Working with MPEG 4

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Level 4

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Working with MPEG 4

I've got a bunch of long MPEG 4 Video/Audio files that I need to make alot of edits on. I notice that when I put them in the timeline, even when I change the setting properties of the sequence to match the MPEG4, I have to render to even cleanly scan the footage.

I also notice that you lose all your Unlimited Real Time capability.

I'm not really concerned with how long it will take to render out at the end of the project, but I am trying to figure out if there is a fast way of scanning
through the footage cleanly so I can make my edits more quickly, in the same way as if the Unlimited Real Time features were functioning.

Any input would be appreciated.

Powerbook G4 800mhz 60GB, Mac OS X (10.3.9)

Posted on Jun 9, 2007 4:33 AM

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Answer 1

Jun 9, 2007 5:00 AM in response to brvideo

The problem with MPEG4 is that its compressed. FCP needs to constantly re/uncompress that content to even play. Don't mix up with encode/decode; that's for playback only. FCP recompresses it to its native editing format because that is were it is designed for.

My suggestion: recompress your assets to QT MOV or DV video which is perfectly handled by FCP.

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Answer 2

brvideo Author

Level 4

1,018 points

Jun 9, 2007 4:20 PM in response to Riddertje

Thanks Ridder. Not the answer I wanted, but at least I know the story.

I was going to ask why the MP4 which is 30 frames per second, shows up as 10 frames per second in FCP. I assume the compression issue is to blame for that as well.

Thanks again. I appreciate the input.

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