Came upon issues importing Sony PMW-400 XAVC video files to work in Avid Media Composer? If so, you may wish to read this post. It details a workaround to transcode Sony PMW-400 XAVC MXF files to DNxHD .mov format for use in Avid systems with lossless quality.
I needed a XAVC converter for Sony PMW-400 to help my Avid workflow
“Hi, there, I have a bundle of XAVC (.mxf files) taken with a Sony PMW-400 which I want to edit with Avid MC 5.5. I’ve download the Sony XAVC plug-in for Avid, but it didn’t work for me, so I have to look for a Sony PMW-400 XAVC Converter for my Avid workflow. I’ve tried several options during the past three days, but couldn’t find one that would do what I want. Can anyone kindly recommend a third party converter to do this? I would really appreciate any help. Thanks.”
To be able to work with Sony PMW-400 XAVC footage in Avid, you will need to download and install XAVC/XDCAM Plug-in for Avid (PDZK-MA2) offered by Sony. If for some reason the XAVC plug-in didn’t work for you, you will need to transcode them to a format that is full compatible with your editing system. To be clear, we do recommend converting Sony PMW-400 XAVC to DNxHD .mov for working with Avid apps. This requires third party program like HD Video Converter.
You can download a demo version (for both, PC and Mac) to have a try. They are not free but it is totally worth it.
Sony PMW-400 and Avid workflow – how to convert Sony PMW-400 XAVC MXF files to DNxHD for Avid system?
The steps:
Step 1: Start up HD Video Converter as a Sony PMW-400 XAVC Converter for Avid. When its main interface pops up, click ‘Add File’ to input your source media.
Step 2: Choose output format for Avid MC
From ‘Format’ bar, select ‘Avid DNxHD (*.mov)’ as output format under ‘Avid Media Composer’ column.
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 Sony PMW-400 XAVC 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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