Quicktime files returning inconsistent from Compressor

Using FCP 6, the sequence is mixed media: DV, H.264, Tiffs, JPGs, etc. I know H.264 is problematic but I've never had an issue in the past working like this.

Sequence settings are: NTSC DV (3:2), Anamorphic 16:9, NTSC - CCIR 601 pixel aspect ratio, Lower Field Dominance; QuickTime Video Settings compressor DV/DVCPRO - NTSC at full quality.

Thanks for that. The H.264 footage only makes up a fraction of the sequence. At worst, I would expect those files to be compressed imptoperly and all others, ie. DV, would come out correct. The fact that teh entire project appears washed out and overexposed would indicate a fault somewhere else, would it not?

I'm interested in what you say about media management. Is there a simple way in FCP to batch convert all H.264 files in the sequence, or does this have to be done manually over hundreds of individual files?

Yikes, sounds like I have to rebuild the entire project — there are hundreds of files and transitions, I'd need to sort out the H.264s from the others one by one.

Incidentally, when exporting the sequence to Quicktime movie (self contained) and re-importing that into a new timeline, the film looks perfect. But sending that to Compressor, the results are sometimes on sometimes off.

I believe I may have found a reasonable solution to this problem after scouring associated forums. It seems my problem is widespread, and it is due to the inability of FCP to resemble anything on a TV screen, to put it simply. It is also to do with codecs, but mostly the different RGB space used by Compressor — and most important of all, the Gamma.

My solution is to fiddle with the Compressor settings after importing a sequence. Key to image control is Filters: click Gamma and reset to 1.22; then adjust Contrast (-10) and Deinterlace (set to Blur); this last one is very good for dealing with those unpleasant shimmering white artefacts from moving stills. Next is Frame Control: set this to ON, set everything to best, anti- alias around 10, Details level to 90.

You will need to try a few variants and play with Contrast and Gamma, but after four wasted DVDs (and as many days) I can now see on TV something closer to what I had in my original FCP file.

Hope this helps.

It is astonishing that I, the customer, have to go through this time-wasting exercise, after paying good money for this software. Apple should be ashamed of itself for selling something so flawed and leaving it up to us to figure how how to work it. Sorry, need to vent!