have imported an iMovie project. When I listen to it the audio does not play. Instead I get a beeping sound. The wave forms show that the audio is there but I can't listen to it and I can't turn off the beeping. Is there an easy explanation for this?
Many thanks.
BTW, I also exported the iMovie as a quicktime movie and then imported it. Got the same result even though the quicktime movie playes perfectly.
MacBook Mac OS X (10.4.8)

Thanks, that seems to be the problem. Not very satisfactory though.
How do I render the audio as is suggested in the link?
MacBook Mac OS X (10.4.8)

A few quick questions before I buy Final Cut Express

I am looking into purchasing FCE because iMovie doesn't meet my needs.
I am currently using Pinnacle Studio to make music highlight videos.
A lot of what I do requires slow motion, or speeding the video up to match the music.
I also use effects like "old film" scratches and sepia tones or B&W.
Does it sound like Final Cut Express will help me????
Thanks,
Chuck

Hi(Bonjour)!
FCE HD can does those effects and many more.
But you'llo have to follow a steppier learning curve than iMovie.
Michel Boissonneault

Need advice on a system setup / Final Cut Express or pro

Hi all,
I am about to take on a pretty big project. I will be working on a full length documentary, approximately 90 minutes running time.
We currently have a 2 Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo iMac with 4GB of memory (667 Mhz DDR2 SDRAM) which we will be using for editing. We are using a mid-level Sony High Definition camera that records on MiniDV.
We don't have a huge budget and I wanted to get the opinion of some experienced editors on what would be the right choice. We can get a new 3Ghz iMac or Final Cut Studio. We currently own Final Cut Studio Express and are relatively well versed with it.
So, the question is, would we benefit more from the speed of an upgraded Mac, or the additional functionality of Final Cut Studio?
Editing a full length feature like this can be a long frustrating process. With a 2Ghz machine, are we really going to feel the pain while trying to work with Final Cut Studio? Might we find ourselves gliding along with more ease (or less burnout) without the additional chugging along of a 2Ghz processor when editing on a 3Ghz processor with Final Cut Express?
I understand that the two greatest benefits (as far as I've read) is the batch capturing and color correction of Final Cut Studio. There is also something about keyframes that I know little to nothing about. Are these things you believe we might get a lot of use from, particularly in the context of a documentary? I can definitely see using the batch capturing but don't see that being worth and additional $800. I'm unsure too how beneficial color correction is.
Any tips or experiences would be greatly appreciated. So far we've only done 15 minute shorts and don't see too much computer slowdown. I'm a little worried about the sheer number of gigs of video we're going to be dealing with against a 2-year-old computer.
Thanks for taking the time.

I vote for FCS3. Of course you'll love what you can do and then you'll want a better machine, but that can wait. All the modules, Color, Soundtrack and Motion as well as Compressor make it worthwhile.
Make sure all your footage is the same format (ProRes) and you'll have much fewer timeline rendering issues.

Do I need a blu ray burner to burn HD using Final Cut Express?

I just wanted to ask a question. I am new to burning after editing is complete. I am using Final Cut Express and have recorded my footage in HD. After trying to burn a disc using IDVD I realized it does not burn HD. So to be clear, in order for me to burn my HD finished sequences and have them be HD I need to purchase a blu-ray player?....also everyone keeps talking about Toast, what is this and do I need it to burn HD. Any advice would be much appreciated.
Thank

ANY DVD player cannot play HD content no matter what media it is on. HD content needs HD decoder and other circuitry and S/W which is not present on standard DVD player, just like standard definition TV cannot play HD programing. HD content has to be down converted with application such as iDVD to play on ANY DVD player, at which time it is no longer HD of course. In order to play high definition disc, you'll need HD content on HD media, blu-ray player and HDTV.
Message was edited by: ComPH1

Combo update from 10.5.2 to 10.5.5, Final Cut Express v. 4.0 affected?

Hi,
So, my question is will my current version of Final Cut Express 4.0 (bought it pre -installed with my iMac) also have to be updated if I do the combo updated from OS 10.5.2 to 10.5.5?
If so, is this a free update?
Should I update FCE before running the combo update?
Thank You

^^^
The only reason i might be updating is because I'm getting Pro Tools LE to learn about their new features. And they highly recommend installing it on 10.5.5.

Pro Res in Final cut express How do i get a good quality SD DVD

I recently bought final cut express and have suffered getting a good quality SD DVD out through the workflow from my cannon XHA1.
On screen its fine but when i author through imovie to DVD the quality is poor.
So reading the various threads it would seem that i need to use Pro res and the ingress codec... But cant find this option in express ?
Question is. Is pro res codec available in express and if not can someone suggest the optimum set up for HD capture to SD DVD output
Many thanks

Use either of these techniques to get good quality DVDs from AIC.
1. Edit your HDV/AIC in the timeline. Then create a new DV-PAL (NTSC) Anamorphic sequence. Copy your edited HDV/AIC to the new sequence. Do not alter anything. Render the sequence ..... this will take a long time - up to twice the length of the project. Then File>Export>QuickTime Movie (Not Self-contained).
However, if you use the QT Movie in iDVD you will get a squashed 4:3 movie, so first of all you must make QT stretch it out to its proper 16:9 dimensions like this:-
+a. Open the exported movie file in the QT Pro player.+
+b. Go to Window>Show Movie Properties.+
+c. Select the "Video Track" and in the "Visual Settings" panel uncheck "Preserve Aspect Ratio".+
+d. In the "Scaled Size" box set the width to 1024 pixels for PAL.+
+e. The "Video Track" will have turned grey, so click it to make it blue again.+
+f. The opened movie file will jump to 16:9.+
+g. Close it with the red button and click Save.+
2. This method is fast. Set your camera to "Locked DV" which means that FCE/FCP will capture it as anamorphic DV and edit it as standard definition anamorphic DV. (Use Easy Setup ... DV-PAL (NTSC) Anamorphic).
You can then Export>QuickTime Movie to be used in iDVD and use the stretching technique mentioned above.

Downgrading from Final Cut Pro Studio to Final Cut Express

Will Final Cut Express let me use the Boris Title 3D Video Generator effect that I now use in Final Cut Pro Studio?
Does it have an outline text video generator effect?
Since I have DVDSP 4.1.2, will I be able to drag my exported non self-contained quicktime movie into DVDSP? I have read I can use iDVD.
I see from the tutorial (http://www.apple.com/finalcutexpress/tutorials/) it does not have the ability to log clips for batch capture later but it does have a project button. Does anyone use that and can share what it does?
I have a Canon DV20 HD camera which I use for DV also. Since I have read that FCE will not read HDV from this camera, has anyone brought DV in using this camera?
Does anyone see any other negatives to downgrading?
I have been using Final Cut Pro from version 1.5 since it did what I needed it to do. Over the years they have added a plethora of packages to it, none of which I use. So why spend 700.00 to upgrade when I can spend 200 to get what I will use?
Thanks for your input.

Lots of questions:
"Will Final Cut Express let me use the Boris Title 3D Video Generator effect that I now use in Final Cut Pro Studio?"
Yes.
"Does it have an outline text video generator effect?"
Yes, but don't use. Use Title 3D.
"Since I have DVDSP 4.1.2, will I be able to drag my exported non self-contained quicktime movie into DVDSP?"
Yes. Or you can use Compressor, which you should have, to encode your video.
"I see from the tutorial (http://www.apple.com/finalcutexpress/tutorials/) it does not have the ability to log clips for batch capture later but it does have a project button. Does anyone use that and can share what it does?"
It allows you to log your material first, selecting the pieces on the tape you want to capture and then going back and letting the machine capture the selected pieces.
"I have a Canon DV20 HD camera which I use for DV also. Since I have read that FCE will not read HDV from this camera, has anyone brought DV in using this camera?"
Never heard of camera.
"Does anyone see any other negatives to downgrading?"
What version are you using?

Final Cut Express 4 Question

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for