[thefabman]

I have a question regarding the use of the XDCAM and FCP.

I am trying to resolve an issue with importing and playing back XDCAM media (.MXF files).

After much research it seems the best solution on paper is to use Flip4Mac's XDCAM file converter for FCP 5.

After downloading a trial verison of Flip4Mac's XDCAM converter for FCP, i discovered that some strange things were happening to the files that i imported.

Firstly the files i imported only contained 1 mono audio track.
Secondly the files were converted into a HDV codec.

The original footage was recorded on a Sony XDCAM HD with 2 channels of audio.

I then transferred the MXF files via firewire onto my mac. Then, using a demo version of Flip4Macs XDCAM conversion software, I attempted to "unwrap" the .MXF file and convert them into QT. Then drop them in an FCP 5.0 application.

Once "unwrapped", the files appeared in FCP as .mov with a HDV 1080i50 codec and the audio was only one channel mono. Also, the files in the sequence would only playback in real time once i set the sequence settings to match that of the imported MXF files - now in .mov HDV1080i50 format.

The sequence reported that real time playback was possible - even so, playback was jerky - even though FCP required no rendering. The files simply wouldn't play nice. (This is on an iMac Core Duo 2GHZ with 2GB RAM and a 256MB graphics card).

The QT files also dont play natively in QT with an error of "unsupported codec" appearing.

My questions are......

Why is the audio mono?

Why is it imported in HDV codec?

Can I change the converter setting into an uncompressed form that does the least harm to the quality of my picture?

I was simply after an uncompressed conversion of my .MXF files that I could playback in realtime in my FCP 5.0 application. What do I need in order to achieve this and what is the cheapest option for me?

My Director and I have researched a number of ways trying to overcome this XDCAM/.MXF to quicktime FCP issue. I want to purchase the full version of the software but I also want to ensure that it will work.

After reading copious web chats a simply solution would be greatly appreciated.

Thx for your advice.

[wulf]

I haven't used the Flip4Mac component, so I can't answer your questions directly, but have you tried the (free) XDCAM transfer software from Sony, for FCP? You can find the link on sonybiz.net/xdcam.

I've just been using it for a project shot on standard XDCAM (50Mb/s). It's still a bit quirky, but should work for XDCAM HD just as well.

I believe that FCP only supports XDCAM HD at 25Mbps/CBR anyway - essentially this is HDV - so that would explain why your Flip4Mac imports report having this codec.