Level 1

1 points

Import MPEG-2 files into Final Cut Pro X

This is really a two part question.

I am trying to import MPEG-2 files into Final Cut Pro X. I have the raw files from a Sony Handicam HDR-SR5 as well as raw files from an Sony Handicam MDR-CX560. These files were recorded as MPEG-2 files and copied from the camera hard drives (entire folders were copied containind the MPEG-2 fies) to a local hard drive on my computer.

Final Cut Pro X does not recognize the files and will not import them.

I have tried to use Compressor to conver the fies. I am using the very latest version that touts being able to export to Final Cut X format. I don't see that option anywhere in the settings.

Is there a way to get the files into Final Cut Pro X without having to convert them? It seems a little rediculous that Final Cut Pro can import the files directly from the camera but not from the hard drive.

Posted on Feb 14, 2012 10:15 AM

87 replies

Jowie

Level 2

222 points

Jan 12, 2013 4:03 AM in response to DarkNite

If this helps anyone, I discovered that all I needed to do was change the file extensions to .MOD and then Final Cut Pro X imported the MPEG-2 files with no problems.

Crazy.

Jowie

Level 2

222 points

Jan 12, 2013 9:34 AM in response to ubernaut

Can't say, I'm afraid. I'm only working with SD MPEG-2 content.

Tom Wolsky

Level 10

152,780 points

Jan 12, 2013 9:37 AM in response to Jowie

Don't do this. Use MPEG Streamclip and get the file out of MPEG-2.

ubernaut

Level 1

78 points

Jan 12, 2013 9:48 AM in response to Jowie

nice one.

Jowie

Level 2

222 points

Jan 12, 2013 9:50 AM in response to Tom Wolsky

But if the video is already in MPEG-2 format, why change it? You can't remove the artefacts that are already there.

Tom Wolsky

Level 10

152,780 points

Jan 12, 2013 9:52 AM in response to ubernaut

The application is not available from the App Store, only direct download from their web site. Google will find it easily.

Tom Wolsky

Level 10

152,780 points

Jan 12, 2013 9:54 AM in response to Jowie

MOD files are MPEG. You convert to QuickTime for FCP or any Mac production application.

ubernaut

Level 1

78 points

Jan 12, 2013 9:57 AM in response to Tom Wolsky

so whats exactly wrong with renaming the files so that fcp can see them and do the transcoding itself? or are you saying that this would be bad only if the person had transcoding disabled?

Tom Wolsky

Level 10

152,780 points

Jan 12, 2013 10:13 AM in response to ubernaut

I don't known what page you're talking about. There is a link for the playback clone my on the squared 5 download page.

Tom Wolsky

Level 10

152,780 points

Jan 12, 2013 10:15 AM in response to ubernaut

Only if you optimize the media on FCP, which is fine, but that gives you full ProRes. If you want to do that, that's fine.

Tom Wolsky

Level 10

152,780 points

Jan 12, 2013 10:25 AM in response to ubernaut

The thread's almost a year old. You may be in a new operating system. What OS are you using? Did you look on the Streamclip page.

ubernaut

Level 1

78 points

Jan 12, 2013 10:28 AM in response to Tom Wolsky

i have streamclip had it for years but without the mpeg2 playback component its not very useful for mpeg2 currently on lion.

Tom Wolsky

Level 10

152,780 points

Jan 12, 2013 10:30 AM in response to ubernaut

You duplicate the media regardless of where you transcode.

ubernaut

Level 1

78 points

Jan 12, 2013 1:32 PM in response to Tom Wolsky

nice to know thanks! i feel like FCP X is so advanced most industry people don't recognize it for what it is, anyways good for us that do!

Jowie

Level 2

222 points

Jan 12, 2013 2:19 PM in response to ubernaut

Is there no way of transcoding them in FCPX after the fact?

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Import MPEG-2 files into Final Cut Pro X