Importing Video w/ Camcorder

So I just bought Final Cut Express and a new JVC Everio HDD Hard Disk Camcorder yesterday. Basically I couldn't find any step by step instructions on how to import the video onto FCE without screwing up anything. I tried looking in the manuel etc. etc. but it didn't give me any details. Please and thank you for your help.

Hard Disk, DVD and Flash Memory Camcorders do not work natively with FCE.
Only Mini-DV Tape cameras do.
Download MPEG Streamclip here ...... it will tell you how to get the $20 download from Apple:-
http://www.squared5.com/svideo/mpeg-streamclip-mac.html

Similar Messages

  • Unable to import video from camcorder into iMovie HD

    I am using a Mac mini PowerPC G4 (1.5). I recently bought a Sony Handycam DCR-DVD 106E camcorder that uses DVD discs. The camcorder has no Firewire (iLink) output so I have inserted the DVD into my external DVD writer/player. I can play the footage via the Mac Mini's DVD player software but I cannot import the video clips into iMovie HD.
    The icons on the DVD appear to be PC files and are not compatible. Does anyone know how I can take off the footage I have shot and get it into iMovie HD, please?
    My secondary thought is that maybe I need to be able to convert the footage clips into Quicktime files, maybe, but I don't know how to go about this, if, indeed, that is the solution.
    Please, please help
    regards, Huguenot

    Your camcorder is incompatible with iMovie 5, which is designed to use DV streams from tape, imported via firewire.
    If your camcorder uses DVD disks it likely produces files in mpeg2 format, which is the standard, compressed, final delivery format of a DVD and is not intended for further editing, and cannot be imported into iMovie 5.
    I am a bit puzzled as to why you chose that camcorder!
    Ideally you should take it back and exchange it for a camcorder that records onto mini DV tape and which has a firewire output.
    As it is, firstly you cannot import the footage due to lack of firewire. Secondly, in order to use iMovie at all you will have to convert the mpeg2 files into a DV files which is what iMovie uses.
    For that you need mpegStreamclip:
    http://www.apple.com/downloads/macosx/video/mpegstreamclip.html
    which is free, but you must also have the Apple mpeg2 plugin :
    http://www.apple.com/quicktime/mpeg2/
    which is a mere $20.
    Another possibility is to use DVDxDV:
    http://www.dvdxdv.com/NewFolderLookSite/Products/DVDxDV.overview.htm
    which costs $25.
    But any way you do it, there will be penalty in terms of quality.

  • IMovie can no longer import video from camcorder.

    I have been using iMovie '09 with a Sony DCR-SR85 camcorder for over a year with no problems. Suddenly, I cannot import from the camera anymore. With the camera connected and the disk image mounted, I run iMovie and click on the camera import button. It sees my camcorder (it says, "Sony DCR-SR85), then it spins its wheels and status bars for several minutes before it stops detecting the camera. Then, clicking the camera import gives me only the built-in iSight, with no option for the connected camera.
    I have searched for other threads on this issue, but have only found solutions that don't seem to apply to me. In one instance, there was an elaborate procedure for rebuilding an AVCHD file structure. This camera records in MPEG-2, not AVCHD. The other solution was that iMovie cannot import SD videos in the same batch as HD videos. Since this camera has no HD capabilities, this does not apply, either.
    Can anyone offer some suggestions? There are nearly 800 clips on this camcorder, the newest of which I need to import into iMovie so I can work on them. If there is some sort of corruption on the camcorder, is there an easy way to find it? If I need to reformat the camcorder hard drive, is there a way to import all the MPEG files on the camera's hard drive into iMovie? I tried dragging them from the camera's directory into iMovie, but that didn't work.

    If 2 computers do not detect the camera then the issue is not the computer / iMovie.
    Potential issues:
    1.) The mode the camera is in. Make sure it is configured for PC Connect or Mass Storage mode. Check your manual to determine what the required mode is for your camera.
    2.) The cable you are using between camera and computer is bad.
    3.) Physical failure in the camera itself.
    Try plugging the camera directly into the computer using USB (no hubs) while running on AC power and cycle through the various connection modes. See if the camera mounts on the desktop (as I assume it does normally).
    If it fails to mount on either computer I would call Sony so they can verify the camera is in fact functional and even ask them what mode you need to be in for the computer to recognize it.

  • IMovie nor Final Cut Pro will import video from camcorder

    Both iMovie 10.0.5 and the Final Cut Pro Trial I just downloaded (to test before purchasing) will not import my movie.  The movie plays on my camcorder and it plays in both iMovie and Final Cut but when I click to import, a message appears in the top right corner that reads:  NO DATA FROM DEVICE.
    Once again, the movie plays on the camera AND plays on the screen.  But there is nothing recorded into an event and no file / data transferred to the computer.
    I searched the support forums and tried a freeware named DEBUT.  It worked but the video playback was very poor, scratchy and blurry.  
    Processor 3.5 GHz  Intel Core i7
    Memory 16 GB 1600 MHz DDR3
    OSX 10.9.5
    Camera Sony DCR-TRV460  (8MM, Digial 8, Hi8 tapes)
    Firewire 4 pin to Firewire 800 cable, into Firewire to Thunderbolt adaptor, into iMac.
    How do I get these old tapes into iMovie or Final Cut for editing?

    I don't think I can help with your Digital 8 directly into iMovie 10.0.5 or FCPX, but try a few work-arounds.
    Try copying iMovie'09 from old to new Mac via a memory stick or external HD. It is only 250 MB.
    This still may not work on the new Mac as it may be an issue with Digital 8/Mavericks combination. Any way if you can get iMovie 09 onto new Mac ,give it a try.
    OR
    Buy an external HD and transfer some data onto this to free up some space on your MacBook.
    Then use your MacBook /iMovie 09 to import to Events onto your external HD.
    Connect external HD to new Mac and import the  DV files in Media of iMovie 09 into FCPX.
    A word of caution!
    When the files are imported into FCPX from the Media in iMovie 09 check to see if files are copied or just referenced.
    If they are copied then you can delete them from iMovie 09, if they are referenced then you must not delete from 09.
    You can normally tell: if copied then it takes a while to transfer,If referenced then done almost immediately.
    My guess is ,they will be copied, but check.
    The above is a bit messy but may get you moving with your new Mac.
    Buying a new Mac is an expensive way of overcoming an overloaded HD on the MacBook. Cheaper to buy an external HD.
    This may be useful;
    How can i move or copy projects and events to an external drive? (Version 9 and earlier)
    Someone may be able to suggest a fix for Digital 8 into FCPX directly.

  • Importing video from camcorder

    Having almost mastered iDVD slide shows I am now raday for my next iMac challenge - iMovie. Here are the basic data:
    iMac G5, OS 10.4.8
    iMovie HD v 6.0.3
    Sony Handycam DCR HC 32
    Fire wire 4P/6P cable, APC Model 3A0537T00000
    * Started iMovie > Create new project > named movie > where = Movies.
    * Placed camcorder in dock, powered by transformer, turned on, set to "Play"
    * Fire wire cable connected to "DV" port in dock and Firewire port in iMac
    * Clicked mode switch in iMovie to select "camera mode'.
    This is where I run into difficulty as the "camera mode" option does not appear, only "Built in sight" and "Time lapse".
    Anyone know what is my problem? If further info is required I will be happy to answer any questions. I am desperate for advice. Hopefully it is not a major disaster.
    Thank you for any advice
    john hendrie
    iMac G5   Mac OS X (10.4.8)  

    I am becoming very confused. I spoke with Apple tech support and he told me that the Sony DCR-HC32 is NOT compatible with Mac. He did say that if I could get the images transferred I could use iMovie to edit.
    The camera came with software called "Picture Package ver 1.5" which includes "Image Mixer" (IMxVCD2) by Pixela. I spoke with Sony tech support and they told me that Image Mixer should work for Mac but I cannot install it in my iMac (Message says it cannot find the application).
    The Image Mixer site says IMxVCD2 works with Mac OS X but includes this note:
    Note:
    The Macintosh version of IMxVCD2 does not support direct writing to CD-R, but does allow you to save a disc image compliant with Roxio's DVD/CD writing software "Toast". Use "Toast" to create a disc from the disc image created in IMxVCD2.
    At this point I am confused and dissolusioned. Am I stuck? Can anyone with experience in this area offer any suggestions?
    Thank you
    john hendrie

  • Having Problems Importing Video From Camcorder ( Log and Transfer?)

    Hi everyone
    Today i received my Canon HF11
    It records AVCHD format.
    I'm pressing log and transfer, and it comes up, however when i press 'add to queue' it will be added, then an icon comes and spins for a few seconds, then it'll stop and turn into a red octagon with an exclamation mark in the middle
    A few people have said 'Choosing plain stereo fixes it' - but it hasn't, and i've changed pretty much everything to 'apple intermediate codec.
    I've done 'easy setup' and changed it to HD, FPS to all formats.. i'm trying to kind of match everything but it's not working for me
    I have a 2.4Ghz Aluminium Macbook, With Final Cut Express 4.0 trying to import with AVCHD
    Please Help

    Trash your preferences. They've probably been corrupted changing to the wrong format. There is only one correct setting that matches your media. Select that.
    http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=10235885&#10235885
    What computer is this? What version of the software? What drive is set as the scratch disc? How's it connected and formatted?
    http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=10015769&#10015769

  • Can I import video from a Firewire camcorder using the Thunderbolt to Firewire Adapter?

    I have an older camcorder that has a firewire interface. My new iMac does not have any firewire ports. Can I import video from the camcorder using a Thunderbolt to Firewire Adapter or is the Thunderbold adapter only used for hard drives and displays?

    Rather than an adapter, I would suggest you purchase a 4 pin to 9 pin Firewire 800 cable to run from the camera to the Thunderbolt to Firewire adapter. Those FW 400 to 800 adapters frequently do not work so well for importing video in my experience.
    The Firewire cables are pretty inexpensive if you get them online. For example try Monoprice.
    http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=103&cp_id=10301&cs_id=1030104 &p_id=3541&seq=1&format=2

  • I am using IMovie 11 with a new iMac.  Unable to import video from a Panasonic PV-GS400 mini-DV camcorder using a Firewire IEEE 1394 400 cable connected to a Firewire 400 to 800 adapter which is then connected to a Thunderbolt to Firewire 800 adapter.

    How can I get iMovie to recognize my Panasonic PV-GS400 as a device so I can import video to my iMac?  I have a FireWire IEEE 1394 400 cable connected to the camcorder.  Since my new iMac has only Thunderbolt ports, I purchased a Firewire 400 to 800 adapter to connect to the cable.  I also purchased a FireWire 800 to Thunderbolt adapter to connect to the computer.  My camcarder is still not recognized.

    I would suggest that you try a 9 pin to 4 pin Firewire Cable along with the Firewire to Thunderbolt adapter.
    Those Firewire 400 to 800 adapters do not seem to work well with iMovie.
    The 9 pin to 4 pin cables are available at reasonable prices here, for example.
    http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=103&cp_id=10301&cs_id=1030104 &p_id=3541&seq=1&format=2

  • Importing video from samsung hmx10c camcorder

    Trying to import video from samsung's new hmx10c camcorder (oprah's 2007 list), and everything works great at first, (imovie sees camera, shows thumbnail clips). But then it gives me an error message when I try to import. Also, after connecting the camera to the macbook, if I look in the disk image on the desktop, the camera appears to have mp4 files on its internal memory, but they won't play in quicktime either.
    Anyone know a method to get the avchd samsung video files into imovie 08? I've got a bad feeling about this.
    Thanks in advance to all advice!

    Your problems may well be down to the way you connect your camera and in which order you establish a connection. If all else fails voltaic will get the files from your camera in AIC which will readily be imported into im08 for editing.

  • Importing video from a JVC HD7U camcorder into iMovie 11

    I am having trouble importing video from a JVC HD7U camcorder into iMovie 11.  The import screen shows up and recognizes the camera with the time counter activating but there is no image on the screen and the record or import buttons do not seem to do anything.  I have followed the instructions from the manual and others found online.  Someone please help.  Terry

    Hi Brady,
    I have a new Everio HD that I have been fooling with all day. Finally got a clip into iMovie 6 ....but only once and I'm still figuring this out too.....if you are not using a HD camera this may or may not work for you.
    The Everio Quicktime extension must be installed. (Download and install the patch if you upgrade to Leopard).
    Is your camera an HD? If so you need to capture the clip in 1440 CDR not FHD (FullHighDef).
    Launch iMovie 6. Create a new movie in Video format HDV 1080i . then plug in your camera via firewire.
    Put the camera in playback mode (Play/REC), press the Function, select Dubbing Playback (bottom of the menu). You should get a menu with a start button now. Switch to iMovie 6 and select "Import". This should start the clip playing from the camera....you may have to hit the Start on the camera.
    This should get your clips into i Movie.
    We may be ably to create playlists and get them in that way too but I have not had any luck with the JVC instructions to do this. There are video tutorials on the JVC website too but again they have not worked for me.
    There is also a way to get and work the FHD files but that is a USB file transfer followed by a file conversion. I'll tackle that a little later...
    Good luck,
    Roger

  • Importing video from Sony 120GB HDD Camcorder

    Looking for help on importing video from Sony 120GB HDD Camcorder.
    I recently purchased a new imac (1st mac) and imported the stored video on my Sony 120GB HDD camcorder. I would estimate that this is approximately 60-80 GB worth of video on the camcorder but when I imported this has become over 800GB on my imac and basically fills the HD.
    My question is - is this normal or am I doing something wrong.
    Cheers

    Unfortunately the video from the current crop of High Def capable cameras use a really highly compressed file format to save video. The one most used is called AVCHD and it can really save a lot of space ON THE CAMERA if you like to shoot at the highest resolution. However to edit that video, it needs to be decompressed so that iMovie can preview it, and edit it accurately down to the individual video frame level (1/30th of a second). So the short answer is you're not doing anything wrong, those video clips can expand up to 40-75GBytes per hour of video after they are imported into the iMovie Events folders. However it is entirely possible to store the iMovie Events folders on an additional external hard drive. And that's usuallly the best solution for anyone quickly running out of space.

  • How can I import video and sound from my sony camcorder?

    I have just bought the mac.  I'm struggling to import video AND sound from my Sony DCR-SR87 hard disk handycam camcorder.  From what I've read already, I ended up purchasing and downloading Quicktime MPEG2, and used the Utility MPEG Component Lion from downloaded MPEG Streaming 1.9.3b6 to enable video and sound to play on the computer directly from the camcorder.  The problem is that when I import these clips using iphoto (it pops up when I connect the camcorder), the sound does not accompany the video onto the computer.  I've hit something of a brick wall and would really appreciate any help.

    OK, according to
    http://support.apple.com/kb/ht3290
    your camera is supported by iMovie 9.  Perhaps the question is better asked in the iMovie forum.  Would you like me to ask a moderator to move the thread?

  • How to get iMovie version 9.09/2009 Mac version 10.7.5 to recognize JVC GR-DX77U camcorder via 9 pin to 4 pin firewire and import video

    My question: Is it possible to get iMovie version 9.09/2009 MacBook Pro/ Mac Os X version 10.7.5 to recognize JVC GR-DX77U camcorder via 9 pin to 4 pin firewire and import video?
    My camcorder is recognized with 4 pin to 4 pin firewire on laptop with Windows operating system; however, it will not recognize on MacBook Pro with 9pin to 4 pin firewire. JVC website does not offer any updated camcorder driver software for this camcorder and older version driver on CD will not download onto MacBook Pro.

    Hi
    With the reservation of that I us:
    • iMovie 9.0.4
    • Mac OS X.6.9
    see my notes
    NO CAMERA or A/D-box 
    Cable
    • Are You sure that You are using the FireWire Cable - USB-Cable will not work for miniDV tape Cameras
    FireWire - Sure not using the accompany USB-Cable but bought a 4-pin to 6-pin (or 9-pin) FW one ?
    • Test another FW-Cable very often the problem maker.
    Camera
    • Test Your Camera on another Mac so that DV-in still works OK
    • Toggle in iMovie pref. Play-back via Camera (on <-> off some times)
    • Some Cameras has a Menu where You must select DV-out to get it to work
    • Camera connected to "charger" (mains adaptor) - not just on battery
    • Camera set in Playback mode - NOT Recording mode
    Does Your Camera work on another Mac ?
    Sorry to say it is to easy to turn the 6-pin end of the FW-cable 180 deg wrong.
    This is lethal to the A/D-chip in the Camera = needs an expensive repair.
    (Hard to find out - else than import/export to another Mac ceased to work
    everything else is OK e.g. recording and playback to TV)
    A/D-box
    • Is the dip-switches set right ?
    • Set to same standard as recorded/editing e.g. NTSC 29.97fps or PAL 25fps
    • Try resetting it
    Connections
    • Daisy Chaining most often doesn’t work (some unique cases - it’s the only way that work (some Canon Cameras ?))
    Try to avoid connecting Camera <--> external HD <--> Mac but import directly to the Mac then move
    the Movie project to dedicated external hard disk.
    • FireWire-port - Can be re-setted by - Turn off Mac and disconnecting Mac from Mains/Power for 20-30 minutes
    External device’s (hard disk’s)
    • Should be FireWire as USB/USB2 performs badly and so does Airport or Net-work connected ones too.
    • MUST BE - Mac OS Extended formatted - UNIX/DOS/FAT32/Mac OS Exchange - DO NOT WORK for video due to 4Gb barrier.
    Mac
    • Free space on internal (start-up) hard disk ? Please specify the amount of free space.
    (Other hard disks don't count)
    I go for a minimum of 25Gb free space for 4x3 SD Video - and my guess is 5 times more for 16x9 HD ones
    after material is imported and edited. No Camera or A/D-box
    • GarageBands fix - Close iMovie, Open GarageBand, Play some notes, Close GB and iMove can now be OK
    • Does Your Mac have a FireWire Port
    • White MacBooks - don't
    • MacBook-Air - don't
    if not then a few Mac’s has a PCM-CIA slot and there are FW-Cards that makes a FW-port this way
    else - NO SOLUTION
    Only option as I get it is either
    • Use another Mac to Capture material (to an external USB2 - Mac OS Extended formatted hard disk - or -
    • Change to another Camera that can be used with Your Mac (no there are no miniDV tape Cameras that can)
    • If Your Mac-Book has a PCM-CIA Card place - then there are FW-port-Cards and then
    You can import via this - but I've not seen this on more modern Macs. My PowerBook G4
    has one and this FW-Card-port works greatly.
    SoftWare
    • Delete iMovie pref. file may help sometimes. I rather start a new account, log into this and have a re-try.
    • Any strange Plug-ins into QuickTime as Perian etc ? Remove and try again.
    • FileVault is off ? (hopefully)
    • Screen Saver - OFF
    • Energy Saver - OFF
    Using WHAT versions ? .
    • Mac OS - X.5.4 ?
    • QuickTime version ? (This is the heart in both iMovie and FinalCut)
    • iMovie’08 (7.1.?), 09 or 11 ?
    • iMovie HD 6 (6.0.4/3) ?
    Other ways to import Your miniDV tape
    • Use another Camera. There where tape play-back stations from SONY
    but they costed about 2-4 times a normal miniDV Camera.
    • If Your Camera works on another Mac. Make an iMovie movie project here and move it
    over to Your Mac via an external hard disk.
    (HAS TO BE   Mac OS Extended   formatted - USB/DOS/FAT32/Mac OS Exchange WILL NOT DO)
    (Should be a FireWire one - USB/USB2 performs badly)
    from LKN 1935.
    Hi Bengt W, I tried it all, but nothing worked. Your answer has been helpful insofar as all the different trials led to the conclusion that there was something wrong with my iMovie software. I therefore threw everything away and reinstalled iMovie from the HD. After that the exportation of DV videos (there has not been any problem with HDV videos) to my Sony camcorders worked properly as it did before. Thank you. LKN 1935
    from Karsten.
    in addition to Bengt's excellent '9 yards of advice' ..
    camera set to 'Play' , not rec/computer/etc.?
    camera not on battery, but power-line?
    did your Mac 'recognize' this camera before...?
    a technical check.
    connect camera, on, playback, fw-connected...
    click on the Blue Apple, upper left of your screen ..
    choose 'About . . / More . .
    under Firewire.. what do you read . . ?
    More
    • FileVault - Secure that it’s turned off
    • Network storage - DOESN’T WORK
    • Where did You store/capture/import Your project ?
    External USB hard disk = Bad Choice / FireWire = Good
    If so it has to be Mac OS Extended formatted
    ----> UNIX/DOS/FAT32/Mac OS Exchange is NOT Working for VIDEO !
    mbolander
    Thanks for all your suggestions. What I learned is that I had a software problem. I had something called "Nikon Transfer" on my Mac that was recognizing my Canon camcorder as a still camera and was preventing iMovie from working properly. After un-installing Nikon Transfer and doing a reboot, everything worked great.
    I never liked the Nikon Transfer software anyway--I guess I'll get a cheap card reader and use that to transfer photos in the future.
    No Camera or bad import
    • USB hard disk
    • Network storage
    • File Vault is on
    jiggaman15dg wrote
    if you have adobe cs3 or 4 and have the adobe bridge on close that
    or no firewire will work
    see if that helps
    DJ1249 wrote
    The problem was the external backup hard drive that is connected, you need to disconnect the external drive before the mac can see the video camera.
    MaryBoog wrote
    Maybe your problems is solved in the meantime, but for all others this might help as I had the same problem, also have the Sony HDR-HC7, but the 7e (Europe, PAL). I found this link today and it works perfectly
    //support.sony-europe.com/tutorials/dime/videotransfer/vtransfer.aspx site=odw_en_GB&sec=DVH&m=HDR-HC7E
    What I exactly did.- put camera in play mode - open guide - choose connection guide - choose comp./printer (where to transfer movie to) - select connection.- i-link (on my camera) but equal to firewire - OK - choose HDV - choose NO for conversion of i.link.
    Settings are shown then (VCR HDV/DV.- HDV and i.link-conv..- OFF), press OK, OK, END.
    Switch camera off. Connect firewire cable to camera & Mac. Switch camera on, in play/edit mode.
    Open i-movie, choose import from camera. On screen below the camera connection is shown.- DV (HDV). Now you can import, automatically or manually.
    This worked perfectly for me. Took me 2 days to find out. Could not find any clear thread explaining what I had to do on the camera and the manual was not clear either.
    Yours Bengt W

  • FireWire is the only way to import Canon HV20 Camcorder videos into iMovie?

    As a followup to my last post a moment ago tonight 1/30/08:
    Is it true that I need a FireWire cable to import Canon HV20 Camcorder videos into iMovie?
    If so, the Apple salesperson is wrong.
    He told me last Monday that purchasing the new iLife 2008 (that contains iMovie 2008) would allow me to use my current USB cable.
    Given I see NO FireWire port on my new MacBook Pro (bought in 8/2006), I don't see a solution.
    Note the camera, an HD camcorder (the Canon HV20) did NOT come with a FireWire cable; it only came with a USB male plug on one side of the cable and the other is a small square-like male plug that connects to a female port on the Canon HV20.
    Solution?
    Thanks for any suggestions, Daniel

    The USB cable is for importing still photographs. Not video.
    The firewire 400 cable you need is one that goes from the 6 pin full size male connector to the small 4 pin form used for DV.
    The cable plugs into the camera in a socket behind a plastic flap near the eyepiece. Its marked HDV/DV. The other end plugs into the MBP on the right-hand side. 4th from the back.

  • Help needed: How to import video from Canon Legria Camcorder FS306?

    Dear all,
    After happily purchasing Canon Legria Camcorder FS306, I realise that my IMOVIE HD could not detect the camcorder when connected to my Macbook pro.
    Have 2 questions here:
    1. Is it impossible for IMovie HD to detect newer camcorders? Should I then upgrade to IMOVIE09?
    2. Currently, Canon Legria Camcorder FS306 is not listed as 1 of the supported camcorders for IMOVIE09. It is one of the newer models. Is IMOVIE09 able to import video from this camcorder now? Or in the near future? Or it may never be supported?
    Tks!
    Gam

    You would need imovie 09 to use this camcorder.
    This camcorder is not on the iMovie 09 supported list. However, every Canon camcorder since 2008 has supported iMovie 08 and 09, so odds are good that this one will, too. Odds are good that it works right now. IF you want to know for sure, call Canon. ....or take your camera to an Apple Store and hook it up.
    It might be possible to do some manual conversions and continue to use iMovie 6. For example, you could try converting the MPEG2 files to DV using a tool like MPEG Streamclip. You would also need the $20 Apple QuickTime MPEG2 Playback Component. I find iMovie 09 to be a much better editor, but if you are comfortable with iMovie 06, this might be worth a try for you.

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