How to edit Alexa ProRes and Arriraw footage in Avid?


If you are having troubles working with Alexa ProRes and Arriraw footage in Avid Media Composer, you may wish to read this post. It explains a workaround to transcode Arri Alexa footage to DNxHD files for editing in Avid system with optimum performance.
working with Alexa ProRes and Arriraw footage in Avid
Looking for a smooth Alexa workflow in Avid
“Hi, guys, I have captured 2880 x 1620 recordings in ARRIRAW format using Arri Alexa camera. I’ve never edited Alexa files before so I’m stuck working with Alexa footage in Avid MC7. Does anyone know a smooth workflow to go through? Thanks everybody for your patience and help!!!”

The Arri Alexa camera shoots both QuickTime ProRes and Arriraw footage. Many users can’t handle Alexa ProRes and Arriraw files in Avid Media Composer and do file conversions to make DNxHD .mov files for their projects. It is true that this method does take a little longer, since it requires converting the Alexa footage to another format. However, this method will help speed the editing process a bit.

This will be especially helpful if you are stuck using an older desktop or laptop with weak processor and a small amount of RAM. Check a quick guide on how to encode Alexa ProRes and Arriraw shootings to DNxHD .mov for Avid Media Composer.

Here’s what you need
HD Video Converter
You can download a demo version (for both, Mac and Windows) to have a try. They are not free but it is totally worth it.
transcode Arri Alexa footage to DNxHD files for editing in Avidsmooth Alexa workflow in Avid

[Guide] How to convert Alexa ProRes and Arriraw footage to DNxHD for Avid system?

The steps:
Step 1: Start up HD Video Converter as an Alexa Video Converter for Avid. When its main interface pops up, click ‘Add File’ to input your source media.
encode Alexa ProRes and Arriraw shootings to DNxHD .mov for Avid

Step 2: Choose output format for Avid MC
From ‘Profile’ list, select ‘Avid DNxHD (*.mov)’ as output format under ‘Avid Media Composer’ column.
Alexa Video Converter for Avid
Important: If you’ve loaded a number of video clips to do batch conversion, please do remember ticking off ‘Apply to All’ option before you start.

Step 3: Custom video and audio settings
If necessary, you can click ‘Settings’ button and go to ‘Profiles Settings’ panel to modify video and audio settings like video encoder, resolution, video bit rate, frame rate, aspect ratio, audio encoder, sample rate, audio bit rate, and audio channels. 3D settings are also available.

Step 4: Start Alexa ProRes and Arriraw footage to DNxHD MOV Conversion
When ready, click ‘Convert’ to start format conversion. As soon as the conversion is complete, you can click ‘Open Folder’ button to get the exported DNxHD MOV files for use in Avid apps with optimum performance.

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