How can I import MP4 files in a BPAV folder to Avid MC?


This post is written for people who are having issues importing MP4 files in a BPAV folder to Avid Media Composer for post production. It explains a way of converting XDCAM EX BPAV files to DNxHD codec for editing in Avid MC with optimum performance.

Can’t get Avid to recognize MP4 files in a BPAV folder
“Hello, all, I’m having a strange issue with XDCAM EX files from my Sony PMW-F3. Everything has been shot and transferred to a hard drive. Avid Media Composer doesn’t recognize the MP4 files in the BPAV folder through AMA or Import. I have XDCam Transfer, XDCam Browser and the latest XDCam AMA plugin for Avid. But they don’t work. The BPAV file structure looks correct. Can anyone help me with the correct workflow to import this sort of BPAV files into Avid MC. Thanks.”
issues importing MP4 files in a BPAV folder to Avid
If for whatever reason you are unable to work with MP4 files in a BPAV folder in Avid even with the correct AMA plugin installed, we would recommend transcoding BPAV files to DNxHD .mov, the best suitable editing format for Media Composer, which will ensure a smooth workflow. This requires third party software like HD Video Converter. Read on to find a short tutorial on how to convert BPAV MP4 files to DNxHD for Avid editing.

A quick guide on how to convert BPAV MP4 video to DNxHD for Avid MC

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.
converting XDCAM EX BPAV files to DNxHDget Avid to recognize MP4 files in a BPAV folder

The steps
Step 1: Start up HD Video Converter as a BPAV MP4 Converter for Avid. When its main interface pops up, click ‘Add File’ to input your source media.
Avid doesn't recognize MP4 files in BPAV folder

Step 2: Choose output format for Avid MC
From ‘Profile’ list, select ‘Avid DNxHD (*.mov)’ as output format under ‘Avid Media Composer’ column.
BPAV MP4 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 Sony BPAV MP4 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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