Codec for Final Cut Pro

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Level 1

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Codec for Final Cut Pro

I am converting a DVCPro video tape using a tape copy service (my tape drive died). I plan to import the DVD file into our PowerMac with Final Cut Pro 5.0 to break the DVD file into smaller modules. I can have the service create either a compressed .AVI file (DivX or Cinepak codec) or a compressed .FLV file. My video editor would prefer an AVI file as he is more familiar with that format.

Which of these files would be best to use? For the .AVI file, which codec? I am unfamiliar with what codec my equipment uses, and can't seem to find it anywhere in my documentation.

PowerMac G5, Mac OS X (10.4)

Posted on Jun 12, 2009 12:12 PM

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Answer 1

Jim Cookman

Level 7

23,447 points

Jun 12, 2009 12:19 PM in response to Alan@dc

What's wrong with a dvcpro hd .mov file? If your service can't do it, there must be plenty of others that can!

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Answer 2

Alan@dc Author

Level 1

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Jun 12, 2009 1:05 PM in response to Jim Cookman

Thanks. I'm unfamiliar with that file--in Final Cut Pro we were using the log and capture feature to import from the tape drive. If the dvcpro hd .mov is in fact what we were capturing, great. Anyway, I'd still like to know which codec is to be used for .AVI files just in case. Thanks.

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Answer 3

Nick Holmes

Level 7

30,018 points

Jun 12, 2009 1:14 PM in response to Alan@dc

AVI is a container, just like .mov. The video inside can be any one of a number of codecs.

Final Cut Pro does not work with DivX, CinePak or FLV.
You need your file as a .mov using one of the codecs found in FCP's Easy Setup menu.

Do not use an outside facility. Hire a deck and capture in Final Cut Pro. Capturing on a different NLE and exporting a format that Final Cut Pro does not natively work with is fraught with problems and asking for trouble. It will only cost more money, more time and end in tears.

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