Amberwick

Q: Editing a QT file in FCP 7

I have just shot some test pieces on a JVC GYHM 200. sequences were captured as QT files at 1920x1080, 50p. Previously I have been editing all my footage as NTSC standard def. (Just moved from US to UK hence the change)

 

The test pieces can import into FCP 7 OK, but stutter badly when I try to play them. I am sure that this is a settings issue in FCP 7, but there are so many options I cannot determine what setting I can use. Can someone please advise - thanks

 

I am using a very old (2008) mac book pro running Yosemite 10.10.4 with 4Gb of RAM. It may be I am just asking too much of the old boy. I am in the process of getting a new Imac, but would like to understand if this is a settings or hardware issue.

 

Steve G

Final Cut Pro 7, OS X Yosemite (10.10.4), v Old (2008) macbook pro

Posted on May 16, 2016 3:32 AM

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Q: Editing a QT file in FCP 7

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  • by Shane Ross,Helpful

    Shane Ross Shane Ross May 16, 2016 11:33 AM in response to Amberwick
    Level 8 (42,999 points)
    May 16, 2016 11:33 AM in response to Amberwick

    " sequences were captured as QT files at 1920x1080, 50p"

     

    Quicktime is a file type...we need to know what specific codec this media is.  Quicktime can be ProRes, DVCPRO HD, DNxHD...and H.264, Sorenson, Animation...etc. Saying "QT File" is like saying "I have a can."  A can of what?  FCP doesn't just work with any Quicktime format...it has to be a specific editing codec in order for it to work. ProRes is the best option, but the JVC you have shoots HDV...did you capture it as HDV?

     

    Now...stuttery.  1080p50...and let's say ProRes just for example. That's a high data rate.  What hard drive is this footage stored on? And how is it connected? USB2, for example...won't be able to play this back smoothly.  Given the machine you list, only a FW800 drive will play this back, and a RAIDED one (two drives or more) would be better. 

     

    4GB of RAM, is also WAY to little. That's what FCP needs to run...but the OS also needs RAM. So you need to get more. 8GB would be bare bones minimum....12-16GB would be best.

  • by Amberwick,

    Amberwick Amberwick May 17, 2016 4:41 AM in response to Shane Ross
    Level 1 (8 points)
    Video
    May 17, 2016 4:41 AM in response to Shane Ross

    Shane, Thanks for the feedback. I suspected I was asking a bit much from my macbook pro. I am not sure what codec was being used, I'll check and let you know (away from office at the moment).

     

    I have edited some HD pieces on my current set up (using different camera), so I expect if I shoot at 720p using a compatible codec the problem will resolve itself until I can upgrade my system.

     

    Once again Thanks for your advice.