Working with Sony PXW-X160 XAVC files in Avid


Is there a way to work with Sony PXW-X160 XAVC files in Avid without installing the AMA plug-in? Yes, there is. Read on to find the alternative way of converting PXW-X160 XAVC mxf files to DNxHD for editing in Avid system with optimum performance.
work with Sony PXW-X160 XAVC files in Avid
Is there a way to import Sony PXW-X160 XAVC files to Avid without installing the AMA plug-in?
”Hi, there, I’m shooting with a Sony PXW-X160 and need to edit its XAVC footage in .mxf wrapper in Avid Media Composer 6. My problem is that the AMA plug-in provided by Sony is useless for me (I guess it’s mainly because my Avid version is too old), so I have to figure out a way to solve my issue. Is there a way to work with Sony PXW-X160 XAVC files in Avid without installing the AMA plug-in? Any suggestions on this? I would really appreciate any help. Thanks in advance.”

If the XAVC/XDCAM Plug-in for Avid (PDZK-MA2) created by Sony won’t work for you, you will need to download and install third party converter software like HD Video Converter to process “transcoded editing”. That means you convert Sony PXW-X160 XAVC footage to a format that is compatible with Avid first, and then load them into Avid for further editing. Read on to find the steps required to transcode Sony PXW-X160 XAVC MXF files to DNxHD .mov for Avid via using HD Video Converter.

You can download a demo version to have a try. They are not free but it is totally worth it.
converting PXW-X160 XAVC mxf files to DNxHDimport Sony PXW-X160 XAVC files to Avid

How to convert Sony PXW-X160 MXF files to QuickTime for editing in Avid without installing AMA plug-in?

Step 1: Start up HD Video Converter as a Sony PXW-X160 XAVC Converter for Avid. When its main interface pops up, click ‘Add File’ to input your source media.
transcode Sony PXW-X160 XAVC MXF files to DNxHD .mov for Avid
Step 2: Choose output format for Avid MC
From ‘Profile’ list, select ‘Avid DNxHD (*.mov)’ as output format under ‘Avid Media Composer’ column.
Sony PXW-X160 XAVC 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 PXW-X160 XAVC 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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