How can I import and edit Sony XAVC S MP4 files in Avid? If you run into any issues working with Sony XAVC S footage in Avid system, you may wish to read this post. It displays a workaround to transcode Sony XAVC S files to DNxHD MOV for use in Avid MC with optimum performance.
Issues loading Sony A7S XAVC S recordings to Avid MC 8
“Hi, all, I just bought a7s from Sony and I can not import its XAVC S footage or AMA it in Avid Media Composer 8. What to do to go about this issue? Anyone has any experience on this? Please suggest a solution. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.”
There are two versions of the XAVC codec: a consumer version named XAVC-S and a professional version named XAVC. The Avid Apps fully support XAVC files created by professional cameras and recorders with Sony’s XAVC/XDCAM Plug-in for Avid installed, but do not support XAVC S files made by consumer camcorders or mirrorless cameras. To be able to ingest XAVC S MP4 video to Avid for post production, you will need to transcode XAVC S footage to a format that is suitable for use in Avid system, such as DNxHD encoded MOV format, which Avid will recognize and handle well. This requires third party software like HD Video Converter. Read on to check a short tutorial on how to convert XAVC S to DNxHD for Avid editing.
Here’s what you need
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.
Process for rewrapping XAVC S MP4 files to Avid editable codec
Step 1: Start up HD Video Converter as a Sony XAVC S MP4 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 ‘Profile’ list, 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 XAVC S MP4 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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