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

Similar Messages

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.

Transferring clips from avid to fcp via firewire

a bit off the wall question ... but is it possible to transfer clips from my avid media composer adrenaline (pc) to my fcp via firewire using the capture tool. the clips are dvcpro hd on the avid. it is easy to output the clips or sequences to tape (panasonic aj-hd1200 or 1400) via firewire so my plan is to "simply" substitute fcp for a deck and capture the clips free running into fcp. theoretically it seems to me that it should work. i set the device to non-controllable and capture settings to dvcpro hd 720p 60 to match the output from the avid. one problem is that when i connect the firewire cable from the pc to the mac, on the pc new hardware found message pops up and i have no way of telling windows what the device is. anyway have any experience or any ideas. thanks.

I doubt very much that your plan will work.
Why not just set up file sharing on the PC and pull the files onto the Mac using Finder?
That way you will retain the embedded data in the files.
Then you will probably need the QuickTime codecs from Avid too. (I don't have a link, maybe someone else will post it)
All in all, it might be better just to recapture directly into FCP from the original tapes.

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

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 Vegas to FCP

hi all,
has anyone had to / managed to transfer a work in progress from Vegas (PC) to Final Cut Pro (Mac) successfully?
From what i can see, Vegas can export AAF, but FCP can't read it.
FCP can read XML, but Vegas can't export it.
Tried exporting an EDL from Vegas, but FCP won't read it!?
HELP
nG

We used to use 'Cui Bono - EDL Convert' to make DAW's talk. We would go from/to VEGAS Pro Tools Cool Edit Pro. It seemed to work well enough to get the info out of one and into the other. Naturally, we still had to do some tweaking to get things totally back in order. But this was when I was heavy into Audio Production. I'm not sure if 'Cui Bono - EDL Convert' does video. You may want to check 'em out and see what there Support recommends.
The guys I work with at a local Studio are telling me to bring the project in, Export to AVID, then let the AVID Exort to FCP. Obviously I can't do that but if you have an AVID readily available... this may work for you.
3rd suggestion is to look into 'Automatic Duck'. They have a plugin that will convert VEGAS FCP.
4th - I would say... do this project in VEGAS.
Personally, my VEGAS system is SOLID. Once I get a project there, it usually stays there till Final Export.
Remembering my days of Audio work and trying to go back and forth between DAW's using EDL's... I do NOT want to go back. This sometimes creates more of a Headache than it's worth. All the time you spend trying to get it to translate correctly could be spent Editing. The Frustration is NOT why I'm in it... I like the SATISFACTION of a completed project.
Nowadays... I Map out my Projects before I start them so I sort of have an Idea as to what/where it will need to go and at what stage in the process. Same as I StoryBoard in PreProduction... I also StoryBoard in PostProduction. May be OverKill but I've found myself running into less problems that way.

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

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.

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.

Video file size triples when transferred from camera into FCP

I recorded about 16gb of video in avchd on a canon hf10. When I import it into fcp6 using pro ress 422, the file sizes are enormous, about 100 gb from the original 16. How did this happen and how do I shrink my finished project it back down to fit on a dvd. I used compressor and Mpeg2 and got it down to 3.7gb but the quality was horrendous. I used compressor and h.264 and it took 24 hours then crashed before finishing.
using a canon vixia hf10, and FCP 6.
Thanks!

AVCHD is not a convenient format for editing so FCP converts it to ProRes which as you have discovered is around 50GB for an hour of footage.
ProRes enables it to be edited more easily and with better quality.
The size in gigabytes of your project is completely irrelevant . . . . it could be a terabyte with no problems.
All that matters is the length (time) of the project . . . . as long as it is no more than a couple of hours or so you will have no problems fitting it onto a DVD as iDVD or DVD Studio Pro etc. will compress it all down to around 4GB to fit.

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

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.

Transition from Avid

Hi,
New to the board....wondering if there are any former (or current) Avid Xpro Users. I am thinking seriously of making the jump from Avid to FCP and am curious what the transition was like for folks in terms of learning curve.
I am also a PC not Mac person so I am not all that familiar with the Mac. Would like feedback from people who have made the switch and can help point out the key differences in the software programs and again, the transition. Much thanks.

I moved from Media Composer a few years ago. I don't rate myself a fully fledged editor, more like a dabbler, but I do work in the industry and sometimes make TVCs and corporates.
I found the transition reasonably easy after the first couple of weeks. I do a lot more mouse work with FCP than I did with MC. Transitions and graphics handling is a lot easier in FCP. I still go the long way round via menus to do some operations that I could do directly if I knew more shortcuts, but that applied to the AVID anyway.
I sometimes still use the AVID and now find that a bit frustrating and pedantic. But sometimes that is a good thing!
I don't regret the change and I am sure I am more productive and able to tackle things I would not have attempted on the AVID.
I use PCs for most work and know a lot more about them than the MACS, but once you get used to working with a single button mouse and using keys on the keyboard to modify the action it isn't too bad. You can buy third party mice with multiple buttons anyway if that is the way you want to go.
All in all I think it has been a good thing.
Trevor

Can i transfer a sequence from avid 7 to fcpx?

hey, i want to color correct and use fcpx effects. i used avid7 because thats what the post production house had at the time but now that i have my macbook pro retina i want to work on the fcpx...
CAN IT BE DONE???
is it possible to take the seq from the avid and work on it with the fcpx???
thank you

You might try Google but I don't think there is any way to get from Avid to FCP unless you have FCP7. You might be able to take an EDL to 7, export an XML and convert it with 7toX to FCPX.

Exporting from Avid to use in FCP

I have a personal project that I edited on an Avid, but want to export the sequences as Quicktime files to use as source material to finish on FCP 5.0, then author a DVD on iDVD.
It's for personal use, so it doesn't have to be flawless, but I want it to look as good as possible.
With so many variables, does anyone have a combo that seems to work well? I've tried a bunch, including:
-- RGB vs 601 color space
-- DV codec vs Sorenson Video 3
-- Odd-field vs Even-field Dominance
Nothing I've tried yet is cutting it, but I might not have the right combo of settings yet.
I've heard great things about Automatic Duck, but I'm not looking to lay out more $$$ for a personal project.
Any thoughts? Thanks!

Export to QT from Avid using the same codec that the source material originally was... i.e., DV or HDV etc... The "Animation" codec is likely the least lossy, but it creates huge files, and it's not the friendliest codec out there...
But FWIW, the very best thing to do is export an XML file from the Avid or simply a batch list importing the file into FCP, then recapture it as it's native format in FCP... reason is, that Avid compressed the video to capture it, then you're recompressing it to export it to QT with the intention of recompressing it yet again in iDVD which is a bit too much compression being done..
Jerry
Message was edited by: Jerry Hofmann

Transferring from AVID TO FCP

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for