Why does FCE export file formats that can't be accessed in QuickTime?

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Level 1

8 points

Why does FCE export file formats that can't be accessed in QuickTime?

I've been slowly but surely figuring out the FCE program. About 3 months ago I editied a video, exported it and when I clicked on the .MOV file it automatically converted it to a QuickTime compatible file, which I was then able to save and upload to YouTube with no issues. I have not updated or changed any settings or anything on my computer since then and now when I export a video it shows up as an .MOV file that QuickTime can't access. Also, when I click on the "more info" button, it sends me to a link with a list of compatible formats and at the very top of the list is .MOV! I really don't know what to do now. HELP!

I just want to be able to view the video I edited and post it to YouTube.

😠

MacBook Pro

Posted on Jun 2, 2014 12:20 PM

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Answer 1

Jun 2, 2014 3:27 PM in response to imperfekt

Just to keep things confusing, the .MOV designation merely means that the video and audio stream are contained within a QuickTime wrapper (aka container). Same thing with .AVI files on Windows systems. AVI and MOV file could be made from any number of video formats/codecs so the designation really doesn't tell you much. It's like when you ask someone what they drive and they answer; "a car." Doesn't really give you much information, does it.

When you exported from FCE, what settings did you use? What were your exact steps through the process?

YouTube converts everything that is uploaded to an H.264 format (H.264 is actually MPEG-4, part 10). That's what's happening when YouTube tells you the video is processing. Therefore, if you upload an H.264 file, the processing will go quicker and the quality would probably hold up a bit better, depending on the settings you use.

Compressor (available from the App Store) can convert to many,, many video formats/codecs ... there are other apps available as well.

-DH

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Answer 2

imperfekt Author

Level 1

8 points

Jun 3, 2014 6:47 PM in response to David Harbsmeier

Thanks for the reply. I've been doing a lot of research and I think my export quality issue lies within Final Cut Express 4. According to a few different blogs and tutorials I have found out that FCE4 does not actually support full HD. It can view and edit full HD videos, but when it comes to exporting FCE4 forces 1920x1080 vids into a 1440x1080.

As for exporting, I have exported in every manner I have seen on the interweb. Tried MPEG-4, H.264, .AVI and tinkered around with a few others. I have also adjusted many of the parameters as suggested by websites, and the results have been similar in all, grainy, pixelated or horizontal lines with movement.

The best result thus far has been via this youtube vid, which is only 1280x720.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxEq0zczlWU#t=30

I realize that is still HD, but that is not utilizing the full capacity of my camcorder. (Canon Vixia HF M500). I also notice that the colors are not as vibrant or bright, so I think I will play around with the filter settigns to try to fix that.

Anymore suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

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Answer 3

MartinR

Level 7

24,954 points

Jun 4, 2014 6:57 AM in response to imperfekt

but when it comes to exporting FCE4 forces 1920x1080 vids into a 1440x1080.

Not necessarily true. But may be true if you put 1920x1080 source clips in an HDV (1440x1080) Sequence. This is a common and often overlooked mistake. Your camcorder can shoot both 1920 and 1440 video, what settings did you use when you filmed your clips? What are your FCE sequence settings? In addition, both of the available 1920 settings are progressive; FCE only supports progressive video if it's 720p.

All FCE output is based on the characteristics of the Sequence settings combined with any special settings you configure in QuickTime Conversion if you use QT Conversion for output.

and the results have been similar in all, grainy, pixelated or horizontal lines with movement.

These are common problems with clips & sequences whose settings do not match. The combing effects could be a combination of low data rates plus being interlaced (again, check your Sequence settings).

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Answer 4

imperfekt Author

Level 1

8 points

Jun 4, 2014 7:42 AM in response to MartinR

Thanks a lot Martin R.

I keep seeing people talking about the "sequence settings" but when I go in there, there is only 2 tabs to choose from. The first is timeline options, which has no relevance as it only controls what you see in the timeline, and the second one is Render Control, which only has 4 options. Render & Playback: Filters and Frame Blending For Speed are both checked as being on, and below that in the Render section, the Frame Rate is 100% and the Resolution is 100%.

Other than that, my camcorder settings are optimized for the best cinematic quality:

Recording Mode: MXP High Quality 24Mbps
Frame Rate: PF24

File Type: AVCHD

Sound: Linear PCM, 48khz, 16 bits, .WAV

According to my user manual, the MXP mode records in 1920x1080 which is as good as HD gets so thats why I use it and it makes sense that there is a disagreement when exporting from FCE if it only supports a 1440x1080. But what are my options for the best HD export then? I have one more vid to edit that was recorded in MXP mode, and if I don't end up getting a different program I might just switch to a different mode that records in 1440x1080.

Thanks a gain, I really appreciate your help.

-Rick

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