This post is written for people who are getting into a trouble using Panasonic AG-HPX171 P2 MXF footage in Avid systems. It displays a workaround to transcode AG-HPX171 P2 MXF files to DNxHD for editing in Avid smoothly without installing the P2 AMA pug-in.
With Avid, editing footage captured with the Panasonic AG-HPX171 camera is fast and easy. To be able to get full access to P2 MXF footage, you will need to download and install the latest P2 AMA pug-in from Panasonic’s website. With this plug-in installed, you are able to experience the fastest, most flexible P2 workflow with Avid system as you edit footage directly from a P2 card, no need for transcode, capture, or file conversion process of any kind. However, for Media Composer 6.5, Symphony 6.5, NewsCutter 10.5 and earlier, you may have issue using this plug-in. In that case, you will need to use third party solution to process format conversion. That’s called “transcoded editing”. “Transcoded editing” may also needed in some situations when you have bugs, crashes and other system issues working with Panasonic AG-HPX171 P2 MXF files in the Avid apps.
The following content explains the detailed steps required to convert AG-HPX171 P2 MXF media to QuickTime .mov with DNxHD codec for use in Avid with optimum performance.
Software requirement
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 Panasonic AG-HPX171 P2 MXF files to Avid editable codec
Step 1: Start up HD Video Converter as a Panasonic AG-HPX171 MXF Converter for Avid. When its main interface pops up, click ‘Add File’ to input your source media.
Caution: The folder that you selected to import MXF files must have the complete file structure as it appears on the camera card, if not, you may have image only with audio lost. This is usually happened on P2 MXF files, because the video files and audio files are stored in two different folders.
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 Panasonic AG-HPX171 P2 MXF 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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