Best Settings for Using MPEG Streamclip to Convert MPEG-2 for FCPX?

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Level 1

20 points

Best Settings for Using MPEG Streamclip to Convert MPEG-2 for FCPX?

Hi Everybody,

First of all, I'm a bit of a newbie with video & FCPX, so please bear with me.

I've done some searching and was very bummed to learn that I can't import my old MPEG-2 video clips direclty into FCPX.

I BELIEVE the best thing for me to do is use MPEG Streamclip and convert the files into ProRes 422 (LT) before importing into FCPX.

I think (LT) is the right choice because the original clips were shot with an older camera (a Sony DSC-V1), and the initial video quality is relatively low (video clip information is listed below). The content, however, is pretty sweet, and I would like to achieve the best results possible.

I am a bit overwhelmed by all of the options within Streamclip.

Besides which format to choose, the main settings that I am unsure of are the Frame Sizes and Quality.

My assumption is that since the source video is 640 x 480, that's the Frame Size I should choose in Streamclip. True?

If you have any advice regarding my general strategy above, and especially regarding these settings, it would be MUCH appreciated!

Cheers,

David

From "Movie Inspector" in QuickTime:

Format:

MPEG-1 Video, 640 x 480

MPEG Layer 2, 32000 Hz, Mono

FPS:

25

Data Rate:

104.92 Mbit/s

Current Size:

640 × 480 pixels (Actual)

iMac, Mac OS X (10.7.5), 2.8 GHz i5, 8GB ram

Posted on Aug 13, 2013 9:52 PM

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Answer 1

Russ H

Level 7

22,432 points

Aug 14, 2013 5:50 AM in response to sdpg

You're on the right track.

Pro Res LT is a very good codec that will treat your footage well in the transcode. You could also use Pro Res 422. but incurring the cost of somewhat larger files.

Here is what your dialogue box should look like.

You didn't mention what you intended to do with the end product. If it's going to be played on computers, make a de-interlaced version. You can do that when exporting from FCPX.

Good luck.

Russ

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Answer 2

sdpg Author

Level 1

20 points

Aug 14, 2013 10:53 AM in response to Russ H

Thanks Russ

Great!

Can someone explain what the benefits of ProRes 422 would be over ProRes 422 LT?

If there's no appreciable advantage, I'd save space and go with the ProRes 422 LT - but I'd consider the larger file size associated with ProRes 422 if there was a significant benefit.

And if I chose 854 x 480 for a Frame Size, would you expect that to distort the final product?

I'd like to keep my options open as far as future use of the end product. Moslty likely it will be played on computers and uploaded to YouTube, etc - and maybe plugged into a TV screeen, or projector. I suppose, like you said, I can choose the appropriate settings in FCPX when I export.

Thanks again

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Answer 3

Tom Wolsky

Level 10

152,805 points

Aug 14, 2013 11:01 AM in response to sdpg

Choosing that frame size would distort it.

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Answer 4

sdpg Author

Level 1

20 points

Aug 14, 2013 11:54 AM in response to Tom Wolsky

That makes sense, thanks Tom. Sorry to ask what maybe should be obvious questions.

I just did a test batch conversion with Streamclip and it appeared to work fine. Three files with a combined size of 76 MB came out as 208 MB.

I sure wish I was carrying around a better camera back then.... these clips are of some prerty stunning scenery shot while working in Antarctica and on tall ship sailboats. The clips will at least get the idea across, and I'll put in some stills that will show the details better. If any of you invent a way to increase the quality of original footage, I'll be first in line to congratulate you & buy a copy! :-)

The last little issue I have is that the time metadata doesn't seem to survive through Streamclip.

The original source files in Finder show a bad Created Date, but accurate Modified Date (the day the clips were downloaded). In iPhoto, the files show the downloaded ("Modified") date as Date Created (which is close enough), but coming out of Streamclip, the date that shows in FCPX is the date that Streamclip converted the file.

Any tips on how to preserve the true Modified Date?

I think I pretty much have my workflow then.

I'm going to go with ProRes 422 LT, unless somebody tells me a benefit of going with ProRes 422(?).

My plan is to run the source files from Finder, through Automator to change the filenames (to have meaning), and then through Streamclip, and then, if I can't get the true Date Modified to stick, to change the date in FCPX - probably in batches with approximate dates.

After Streamclip conversion, I'm dragging the files into FCPX events.

Is there any reason to use FCPX's import function instead?

Cheers!

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Answer 5

Russ H

Level 7

22,432 points

Aug 14, 2013 1:37 PM in response to sdpg

sdpg wrote:

. If any of you invent a way to increase the quality of original footage

You can probably improve the appearance of the footage by using the controls in the color board (for example, by boosting contrast). It might also – in some cases – benefit by a very light application of the Sharpen filter.

Any tips on how to preserve the true Modified Date?

That will need to be fixed in the Finder. Users have posted AppleScript and Terminal fixes…also ways t trick the OS. DO a search of these boards.

After Streamclip conversion, I'm dragging the files into FCPX events.

Is there any reason to use FCPX's import function instead?

Either way will work.

Good luck.

Russ

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Answer 6

sdpg Author

Level 1

20 points

Aug 14, 2013 1:45 PM in response to Russ H

Thanks Heaps Russ!!!

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