Couldn’t figure out a way to load XAVC S files into Avid Media Composer for further editing? If so, you may wish to read this post. It presents a workaround to prepare XAVC S video for use in Avid MC smoothly.
Cannot load XAVC S files into Avid Media Composer
“Hi, guys, I have a Sony camera which shoots video files in MP4 container using XAVC S format. I’m trying to edit these XAVC S files in Avid MC, but I can’t import, why is that? Neither the ‘import’ command works, nor an AMA/linking workflow works. What should I do to import XAVC S files into Avid? Please suggest a solution. Thanks a lot.”
AMA/linking workflows allow you to instantly get your media online, and then decide how you want to deal with it. You can use any 4K camera that does XAVC-L, XAVC-I, ProRes, DNxHR, and a number of other 4K formats in Avid system. Unfortunately for consumers, Sony stubbornly continues refusing to provide XAVC-S support for Avid. Therefore, for maximum cross-platform compatibility, do not buy XAVC-S equipment.
If you already have a XAVC-S camera, you can use HD Video Converter to prepare your media. Very reasonable, especially if you own a camera and will be using the format frequently. Download it below:
XAVC-S and Avid workflow – how to convert Sony XAVC-S MP4 files to DNxHD for Avid system?
The steps:
Step 1: Start up HD Video Converter as best Sony XAVC-S MP4 to DNxHD Converter. When its main interface pops up, click ‘Add File’ to input your source media.
Step 2: Choose output format for Avid MC
From ‘Format’ bar, 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 Sony 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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