Recurrent error messages for a new user of FCE4

Question

Level 1

5 points

Recurrent error messages for a new user of FCE4

Hello all--

I bought FCE4 in 2009, and finally have the time to start learning it, using the Weynand Apple Pro Training guide. In doing the exercises, I am running into a recurrent Dropped Frames error message. I have done everything that it seems I have access to. RT was already set to "safe," and I lowered the number of audio tracks from 8 to 2. I raised the still cache from 10% to 30%, and doubled the thumbnail disk and RAM settings. So far nothing has eliminated the messages, which are usually coming less than 10 seconds into playing a clip. I don't know how to lower the compression data rate as the error message suggested; couldn't find a control for it, and no help from the docs. Can anybody help with that? BTW, I am running a top-of-the-line iMac from mid-2011, quad core i7 with 16 gb of RAM, so I can't imagine my cpu getting choked with a run-of-the-mill Timeline playback.

Any help to a true newbie (even after the product has been dropped, boooo) would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

later,

John

iMac G5, Mac OS X (10.4.2)

Posted on Feb 11, 2012 2:01 PM

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Answer 1

Alchroma

Level 7

23,809 points

Feb 11, 2012 2:36 PM in response to John Tenney

G'Day John,

We need to know the FCE Sequence Properties and also the Clip Properties used in that Sequence.

To get the info right click the Sequence icon in the Browser and select Item Properties.

Do the same thing for a clip.

Post the details or a screen shot of both.

Al

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Answer 2

John Tenney Author

Level 1

5 points

Feb 11, 2012 3:52 PM in response to Alchroma

Hello back, Al--

I am running into trouble trying to get you screenshots. The Forum here says it won't accept tif files. Do I have to convert them to pdfs or jpgs, or some other format? Sorry about this, and thanks for any help you can give!

later,

John

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Answer 3

Alchroma

Level 7

23,809 points

Feb 11, 2012 4:25 PM in response to John Tenney

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?path=Mac/10.6/en/cdb_scrshtfky.html

Copy/Paste or type in the info if you can't get a screen shot up.

Al

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Answer 4

Alchroma

Level 7

23,809 points

Feb 11, 2012 5:04 PM in response to Alchroma

Follow thw link and capture the screen shot.

It is placed on the Desktop.

In your reply window click the camera icon then select the screen shot and it appears in your post.

The above is an example.

Al

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Answer 5

John Tenney Author

Level 1

5 points

Feb 11, 2012 5:59 PM in response to Alchroma

Thank you, Al. I was using the Grab utility, which generates tif files, not png. Here are the two shots you need.

I'm glad I also learned something new about screenshots!

later,

John

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Answer 6

Alchroma

Level 7

23,809 points

Feb 12, 2012 1:43 AM in response to John Tenney

The Sequence and clips look like they should work just fine.

The Mac should be well up to the challenge.

What exactly is the Error Message?

Do you see red bars above the Timeline?

Al

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Answer 7

Studio X

Level 7

27,229 points

Feb 12, 2012 11:25 AM in response to John Tenney

Move your source material to a second (non-system) hard drive. For an iMac, a FW800 Raid 0 drive would be your best bet.

x

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Answer 8

John Tenney Author

Level 1

5 points

Feb 12, 2012 12:02 PM in response to Studio X

Thanks, Studio X. I just installed a new large-capacity external drive, mostly for my music sample libraries, but I will have space for video material as well.

Al, I am having trouble recreating the situation for the error message to stop the Timeline playback. I had to shut down my system to initialize the new external drive, and then do a cold start. Is there some kind of cache for the scratch disk that had been getting too full before, that I purged by doing the shutdown? I raised the Minimum Allowable Free Space on Scratch Disks in the System Settings to 3500 mb since the computer has a lot of horsepower. I don't see a way of purging the scratch disk cache myself. Is there one? Thanks again for your help on this!!

later,

John

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Answer 9

Studio X

Level 7

27,229 points

Feb 12, 2012 12:08 PM in response to John Tenney

In FCE preferences, set your Scratch disk to the external drive.

x

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Answer 10

John Tenney Author

Level 1

5 points

Feb 12, 2012 4:21 PM in response to Studio X

Thanks, X. In the Scratch Disk section of the System Settings, all I see are several folders like Documents/Final Cut Express Documents/Thumbnail Cache Files/[data files] and other similar folders. I don't see a real scratch disk folder or file. Is it in another place I should be looking? Thanks!

later,

John

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Answer 11

Alchroma

Level 7

23,809 points

Feb 13, 2012 1:02 AM in response to John Tenney

John,

A ten year old Mac using FCE 1 can handle DV without even raising a sweat so I suspect there is another gremlin lurking somewhere. 😕

To set the Scratch Disc:

Fianl Cut Express>System Settings>Scratch Disc Tab.

Click the top SET button and navigate to the external then CHOOSE.

Your done.

Uncheck the Limit Capture/Export File Segment Size To:

Place the check mark in the Limit Capture Now To: 30 miniutes is the default.

Al

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