4k video will not render on timeline

Question

4k video will not render on timeline

early 2011 MBP

MacOS 10.13.6 High Sierra

FCPX 10.4.6

Hello,

I have used fcp often to edit 1080p video. The rendered clips (Prores 422 LT) run flawlessly on my older computer. I would now like to edit some 4k video. I've created a 4k project file, but when I import 4k video to the timeline, no white dots appear above the video to indicate the clip is being rendered. If I make any change to the clip (color correction, frame size, transform, opacity.... anything) the white dots appear and the clip gets rendered to Prores 422 LT. If I import 1080p clips to the same timeline, the white dots appear and the clip gets rendered.

Any idea what may be causing this? How can I troubleshoot this and find a solution?

Shawn's 13" MacBook Pro

Posted on May 2, 2022 1:40 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Tom Wolsky

Level 10

151,945 points

May 2, 2022 1:51 PM in response to hiphopsuperman

Sounds quite correct. 4K in a 4K project doesn’t need to be rendered. HD in a 4K project will show the dots because the image has to be scaled. Don’t render unless you need to render for good playback.

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Answer 2

May 2, 2022 2:07 PM in response to Tom Wolsky

Thanks Tom. I think I've been confused about render files. I did a bit more research after reading your reply, and you are correct. I was under the impression a render file would be created to any file that could not be played back smoothly (ie: 4k on a 2011 mbp). Turns out, render files are only created once any change is made to the clip.

I guess I need to look into using proxy files or optimized media, which I've never used before. I just loved how seamless the rendering process is. No proxy files, done automatically in the background, etc... I wish there was a way to force rendering of a 4k clip on a 4k timeline.

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Answer 3

May 2, 2022 3:01 PM in response to Tom Wolsky

That's my problem, my 10 year old mcp won't play back 4k smoothly. I've been playing around with proxy files, and that has solved my problem. Playback is super smooth, and switching between proxies/originals is very easy. Man I love fcp. Thanks for your help Tom, I really appreciate it.

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Answer 4

Tom Wolsky

Level 10

151,945 points

May 2, 2022 2:07 PM in response to hiphopsuperman

Why do you want to render the 4K clip if nothing has been done to it? Does it not playback smoothly? If so then you show work with proxy files.

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4k video will not render on timeline

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