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Paul Figgiani

Q: FCP Project Files are all "invalid format?"

I tried uploading many FCP Project Files with no success. All Project Files run fine in Final Cut Pro.

Once the upload process begins, the "Jobs in Progress" status spins for about a minute or so. At this point a red exclamation point appears, then a popup window that states:

"Unable to Analyze Project ... Invalid Format."

The project file makes it's way into FC Server as a listed asset, however when I choose to "get Info" and do a Search for the associated project files, nothing shows up. The manual mentions or recommends to use file extensions, and I have.

I read Final Cut Server is supposed to automatically recognize all FCP Project file's associated media. In fact they don't need to be packaged in a folder, etc.

Lastly I created a brand new FCP Project with a single video clip and a single audio clip after I installed the new ProApps Update. Still no luck.

Is anyone experiencing the same issue?

Thanks.

-paul.

Posted on Apr 11, 2008 5:03 AM

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Q: FCP Project Files are all "invalid format?"

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  • by Marc.S,

    Marc.S Marc.S Apr 11, 2008 5:10 AM in response to Paul Figgiani
    Level 1 (40 points)
    Apr 11, 2008 5:10 AM in response to Paul Figgiani
    What language is your Mac OS X? Italian (just because of your surname
    I had the same problem. And guess what: After reinstalling the Server with english as native OS language ("Final Cut Servers mother language") it worked...

    Try it. Maybe it solves the problem.
  • by Paul Figgiani,

    Paul Figgiani Paul Figgiani Apr 11, 2008 5:17 AM in response to Marc.S
    Level 3 (785 points)
    Apr 11, 2008 5:17 AM in response to Marc.S
    Thanks Marc

    I'm running the English version. What do you think?

    -paul.
  • by Marc.S,

    Marc.S Marc.S Apr 11, 2008 5:55 AM in response to Paul Figgiani
    Level 1 (40 points)
    Apr 11, 2008 5:55 AM in response to Paul Figgiani
    Mmhhh... it seemd that the language was the problem for me. First I thought it is about that the server only recognized FCP 6 projects, but after reinstalling the server all projects worked. So right now I have no idea what else could be the problem, sorry
  • by Paul Figgiani,

    Paul Figgiani Paul Figgiani Apr 11, 2008 7:04 AM in response to Marc.S
    Level 3 (785 points)
    Apr 11, 2008 7:04 AM in response to Marc.S
    No problem, thanks Marc.

    I sent a report to apple. I may give them a call later this afternoon.

    -paul.
  • by Nicholas Stokes,

    Nicholas Stokes Nicholas Stokes Apr 11, 2008 9:19 AM in response to Paul Figgiani
    Level 2 (490 points)
    Apr 11, 2008 9:19 AM in response to Paul Figgiani
    Paul:

    I experience the exact same issue, yesterday and thought that after Apple released the following update

    http://www.apple.com/support/releasenotes/en/FinalCut_Studio_2.0rn/

    that things may work, but they still dont.

    My guess, is that there may be a version update to Final Cut 6.0.3 to maybe Final Cut 6.5 or something that will allow this direct integration with Final Cut Server. However, note, I was able to success import Final Cut Project exported as Final Cut XML files. I tried this because this was traditionally how it work when FCServer was the Artbox product. My guess is because the Final Cut Studio and Final Cut Server engineers in Apple really don't speak direct to each other, FCServer was realeased with this bug.
  • by Paul Figgiani,

    Paul Figgiani Paul Figgiani Apr 11, 2008 10:13 AM in response to Nicholas Stokes
    Level 3 (785 points)
    Apr 11, 2008 10:13 AM in response to Nicholas Stokes
    Thanks Nicholas,

    I called apple. The engineer was super helpful. I'm waitng to hear back.

    I'll keep everyone informed.

    -paul.
  • by Marc.S,

    Marc.S Marc.S Apr 11, 2008 12:26 PM in response to Nicholas Stokes
    Level 1 (40 points)
    Apr 11, 2008 12:26 PM in response to Nicholas Stokes
    I am using FCP 6.0.2 even there is 6.0.3 out. Also I don't have the Pro Apps 2008-01 update installed.
    For me FCP projects are working - after a reinstall of the server. Because I changed the system language to english I thought that was the reason. I know, "strange" reason, but it wouldn't be the first time the system language is responsible for strange behaviors. My Final Cut Server version is 1.0.
  • by Paul Figgiani,

    Paul Figgiani Paul Figgiani Apr 11, 2008 12:29 PM in response to Paul Figgiani
    Level 3 (785 points)
    Apr 11, 2008 12:29 PM in response to Paul Figgiani
    Here's an update:

    The XML option works. The project file uploads and the assets show up successfully. What confuses me is I thought Final Cut Pro project files were nothing more than XML files? In fact - I changed the file extension of an exported FCP sequence XML to .fcp and this worked as well. I guess there is a bit more to the actual project files ...

    Also - my problematic FCP project files upload and display attributes correctly on other systems than my own. The associated attributes show up as offline clips, and this is to be expected.

    So I'm not sure what the problem is. The fact that a few people are experiencing the same issue leads me to believe it's not an isolated issue.

    -paul.
  • by Marc.S,

    Marc.S Marc.S Apr 11, 2008 1:01 PM in response to Paul Figgiani
    Level 1 (40 points)
    Apr 11, 2008 1:01 PM in response to Paul Figgiani
    No, FCP projects are not xml, they are binary. Just try to open one in text edit.

    It's a strange thing. FCP projects are invalid for some users. For me it worked out of the sudden WITHOUT changing the FCP version or installing the latest Pro Apps update. I would really like to know what's the reason for that.

    Did anyone try to reinstall the server first without and maybe - if it does not work - with deleting the datebase before? I did a reinstall (without deleting the db) and after that it worked. Like I said before, I thought it had sth to do with the language change...
  • by Paul Figgiani,

    Paul Figgiani Paul Figgiani Apr 11, 2008 1:12 PM in response to Marc.S
    Level 3 (785 points)
    Apr 11, 2008 1:12 PM in response to Marc.S
    {quote:title=Marc.S wrote:}
    No, FCP projects are not xml, they are binary. Just try to open one in text edit.
    {quote}

    Thanks for the clarification Marc.

    I'm holding off on re-installing until I hear back from tech support.

    Question: What type of Cluster configuration are you running?

    -paul.
  • by Marc.S,

    Marc.S Marc.S Apr 11, 2008 1:24 PM in response to Paul Figgiani
    Level 1 (40 points)
    Apr 11, 2008 1:24 PM in response to Paul Figgiani
    I am using a real cluster, not quick cluster.

    See post 7 of this thread for details:
    http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1479705&tstart=0

    Btw: are you running a test environment or is your first setup already a serious one?
  • by Paul Figgiani,

    Paul Figgiani Paul Figgiani Apr 11, 2008 1:43 PM in response to Marc.S
    Level 3 (785 points)
    Apr 11, 2008 1:43 PM in response to Marc.S
    Thanks Marc. I'll review that thread ...

    {quote:title=Marc.S wrote:}Btw: are you running a test environment or is your first setup already a serious one?{quote}

    Sort of a test environment. I'm using a bunch of unimportant clips and files for testing. I'll start pulling in my library of assets as soon as I solve this FCP project issue and I am comfortable with all aspects of administration.

    Server is installed on my main sys. hard drive, and I'm running a single client on the same Mac. I have four internal drives, and I have Media, Library, and Proxy storage locations implemented accordingly.

    -paul
  • by Marc.S,

    Marc.S Marc.S Apr 11, 2008 3:45 PM in response to Paul Figgiani
    Level 1 (40 points)
    Apr 11, 2008 3:45 PM in response to Paul Figgiani
    Same for me. My test environment is a MacBook Pro, Server and Client both on this machine. But I am not using any external harddrives etc. I am only testing around with some clips (both video formats and already compressed stuff like h.264), docs, audio, projects etc.

    In the first step I just want to get through the whole setup process and see how it works and "where to find what". The second step will be creating a new server from scratch including metadata setups, automation (watchfolders, email, approval etc.).

    Looking forward to share the experience with you and all the others here around...!
  • by Paul Figgiani,

    Paul Figgiani Paul Figgiani Apr 16, 2008 5:03 AM in response to Paul Figgiani
    Level 3 (785 points)
    Apr 16, 2008 5:03 AM in response to Paul Figgiani
    The problem has not been solved. I checked every setting, and I went ahead and re-installed. FC Server will not recognize valid FCP project files as a supported format.

    I've tried Motion/Sound Track Pro projects [as bundles], audio files, Photoshop files, etc., independent video clips ... they all upload and catalog with no problem.

    The XML Export/Upload option works, with limitations.

    -paul.
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