38
 Sony XDCAM HD & XDCAM EX Workflows in Avid Media Composer With Clip Browser v2.0 11/21/08

Media Composer XDCAM Workflow v9 6

  • Upload
    ffwdco

  • View
    237

  • Download
    0

Embed Size (px)

Citation preview

8/3/2019 Media Composer XDCAM Workflow v9 6

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/media-composer-xdcam-workflow-v9-6 1/38

 

Sony XDCAM HD & XDCAM EX Workflows

in

Avid Media Composer 

With Clip Browser v2.0

11/21/08

8/3/2019 Media Composer XDCAM Workflow v9 6

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/media-composer-xdcam-workflow-v9-6 2/38

XDCAM Workflows in Avid Media Composer 

Page 1 of 38

Table of Contents

1 - Introduction..........................................................................................................................3 XDCAM HD Overview ....................................................................................................3 XDCAM EX Overview ....................................................................................................3 

2 - XDCAM Workflow ................................................................................................................4 XDCAM HD.....................................................................................................................4 XDCAM EX .....................................................................................................................4 

3 - Creating a Media Composer Project...................................................................................5 Project Selection ...........................................................................................................5 Setting Import Preferences...........................................................................................7 

4 - XDCAM HD ...........................................................................................................................8 Key Workflow Features and Restrictions ....................................................................8 System Requirements...................................................................................................8

 Connections & Drivers..................................................................................................8 PDW-F75 iLink Setup ....................................................................................................9 Importing Proxy Media................................................................................................10 

Method 1: Dragging to an Media Composer Bin ................................................10 Method 2: Using Media Composer Proxy Import ...............................................11 Method 3: Right-click in a Bin .............................................................................12 

Importing Hi-Resolution Media...................................................................................13 Method 1: Dragging to an Media Composer Bin ................................................13 Method 2: Using Media Composer Import ..........................................................14

 Adding Clips to the Timeline ......................................................................................16 Identifying Clip Types in the Timeline .......................................................................16 Batch Importing High Resolution Media....................................................................17 Exporting an XDCAM-Native Sequence.....................................................................19 

5 - XDCAM EX..........................................................................................................................20 Key HD Workflow Features and Restrictions ............................................................20 System Requirements.................................................................................................20 Connections & Drivers................................................................................................20 XDCAM EX Clip Browser Overview............................................................................21 Copying SxS Media to Hard Disc Storage .................................................................22 

Copy All (using the Copy All button) ..................................................................22 Copying Clips Individually or in Batches ...........................................................24 Preparing to Copy ................................................................................................24 Using Copy/Paste.................................................................................................25 Using Drag/Drop...................................................................................................26 

8/3/2019 Media Composer XDCAM Workflow v9 6

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/media-composer-xdcam-workflow-v9-6 3/38

XDCAM Workflows in Avid Media Composer 

Page 2 of 38

Moving Clips.........................................................................................................26 Working With Spanned and Split XDCAM EX Clips ..................................................29 

Identifying a Spanned Clip...................................................................................29 Preparing to Join a Spanned Clip .......................................................................30 Copying Media from the First Card.....................................................................30 Copying Media from the Next Card .....................................................................32 

Rewrapping XDCAM EX Media for use in Media Composer.....................................33 Converting XDCAM EX Media for use on Other Platforms.......................................35 Importing AAF files into Media Composer ................................................................36 

6 - Notes ..................................................................................................................................37 

8/3/2019 Media Composer XDCAM Workflow v9 6

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/media-composer-xdcam-workflow-v9-6 4/38

XDCAM Workflows in Avid Media Composer 

Page 3 of 38

1 - Introduction

The Sony XDCAM workflow makes use of IT-based technology and workflows familiar to the

realm of personal computers, allowing the user to browse, ingest, and export content as datafiles – greatly enhancing the speed and flexibility of the editing process.

This document explains how to import, edit, and export XDCAM HD and XDCAM EX based

media utilizing Avid Media Composer software. Please note that the workflows outlined within

represent just a few examples of how to work with the XDCAM formats and Media Composer software, and that workflows can vary based on the project and/or installation.

For more detailed information on any of the software or hardware mentioned in this document,

please refer to the manufacturer-supplied Operation Guides for the associated product.

 XDCAM HD Overview 

Sony XDCAM HD relies on optical media, the Sony Professional Disc system.

Sony XDCAM HD cameras and decks may also operate as VTR replacement units; essentially

emulating traditional linear-based workflows.

Sony XDCAM HD records high-resolution MPEG-2 Long-GOP files, using the standardizedMaterial Exchange Format container, otherwise known as MXF. A low-resolution MPEG-4 video

stream for proxy-based video editing is also created simultaneously with the high-resolution

content during recording.

 XDCAM EX Overview 

The Sony XDCAM EX format provides another tapeless format for HD video acquisition andstorage. XDCAM EX products are not intended as a replacement for XDCAM HD products, butrather as a cost-effective addition to the XDCAM HD family. The primary difference between

XDCAM HD and XDCAM EX is the recording medium. Rather than using the Sony Professional

Disc system, XDCAM EX uses solid state SxS removable media, based on the newestExpressCard technology, the successor to the older CardBus PC card technology. BothExpressCard and CardBus are PCMCIA standards.

With the proper drivers installed, SxS media may be read by any Macintosh or PC fitted with aninternal ExpressCard slot or externally connected reader. You can also use the camera as a

reader by connecting it through the USB port.

However, unlike XDCAM HD, XDCAM EX devices are only capable of being accessed via file-

based methods. They do not support VTR emulation. The PMW-EX1 camera does have an HD-

SDI output that can be used in a manual control mode.

8/3/2019 Media Composer XDCAM Workflow v9 6

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/media-composer-xdcam-workflow-v9-6 5/38

XDCAM Workflows in Avid Media Composer 

Page 4 of 38

2 - XDCAM Workflow

 XDCAM HD

1 - Import XDCAM HD Professional Disc media into Media Composer over  iLink or  USB

2.0 via standard Media Composer Import dialog.

2 - Edit

3 - Export to XDCAM Professional Disc over iLink or  USB 2.0 via standard MediaComposer Export dialog. Alternatively, output to videotape.

 XDCAM EX 

1 - Import XDCAM EX media into Media Composer over USB 2.0 (or internal PC reader) via Sony XDCAM EX Clip Browser application (or use Sony XDCAM EX Clip Browser  

to first copy the SxS–based media to local storage, prior to importing).

2 - Edit

3 - Export over iLink or  USB 2.0 to XDCAM Professional Disc, or Hard Drive via standard

Media Composer export dialog. Alternatively, output to videotape.

8/3/2019 Media Composer XDCAM Workflow v9 6

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/media-composer-xdcam-workflow-v9-6 6/38

XDCAM Workflows in Avid Media Composer 

Page 5 of 38

3 - Creating a Media Composer Project

Project Selection

1 - Launch Avid Media Composer.

2 - When the Select Project window appears, do one of the following:

♦  Select an existing project from the list

♦  Create a new project by pressing and holding the ALT key while selecting New

Project.

8/3/2019 Media Composer XDCAM Workflow v9 6

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/media-composer-xdcam-workflow-v9-6 7/38

XDCAM Workflows in Avid Media Composer 

Page 6 of 38

3 - Choose a format that closely matches the preponderance of your material.

Note: For Raster Type, select “XDCAM HD” for XDCAM HD projects, and 

“Standard” for full-raster XDCAM EX projects. 

4 - Enter a name for the project.5 - Select OK.

6 - Back in the Select Project window, click on OK to load the project.

8/3/2019 Media Composer XDCAM Workflow v9 6

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/media-composer-xdcam-workflow-v9-6 8/38

XDCAM Workflows in Avid Media Composer 

Page 7 of 38

Setting Import Preferences

Set the Import Preferences for XDCAM material by doing the following:

1 - In the Project Settings tab, double-click on Import.

2 - Set preferences as desired (for the purposes of this tutorial, we will NOT import both

Proxy and High-Resolution material at the same time).

3 - Select OK to save the settings.

8/3/2019 Media Composer XDCAM Workflow v9 6

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/media-composer-xdcam-workflow-v9-6 9/38

XDCAM Workflows in Avid Media Composer 

Page 8 of 38

4 - XDCAM HD

Key Workflow Features and Restrictions

♦  Support for 1080 50/60i, 24/25/30p.

♦  iLink (File Access Mode) and FTP (Ethernet) are both supported for file import.However, Avid Transfer Manager (option) is required for Ethernet

♦  Proxy editing is supported in the Timeline.

♦  HDCAM HD Essence Marks are supported.

♦  For file-based import, 1440x1080 @ 25Mbps is the only supported format.

System Requirements

♦  Windows XP SP 2

♦  Avid Media Composer 3.0+

♦  Sony PDW-U1 Professional Disc Drive

♦  Sony PDW-F75 XDCAM Professional Disc Recorder 

Connections & Drivers

When using the Sony PDW-U1, connect to the host computer via a USB 2.0 cable.

When using the Sony PDW-F75, connect to the host computer via a Firewire 400 (iLink) cable.

Important: Ensure that the latest software drivers are loaded. These drivers

are typically included as an accessory with XDCAM devices, and are also available for download from manufacturer’s websites. 

8/3/2019 Media Composer XDCAM Workflow v9 6

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/media-composer-xdcam-workflow-v9-6 10/38

XDCAM Workflows in Avid Media Composer 

Page 9 of 38

PDW-F75 iLink Setup

For data transfers, the iLinkMode of the F75 must be set to “File Access Mode” (FAM), which

allows the XDCAM volume to be mounted as a drive by the host computer. The other iLink

mode, AV/C, configures the F75 for standard Firewire audio, video, and transport control.

To configure the F75 for FAM mode, utilize the front panel buttons to do the following:♦  Press the MENU button.

♦  Press the Up or Down arrow buttons to navigate to Setup Menu.

♦  Press the Right Arrow button to enter the Setup Menu.

♦  Press the Up or Down Arrow buttons to navigate to the Interface submenu.

♦  Press the Right Arrow button to enter the Interface submenu.

♦  Press the Up or Down Arrow buttons to navigate to the i.LINKMode submenu.

♦  Press the Right Arrow button to display the current i.LINKMode setting.

  Utilize the Up or Down Arrow buttons to set the mode to FAM.♦  Press the SET button to save the changes.

Note: When the F75 is connected to the host computer under FAM mode, all 

hardware controls (with the exception of the EJECT button) are disabled.For System Menu access (such as to change the iLinkMode to AV/C), amounted XDCAM disc should be ejected, and the Firewire cabledisconnected from the either the F75 or the host computer.

Note: The menu navigation and settings illustrated above may not apply to

other devices in the Sony XDCAM product line. Please consult the

device’s Operations Guide. 

8/3/2019 Media Composer XDCAM Workflow v9 6

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/media-composer-xdcam-workflow-v9-6 11/38

XDCAM Workflows in Avid Media Composer 

Page 10 of 38

Importing Proxy Media

Proxy media is contained in the XDCAM Sub folder. Avid supports multiple methods for importing proxy media into a project:

♦  Selectively drag files directly from XDCAM “Sub” folder to an Avid Bin.

♦  Import all Proxy files by selecting the Avid Proxy Import dialog from the File menu.

♦  Selectively Import files by right-clicking on a Bin and selecting Import.

Method 1: Dragging to an Media Composer Bin

1 - Use Windows Explorer to navigate to the “Sub” folder of the XDCAM disc.

2 - Select the file(s) to import to the Media Composer project.

3 - Drag the files to an Media Composer Bin.

8/3/2019 Media Composer XDCAM Workflow v9 6

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/media-composer-xdcam-workflow-v9-6 12/38

XDCAM Workflows in Avid Media Composer 

Page 11 of 38

Method 2: Using Media Composer Proxy Import 

1 - Select File > Import XDCAM Proxy

2 - Enter a Disc Label and Import location.

3 - Click Import.

Important: This method imports all of the proxy material from a given disc. 

8/3/2019 Media Composer XDCAM Workflow v9 6

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/media-composer-xdcam-workflow-v9-6 13/38

XDCAM Workflows in Avid Media Composer 

Page 12 of 38

Method 3: Right-click in a Bin

1 - Right click in a Bin and select Import .

2 - Navigate to the XDCAM Disk’s Sub folder.

3 - Enter a Disk Label (at bottom of window)

4 - Select file(s) to import.

5 - Press Enter (or click Open).

Note: The setting for Video Resolution is ignored. 

8/3/2019 Media Composer XDCAM Workflow v9 6

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/media-composer-xdcam-workflow-v9-6 14/38

XDCAM Workflows in Avid Media Composer 

Page 13 of 38

Importing Hi-Resolution Media

Hi-Resolution media is contained in the XDCAM Clip folder. Avid supports multiple methods for importing hi-res media into a project

♦  Selectively drag files directly from XDCAM “Clip” folder to Avid Bin.

♦  Selectively import files by selecting the Avid Import dialog from the File menu.

♦  Selectively import files by right-clicking on a Bin and selecting Import.

Note: The workflow for Method 2 and 3 is essentially identical. 

Method 1: Dragging to an Media Composer Bin

1 - Use Windows Explorer to navigate to the “Clip” folder of the XDCAM disc.

Note: The Clip folder contains both Media and XML data files for each clip. To

ease navigation of the contents, set the window View preferences to“Arrange By Type”, as shown below:

8/3/2019 Media Composer XDCAM Workflow v9 6

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/media-composer-xdcam-workflow-v9-6 15/38

XDCAM Workflows in Avid Media Composer 

Page 14 of 38

2 - Select the file(s) to import to the Media Composer project.

3 - Drag the files to the Media Composer Bin.

Method 2: Using Media Composer Import 

1 - Do one of the following:

♦  Select File > Import .

♦  Right click in a Bin and select Import .

OR

2 - Navigate to the XDCAM Disk’s Clip folder.

8/3/2019 Media Composer XDCAM Workflow v9 6

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/media-composer-xdcam-workflow-v9-6 16/38

XDCAM Workflows in Avid Media Composer 

Page 15 of 38

3 - Enter a Disk Label (at bottom of window).

4 - Select file(s) to import.

5 - Select Open (or press Enter ).

Note: The setting for Video Resolution is ignored. 

8/3/2019 Media Composer XDCAM Workflow v9 6

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/media-composer-xdcam-workflow-v9-6 17/38

XDCAM Workflows in Avid Media Composer 

Page 16 of 38

 Adding Clips to the Timeline

To add a clip to a Sequence without trimming, simply drag the clip from the Bin to the Timeline.

To trim a clip prior to adding it to the Sequence, do one of the following to open the clip in the

Media Composer Source window:

♦  Double-click on the clip icon in the Bin.

♦  Drag the clip to the Avid Source Window. 

Navigate the clip in the Source Window, set In and Out points, then do one of the following:

♦  Drag the image in the Source Window to the Timeline.

♦  Select Insert or Overwrite, as required. 

Refer to the Media Composer User Guide for more detailed editing information.

Identifying Clip Types in the Timeline

In the two sample Sequences below, the upper Sequence is comprised of 4 proxy clips, while

the lower Sequence is comprised of 2 Hi-res clips, and two proxy clips:

8/3/2019 Media Composer XDCAM Workflow v9 6

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/media-composer-xdcam-workflow-v9-6 18/38

XDCAM Workflows in Avid Media Composer 

Page 17 of 38

Proxy clips are identified by the file type being MPEG-4, the filename ending in “S01”, as well as

the clip color being yellow.

Important: The setting for Clip Color must be set to SD/HD. Use the Fast Menu

to make this setting, as shown below: 

Batch Importing High Resolution Media

When working with Proxy media, accompanying high resolution media should be imported and

linked to the Sequence prior to export. Typically, this is done by performing a Batch Import of  the media used in the Sequence, plus handles, if desired.

For this example, the Sequence with 4 Proxy clips will be utilized.

1 - Click on the Sequence in the Bin.

2 - Select Bin > Batch Import .

8/3/2019 Media Composer XDCAM Workflow v9 6

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/media-composer-xdcam-workflow-v9-6 19/38

XDCAM Workflows in Avid Media Composer 

Page 18 of 38

Select “All Clips”

3 - The Batch Import window will open.

4 - Select Import.

The Hi-Resolution media will be imported and linked to the Sequence. Note that the clip color for all clips in the Timeline will change to tan.

8/3/2019 Media Composer XDCAM Workflow v9 6

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/media-composer-xdcam-workflow-v9-6 20/38

XDCAM Workflows in Avid Media Composer 

Page 19 of 38

Exporting an XDCAM-Native Sequence

To export a Sequence to XDCAM Professional Disc:

1 - In a Bin, right-click on the Sequence to be exported.

2 - Select File > Export to Device > XDCAM . The Export Settings window will open.

3 - Step 3: After selecting the export settings, click OK.

The Sequence will be rendered and appended to the XDCAM disc.

Note: The filename of the exported sequence is set automatically and cannot bealtered from within the editing application.

Important: When writing to XDCAM Professional Disc, the exported file must 

 precisely conform to the target disc format, or the export will fail. XDCAM HD supports frame sizes of 1440x1080 at both 25 Mbpsand 35 Mbps. 720p is not supported. 

8/3/2019 Media Composer XDCAM Workflow v9 6

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/media-composer-xdcam-workflow-v9-6 21/38

XDCAM Workflows in Avid Media Composer 

Page 20 of 38

5 - XDCAM EX

Key HD Workflow Features and Restrictions

♦  Support for 1080 50/60i, 24/25/30p

♦  XDCAM EX media (natively MP4) must be rewrapped to AAF (via XDCAM ClipBrowser) for import into Avid.

System Requirements

♦  Windows XP SP 2

♦  Macintosh OS 10.4.11+

♦  Avid Media Composer v3.0+

♦  Sony XDCAM EX Clip Browser v2.0+♦  Sony SBAC-US10 SxS Card reader (or internal card reader)

Connections & Drivers

♦  When using the Sony SBAC-US10, connect to the host computer via a USB 2.0cable.

Important: Ensure that the latest software drivers are loaded. These driversare typically included as an accessory with XDCAM devices, and may also be available for download from the manufacturer’swebsite. 

Note: This document covers workflows on PC-based Avid software. Workflows

on Macintosh-based systems are similar.

8/3/2019 Media Composer XDCAM Workflow v9 6

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/media-composer-xdcam-workflow-v9-6 22/38

XDCAM Workflows in Avid Media Composer 

Page 21 of 38

 XDCAM EX Clip Browser Overview  

XDCAM EX Clip Browser serves many functions, including Clip Preview, Logging, MediaManagement, Rewrapping and Exporting media to various devices such as Sony PSP and

Apple iPod. Copying individual clips via the Windows or Macintosh Operating System willresult in unusable media on the target drive.

XDCAM EX media (natively MP4) must be converted to AAF prior to import into the Media

Composer application, using XDCAM EX Clip Browser.

In the default layout, the user interface is segmented into three sections. If the arrangement onyour screen looks different than the example below, select the Window drop menu and choose

Optimize Window Layout .

Explorer Button Bar Overview:

8/3/2019 Media Composer XDCAM Workflow v9 6

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/media-composer-xdcam-workflow-v9-6 23/38

XDCAM Workflows in Avid Media Composer 

Page 22 of 38

In the default layout shown, two Explorer windows are stacked one above the other on the left

side of the screen, and are used to navigate and manipulate media files. These windows aredivided into two halves: The Tree View Pane, on the left, and the List View Pane on the right.

Selections made in the Tree View Pane affect the contents of the List View Pane.

The right side of the screen contains the Preview window, which automatically updates based

on the selections made in the active Explorer window. Clip information is displayed in the lower portion of the Preview window, and user logging data may be entered here as well.

Note that the user may freely reposition and resize the windows, as well as add additionalExplorer windows (up to 10 total) and Preview windows (up to 5 total) to the screen. To

conserve screen real estate, multiple windows of the same type may be consolidated into asingle window by converting them into tabs.

Please refer to the Sony XDCAM EX Clip Browser 2.0 Operations Guide for complete details on all features of the application.

Copying SxS Media to Hard Disc Storage

Conversion from MP4 to AAF may be done directly from original SxS media. However, the

recommended workflow is to first copy (archive) the clips in their native format to hard disc.

XDCAM EX Clip Browser provides several methods for copying clips from an SxS card:

♦  Copy All to an application-specified folder.

♦  Cut/Copy/Paste (one or more clips) to any location.

♦  Drag/Drop (one or more clips) to any location.

Copy All (using the Copy All button)

By far, the fastest method of transferring the entire contents of an SxS card to hard disc is

through the use of the Copy All feature, which copies an entire card to a unique folder in auser-defined directory. To set the directory location for the copied media, do the following:

1 - Open the XDCAM EX Clip Browser Options menu from the Tool drop menu.

8/3/2019 Media Composer XDCAM Workflow v9 6

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/media-composer-xdcam-workflow-v9-6 24/38

XDCAM Workflows in Avid Media Composer 

Page 23 of 38

2 - In the Copy pane of the General tab, enter (or browse to) a location for the copiedclips.

3 - To ensure data integrity, check marking the Perform CRC check after copy item isrecommended.

4 - Click OK (or press Enter ).

5 - In the Tree View pane of an Explorer Window, click on the SxS card icon for the cardyou want to copy from.

6 - In the Button Bar, Click the button. A confirmation message such as the

one below will appear:

7 - Take note of the unique Folder Name that the system automatically assigns, which isderived from the current date and time (20080922094552, above). This provides a high

degree of organization and data overwrite protection. Subsequent Copy All routines willcreate additional folders, even if the contents are identical.

8 - Click Yes (or press Enter ) to copy the clips.

8/3/2019 Media Composer XDCAM Workflow v9 6

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/media-composer-xdcam-workflow-v9-6 25/38

XDCAM Workflows in Avid Media Composer 

Page 24 of 38

Copying Clips Individually or in Batches

As an alternative to copying the entire contents of a card, clips may be copied individually or inbatches to a user-selectable folder. Please note that the following steps are designed as a guide

to the Copy workflow, and that folder names and locations are entirely at the user’s discretion.

Preparing to Copy 

1 - Launch XDCAM EX Clip Browser.

2 - In the Tree View pane of an Explorer Window, select the SxS card. The card contentswill be displayed in the List View Pane.

3 - Unless a second window is already open (as in the default layout), open a new ClipBrowser Explorer Window by selecting Window > New Explorer Window . 

In this second or newly opened window, use the Tree View pane to navigate to the

editing system’s media volume, and create a folder for copied media. For this example,

a new folder will be created in the folder “My Documents”, and named “SxS Media.”

4 - Navigate to My Documents.

5 - Click the New Folder button.

6 - Name the folder (In this example, the folder has been named “SxS Media”).

8/3/2019 Media Composer XDCAM Workflow v9 6

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/media-composer-xdcam-workflow-v9-6 26/38

XDCAM Workflows in Avid Media Composer 

Page 25 of 38

7 - Double-click on the newly created folder to display its contents (currently empty). In theexample below, the upper window displays a portion of the contents of the SxS card,

while the lower window displays the contents of the “SxS Media” folder.

With the above accomplished, the user is now free to choose from the following two Copy 

methods.

Using Copy/Paste

1 - In the List View pane of the upper Explorer Window (the one displaying the contents of 

the SxS card), select the clips to be copied. As necessary, press Shift or Control to

select multiple clips (or Ctrl + A to select all the clips).

2 - Do one of the following:

♦  Click the Copy button.

♦  Right click and select Copy from the contextual menu.

♦  Press Ctrl + C 

3 - Click in the List View pane of the other Explorer window (the one displaying thecontents of the “SxS Media” folder).

4 - Do one of the following:

♦  Click the Paste button.

♦  Right click and select Paste from the contextual menu.

♦  Press Ctrl + V 

8/3/2019 Media Composer XDCAM Workflow v9 6

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/media-composer-xdcam-workflow-v9-6 27/38

XDCAM Workflows in Avid Media Composer 

Page 26 of 38

5 - A confirmation message will appear:

6 - Click Yes (or press Enter ) to copy the clip(s).

Using Drag/Drop

1 - In the List View pane of the upper Explorer Window (the one displaying the contents of 

the SxS card), select the clips to be copied. As necessary, press Shift or Control toselect multiple clips (or Ctrl + A to select all the clips).

2 - Drag the clips from the upper List View pane to the lower List View pane.

3 - A confirmation message will appear.

4 - Click Yes (or press Enter ) to copy the clip(s).

Moving Clips

Clips may be freely moved about hard disc directories and between SxS Media and hard disc.XDCAM EX Clip Browser MUST be used for these operations.

1 - Open the XDCAM EX Clip Browser Options menu from the Tool drop menu.

8/3/2019 Media Composer XDCAM Workflow v9 6

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/media-composer-xdcam-workflow-v9-6 28/38

XDCAM Workflows in Avid Media Composer 

Page 27 of 38

2 - In the Priority in Move pane of the General tab, select one of the two options:

♦  Processing Speed provides the fastest possible transfer.

♦  Data Protection creates a duplicate before deletion of the original clip.

In general, select Data Protection when moving clips that have not been archived.

3 - Click OK (or press Enter ).

4 - In the List View pane of a Clip Browser Explorer Window, navigate to a location for the

moved media. Create a new folder, if necessary, using the New Folder button.5 - In the List View pane of another Clip Browser Explorer Window, select the clips to be

moved. As necessary, press Shift or Control to select multiple clips (or Ctrl + A to

select all the clips).

6 - Do one of the following:

♦  Click the Cut button.

♦  Right click and select Cut from the contextual menu.

♦  Press Ctrl + X 

7 - Click in the List View pane of the other Explorer Window.

8 - Do one of the following.

♦  Click the Paste button.

♦  Right click and select Paste from the contextual menu.

♦  Press Ctrl + V 

8/3/2019 Media Composer XDCAM Workflow v9 6

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/media-composer-xdcam-workflow-v9-6 29/38

XDCAM Workflows in Avid Media Composer 

Page 28 of 38

9 - A confirmation message will appear:

10 - Click Yes (or press Enter ) to move the clip(s).

8/3/2019 Media Composer XDCAM Workflow v9 6

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/media-composer-xdcam-workflow-v9-6 30/38

XDCAM Workflows in Avid Media Composer 

Page 29 of 38

Working With Spanned and Split XDCAM EX Clips

An XDCAM EX device automatically saves video that exceeds 4 GB in size as multiple clips.

Clips that are divided in this manner on a single card are referred to as Split Clips. Clips that

are divided across two or more SxS cards are referred to as Spanned Clips.

For Split Clips, XDCAM EX Clip Browser automatically creates the metadata necessary for themultiple segments to display and behave like a single clip. No special interaction on the part of the user is required.

For Spanned Clips, XDCAM EX Clip Browser is used to join the segments, but does require

some user interaction, as described below.

Note: The media segments that comprise Split or Spanned clips always remain

as separate entities. Only the metadata is altered. 

Identifying a Spanned Clip

A clip that has been spanned between two or more SxS cards is easily identified within XDCAM

EX Clip Browser by the addition of a Spanned Clip Icon, circled below. The two clips shown

span two SxS cards, named Card 1 and Card 2.

8/3/2019 Media Composer XDCAM Workflow v9 6

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/media-composer-xdcam-workflow-v9-6 31/38

XDCAM Workflows in Avid Media Composer 

Page 30 of 38

Spanned clips may also be identified by the clip’s filename, which will contain the letter “U”,

followed by a two digit numeral beginning at 01.

Preparing to Join a Spanned Clip

1 - Launch XDCAM EX Clip Browser.

2 - Insert the first SxS Card into the card reader.

3 - In the Tree View pane of an Explorer Window, select the SxS card. In the example

below, Card 1 has been selected, and a single spanned clip is displayed.

Copying Media from the First Card 

1 - Unless a second window is already open (as in the default layout), open a new ClipBrowser Explorer Window by selecting Window > New Explorer Window . 

In this second or newly opened window, use the Tree View pane to navigate to theediting system’s media volume, and create a folder for the joined clips. In this example,a new folder will be created in the folder “My Documents”, and named “Joined Clips.”

2 - Navigate to My Documents.

8/3/2019 Media Composer XDCAM Workflow v9 6

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/media-composer-xdcam-workflow-v9-6 32/38

XDCAM Workflows in Avid Media Composer 

Page 31 of 38

3 - Click the New Folder button.

4 - Name the folder “Joined Clips”.

In the example below, the upper window displays the contents of the first card, while thelower window displays the contents of the “Joined Clips” folder, currently empty.

8/3/2019 Media Composer XDCAM Workflow v9 6

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/media-composer-xdcam-workflow-v9-6 33/38

XDCAM Workflows in Avid Media Composer 

Page 32 of 38

5 - Select the spanned clip(s) from the first card (upper window) and drag to the lower window. A dialog box will appear:

6 - Select Yes (or press Enter ).

7 - When the copy is complete, perform a software Eject of the SxS card.

8 - Remove the SxS card from the reader.

Copying Media from the Next Card 

1 - Insert the next card into the SxS Card Reader.

2 - In the upper window, navigate to this card (in this example, named “Card 2”).

3 - Select the spanned clip from the second card (upper window) and drag to the lower window. A dialog box will appear:

8/3/2019 Media Composer XDCAM Workflow v9 6

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/media-composer-xdcam-workflow-v9-6 34/38

XDCAM Workflows in Avid Media Composer 

Page 33 of 38

4 - Select Yes (or press Enter ).

5 - As the media from the second card is copied, Clip Browser automatically creates newmetadata that effectively makes the spanned clips behave as a single clip (note that theSpanned Clip Icon is no longer displayed). 

Note:  Although the example above depicts placing Spanned Clips in a separate

folder, all clip types may be freely intermingled in a single target folder.

In a workflow where the entire contents of all cards are archived to asingle location on a hard disc prior to import to Media Composer, the

 joining of Spanned Clips occurs automatically. 

Rewrapping XDCAM EX Media for use in Media Composer 

XDCAM EX media (natively MP4) must be converted to AAF format prior to import into Media

Composer, using the Sony XDCAM EX Clip Browser application.

1 - Launch XDCAM EX Clip Browser.

2 - Open the XDCAM EX Clip Browser Options menu from the Tool drop menu.

8/3/2019 Media Composer XDCAM Workflow v9 6

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/media-composer-xdcam-workflow-v9-6 35/38

XDCAM Workflows in Avid Media Composer 

Page 34 of 38

♦  In the Avid AAF pane of the Conversion tab, select a location for the converted

media. This must be the Avid-generated MXF folder for your project.

Note: For a new project, the Media Composer does not create an MXF folder 

until the first piece of media is imported. A simple way to force thecreation of the MXF folder is to import one of the Avid-supplied test signals into a Bin.

3 - Click OK (or press Enter ).

4 - In the Tree View pane of an Explorer Window, select the SxS card (or EX media folder 

on hard drive). The contents will be displayed in the List View Pane.

5 - In the List View pane of the Explorer Window, select the clips to berewrapped/imported. As necessary, press Shift or Control to select multiple clips (or 

Ctrl + A to select all the clips).

6 - Invoke the Export process by doing one of the following:

♦  Right click on any of the selected clip(s), and select Export > Avid AAF .

♦  Select File > Export > Avid AAF 

8/3/2019 Media Composer XDCAM Workflow v9 6

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/media-composer-xdcam-workflow-v9-6 36/38

XDCAM Workflows in Avid Media Composer 

Page 35 of 38

7 - A list of the selected clips will appear as below:

8 - Click the Browse button at the top right of the window.

9 - Select or create a location for the AAF (metadata) files.

Important : The location of the AAF file(s) is not critical, but should be

consistent, as they will be selected during the import process. 

10 - Click Execute to begin the conversion. Progress will be reported in the Status column of the Export window.

11 - Click Close when the export is complete.

Converting XDCAM EX Media for use on Other Platforms

With optional Main Concept Conversion Packs, XDCAM EX Clip Browser may be utilized to

convert XDCAM EX source material for use on a wide variety of other platforms, including AppleiPod, Sony PSP, and Sony XDCAM Optical formats.

Main Concept conversion packs are available at www.mainconcept.com.

8/3/2019 Media Composer XDCAM Workflow v9 6

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/media-composer-xdcam-workflow-v9-6 37/38

XDCAM Workflows in Avid Media Composer 

Page 36 of 38

Importing AAF files into Media Composer 

1 - Right click on a Media Composer Bin and select Import . 

2 - Locate the AAF file(s) of the converted media.

3 - Select Open. The clips will be Imported into the current project and entries made in the

selected Bin.

Note: Each clip will be imported as both Media and as a Sequence (see below).

The Sequence may be deleted from the Bin.

Important: The Clip Browser AAF export/Media Composer import process

yields unique files that cannot be precisely recreated from theoriginal card media and relinked to an Avid Sequence, should theoriginal OPAtom files be deleted or otherwise lost.

8/3/2019 Media Composer XDCAM Workflow v9 6

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/media-composer-xdcam-workflow-v9-6 38/38

XDCAM Workflows in Avid Media Composer 

6 - Notes

♦  Always perform a software “Eject” of the XDCAM HD optical media prior to

removing the disc from the drive.

♦  Always perform a software “Eject” of the XDCAM EX SxS media prior to removingthe card from the reader.

♦  Clips that are moved, copied, or added to an SxS card or hard drive may notimmediately be reflected in previously opened XDCAM EX Clip Browser windows.

To update a window, select Refresh from the View drop menu.