If you are searching for a quick and fluid workflow for using Sony PMW-1000 XAVC MXF footage in Avid systems, you may wish to read this post. It presents an easy way to convert PMW-1000 XAVC files to DNxHD .mov format for editing in Avid with optimum performance.
Workflow for using Sony PMW-1000 XAVC MXF footage in Avid
“Hi, there, I’m wondering if there is a fast and fluid workflow for using Sony PMW-1000 XAVC MXF footage in Avid. I have a copy of Avid MC 5.5 on my machine which I want to edit some XAVC .mxf files downloaded from a Sony PMW-1000 with it. I already have the XAVC Plug-in for Avid installed, but it seems no help for me, so I need something else to help me out. Any ideas on this? Many thanks.”
To be able to import and edit Sony PMW-1000 XAVC footage in Avid, you will need to download and install the XAVC/XDCAM Plug-in for Avid (PDZK-MA2) created by Sony. This plug-in will help you to work with Sony PMW-1000 XAVC MXF files in Avid systems smoothly. If for some reason you don’t want to use this plug-in or this XAVC plug-in can not work on your computer correctly, we do recommend transcoding Sony PMW-1000 XAVC media to DNxHD, the best suited editing codec for use in 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-1000 and Avid workflow – how to convert Sony PMW-1000 XAVC MXF files to DNxHD for Avid system?
The steps:
Step 1: Start up HD Video Converter as a Sony PMW-1000 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-1000 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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