New MXF Files Import Into FCP
 

We just tested our new MXF files (compatible with XDCAM Optical) with Final Cut Pro. Using the Sony XDCAM import/player tool, you can view the footage on a MAC (you may need FCP installed) and import directly into FCP. The tools does a quick rewrap of the files and stores as a MOV file. Note that you can view the files without the need to rewrap.

Now MXF becomes the universal file format for all NLEs! And we get a built-in MXF -> QT converter (MAC only) at no extra charge!

We tested 50/100 Mbos Long-GOP and 220 Mbps I-Frame files. All converted and played fine. Naturally, if you want to store on XDCAM Optical media you need to limit the file to 50Mbps Long-GOP (the same as XDCAM HD 422).

Don't try this at home, just yet, as this capability will be part of the next firmware update, now in final test. However, you can test with some of the files Tommy Schell posted in another thread on this forum.

Best-

I can confirm that I was able to import the test mxf file into FCP as well!

Ned Soltz

This might take a few hours to recover from. My mind was just blown. Still trying to wrap my head around this.

Pardon my Mac-ignorance but is the "Sony XDCAM import/player tool" part of FCP or is it a stand-alone product like the MXF player is for PC's?

Dear Paul,

As I understand it, the Sony XDCam Import/Player tool is actually both.

It works as a Plug-In for Final Cut Pro, and works as a player for XDCam files on a Mac.

This information is based on an in-depth converstation with Mike Schell, I have not personally used it yet.

This is a very sophisticated tool that Sony provides for free. It allows MXF files, either XDCam files from the XDCam PDW-700 or PDW-F800 or any MXF files from our next release of the nanoFlash / Flash XDR firmware.

Note: I do not think this tool works with XDCam EX files at this time, and does not work with our 35 Mbps 4:2:0 files either. This is preliminary information and I will need to confirm.

But it does work with our 4:2:2 MXF files from our next release, which is just great!

Our firmware is in the final testing stages and we expect to post it within two weeks.

Hello Dan,
I can not view the two sample MXF files posted in Log and Transfer or Xdacm Ex Clip Browser. Where can I find "Sony XDCAM import/player tool" I am I checked the Sony Web site SONY XDCAM EX and can not is it listed.
Can you help?

The program Mike and Dan are speaking about is called XDCAM Transfer. It is a stand alone application for Mac that integrates with FCP to allow importing of XDCAM content. It works with all XDCAM and XDCAM EX material. You can download it at Sony | Micro Site - XDCAM or here is a direct link - https://servicesplus.us.sony.biz/son...x?model=pdzkp1

Note: XDCAM Transfer is not fully functional in Snow Leopard - it will run but gives errors with XDCAM EX content.

I've found this curious paragraph in the "READ ME" of the sony Transfer Software:

"-For XDCAM 1920x540p format, the import is not possible and "NO CODEC" is shown because the codec has not been provided by Apple".


Anybody have any idea about what is 1920x540p?
rafael

Dear Lance,

First, we are updating our website in an effort to resolve all of this confusion.

We are going to have a section with links to the proper tools (software).

I am not an expert on this, but I think there are Sony XDCam EX software tools, and separate tools for Sony XDCam (not EX). We need to use the later.

Here is the direct link to the download page for "PDZ-VX10 Full Resolution Viewer Version 2.30" which everyone seems to call the Sony XDCam Clip Viewer", and Sony also calls "XDCAM Viewer Software (plays all XDCAM MXF files)"

https://servicesplus.us.sony.biz/son...model=PDZ-VX10

Here is the direct link to the dowload page for "PDZ-KP1 XDCAM Transfer Software Version 2.10.0"c, which they also call "XDCAM Transfer Plug-In for Final Cut Pro (MAC)"

https://servicesplus.us.sony.biz/son...x?model=pdzkp1


I hope this helps, we are actively working on a complete redesign of our website to make all of this easier.

Please let me know if these links help.

Dear Rafael,

My best guess this is Sony's overcranking format, one which is used to half the vertical resolution when overcranking over 30 frames per second, when using the Sony PDW-F800 camera.

Hi Dan,
Thanks for the info.
I had no idea of the existence of this new format.
I haven't had much time to read about the last XDCAM models (but an interesting Allister's review).
The truth is that I'm too busy with my nano to paying attention
to lesser recording formats:-)
Best,
rafael