Is there an available Avid XAVC S AMA plugin? Where can I download XAVC S plugin for Avid? If you are searching for answers to these questions, you are in the right place.
Questions regarding to XAVC S file format in Avid
“Hi Everyone, I’ve tried many times to use the XAVC-s with Avid, like most to no avail. I have been shooting in AVCHD on my A7S and AMA linking into AVID, which is OK but I really want to use the better quality of XAVC-s. There must be a way to work this out. Help please.”
“I am trying to work with files from my new Sony a7S in Avid MC. The camera uses a flavor of MP4 that is called XAVC-S. I have tried the traditional importing method — and it’s a no-go. I have also tried AMA using Sony’s XAVC AMA plugin, however the plugin does not seem to support XAVC-S. Does this camera require 3rd party software to use within Media Composer? Anyone know of another resource worth trying? Thanks.”
It is currently impossible to work with Sony XAVC-S files in Avid Media Composer. This problem is due to the fact that Sony has not released an XAVC-S plugin for Avid. To be able to edit XAVC-S files in Avid system, you will need to use another program to convert the XAVC-S into a compatible codec that Media Composer can use, such as DNxHD. Here is a step-by-step guide displaying how to convert Sony XAVC-S files to DNxHD for Avid editing.
Process for encoding XAVC S MP4 files to Avid editable DNxHD codec
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.
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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