Hassle Free Editing - Part 2

If you are using Final Cut Express, iMovie or just some really strange source file that QuickTime is not opening, try transcoding with the free program MPEG Streamclip (www.squared5.com), which does have batch processing capabilities. If going to Final Cut Express or iMovie, choose Apple Intermediate Codec:

For Final Cut Pro, you may also choose a flavor of Apple ProRes:

Note that for either choice, set the audio rate to 48kHz in third Sound pop-up menu.

A bonus tip to enjoy more real-time editing is to set your sequence to Unlimited RT. This setting opens up Final Cut Pro to drop quality if necessary during playback to achieve more real-time performance. By default, choosing the Unlimited RT setting DOES NOT affect any of the Share, Export, Print to Video, or Edit to Tape functions.

And a disclaimer:

It is possible to edit H.264 (.mp4) files natively in a sequence. Import the .mp4 file into Final Cut Pro, drop the clip into a blank sequence and choose Yes to conform the sequence. The clip will play in real-time but the audio may need to be rendered. This is an OK solution as long as you are not adding clips of a different codec, any graphics/text, or plan on doing any effects. So if you really want to edit, transcode it first to ProRes.

About Brendan Boykin:

Brendan is one of Weynand Training's lead instructors. He is the owner of Creek Mountain Media, and has been providing Apple Certified training since 2003 with current certifications in Final Cut Studio 3. For more information visit his website. He is also the author of the Apple Pro Training Series book, Final Cut Pro 7 A Qucik Reference Guide. For more information on the guide click here

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