We write this post to help those who are having issues loading WMV video files to Final Cut Pro (X) for further editing. It guides you through the process of converting WMV clips to Apple ProRes codec for use in FCP version 6, 7 or X with optimum performance.
User question regarding importing WMV into FCP X from Apple Support Communities
“I need to import a WMV file into FCPX. Not possible (Apple shortsightedness). Okay, I need to convert the WMV into a FCPX-friendly format. A Google search brings up a ton of pay-for converters, but nothing free. What’s a good converter for this task? If I need to buy something, I’d prefer to buy only one application rather than strike gold on the 3rd or 4th purchase. MacBook Pro, OS X Mavericks (10.9.1).”
Due to format incompatibility issues, videographer sometimes need to transcode WMV video to QuickTime MOV format for use on Mac through FCP, iMovie, FCE, etc. This requires third party software like HD Video Converter for Mac. Read on to find a step-by-step guide talking about how to rewrap WMV files to ProRes for working with FCP X/6/7 via using this app.
[Guide] How to encode WMV files for editing in FCP (X)?
First of all, download a trial version of HD Video Converter for Mac
Then follow these steps:
Step 1: Run HD Video Converter for Mac as a professional WMV to FCP Converter. When its main interface comes up, click ‘Add File’ to load source video to it.
Step 2: Select ‘Apple ProRes 422 (*.mov)’ as output format for opening with FCP (X)
From the “Profile” list, move to ‘Final Cut Pro’ catalogue, and select ‘Apple ProRes 422 (*.mov)’ as target format. Apple ProRes is the best suited editing codec for FCP X and its former version FCP 6 and 7. When loading them into FCP (X), you needn’t wait for a long time for rendering.
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: Adjust video and audio settings (for advanced users)
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: Click ‘Convert’ to start WMV to ProRes MOV conversion.
Step 5: Click ‘Open Folder’ to get generated ProRes 422 QuickTime files for transferring and editing in Final Cut Pro X/7/6 with optimum performance.
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