James Bowman1
Level 1 (119 points)

Q: FCE4.0.1 project file (.fcp) to .mov file. On playback.mov freezes

I have a 25 minute project which, in nested form, plays perfectly when it is in the project file format (.fcp) But once transcoded to .mov, which I do to make a self contained movie, it always, after conversion and on playback, freezes at one particular spot. To get over this I trashed the clip where the freeze happened and re imported it to the FCE Timeline. But, again, once transcoded to .mov, it froze. In exporting from .fcp I go this way : Open the projerct file>Export>QT. Then I give the file a name and pathway and waited while the process happened. Has anyone got any idea what is causing this problem? Or any way of getting that .fcp to an mp4 file without going via a .mov file. My end format for the client is an mp4 file but I do like to hold the project as a .mov master, if possible

 

James B

Posted on May 2, 2014 9:00 PM

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James Bowman1

Q: FCE4.0.1 project file (.fcp) to .mov file. On playback.mov freezes

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  • by MartinR,

    MartinR MartinR May 4, 2014 12:40 PM in response to James Bowman1
    Level 6 (14,891 points)
    May 4, 2014 12:40 PM in response to James Bowman1

    First thing I would do is trash all the render files, then re-render the entire project, then try exporting again.

     

    To trash the render files:  carefully delete all the files in ~/Final Cut Express Documents/Render Files  (unless you set up a different folder for render files)

     

    To re-render the entire project, do both of the following:

     

    • Sequence > Render All > Both
    • Sequence > Render Only > Mixdown

     

    Then save your project.  Then try exporting again.

     

     

    BTW, how full is your hard drive?  A loaded hard drive can cause all sorts of gremlins with video.   Also, are you using the same hard drive for both your source media files *AND* as your export location?

     

    ps.  You can export directly to MP4 by doing Export > Using QuickTime Conversion and choosing the appropriate settings (Format > MPEG4 & related options).

  • by James Bowman1,

    James Bowman1 James Bowman1 May 4, 2014 2:17 PM in response to James Bowman1
    Level 1 (119 points)
    May 4, 2014 2:17 PM in response to James Bowman1

    Thank you, MartinR,

     

    I will put your suggestions into place. Thank you for helping. Currently, I have given up proceeding from the 'fcp file to mp4 via .mov and MPEG Streamclip. What I now do - is .fcp to mp4 via Export to QT Conversion. This takes ages but gives a good result EXCEPT that I still have, most times (in the finished mp4 file)  volume surges in the music track even though all is OK when the nested sequences in the .fcp file are opened. Very frustrating. My .fcp project file and downloaded (captured) clips are on the same Ext HD - it currently has 250Gb free (it is a 1500Gb Ext HD - but USB). One other thing. I have a folder on my Ext HD called "Project Stuff:" - and everything to do with the project is therein contained. This "Stuff folder" is backed up daily to a separate 3Tb Ext HD.

     

    I will follow your instructions and see how I go. If I mess up - I cn simply activate the backup to "start again"

     

    Thanks so much for your help,MartinR