Rainer Standke, longtime participant on the FCP-L and Avid-L2 mailing lists, editor, and software developer, has released XMiL Sequencer. This handy utility allows editors to import file-based camera originals, such as QuickTime movies created from Red’s R3D files, into Avid environments while preserving all necessary metadata.
The workflow requires the clips be strung out in a Final Cut Pro sequence. An XML file of that sequence is then exported from Final Cut Pro, along with a videotape of the string out. XMiL Sequencer converts the XML file to an ALE (Avid Log Exchange) file. Import the ALE into the Avid system, and digitize the the string out from videotape. Though this work flow is cumbersome (like everything else in Red), it allows the Avid editor to track back to the original footage via time code. Something not possible when simply importing QuickTimes into Avid.
It makes you wonder how many folks would have eagerly jumped on the Red bandwagon had they known that an inexpensive camera doesn’t mean inexpensive or elegant post workflows.
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There is a way to get metadata into the Avid workflow by using an application called MetaCheater. That will change will XML and other ALE support.
This solution allows for a faster turnaround time when compare to file based transcodes to a proxy format since it is essentially a real time output and real time input of the signal. Basically a 2x loner than real time compared to 3-6 in transcode times depending on proxy used, speed of system, etc.
Michael
Posted by MichaelP on 03/23 at 07:10 AM
I currently import the RED’s QT Reference files into Avid directly (on a MacPro) using MetaCheater to generate the clip metadata for the import. It is quick and efficient. I get clips into Avid in about 1.5x realtime (90 minutes import for 60 minutes) - which is better than the 2x (at best) I could expect with this workflow - and with Imports tied to original files I can use RED Alert to make minor alterations to the footage, re-generate the QT Reference, and use Batch Import to import the clip again with new changes.
The bigger problem with the Avid workflow at the moment is getting something usable out of Avid once the edit is done. An EDL or XML which can be used for a 2K conform.
Posted by on 03/23 at 10:30 PM
Hey Dylan -
Good to know. My tests on the very latest and greatest MacIntel dual quad sill import at 3.1x longer than real time from the QT references.
If you are using Metacheater, you should be able to create an EDL since the whole concept behind MetaCheater is to create a TAPE ID. I gave Jabez a CMX3600 template that has been modified to allow 16 character sources - he has loaded it on the same website as MetaCheater. XML is due in the next release.
Michael
Posted by MichaelP on 03/24 at 06:10 AM