andyalibi

Q: Compressor transcode problem

I have recent problem with Compressor: ridiculously slow at transcoding D7 files to Pro Res. Problem not actually in the transcode itself but takes the computer a bizarrely long time to apply the codec to each item before I can submit the batch: spinning wheel of doom for hours!

Strange thing is it's happened recently after working ok in the past and I cant see whats changed. Reckon it can only be an OSX update BUT i've seen this (unresolved) problem on old threads here and elsewhere, all archived now for some reason and no real answers for such a common issue. Can only do 10 files at a time but this is hardly 'batch processing' !

I've tried Compressor Repair from here: http://slccut.com/tutorials/40-apple...ng-preferences but this doesn't seem to help. Disconnected all ext HD's but no joy. I'm tearing my hair out as I've got 200 D7 files to transcode to ProRes and a deadline to meet! Anyone got any feasible ideas? (Would updating to latest OS help? I realise this sounds crazy 'solution' given that it was ok before on same OS but Im desperate now)

 

Compressor 3.5.3 (FCS3)

OS X 10.6.8 on MacPro 12 core, 12GB RAM

Posted on May 11, 2012 7:49 AM

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Q: Compressor transcode problem

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  • by Jim Cookman,

    Jim Cookman Jim Cookman May 11, 2012 7:54 AM in response to andyalibi
    Level 7 (23,435 points)
    May 11, 2012 7:54 AM in response to andyalibi

    When was the last time you rebooted the machine?

  • by andyalibi,

    andyalibi andyalibi May 11, 2012 8:17 AM in response to Jim Cookman
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Video
    May 11, 2012 8:17 AM in response to Jim Cookman

    Errr.... at 3:14pm. Several times today in fact, including after installing and trying (twice) Digital Rebellions 'Compressor Repair' which apparently checks for problems that could be preventing Qmaster from operating correctly. (It checks for missing files, incorrect permissions, and attempts to manually start the qmasterd process.) I'm afraid its nothing as simple as a standard reboot, either for me or the multitudes that have posted this problem in the past.

  • by Russ H,Helpful

    Russ H Russ H May 11, 2012 9:48 AM in response to andyalibi
    Level 7 (21,770 points)
    Quicktime
    May 11, 2012 9:48 AM in response to andyalibi

    Just another thought: With a  looming deadline and Compressor not cooperating, I'd launch M{PEG Streamclip and do the batch transcodes with that app…faster too.

     

    Russ

  • by andyalibi,

    andyalibi andyalibi May 12, 2012 3:10 AM in response to Russ H
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Video
    May 12, 2012 3:10 AM in response to Russ H

    Yes, I've heard this workaround before and installed Streamclip but there didn't seem to be an encode for ProRes. It did occur to me that maybe I'd inadvertently downloaded a really old version (v1.9.2 2004-8) that didn't have this particular encode, so your post has prompted me to have another look for a later version. Thanks.

  • by Russ H,Helpful

    Russ H Russ H May 12, 2012 5:28 AM in response to andyalibi
    Level 7 (21,770 points)
    Quicktime
    May 12, 2012 5:28 AM in response to andyalibi

    AFAIK, Streamclip references whatever is in the QuickTime Library. Pro Res should therefore be an available choice. If I'm wrong, I'm sure someone will jump in and correct me.

     

    Russ

  • by andyalibi,

    andyalibi andyalibi May 13, 2012 10:25 AM in response to Russ H
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Video
    May 13, 2012 10:25 AM in response to Russ H

    No, looks like you are right thanks Russ: easy to batch process and you can set up a Preset for your encoder settings and SUPER fast compared to Compressor - which is both exciting and slightly worrying at the same time. (How can Streamclip do it so fast if Compressor is so horribly lumpy? Does it miss something out? Will FCP be just as happy with the files? Has my time spent transcoding in the past just been cut down to nothing with no more swearing at the computer and no more hanging around? ) We'll see. I'll let you know...