AJA Video Systems Announces IO. FCP users READ THIS
 

The first uncompressed firewire capture device for FCP 4 is detailed in this press release.

Bias announces Peak 4
 

Bias has announced and is showing Peak 4 at NAB this week. Take a look at it here.

Which windows based NLE to use (if I have to)
 

Unfortunately I'll be on the roat for a bit and my notebook is windows based. What windows based NLE do users of FCP recommend? Hopefully when i get back I'll trade this thing in for a powerbook :)

Vegas Video seems to be the the best value for money PC NLE app at the moment.

I would use Avid Xpress 3.5 as it supports both windows and OS X. I think a free version will be available soon. Vegas has a free downloadable demo, I think. Premiere is also a possibility.

more beginner questions
 

well, im getting the hang of this FPC3. I have learned how to create folders and projects. I just keep forgetting to set scratch disks, so all my b-roll is under the same project name. but, how do i get rid of my audio and video when i am thru. i would like to keep the project instructions, you know the edit points and thumbnail names, just lose the actual media so i dont clutter up my raid drive. does this make scense? anyway, maybe some one can help. thanks.

Hello Gary,
Look under the Media Management topics in your manual and/or the online Help.

Basically, you only need to store the actual project file, which is very small. Copy that to a safe place. Then you can delete the capture and render files associated with that project. (Note where they're located from your project's Preferences settings.)

quicktime audio files won't read
 

Hello there. I'm sorry my last name is not included in my username. I've been a member since last year and e-mailed Chris Hurd to change it today, but I still can't log on without my old handle -which is my real name , albeit middle.
I hope this won't prevent me from some much needed assistance.

I'm currently working on a project using Final Cut Pro 3 and Mac OS10.1.5. I captured about 55 gigs worth of video to separate video and audio folders. A few days ago I defragged my capture drive and everything was working fine. Yesterday, when I tried to open the project I kept getting an I/O error. If I open each individual video file, it launches into quicktime with no problem; but, if I attempt to open the audio files, quicktime doesn't recognize them. Obviously, FCP won't let me import any of the files because they're linked. But what went wrong?

I thank anybody in advance if they could give me a suggestion.

You may need to run a program like Disk Warrior. Version 3 is not out yet (no OS X support) and version 2.1 only runs in OS 9.x.x, not classic. You will need start up in 9 (change start up disk in preferences) and run Disk Warrior 2.1. It is the best directory repair software. If it doesn't fix the problem, you probably have to wipe the drive and re import.

The fact that QuickTime won't open the file is not good. What program did you use to defrag your hard drive? How full was the drive when you decided to defrag? It is never a good idea to fill a drive over 80% of it's capacity. The few times I've similar issues, it's because I filled the drive (99+%).

Thanks Jeff for responding. I used Tech Tool Pro 3 for defragging and yes I went up to 90% capacity on my hard drive. I guess the latter was a no-no.
Should I be capturing to separate audio/video folders? Maybe this also had something to do with my dilemma.

GL2, sync problem revisited
 

I've read through the previous thread on audio synch issues with Canon cameras but am still confused about a few things.

1) Does the problem still occur with the GL2?

2) Is it a problem with the code on the tape or would capturing via a Sony camcorder take care of the problem?

Thanks.

Jeff Price

thanks Ken,

i just was informed that myself, the still guy and the 2 graphic artist are getting our own server. does this mean i never have to worry about leaving to much media on the system?

I've heard of problems either way. I don't have a definite answer for you. I capture to separate folders without a problem. It sounds like the problem was filling it to 90%. Disk Warrior has a good shot at fixing your drive. It is the best repair utility in my opinion.

The sync problem still occurs. I believe, and I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong that capturing with a different brand of deck will fix your problem. Some people have had success using capture now, but the only think that worked for me was captureing in imovie....

I've captured many hours of video from a GL2 to a Mac G4 and have never experienced an audio sync problem. I always capture my tapes straight through, 60 or 80 minutes worth of material and the audio lines up perfectly at the end.
FCP 3.02, OSX10.2.x, using internal and external devices as the capture disk.

Adobe Encore vs. DVD Studio Pro
 

Anyone had a hands-on look at Adobe Encore yet? How does it compare to DVD SP?

CGM plugins?
 

Has anyone used the CGM plugin pack?

from www.cgm-online.com?

No comparison to DVD SP 2. By Apple dropping the price to $499 ($199 upgrade) and making the integration of FCP 4 and DVD SP 2 tighter, Mac users should look no further. It will not be initially available for Mac either. By the sounds of it you can kiss Cleaner goodbye also. Sorrenson may still prove useful for web work.

Strange that there are no samples of what they can do...just the one little animated logo.

As usual, Jeff...the man in the know.

Thanks!

20" cinema display
 

Right now I'm using a 17" Samsung 171s with my powermac. I was thinking of selling this monitor and getting a 20" apple cinema display. Anyone use this monitor? Any issues or any reason why I shouldn't make this move?

also has anyone checked out the new 20" formac lcd screen?

timeline on dual monitors?
 

I'm trying to find out if it is possible to stretch the timeline in FCP over 2 monitors? I know I could do this in premiere but am unsure about FCP. Another 17" would be cheaper than a 20" cinema :)

Problems with Certain Firewire Drives Resolved
 

I was having a minor, but incovenient, problem with Wiebetech's MicroGB+ drive until I installed OS 10.2.5 . The problem, in brief, was that video passing from the computer (ie. during Final Cut Pro sessions) to external monitors through the Firewire bus was being scrambled if my MicroGB+ drive was connected and powered-on, even if no footage was being read from that drive. This was quite a mystery to the Wiebetech folks who worked diligently with me over several months to track this down, with no success. Particularly mysterious was that my two other Wiebetech drives did not cause such a problem.

In the end, it seems that something in the 10.2.5 update provided the magic elixir to cure the problem.

Just thought I'd post this note in the event that there are silent sufferers out there.

This seems to be the most stable (read extremely stable) version of Jaguar to date. Some minor issues with Mail.app and printer sharing have been solved for me. I would recommend it to everyone. I have read of a few people with troubles (MacFix It, Apple Support Forums) but for the vast majority it cleans up many different minor issues.

How to download files via Software Update.
 

Many OS X users are unaware that you can download the updates, that appear via Software Update, to their desktop. When you run software Update from System Preferences you can check the box next to the new software, then go to Update in the menu bar, click on download check items to desktop and your downloads will appear on the desktop.

audio render question
 

i downloaded a song to desktop, draged it my project folder, then made a new bin in my canvas window, then draged it to the new bin, then dragged it to my timeline audio tracks 3&4. Simple right?

It worked well except for the fact that now on every timeline edit, the audio (song only) has to be re-rendered. how can i ever edit to music or snyc beats if i have to wait and render every time i edit in the timeline? what did i miss?
fpc3, dual 1.25 g4, kona sd card
thanks

It sounds like you have an audio miss match or your project preferences do not agree. The audio from a CD etc. is 44.1kHz and DV is 48kHz. Use QuickTime Pro to import the audio and export at 48kHz. Then check all your settings to make sure that the project, sequence etc. are all at 48kHz. That should solve all your problems.

The preferences should be set at 48kHz at the very start. It may benefit you to start over with the correct settings. Audio miss matches like these are one of the sources of sync errors.

thank you, i would not have even know to check this, yes, my audio is set at 48 and the song was downloaded fron a cd. very useful info.

Yes, you can stretch it over two 23" Cinema displays or more. You have to be careful at the seams, it can leave gaps etc. Depending on the type of project (long form, short form, spot etc.) I will put the timeline on either the 17" Studio display or my 21" Mits. Diamond Scan. Rarely have I had the need to stretch it over both.

at least 1 problem.
 

Joe,
I don't have one... yet.
I'm still trying to decide between a 17" and the 20". It's all about the dollars...

With the 20" you'll HAVE to run under OSX 10.2+. It will not work on a Mac booted with OS9.

If you are ok with that, then go for it.

I've read about the Formac, but have yet to see one for a comparison.

look at Lacie's new LCD 20". They have it for $1,399. And from what I know about them and seen of their products, they are about the best quality out there.

Rob:D

How to adjust gamma S-curve in FCP
 

I'm looking to get a good film look out of my footage and i hear adjusting your S curve (gamma) will help...

Is there a way to do this in FCP? Thanks....

Please help with settings to capture video
 

I'm running a PowerMac Dual 1.25, 1.5 gig ram OSX 10.2.2 and FCP 3.0.2 and 6.0.2 QT

I've got a JVC HR-S9900U connected with S-Video to my DSR-11 and then firewire to my mac. I can't get fcp to capture the video. I'm guessing my settings are jacked. I have it set to an uncontrollable devise and when I click capture now, I get a window saying 'allocating space' and then teh friggin spinning beachball from hell and I need to force quit fcp. ideas? This has worked before but I guess I didn't remember how it was set up.

Are you just starting this project? If so I would take the time to update your OS (10.2.5), FCP 3 (3.0.4), QuickTime 6 (6.1.1). What drive are you trying to capture to? External FireWire, internal ATA, system drive? How full is the drive? Is the deck in E-to-E so the signal can pass through? Do you have the source set correctly on the deck?

Yes this is a new project.

I'm capturing to my second internal drive (non-system drive) with 100+ gig available.
The Sony is turned on and input select is on s-video. I don't think the Sony has a switch for E-E it should just default that way?

EDIT: I found the EE setting in the menu and that fixed me up. I'll probably update everything anyway, but on dial up it could take some time.

Yah, see if a friend with cable modem won't download the files and burn them to a CD for you. OS 10.2.5 combo update is 82MB. That will take some time.

indianapolis Final Cut Pro Users Group
 

The Indianapolis FCPUG is in the process of forming, with its first meeting scheduled for April 24, 2003. For more information see their Web site.

Apple training series
 

I;m a bit confused by the FCP training. On their website they mention self paced learning. I believe this is similar to A+ or MCSE where you don't have to learn it in the classes, and can take the exam ata certified testing center. The reason I am confused is when I contact Vancouver Film School which was noted on the apple site as a testing center, they had no clue about any exams other than their regular FCP courses. Anyone shed some light here?

This is the self paced learning series that apple has available through Peachpit Press. However, I don't believe it leads to any certification. It's just self paced learning.

The only certification for FCP I'm aware of is classroom training. I know several people (just met them recently in fact) that have completed the basic training and were very happy with the course. The one remark they all made was how costly it seemed ($700).

Whoops, at the bottom of the page I see the reference to a test. This program is so new the testing sites may not be up to speed about it yet. I think the self paced portion has only been available for a month or so.