Product specifications are subject to change without notice and do not represent a commitment on the part of Avid Technology,
Inc.
The software described in this document is furnished under a license agreement. You can obtain a copy of that license by
visiting Avid's Web site at www.avid.com. The terms of that license are also available in the product in the same directory as
the software. The software may not be reverse assembled and may be used or copied only in accordance with the terms of the
license agreement. It is against the law to copy the software on any medium except as specifically allowed in the license
agreement.
Avid products or portions thereof are protected by one or more of the following United States Patents: 4,746,994; 4,970,663;
5,045,940; 5,267,351; 5,309,528; 5,355,450; 5,396,594; 5,440,348; 5,452,378; 5,467,288; 5,513,375; 5,528,310; 5,557,423;
5,568,275; 5,577,190; 5,584,006; 5,640,601; 5,644,364; 5,654,737; 5,715,018; 5,724,605; 5,726,717; 5,729,673; 5,745,637;
5,752,029; 5,754,851; 5,799,150; 5,812,216; 5,852,435; 5,584,006; 5,905,841; 5,929,836; 5,930,445; 5,946,445; 5,987,501;
6,016,152; 6,018,337; 6,023,531; 6,058,236; 6,061,758; 6,091,778; 6,105,083; 6,118,444; 6,128,001; 6,134,607; 6,137,919;
6,141,691; 6,198,477; 6,201,531; 6,223,211; 6,249,280; 6,269,195; 6,317,158; 6,317,515; 6,330,369; 6,351,557; 6,353,862;
6,357,047; 6,392,710; 6,404,435; 6,407,775; 6,417,891; 6,426,778; 6,477,271; 6,489,969; 6,512,522; 6,532,043; 6,546,190;
6,552,731; 6,553,142; 6,570,624; 6,571,255; 6,583,824; 6,618,547; 6,636,869; 6,665,450; 6,678,461; 6,687,407; 6,704,445;
6,747,705; 6,763,134; 6,766,063; 6,791,556; 6,810,157; 6,813,622; 6,847,373; 6,871,003; 6,871,161; 6,901,211; 6,907,191;
6,928,187; 6,933,948; 6,961,801; 7,043,058; 7,081,900; 7,103,231; D392,269; D396,853; D398,912.
Other patents are pending.
This document is protected under copyright law. An authorized licensee of Avid Media Composer may reproduce this
publication for the licensee’s own use in learning how to use the software. This document may not be reproduced or
distributed, in whole or in part, for commercial purposes, such as selling copies of this document or providing support or
educational services to others. This document is supplied as a guide for Avid Media Composer. Reasonable care has been
taken in preparing the information it contains. However, this document may contain omissions, technical inaccuracies, or
typographical errors. Avid Technology, Inc. does not accept responsibility of any kind for customers’ losses due to the use of
this document. Product specifications are subject to change without notice.
Permission to use, copy, modify, distribute, and sell this software [i.e., the TIFF library] and its documentation for any purpose
is hereby granted without fee, provided that (i) the above copyright notices and this permission notice appear in all copies of
the software and related documentation, and (ii) the names of Sam Leffler and Silicon Graphics may not be used in any
advertising or publicity relating to the software without the specific, prior written permission of Sam Leffler and Silicon
Graphics.
THE SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED “AS-IS” AND WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR
OTHERWISE, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
IN NO EVENT SHALL SAM LEFFLER OR SILICON GRAPHICS BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT
OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF ANY KIND, OR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER RESULTING FROM LOSS OF USE,
DATA OR PROFITS, WHETHER OR NOT ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF DAMAGE, AND ON ANY THEORY OF
LIABILITY, ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE OR PERFORMANCE OF THIS SOFTWARE.
The following disclaimer is required by the Independent JPEG Group:
This software is based in part on the work of the Independent JPEG Group.
This Software may contain components licensed under the following conditions:
Copyright (c) 1989 The Regents of the University of California. All rights reserved.
Redistribution and use in source and binary forms are permitted provided that the above copyright notice and this paragraph
are duplicated in all such forms and that any documentation, advertising materials, and other materials related to such
distribution and use acknowledge that the software was developed by the University of California, Berkeley. The name of the
University may not be used to endorse or promote products derived from this software without specific prior written
permission. THIS SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED ``AS IS'' AND WITHOUT ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES,
INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
2
Copyright (C) 1989, 1991 by Jef Poskanzer.
Permission to use, copy, modify, and distribute this software and its documentation for any purpose and without fee is hereby
granted, provided that the above copyright notice appear in all copies and that both that copyright notice and this permission
notice appear in supporting documentation. This software is provided "as is" without express or implied warranty.
Copyright 1995, Trinity College Computing Center. Written by David Chappell.
Permission to use, copy, modify, and distribute this software and its documentation for any purpose and without fee is hereby
granted, provided that the above copyright notice appear in all copies and that both that copyright notice and this permission
notice appear in supporting documentation. This software is provided "as is" without express or implied warranty.
Copyright 1996 Daniel Dardailler.
Permission to use, copy, modify, distribute, and sell this software for any purpose is hereby granted without fee, provided that
the above copyright notice appear in all copies and that both that copyright notice and this permission notice appear in
supporting documentation, and that the name of Daniel Dardailler not be used in advertising or publicity pertaining to
distribution of the software without specific, written prior permission. Daniel Dardailler makes no representations about the
suitability of this software for any purpose. It is provided "as is" without express or implied warranty.
Modifications Copyright 1999 Matt Koss, under the same license as above.
Copyright (c) 1991 by AT&T.
Permission to use, copy, modify, and distribute this software for any purpose without fee is hereby granted, provided that this
entire notice is included in all copies of any software which is or includes a copy or modification of this software and in all
copies of the supporting documentation for such software.
THIS SOFTWARE IS BEING PROVIDED "AS IS", WITHOUT ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY. IN PARTICULAR,
NEITHER THE AUTHOR NOR AT&T MAKES ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY OF ANY KIND CONCERNING THE
MERCHANTABILITY OF THIS SOFTWARE OR ITS FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
This product includes software developed by the University of California, Berkeley and its contributors.
The following disclaimer is required by Paradigm Matrix:
Portions of this software licensed from Paradigm Matrix.
The following disclaimer is required by Ray Sauers Associates, Inc.:
“Install-It” is licensed from Ray Sauers Associates, Inc. End-User is prohibited from taking any action to derive a source code
equivalent of “Install-It,” including by reverse assembly or reverse compilation, Ray Sauers Associates, Inc. shall in no event be
liable for any damages resulting from reseller’s failure to perform reseller’s obligation; or any damages arising from use or
operation of reseller’s products or the software; or any other damages, including but not limited to, incidental, direct, indirect,
special or consequential Damages including lost profits, or damages resulting from loss of use or inability to use reseller’s
products or the software for any reason including copyright or patent infringement, or lost data, even if Ray Sauers Associates
has been advised, knew or should have known of the possibility of such damages.
The following disclaimer is required by Videomedia, Inc.:
“Videomedia, Inc. makes no warranties whatsoever, either express or implied, regarding this product, including warranties with
respect to its merchantability or its fitness for any particular purpose.”
“This software contains V-LAN ver. 3.0 Command Protocols which communicate with V-LAN ver. 3.0 products developed by
Videomedia, Inc. and V-LAN ver. 3.0 compatible products developed by third parties under license from Videomedia, Inc. Use
of this software will allow “frame accurate” editing control of applicable videotape recorder decks, videodisc recorders/players
and the like.”
The following disclaimer is required by Altura Software, Inc. for the use of its Mac2Win software and Sample
Source Code:
The following disclaimer is required by 3Prong.com Inc.:
Certain waveform and vector monitoring capabilities are provided under a license from 3Prong.com Inc.
For additional copyright information, see page 689.
3
Attn. Government User(s). Restricted Rights Legend
U.S. GOVERNMENT RESTRICTED RIGHTS. This Software and its documentation are “commercial computer software” or
“commercial computer software documentation.” In the event that such Software or documentation is acquired by or on behalf
of a unit or agency of the U.S. Government, all rights with respect to this Software and documentation are subject to the terms
of the License Agreement, pursuant to FAR §12.212(a) and/or DFARS §227.7202-1(a), as applicable.
Trademarks
888 I/O, Adrenaline, AirPlay, AirSPACE, AirSPACE HD, AirSpeed, AniMatte, AudioSuite, AudioVision, AutoSync, Avid,
Avid DNA, Avid DNxcel, Avid DNxHD, AVIDdrive, AVIDdrive Towers, Avid DS Assist Station, Avid ISIS,
Avid Learning Excellerator, Avid Liquid, Avid Mojo, AvidNet, AvidNetwork, Avid Remote Response, AVIDstripe, Avid Unity,
Avid Unity ISIS, Avid Xpress, AVoption, AVX, CamCutter, ChromaCurve, ChromaWheel, DAE, Dazzle, Deko, DekoCast, D-Fi,
D-fx, DigiDelivery, Digidesign, Digidesign Audio Engine, Digidesign Intelligent Noise Reduction, DigiDrive,
Digital Nonlinear Accelerator, DigiTranslator, DINR, DNxchange, do more, D-Verb, Equinox, ExpertRender, Face Robot,
FACE ROBOT, FieldPak, Film Composer, FilmScribe, FluidMotion, FXDeko, HIIP, HyperSPACE, HyperSPACE HDCAM,
IllusionFX, Image Independence, iNEWS, iNEWS ControlAir, Instinct, Interplay, Intraframe, iS9, iS18, iS23, iS36, IsoSync,
LaunchPad, Lightning, Lo-Fi, Magic Mask, make manage move | media, Marquee, Matador, Maxim, MCXpress,
Media Browse, Media Composer, MediaDock, MediaDock Shuttle, Media Fusion, Media Illusion, MediaLog, Media Reader,
Media Recorder, MEDIArray, MediaShare, MediaStream, Meridien, MetaSync, MissionControl, NaturalMatch, Nearchive,
NetReview, NewsCutter, Nitris, OMF, OMF Interchange, OMM, Open Media Framework, Open Media Management, PCTV,
Pinnacle MediaSuite, Pinnacle Studio, Pinnacle Systems, ProEncode, Pro Tools, QuietDrive, Recti-Fi, RetroLoop, rS9, rS18,
Sci-Fi, ScriptSync, SecureProductionEnvironment, Show Center, Softimage, Sound Designer II, SPACE, SPACEShift,
SpectraGraph, SpectraMatte, SteadyGlide, Symphony, TARGA, Thunder, Thunder station, Trilligent, UnityRAID, Vari-Fi,
Video RAID, Video Slave Driver, VideoSPACE, and Xdeck are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Avid Technology,
Inc. in the United States and/or other countries.Adobe and Photoshop are either registered trademarks or trademarks of
Adobe Systems Incorporated in the United States and/or other countries. Apple and Macintosh are trademarks of Apple
Computer, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. DVCPRO HD is a registered trademark of Matsushita Electric
Corporation of America.Windows is either a registered trademark or trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States
and/or other countries. All other trademarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.
Footage
Arri — Courtesy of Arri/Fauer — John Fauer, Inc.
Bell South “Anticipation” — Courtesy of Two Headed Monster — Tucker/Wayne Atlanta/GMS.
Canyonlands — Courtesy of the National Park Service/Department of the Interior.
Eco Challenge British Columbia — Courtesy of Eco Challenge Lifestyles, Inc., All Rights Reserved.
Eco Challenge Morocco — Courtesy of Discovery Communications, Inc.
It’s Shuttletime — Courtesy of BCP & Canadian Airlines.
Nestlé Coffee Crisp — Courtesy of MacLaren McCann Canada.
Saturn “Calvin Egg” — Courtesy of Cossette Communications.
“Tigers: Tracking a Legend” — Courtesy of www.wildlifeworlds.com, Carol Amore, Executive Producer.
"The Big Swell" — Courtesy of Swell Pictures, Inc.
Windhorse — Courtesy of Paul Wagner Productions.
GOT FOOTAGE?
Editors — Filmmakers — Special Effects Artists — Game Developers — Animators — Educators — Broadcasters — Content
creators of every genre — Just finished an incredible project and want to share it with the world?
Send us your reels and we may use your footage in our show reel or demo!*
For a copy of our release and Avid’s mailing address, go to www.avid.com/footage.
Avid Media Composer Basics Guide • 0130-07599-01 • March 2007
Congratulations on your purchase of an Avid editing application. You can use your
application to create broadcast-quality output incorporating every possible production
element from full-speed, high-resolution footage, to multimedia artwork and animation, to
computer-generated effects and titling.
This guide contains the task-oriented instructions and conceptual information you need to
use the basic features of your Avid editing application. The Advanced Guide for your Avid
editing application, available as a PDF document in the Online Library, is a companion to
this guide. The Advanced Guide contains instructions and conceptual information for
advanced features of your Avid editing application, as well as reference information. The
contents of both guides are available in the Help.
This guide is intended primarily for users who are new to Avid editing products, but also
contains information that is important for experienced users.
®
Unless noted otherwise, the material in this document applies to the Windows
Macintosh
captured on a Windows XP system, but the information applies to both Windows XP and
Mac
shots are shown.
®
OS X operating systems.The majority of screen shots in this document were
®
OS X systems. Where differences exist, both Windows XP and Mac OS X screen
XP and
n
The documentation describes the features and hardware of all models. Therefore, your
system might not contain certain features and hardware that are covered in the
documentation.
Using This Guide
Symbols and Conventions
Avid documentation uses the following symbols and conventions:
Symbol or ConventionMeaning or Action
n
c
w
>This symbol indicates menu commands (and subcommands) in the
t
k
(Windows), (Windows only),
(Macintosh), or (Macintosh
only)
Italic fontItalic font is used to emphasize certain words and to indicate variables.
Courier Bold font
A note provides important related information, reminders,
recommendations, and strong suggestions.
A caution means that a specific action you take could cause harm to
your computer or cause you to lose data.
A warning describes an action that could cause you physical harm.
Follow the guidelines in this document or on the unit itself when
handling electrical equipment.
order you select them. For example, File > Import means to open the
File menu and then select the Import command.
This symbol indicates a single-step procedure. Multiple arrows in a
list indicate that you perform one of the actions listed.
This symbol represents the Apple or Command key. Press and hold
the Command key and another key to perform a keyboard shortcut.
This text indicates that the information applies only to the specified
operating system, either Windows XP or Macintosh OS X.
Courier Bold font identifies text that you type.
30
Alt+key or mouse action
Option+key or mouse action
Press and hold the first key while you press the last key or perform the
mouse action. For example, Option+C or Ctrl+drag.
If You Need Help
If you are having trouble using your Avid product:
1. Retry the action, carefully following the instructions given for that task in this guide. It
is especially important to check each step of your workflow.
2. Check for the latest information that might have become available after the
documentation was published:
-If the latest information for your Avid product is provided as printed release notes,
they ship with your application and are also available online.
-If the latest information for your Avid product is provided as a ReadMe file, it is
supplied on your Avid installation CD or DVD as a PDF document
(README_product.pdf). It is also available online.
You should always check online for the most up-to-date release notes or ReadMe
because the online version is updated whenever new information becomes
available. To view these online versions, select ReadMe from the Help menu or visit the
Knowledge Base at www.avid.com/readme.
3. Check the documentation that came with your Avid application or your hardware for
maintenance or hardware-related issues.
If You Need Help
4. Visit the online Knowledge Base at www.avid.com/onlinesupport. Online services are
available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Search this online Knowledge Base to find
answers, to view error messages, to access troubleshooting tips, to download updates,
and to read/join online message-board discussions.
Accessing the Online Library
The Online Library for your Avid editing application contains all the product documentation
in PDF format, including a Master Glossary of all specialized terminology used in the
documentation for Avid products.
Most Avid online libraries also include multimedia content such as tutorials and feature
presentations. This multimedia content is an excellent first resource for learning how to use
your application or for helping you understand a particular feature or workflow.
The Online Library for your Avid editing application is installed along with the application
itself.
n
You will need Adobe® Reader® to view the PDF documentation online. You can download
the latest version from the Adobe web site.
31
Using This Guide
To access the Online Library, do one of the following:
tFrom your Avid editing application, select Help > Online Library.
tFrom the Windows desktop, select Start > Programs > Avid > Avid editing application
Online Library.
tBrowse to the Online Library folder, and then double-click the MainMenu file.
The Online Library folder is in the same location as the application itself, for example:
C:\Program Files\Avid\Avid editing application Online Library
How to Order Documentation
To order additional copies of this documentation from within the United States, call Avid
Sales at 800-949-AVID (800-949-2843). If you are placing an order from outside the United
States, contact your local Avid representative.
Avid Educational Services
Avid makes lifelong learning, career advancement, and personal development easy and
convenient. Avid understands that the knowledge you need to differentiate yourself is always
changing, and Avid continually updates course content and offers new training delivery
methods that accommodate your pressured and competitive work environment.
32
To learn about Avid's new online learning environment, Avid Learning Excellerator
(ALEX), visit http://learn.avid.com.
For information on courses/schedules, training centers, certifications, courseware, and
books, please visit www.avid.com/training or call Avid Sales at 800-949-AVID
(800-949-2843).
Chapter 1
Editing Overview
The following sections provide an overview of the editing workflow:
•Editing Workflow
•Starting a Project
•Preparing to Edit
•Editing a Sequence
•Outputting a Sequence
Editing Workflow
Your editing workflow depends on a variety of factors. For example, you might be working
on a standard-definition video project, a film project, or an HD project.
The following procedure lists the basic steps for editing a sequence and refers you to
sections of the documentation for more information. The structure of this Basics Guide
reflects the typical editing workflow.
1. Create or open a project. See “Starting a Project” on page 43.
2. Set the appropriate Project settings and create a bin structure. See “Working with the
Project Window” on page 73.
3. Capture or import the media. See “Capturing Media” on page 85 and “Importing Files”
on page 155.
4. Organize your bins to suit your project’s needs. See “Working with Bins” on page 169.
5. View your clips in advance and mark IN and OUT points, or create subclips based on
selected portions of your master clips. See “Viewing and Marking Footage” on
page 215.
6. Build your sequence in Source/Record mode and in the Timeline. See “Creating and
Editing Sequences” on page 255 and “Using the Timeline” on page 277.
Chapter 1 Editing Overview
7. Fine-tune your edits and effects by using functions of the various edit modes, such as
Trim mode (see “Working in Trim Mode” on page 311), Effect mode (see “Working
with Effects” on page 391), and Color Correction mode (see “Color Correction” on
page 477).
8. Add any titles you need. See “Working with Titles” on page 443.
9. Adjust and mix multiple audio tracks and prepare for final output, using audio tools. See
“Working with Audio” on page 329.
10. Export the sequence or output a digital cut. See “Exporting Frames, Clips, or
Sequences” on page 507 or “Generating Output” on page 517.
If you are working in an offline to online project, see “Conforming and Transferring
Projects” on page 547. For information about HD workflows, see “HDTV Workflows” in the
Help.
Starting a Project
Whenever you start to work on a new project, you follow these basic steps:
1. Turn on your equipment in a prescribed order and start your Avid editing application.
See “Turning on Your Equipment” on page 43.
34
2. Select or create a new project (the job that will result in one or more finished
sequences). See “Starting a Project” on page 43.
3. Select the Project settings from the Settings list. See “Working with the Project
Window” on page 73.
4. Create and organize bins. See “Working with Bins” on page 169.
5. Back up your project on a regular basis. See “Starting a Project” on page 43.
1. Turn on your system and start your Avid editing application.
2. Select or create a project.
Starting a Project
3. Select the Project settings.
5. Back up the project.
4. Create and organize bins.
35
Chapter 1 Editing Overview
Preparing to Edit
When you capture and organize footage before editing, you follow these basic steps:
1. Batch capture, log and capture, or capture on-the-fly your source material into the Avid
system. See “Capturing Media” on page 85.
2. Use bins to organize the project items. See “Working with Bins” on page 169.
3. Manage media files by using the Media tool. See “Managing Media Files” on page 191.
4. Use the bins to create storyboards. See “Creating a Storyboard” on page 189.
36
1. Capture footage, creating
master clips and media files.
2. Sort and organize clips in the bins.
Preparing to Edit
3. Manage media files for storage
efficiency and backup security.
4. Previsualize with storyboards.
37
Chapter 1 Editing Overview
Editing a Sequence
When you edit your video and audio, you follow these basic steps:
1. View your clips and mark IN and OUT points, or create subclips based on selected
portions of your master clips. See “Viewing and Marking Footage” on page 215.
2. Build your sequence in Source/Record mode, which provides nonlinear editing controls
with Source and Record monitors, and in the Timeline. See “Creating and Editing
Sequences” on page 255.
3. Fine-tune your edits and effects by using the various edit modes, such as Segment, Trim,
and Effect modes. See “Using the Timeline” on page 277 and “Working in Trim Mode”
on page 311.
4. Adjust and mix multiple audio tracks and prepare for final playback or output by using
the Audio tools. See “Working with Audio” on page 329.
5. Return to editing if further adjustments are required. For basic information about
working with effects, see the following topics:
-“Working with Effects” on page 391
-“Working with Titles” on page 443
-“Color Correction” on page 477
38
For complete information about working with effects, see the “Advanced Effects Guide”
and “Avid Color Correction Guide” in the Help. This information is also contained in
the Avid Advanced Effects Guide and the Avid Color Correction Guide, which are
available in PDF format in the Online Library for your Avid editing application.
1. Screen, mark, and subcatalog footage.
Editing a Sequence
Source
monitor
Record
monitor
Timeline
2. Edit in Source/Record mode and the Timeline.
3. Fine-tune edits and effects.
4. Fine-tune audio pan,
volume, and EQ.
5. Screen and continue editing as necessary.
39
Chapter 1 Editing Overview
Outputting a Sequence
When your sequence is finished, you can output it in any of the following ways, depending
on the requirements of your project:
tExport as a file or a series of files. See “Exporting Frames, Clips, or Sequences” on
page 507.
tOutput a digital cut in one or more formats. See “Generating Output” on page 517.
tGenerate a cut list through Avid FilmScribe.
the Film Scribe Help
tGenerate an EDL through Avid EDL Manager. See the Avid EDL Manager User’s
Guide or the EDL Manager Help.
™
See the Avid Film Scribe User’s Guide or
40
Finished sequence
Outputting a Sequence
Export a file.
Generate a cut list.
Output to tape
Generate an EDL.
41
Chapter 1 Editing Overview
42
Chapter 2
Starting a Project
Your work begins when you turn on your system, start your Avid editing application, and
open an existing project or create a new project. The following topics describe these and
other procedures for starting your work, as well as several techniques to safeguard and
restore your work if necessary:
•Turning on Your Equipment
•Working with the Desktop
•Starting Your Avid Editing Application (Windows)
•Starting Your Avid Editing Application (Macintosh)
•Working with Projects
•Ending a Work Session
•Managing the Avid Projects and Avid Users Folders
•Backing Up Your Project Information
•Working with the Avid Attic Folder
•Using Toolsets
Turning on Your Equipment
Avid recommends that you turn on your equipment in the following order:
1. Storage devices
2. Peripheral devices (such as monitors and speakers)
3. Computer system
™
4. Avid DNA hardware (Adrenaline
, Avid Mojo®, or Avid Mojo SDI)
Chapter 2 Starting a Project
Working with the Desktop
This section describes desktop navigation features that you can use to speed your work in
your Avid editing application, or customize for your convenience while editing. You can:
•Control how the Windows taskbar appears on the screen (Windows only).
•Display the Macintosh Dock and use it as a quick way to launch your Avid editing
application (Macintosh only).
•Use shortcut menus (also sometimes known as context menus) to quickly access editing
commands.
•Use standard operating system keyboard shortcuts to navigate and select options in
dialog boxes and menus.
•Use the mouse scroll wheel for navigation and customize mouse button functions.
You also use the desktop for backups and transferring projects, as described in “Backing Up
Your Project Information” on page 64 and “Managing the Avid Projects and Avid Users
Folders” on page 62.
n
For information on the Windows XP operating system, such as the desktop and icons, see
your Microsoft
®
Windows XP Help.
Using the Windows Taskbar (Windows Only)
By default, the Windows taskbar always appears on the bottom of your screen, on top of
your application. You have two other choices:
•Keep the taskbar hidden behind your Avid editing application
•Set the taskbar to appear only when you drag the mouse pointer to it
If you keep the taskbar hidden while running your Avid editing application and you
minimize an application such as Help, you do not see the minimized icon in the taskbar.
For more information about the taskbar, see the Windows Help.
n
n
The taskbar can also be dragged to the top, bottom, or either side of the monitor.
When working in your Avid editing application, you can minimize windows (such as the
Project window and bins). The icons will appear in the application window, not in the
taskbar.
44
To see the taskbar and minimized icons:
tMinimize your Avid editing application.
To change the taskbar settings:
1. Right-click an unused part of the taskbar, and select Properties.
The Taskbar and Start Menu Properties dialog box opens.
2. Select the options you want:
tTo keep the taskbar hidden, deselect “Keep the task bar on top of other windows”
and “Auto hide the task bar.”
tTo set the taskbar to appear when you want, select “Keep the task bar on top of
other windows” and “Auto hide the task bar.”
3. Click OK.
Using the Macintosh Dock (Macintosh Only)
You can place an application icon alias on the Dock for easy access to your Avid editing
application. The Dock is hidden when your Avid editing application is active. For full
information on using the Dock, see the Mac OS X documentation.
Working with the Desktop
To display the Dock:
tMove the mouse pointer to the edge of the screen where the Dock is hidden.
Using Shortcut Menus
Instead of using the standard menus to find the command you need, try using the shortcut
menus. Shortcut menus show the most frequently used commands for a window or a screen
object.
Most shortcut menus contain a What’s This? command. Select What’s This? to access Help
for the window or the object.
To use a shortcut menu (Windows):
tRight-click a window or a screen object.
To use a shortcut menu (Macintosh):
tCtrl+Shift+click a window or a screen object.
45
Chapter 2 Starting a Project
Navigating in Dialog Boxes and Menus
You can use the keys shown in the following table to navigate in many dialog boxes and
menus and to select and deselect options.
KeyFunction
Page Up or Page DownMoves from tabbed page to tabbed page within a dialog box
TabMoves from check box to check box or from option to
option in a dialog box
Right Arrow, Left Arrow, space bar Selects or deselects a check box or an option in a dialog box
Up Arrow or Down ArrowMoves up or down through a menu, or increments a numeric
value
Understanding Mouse Scroll Wheel Functions
You can use the mouse scroll wheel for navigation in your Avid editing application, as
described in the following table. You can also set the speed of scrolling with the mouse
wheel, and assign functions to three additional mouse buttons, as described in “Customizing
Mouse Functions” on page 47.
Scroll Wheel FunctionActionResult
In any window or function
area with a vertical scroll bar,
such as a Bin
In the Timelinet Press (Windows) or Control
In a tool or window containing
a slider (for example, the
Effect Editor).
This does not apply to
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pop-up sliders.
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t Press (Windows) or Control
(Macintosh) + scroll wheel
(Macintosh) + scroll wheel
t Press (Windows) or Control
(Macintosh) + (Windows) or
Option (Macintosh) + scroll
wheel
t Press (Windows) or Control
(Macintosh) + scroll wheel
Scrolls through items.
Moves the position bar one frame at a time.
Moves the position bar 10 frames at a time
Moves the slider one unit at a time.
Scroll Wheel FunctionActionResult
Working with the Desktop
t Press (Windows) or Control
(Macintosh) + (Windows) or
Option (Macintosh) + scroll
wheel
Customizing Mouse Functions
Your Avid editing application allows you to set the speed of scrolling with the mouse wheel,
and lets you assign functions to three additional mouse buttons. For example, mouse button
3 can have a button function assigned to it. Mouse buttons pressed along with modifer keys
can also have additional assigned functions.
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When mapping mouse buttons, make certain that the modifier key that you are assigning to
the button and command doesn't already have an alternate function.
You cannot assign functions to the standard left and right mouse buttons.
To set the mouse scroll speed:
1. Double-click Mouse in the Settings list of the Project window.
The Mouse Settings dialog box opens.
Moves the slider 10 units at a time.
2. Select a speed from the Vertical Scroll Speed menu.
Normal is the default setting. Normal scrolls one item at a time. Moderate scrolls two
items at a time, and Fast scrolls four items at a time.
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Chapter 2 Starting a Project
To assign functions to additional mouse buttons:
1. Double-click Mouse in the Settings list of the Project window.
The Mouse Settings dialog box opens.
2. Select Tools > Command Palette.
The Command palette opens.
3. Select Button to Button Reassignment at the bottom of the Command palette.
4. Click the tab from which you want to select a user-selectable button.
5. Click the mouse, and drag the button from the Command palette to a button location on
the Mouse Settings dialog box.
Starting Your Avid Editing Application (Windows)
Your Avid editing application is located by default in the following folder:
The installation process adds a desktop icon and a pointer to your Avid editing application in
the Start menu. For most users, these provide the easiest way to start the application.
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Your Avid editing application does not start properly if the application file is moved
from the Avid editing application folder.
If you install your Avid editing application on a laptop computer, a dialog box might open
with a message about incompatible power management schemes. Avid recommends you use
the “Always On” power scheme when working with Avid applications. Other power schemes
might affect performance of editing functions (for example, capture and digital cuts). For
information on changing power schemes, see the Windows documentation.
To start your Avid editing application, do one of the following:
tClick the Start button, and select All Programs > Avid > Avid editing application.
tDouble-click the Avid editing application desktop icon.
After the application starts, the Select Project dialog box opens. For more information
on the Select Project dialog box, see “Working with Projects” on page 49.
Starting Your Avid Editing Application (Macintosh)
Starting Your Avid Editing Application (Macintosh)
Your Avid editing application is in the following location:
Macintosh HD/Applications/Avid Media Composer
For most users, the desktop or Dock is a more convenient location for starting the
application. The installation process places a shortcut alias icon for the Avid application on
the desktop.
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For more information on making an alias and using the Dock, see your Macintosh
documentation.
Your Avid editing application does not start properly if the application file is moved
from the Avid editing application folder. You can drag it onto the Dock, and an alias is
placed on the Dock.
When you start the application, you might see a message box indicating there is no input or
output signal. Check to ensure that your Avid DNA hardware (Adrenaline, Avid Mojo, or
Avid Mojo SDI) is connected to the system with the cables secured and that it is turned on.
To start your Avid editing application, do one of the following:
tDouble-click the Avid application alias icon on the desktop.
tDouble-click the Avid application alias icon on the Dock.
tSelect Go > Applications, and then double-click the Avid editing application folder. In
this folder, double-click the Avid editing application file.
You might see a license agreement. After the application starts, the Select Project dialog
box opens. For more information on the Select Project dialog box, see “Working with
Projects” on page 49.
Working with Projects
This section describes basic methods for working with projects.You can:
•Create a new project and save it to your choice of folder locations on your system. Some
of the available folder locations use your operating system’s security features to limit
access to the project.
•Use the Select Project dialog box to find, open, or delete a project.
•Instruct your Avid editing application to automatically open your last project when you
start the application.
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Chapter 2 Starting a Project
•If you have installed the startup project and media, open the startup project.
•Close an open project and return to the Select Project dialog box.
You should also back up your project information regularly to a separate storage device, as
described in “Backing Up Your Project Information” on page 64.
For information on the files and folders that your Avid editing application creates as part of a
project, see “Understanding the Avid Projects and Avid Users Folders” on page 62.
Understanding the Select Project Dialog Box
After you start your Avid editing application, the Select Project dialog box opens. The Select
Project dialog box lets you find and open a project, create a new project, or establish user
profiles. You can also choose to have your last project open automatically, as described in
“Opening a Project Automatically” on page 58.
User name
Folder name
User profile list
Browse button
Project list
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Folder
buttons
New Project
button
Working with Projects
The following table describes the elements of the Select Project dialog box:
ElementDescription
User
Folder
You cannot type into the User or Folder text boxes.
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Browse button
User Profile
Project list
Folder buttons
Displays the login name of the user currently logged into the system. To change to
a different user, you need to log out and log in as that user. For more information,
see the documentation for your operating system.
Displays the path of the current folder. This path determines which projects appear
in the project list and where a new project is created.
Click to navigate to a different folder. The projects in this folder appear in the
project list. See “Browsing for a Project” on page 56.
Displays the name associated with the current settings. By default your Avid
editing application uses the login name. Click the list button to change profiles or
create a new one. For more information, see “Using User Profiles” in the Help.
Displays a list of the Avid projects in the currently selected folder. Double-click a
project to open it.
Select a button to set the path for the project folder:
•Click Private to display any projects in the folder for the user logged into the
system. Private projects use the security provided by your system’s user login.
By default, this path is
(Windows) drive:\Documents and Settings\Windows login name\My
Documents\Avid Projects
(Macintosh) Macintosh HD/Users/Mac login name/Documents/Avid Projects
•Click Shared to display any projects in the folder for all users logged into the
system. By default, this path is:
(Windows) drive:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Shared
Documents\Shared Avid Projects
(Macintosh) Macintosh HD/Users/Shared/Avid editing application/Shared
Avid Projects
•Click External to display the projects in a folder other than the Private or
Shared folder. Set the path for the External folder by using the Browse button.
New Project
button
Click this button to open the New Project dialog box and create a new project.
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Chapter 2 Starting a Project
Creating a New Project
To create a new project:
1. Start your Avid editing application.
The Select Project dialog box opens.
2. In the Select Project dialog box, select the folder in which you want to create the
project: Private, Shared, or External. For more information, see “Understanding the
Select Project Dialog Box” on page 50.
3. Click New Project.
The New Project dialog box opens.
4. Type the name of your new project in the text box.
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If you plan to move bins and projects from one platform to another, do not use the characters
/ \ : * ? “ < > | or leading spaces, trailing spaces, or trailing periods, when naming projects,
bins, and users. Bin and project names are limited to 27 characters, not including the period
and 3-character extension that the system automatically adds to a file name.
(Macintosh only) You can set the Use Windows compatible File Names option in your Avid
editing application’s General Settings dialog box to prevent the application from accepting
these restricted characters in a bin, project, or user name. If you are using your Avid
application as a standalone editor (and don’t plan to move your bins or projects to another
platform), you have the option of extending bin and project names to 31 characters using the
Allow filenames to exceed 27 characters option in the General Settings dialog box.
5. Click the Format menu, and select a project type based on your source footage and the
capabilities of your Avid editing application:
-If your Avid editing application does not include support for 24p projects or 25p
projects, make a selection based on the source footage: NTSC or PAL.
-If your Avid editing application includes support for 24p projects or 25p projects,
make a selection based on the source footage or the type of film-to-tape transfer
with which you are working.
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Working with Projects
The following table lists the format options available. Depending on the model of your
Avid editing application, your format options might not include all items listed here.
Project TypeSource Footage Transfer
23.976p NTSCFor film-originated or video-originated footage that has been shot at
23.976 fps or film-originated footage transferred on digital videotape
(such as Digital Betacam
24p NTSCFor film-originated or other 24-fps footage transferred to NTSC
videotape
30i NTSCFor NTSC video-originated or other 30-fps footage transferred to
NTSC videotape
24p PALFor film-originated or other 24-fps footage transferred to PAL
videotape at 25 fps
25p PALFor 25-fps film footage transferred to PAL videotape
25i PALFor PAL video-originated footage (25 fps)
720p/23.976For film-originated material transferred to videotape.
720p/29.97 HDVFor video-originated material. Can be directly captured, edited, and
output as HDV.
®
)
720p/59.94For video-originated material. Can be directly captured, edited, and
output for HD broadcast.
1080p/23.976For film-originated footage transferred to videotape.
1080p/24For film-originated footage transferred to videotape. True 24-fps
editing.
1080p/25For film-originated footage transferred to videotape.
1080i/50For video-originated material. Can be directly captured, edited, and
output for HD broadcast.
1080i/50 HDVFor video-originated material. Can be directly captured, edited, and
output as HDV.
1080i/59.94For video-originated material. Can be directly captured, edited, and
output for HD broadcast.
1080i/59.94 HDVFor video-originated material. Can be directly captured, edited, and
output as HDV.
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Chapter 2 Starting a Project
6. Select the following additional options:
-For 23.976p, 24p, 25p, 720p, and 1080p film projects, click the Film button and
select a format for film gauge tracking from the Default Film Type menu.
-For 24p PAL projects, select an audio transfer rate. For information on audio
transfer rates, see “Audio Transfer Options for 24p PAL Projects” in the Help.
click the Film button and select a format for film gauge tracking from the Default
Film Type menu.
The Matchback item appears only if your Avid editing application includes the
Matchback option. For more information about matchback, see “Using the
Matchback Option” in the Help.
7. Click OK.
Your Avid editing application creates the new project files and folder, and then returns to
the Select Project dialog box. The project name is highlighted in the Projects list.
8. Double-click the project name in the Projects list to open the project.
The Project window, the Composer window, and the Timeline open with the User
settings loaded. The title bar of the Project window contains the project name and the
user profile selected in the Select Project dialog box.
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Project nameUser name
Close button
Setting Film Preferences
Set film preferences in the Film and 24P Settings dialog box immediately after you create a
project to provide the system with important information about the type of film and audio
transfer you used for your project.
For information on setting the play rate for Timeline play and setting the format and display
of ink numbers, see “Film and 24P Settings” in the Help.
For information about the settings for capturing in a film project, see “Setting Transfer Rates
for Film Projects” in the Help.
Opening an Existing Project
To open an existing project:
1. In the Select Project dialog box, select the folder in which the project is located: Private,
Shared, or External. For more information, see “Understanding the Select Project
Dialog Box” on page 50.
2. Do one of the following:
tSelect a project in the Select Project dialog box, and then click OK.
tDouble-click a project name in the Projects list.
The Project window, the Composer window, and the Timeline open with the User
settings loaded. The title bar of the Project window contains the project name and the
user profile selected in the Select Project dialog box.
Opening the Startup Project
If you choose to install the sample startup project and media when you install your Avid
editing application, you can open this project from the Select Project dialog box. The startup
project, called Avid Boston Project DV25, contains a complete sequence with rendered
effects and titles, as well as all the video and audio clips used in the sequence.
Working with Projects
n
The startup project is particularly useful if you want to start learning how to edit with your
Avid editing application right away, before you capture any media of your own. You can
explore the sequence in the Timeline to learn how it is assembled, and you can use the clips
to practice the viewing and editing techniques described in this guide.
To open the startup project:
1. In the Select Project dialog box, click the Shared folder button.
2. Double-click Avid Boston Project DV25 in the Project list.
The Avid Boston Project DV25 project opens.
3. Use the Bins tab of the Project window to open one or both of the bins in the project:
-Boston Seq DV25 contains a complete sequence
-Boston Project source contains all the video and audio clips in the project
For more information on opening bins, see “Opening and Closing Bins” on page 77.
The footage in the Avid Boston Project DV25 project is shot in 16:9 aspect ratio. To view the
footage correctly in monitors, change the display aspect ratio to 16:9, for example by rightclicking in the Composer window and selecting 16:9 Video.
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Chapter 2 Starting a Project
Browsing for a Project
To browse for a project in a location other than the default Shared and Private folders:
1. Start your Avid editing application.
The Select Project dialog box opens.
Browse
button
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Windows
Working with Projects
2. Click the Browse button.
The Browse for Folder (Windows) or Project Directory (Macintosh) dialog box opens.
Macintosh
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Chapter 2 Starting a Project
3. Navigate to the folder that contains the project you want.
4. Click OK (Windows) or Choose (Macintosh).
5. Select a Project in the Projects list.
6. Click OK.
The Project window, the Composer window, and the Timeline open with the User
settings loaded. The title bar of the Project window contains the project name and the
user profile selected in the Select Project dialog box.
The next time you open the Select Project dialog box, the path you selected will be
displayed when you click the External button.
Opening a Project Automatically
If you have already created a project, when you enter your Avid editing application you can
bypass the Select Project dialog box and have your last project open automatically.
To open a project automatically:
1. Click the Settings tab in the Project window.
The Settings list appears.
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2. Double-click any Interface setting.
The Interface Settings dialog box opens.
3. Click the General tab, select Automatically Launch Last Project at Startup, and then
click OK. For more information, see “Interface Settings” in the Help.
The next time you start your Avid editing application, it opens your last project.
To select another project:
1. Deselect Automatically Launch Last Project at Startup, and then click OK.
2. Quit your Avid editing application and restart it.
The Select Project dialog box opens.
3. Select a project and click OK.
The Project window, the Composer window, and the Timeline open with the User
settings loaded.
Closing a Project
When you close the current project, you return to the Select Project dialog box.
To close the current project, do one of the following:
tWith the Project window active, select File > Close Project.
tClick the Close button in the Project window.
Deleting a Project
You can delete a project from within your Avid editing application.
Working with Projects
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Deleting a project also deletes any bins that are in that project.
Captured media related to a deleted project is not deleted with the project folder. For more
information on deleting media files, see “Deleting Bin Items” on page 182 and “Deleting
Media Files with the Media Tool” on page 200.
To delete a project:
1. Start your Avid editing application.
The Select Project dialog box opens.
2. Click the project you want to delete.
3. Press the Delete key.
You see a message asking if you want to delete the selected project and associated bins,
4. Click OK.
The deleted project no longer appears in the Select Project dialog box.
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Chapter 2 Starting a Project
Ending a Work Session
To end the work session, you must first quit your Avid editing application, and then turn off
your equipment in the order.
Quitting Your Avid Editing Application
There are two ways to quit your Avid editing application. You can quit directly to the
desktop, or you can close the open project and then quit from the Select Project dialog box.
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If you are working in an Avid Unity™ environment, your Avid editing application writes a
media database file (.mdb) to the workspace in which you were working when you quit.
Before quitting your application, make sure that the workspace has approximately 50 MB of
storage space available. Ask your Avid Unity administrator to increase the space if you need
more storage.
To quit your Avid editing application and leave the application immediately:
t(Windows) Select File > Exit.
t(Macintosh) Select Avid Media Composer > Quit Avid Media Composer.
The project closes and your Avid editing application quits, returning to the desktop.
To quit your Avid editing application and view the Select Project dialog box:
1. Click the Close button at the far right (Windows) or at the far left (Macintosh) of the
Project Window title bar.
The Select Project dialog box opens.
2. Click Quit.
A message box opens.
3. Do one of the following:
tClick Leave to quit your Avid editing application.
tClick Cancel to return to the Select Project dialog box and select another project.
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To view remaining storage on your media drives:
1. Click the Info tab in the Project window, and then click Hardware.
The Hardware tool opens.
2. Click the appropriate drive tab.
For more information, see “Using the Hardware Tool” in the Help.
Turning Off Your Equipment
When you finish using your system and want to turn it off completely, follow these steps to
avoid damaging your system or media storage drives. Quit your Avid editing application
before turning off your equipment. For more information, see “Quitting Your Avid Editing
Application” on page 60.
To turn off your equipment:
1. Turn off the system by doing the following:
For a Windows system:
a.Click the Start button, and select Shut Down.
The Shut Down Windows dialog box opens.
b. Click the menu, and select Shut down.
c.Click OK.
For a Macintosh system:
tSelect Apple P menu > Shut Down.
2. If you have an Avid DNA device (Adrenaline, Avid Mojo, or Avid Mojo SDI) attached
to your system, turn it off.
Ending a Work Session
c
3. Turn off peripheral devices (such as monitors and speakers).
4. Turn off external storage devices.
Never remove media drives from your Avid system when it is turned on. Shut down the
computer, and then remove the drives.
5. Turn off all other hardware.
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Chapter 2 Starting a Project
Managing the Avid Projects and Avid Users
Folders
Managing projects, user profiles, and settings involves moving, copying, or deleting files
and folders, and changing project or user names. You use the desktop to move projects and
user profiles between systems.
Avid Projects and Avid Users folders allow you to move entire projects or selected Project
and User settings between systems by copying and moving files on your desktop.
For more information about moving projects, see “Conforming and Transferring Projects” in
the Help.
For information about using and transferring site settings, see “Using Site Settings” in the
Help.
Understanding the Avid Projects and Avid Users Folders
When you create a new project or user profile, your Avid editing application creates files and
folders in the Avid Projects and the Avid Users folders.
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Locations of Avid Projects and Avid Users Folders
Two Avid Projects folders are installed by default:
•Private Projects (Windows) — drive:\Documents and Settings\Windows login
name\My Documents\Avid Projects
•Shared Projects (Windows) — drive:\Documents and Settings\
Documents\Shared Avid Projects
•Private Projects (Macintosh) — Macintosh HD/Users/Mac login
name/Documents/Avid Projects
•Shared Projects (Macintosh) — Macintosh HD/Users/Shared/Media
Composer/Shared Avid Projects
For an explanation of the difference between private projects and shared projects, see
“Understanding the Select Project Dialog Box” on page 50.
All Users\Shared
Managing the Avid Projects and Avid Users Folders
The Avid Users folder is located in the application folder:
•(Macintosh) Macintosh HD/Users/Shared/Avid Media Composer/Avid Users
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(Windows only) The location of the Avid Users folder depends on the installation path for
your Avid editing application.
Files and Folders Created For Projects
When you create a new project, your Avid editing application creates a folder for the project
and three files that are stored within the project folder:
•A project file (.avp)
•A project settings file (.avs)
•A bin file (.avb)
The project folder and the three files all use the project name you provide. The project folder
is stored in the Avid Projects folder.
Your settings are initially set to the default values. As you work, the files maintain current
settings. As you create additional bins for the project (see “Creating a New Bin” on
page 76), additional bin (.avb) files are added to the project folder.
Files and Folders Created For User Profiles
When you create a new user profile, your Avid editing application creates a folder for the
user and two files that are stored within the user folder:
•A user profile file (.ave)
•A user settings file (.avs)
The user folder and the two files all use the user profile name you provide. The new folder is
stored in the Avid Users folder.
Changing Project and User Names
You cannot change project or user names from within your Avid editing application. You
must change the names from your desktop before starting your application. For information
about the location of the Avid Projects and Avid Users folders, see “Understanding the Avid
Projects and Avid Users Folders” on page 62.
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Chapter 2 Starting a Project
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When you change a user name or a project name, make sure you change the name of
the folder and all the files in the folder that have the old name. Your Avid editing
application does not automatically change the names of corresponding files in the
folder.
To change a project name or user name:
1. Navigate to the Avid Projects or Avid Users folder, and then double-click the folder to
open it.
2. Click the name of the folder you want to change.
The name is highlighted for text entry.
3. Type the new name of the folder.
4. Double-click the folder with the new name to open it.
The folder contains profile, settings, and project files with the old name.
5. Change the old name of each file to the new name.
Do not change the name of the file MCState.avs in the Avid Users folder.
6. Close the windows, and restart your Avid editing application.
The new project name or user name appears in the Select Project dialog box.
Backing Up Your Project Information
Although your Avid editing application automatically saves your bins, projects, and settings,
you should back up these items frequently to avoid losing any of your work if your hard
drive fails. Because the storage requirements are minimal, you can back up these files to a
variety of storage devices, such as:
•USB (thumb) drive
•CD-ROM or DVD-ROM
•Network storage device (such as a file server)
•Mass-storage device
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To back up the larger media files created when you capture footage, use a high-capacity
storage device. For information on backing up media files, see “Backing Up Media Files”
on page 214.
Backing Up Your Project Information
Saving Your Project Information on a Drive or on Removable Media
To save your work on a drive or on removable media:
1. Mount the drive or insert the storage media (USB drive, CD-ROM, or DVD-ROM) as
appropriate.
2. (Windows only) From the Windows desktop, double-click the My Computer icon.
3. Double-click the icon for the destination storage drive or storage media to open it.
Double-click any additional folders to target the appropriate storage location.
4. Navigate to the folder that contains the project folder or the user folder you want to save.
For information about the location of these folders, see “Understanding the Avid
Projects and Avid Users Folders” on page 62.
5. Drag a project folder or a user folder to the targeted storage location.
6. When the system finishes copying the files, unmount the drive or eject the media and
store it where appropriate.
Restoring from a Backup
To restore a project or user information from a backup storage device:
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1. Mount the drive or insert the removable media that contains the backup copies you want
to restore.
2. From the desktop, double-click the icons for the drive or storage media and for the
internal hard drive (Windows) or for the Macintosh HD (Macintosh).
3. Drag the copies from the storage device to the appropriate folder on the internal hard
drive (Windows) or Macintosh HD/Users/Shared (Macintosh). For information about
these folders, see “Understanding the Avid Projects and Avid Users Folders” on
page 62.
When you start your Avid editing application, the restored project and user profile appear in
the Select Project dialog box.
If you are restoring an individual bin or bins, you must relink them to the project from within
the Project window. For more information, see “Opening and Closing Bins” on page 77.
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Chapter 2 Starting a Project
Working with the Avid Attic Folder
Your Avid editing application uses a special folder on your system, the Avid Attic folder, to
store backup files of each bin in a project.
You can use settings to control how your application saves backups, and you can retrieve
files from the Attic folder in the following circumstances:
•When you want to replace current changes to a sequence or clip with a previous version
•When the current bin file becomes corrupted
Understanding the Avid Attic Folder
The Avid Attic folder contains backup files of each bin in a project. You retrieve files from
the Avid Attic folder in the following circumstances:
•When you want to replace current changes to a sequence or clip with a previous version
•When the current bin file becomes corrupted
For information on setting automatic save features, see “Saving Bins Automatically” in the
Help.
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(Macintosh only) If you deselected the “Allow filenames to exceed 27 characters” option in
the General Settings dialog box, you cannot retrieve a backup file with a file name larger
than the 27-character limit. You must rename the file before retrieving it.
The Avid Attic folder contains a folder for each project. Each project folder contains a Bins
folder. When a bin is saved, a folder with the bin’s name is created in the Bins folder and a
copy of the bin file is stored in the folder with the bin name. The system adds the file name
extension .bak plus a version number to the bin’s file name. The bin file with the highest
version number represents the latest copy of the bin file.
When you view a bin folder in Details view (Windows) or List view (Macintosh), you can
also identify the most recent backup file based on the timestamp of creation displayed in the
Modified column (Windows) or Date Modified column (Macintosh).
The oldest backup file is overwritten only if the second-oldest backup file is more than
2 hours old.
Working with the Avid Attic Folder
Retrieving Files from the Avid Attic Folder (Windows)
To retrieve a file from the Avid Attic folder:
1. Minimize your Avid editing application. For information on minimizing, see the
Windows documentation.
2. From the desktop, double-click the Avid Attic folder, located in drive:\Program
Files\Avid\Avid editing application.
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The Avid Attic folder is usually located in the same folder as your Avid editing application.
The Avid Attic folder opens and displays a folder for each project.
3. Double-click a project folder, and then double-click the Bins folder.
The Bins folder opens and displays a folder for each bin in the project.
4. Double-click the folder for the bin you want to retrieve.
5. If the bin folder is not already in the Details view, Select View > Details.
The bin folder displays the backup bin files and their creation dates. A backup bin file
has the same name as the bin, with a number appended. For example, a bin named
Source Clips might have backup bin files named Source Clips.1 and Source Clips.2.
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Chapter 2 Starting a Project
6. Select the backup bin file or files you want to retrieve.
7. Ctrl+drag the selected backup bin files to the desktop.
This makes a copy of the files, leaving the original files in the Avid Attic folder.
To copy backup files to a new bin:
1. Click the taskbar item for your Avid editing application to restore it.
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If the taskbar is hidden, see “Using the Windows Taskbar (Windows Only)” on page 44.
2. Click the Project windowto activate it, and click the Bins tab to display the Bins list.
3. Select File > Open Bin.
4. From the Files of Type list, select All Files (*.*).
5. Navigate to the desktop, select one of the backup bin files you copied, and click Open.
The backup bin opens.When you open a backup bin, a link to the backup bin on the
desktop is created in the Other Bins folder.
Your Avid editing application does not allow a bin and a copy of a bin to be open at the same
time. You must keep all other bins closed and open the backup bins one at a time.
6. Create a new bin. For example, if you are retrieving clips from a backup bin called
Source Clips.2, you can call the new bin Source Clips New.
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7. Select the material you want to keep from the backup bin, and drag the files to the new
bin.
8. Repeat steps 3 through 7 for any other backup bin files you copied to the desktop.
Working with the Avid Attic Folder
9. Select and delete the backup bins in the Other Bins folder.
10. Drag the backup bin files on the desktop to the Recycle Bin.
Retrieving Files from the Avid Attic Folder (Macintosh)
To retrieve a file from the Avid Attic folder:
1. Minimize your Avid editing application.
For information on minimizing, see the Macintosh documentation.
2. From the desktop, double-click the Macintosh HD/Users/Shared/Avid Attic folder.
The Avid Attic folder opens and displays a folder for each project.
3. Double-click a project folder, and then double-click the Bins folder.
The Bins folder opens and displays a folder for each bin in the project.
4. Double-click the folder for the bin you want to retrieve.
5. Select View > as List, if the bin folder is not already in the List view.
The bin folder displays the backup bin files and their creation dates. A backup bin file
has the same name as the bin, with a number appended. For example, a bin named
Source Clips might have backup bin files named Source Clips.1 and Source Clips.2.
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6. k+click the files you want to retrieve.
7. Option+drag the selected backup bin files to the desktop.
This makes a copy of the files, leaving the original files in the Avid Attic folder.
To copy backup files to a new bin:
1. Click the icon for your Avid editing application on the Dock to activate the application.
2. Click the Project window to activate it, and click Bins to display the Bins list.
3. Select File > Open Bin.
4. Navigate to the desktop, select one of the backup bin files you copied, and click Open.
The backup bin opens.When you open a backup bin, a link to the backup bin on the
desktop is created in the Other Bins folder.
Your Avid editing application does not allow a bin and copy of a bin to be open at the same
time. You must keep all other bins closed and open the backup bins one at a time.
5. Create a new bin. For example, if you are retrieving clips from a backup bin called
Source Clips.2, you can call the new bin Source Clips New.
6. Open the new bin and open the backup bin in the Other Bins folder.
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Chapter 2 Starting a Project
7. Select the material you want to keep from the backup bin, and drag the files to the new
bin.
8. Repeat steps 3 through 7 for any other backup bin files you copied to the desktop.
9. Select and delete the backup bins in the Other Bins folder.
10. Drag the backup bin files on the desktop to the Trash.
Using Toolsets
You can use predesigned work environments (toolsets) that are suited to your most common
tasks:
•Color Correction
•Source/Record Editing
•Effects Editing
•Audio Editing
•Capture
The Toolset menu provides you with several environments, or special-purpose workspaces,
that include the following:
•Tools appropriate for the task
•A screen optimized for the task, screen resolution, and number of monitors
•A neatly organized workspace without overlapping windows
You can change the toolset workspace, restore it to the default arrangement, or link it to
other settings. For example, you might want each toolset to appear with a different color
scheme.
Opening Toolsets
To open a toolset:
tSelect Toolset > toolset.
Any open tools close, and the screen changes to display windows appropriate to the toolset
task.
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Customizing Toolsets
To customize the toolset workspace:
1. For the toolset you want to customize, select Toolset > toolset.
2. Open other tools with which you want to work, and position them where you want them.
3. Select Toolset > Save Current.
The next time you select the customized toolset, it appears with your changes.
To remove your customizations:
tSelect Toolset > Restore Current to Default.
Linking Toolsets to Other Settings
You can link the current toolset to custom User settings.
To link a toolset to another setting:
1. For the toolset you want to link, select Toolset > toolset.
2. Select Toolset > Link Current to.
The Link Toolset dialog box opens.
Using Toolsets
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3. Click the Links to Current Toolset menu, and select Link to Named Settings.
4. Type the name of the other setting to which you want to link the toolset. For more
information about creating and naming custom settings, see “Working with Settings” in
the Help.
You can link toolsets only to User settings.
5. Click OK.
The active toolset is linked to the custom setting you specified.
You might want to link several toolsets to named settings but leave the other toolsets linked
to a default, unnamed setting.
To link a toolset to an unnamed setting:
1. For the toolset you want to link, select Toolset > toolset.
2. Select Toolset > Link Current to.
The Link Toolset dialog box opens.
3. Click the Links to Current Toolset menu, and select Link to Unnamed Settings.
4. Click OK.
The active toolset is linked to all the unnamed settings in the Settings list.
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Chapter 2 Starting a Project
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Chapter 3
Working with the Project Window
The Project window provides controls for structuring and viewing important information
about your current project. You can also modify User, Project, and Site settings from the
Project window and display a list of effects. The following topics provide basic information
about the Project window:
•Understanding the Project Window
•Controlling Project Window Display
•Using the Bins Tab in the Project Window
•Using the Settings Tab in the Project Window
•Using the Format Tab in the Project Window
For advanced information about the Project window, see “Working with the Project
Window: Advanced” in the Help or in the Advanced Guide for your Avid editing
application.
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(Windows only) This chapter refers to the installation default directory path for the various
Avid folders. If you chose a different directory path during the installation, you must
substitute that path when using this chapter.
Chapter 3 Working with the Project Window
Understanding the Project Window
The Project window is a central location for important information and tools that you need
as you work on your project.
Project window information is organized in tabs.The following table describes the display
tabs available in the Project window:
TabFunction
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BinsAllows you to create and open bins. See “Using the Bins Tab in the Project
Window” on page 75.
SettingsAllows you to view and modify settings. See “Using the Settings Tab in the Project
Window” on page 82.
EffectsAllows you to access a library of effects. See “Working with Effects” on page 391.
FormatAllows you to view information about the format of the project. See “Using the
Format Tab in the Project Window” on page 83.
UsageAllows you to view information about the work session usage. See “Displaying
Usage Information” in the Help.
InfoAllows you to view information about system memory usage and system hardware
configuration. See “Using the Info Display” in the Help.
Controlling Project Window Display
Controlling Project Window Display
The Project window opens automatically when you select a project in the Select Project
dialog box. For more information, see “Working with Projects” on page 49. You can use the
Project window’s tab to change the display of information in the window.
The Project window remains open the entire time you are working in a project; however, it
might become hidden behind open bins or tools. If this occurs, you can redisplay the Project
window.
When you close the Project window, you return to the Select Project dialog box.
To change the information display in the Project window:
tClick one of the tabs.
To locate and redisplay the Project window, do one of the following:
tSelect Tools > Project.
tClick in an unobstructed area of the Project window to bring it forward.
To close the Project window, do one of the following:
tWith the Project window active, select File > Close Project.
tClick the Close button in the Project window.
The Select Project dialog box opens.
Using the Bins Tab in the Project Window
When you create a project, your Avid editing application automatically creates a bin with the
name of the new project, which is displayed in the Bins tab of the Project window. You can
rename this bin and create additional bins as you work in your project.
The word bin is a movie industry term that refers to a container that holds pieces of film. In
your Avid editing application, bins contain master clips that are created when you capture
source material. Bins also contain the sequences, subclips, group clips, and effect clips that
you create during a project. From the Project window, you can view a list of bins associated
with the project, and open, close, and create bins. You can also open bins created for
another project.
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Chapter 3 Working with the Project Window
Viewing a List of Bins
You can view a list of bins in the Project window. From the Bins list, you can examine the
number, names, sizes, and location of the bins. Bins from other projects appear in the Project
window in italic.
For more information on working with bins, see “Working with Bins” on page 169.
To view a list of bins associated with the project:
tClick the Bins tab in the Project window.
Bins tab
Fast Menu
button
Bin icon
Creating a New Bin
To create a new bin from the Project window:
1. Do one of the following:
tSelect File > New Bin.
tClick the New Bin button in the Project window.
A new (empty) bin opens and is given the name of the project as displayed in the title
bar of the Project window. The new bin appears in the Bins list in the Project window
with a default name highlighted and a number appended to it. A corresponding file is
placed in the project folder in the Avid Projects folder, and a backup copy is placed in
the Avid Attic folder. For more information, see “Understanding the Avid Projects and
Avid Users Folders” on page 62 and “Working with the Avid Attic Folder” on page 66.
2. Type the name of the new bin, and press Enter (Windows) or Return (Macintosh).
For more information, see “Renaming a Bin” on page 77.
To place a bin in a folder:
Bins list
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tDrag the bin to the folder icon.
Renaming a Bin
Each new bin that you create takes the name of the project that appears in the title bar of the
Project window and is numbered incrementally.
Using the Bins Tab in the Project Window
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If you plan to move bins and projects from one platform to another, do not use the characters
/ \ : * ? “ < > | or leading spaces, trailing spaces, or trailing periods, when naming projects,
bins, and users. Bin and project names are limited to 27 characters, not including the period
and 3-character extension that the system automatically adds to a file name.
(Macintosh only) You can set the Use Windows compatible File Names option in your Avid
editing application’s General Settings dialog box to prevent the application from accepting
these restricted characters in a bin, project, or user name. If you are using your Avid
application as a standalone editing application (and don’t plan to move your bins or
projects to another platform), you have the option of extending bin and project names to 31
characters.
To change the name of a bin:
1. Click the bin name in the Bins list in the Project window.
2. Type a new name.
Project name
Default bin
name
Opening and Closing Bins
You can open a single bin from the Project window, or open multiple bins at once. You can
also open a bin from another project.
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If you have the SuperBin enabled, see “Opening Bins in the SuperBin” on page 187.
Never open a bin that is stored on a removable disk or equivalent device; otherwise,
your Avid editing application cannot save your work. Always copy the bin to a project
folder on the system drive before you open it.
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Chapter 3 Working with the Project Window
To open a bin directly:
1. Click the Bins tab in the Project window.
2. Double-click the Bin icon next to the bin name.
The bin opens in a separate window. The Bin icon appears dimmed in the Bins list,
indicating the bin is open.
To open several bins at once from the Project window:
1. Click a Bin icon in the Bins list.
2. Ctrl+click (Windows) or Shift+click (Macintosh) each additional bin you want to open.
3. Select File > Open Selected Bins.
To open a bin from another project:
1. Select File > Open Bin.
The Open a Bin dialog box opens.
2. Find and select the bin you want.
Bins have the file name extension .avb.
3. Click Open.
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The bin appears in the Bins list in the Project window in a folder called Other Bins. The
name Other Bins appears in italic. You can rename this folder. This option is useful
when you want to open a bin not currently displayed in the Project window.
The Other Bins folder disappears from the Bins list when you delete all the bins in the Other
Bins folder. Deleting bins from the Other Bins folder does not remove the bins from the
drive; only the pointers to the bins are removed.
To close a bin, do one of the following:
tClick the Close button.
tSelect File > Close Bin.
Displaying Folders of Bins in the Bins List
You can add folders to the Bins list in the Project window to help organize your project. You
can drag bins into folders or drag folders into folders. For more information, see “Managing
Folders and Bins” in the Help.
Fast menu
button
Arrow
Folders
Tr as h
icon
Using the Bins Tab in the Project Window
To create a folder in a project:
1. Click the Fast menu button, and select New Folder.
A new untitled folder appears.
2. Click the untitled folder name in the Bins list and rename it.
To show or hide the folder’s contents in the Bins list in the Project window:
tClick the arrow next to a folder icon.
To view a list of only the folder contents and not the folders:
tClick the Fast Menu button, and select Flat View.
The Trash icon and its contents disappear until Flat View is deselected.
Deleting a Bin or Folder
You can delete bins and folders along with their contents from the Bins list in the Project
window. Deleted bins and folders are moved to a Trash folder in the Bins list until you empty
the Trash. If you need a deleted bin or folder, you can retrieve it from the Trash. For more
information, see “Viewing Contents in the Trash” on page 80.
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Only bins and folders appear in the Trash. If you select a clip, subclip, or effect directly
in a bin and press the Delete key, the item is permanently deleted and does not appear
in the Trash.
To delete a bin or folder from the Project window:
tSelect the bin or the folder you want to delete in the Bins list of the Project window, and
do one of the following:
-If the SuperBin is not enabled, press the Delete key.
-If the SuperBin is enabled, right-click the bin name and select Delete Selected Bins
from the shortcut menu. For more information on using the Superbin feature, see
“Opening Bins in the SuperBin” on page 187.
A Trash icon appears in the Bins list in the Project window. The Trash contains the
deleted item. The deleted item is stored in the Trash until you empty it.
The Trash is not visible in the Project window until you delete your first item.
Viewing Contents in the Trash
If you need to view the contents in the Trash or decide you do not want to delete those items
in the Trash, you must first move the bins and folders from the Trash.
To view items in the Trash:
1. Click the arrow next to the Trash icon in the Bins list.
2. Click the bins or folders you want to keep (or view), and drag them from the Trash to the
Bins list in the Project window.
3. Double-click the bin or folder to view it.
Emptying the Trash in the Bins List
You can empty the contents of the Trash that is located in the Bins list.
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Emptying the trash permanently removes the bins or folders from the drive.
If you change the name of the Trash icon, you cannot empty the Trash.
To empty the Trash in the Bins list:
1. Click the Fast Menu button, and select Empty Trash.
A message box opens.
2. Click Empty Trash to delete the bins or folders from the Trash and from your internal
hard drive.
Saving Bins Manually
You can manually save a specific bin, selected bins, or all bins. You might want to do this
immediately after performing an important edit.
To save a specific bin:
1. Click the bin to activate it.
2. Select File > Save Bin.
To save selected bins:
1. In the Bins tab of the Project window, click a Bin icon to select it, and then Ctrl+click
any additional bins.
2. Select File > Save All.
The system saves all the selected bins.
Using the Bins Tab in the Project Window
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The Save Bin command appears dimmed if there were no changes since the last time the
active bin was saved.
To save all the bins:
1. Click the Bins tab in the Project window to activate it.
2. Select File > Save All.
The system saves all the bins for the project.
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Chapter 3 Working with the Project Window
Using the Settings Tab in the Project Window
From the Settings tab in the Project window, you can view, select, open, and alter various
User, Project, and Site settings. Each setting includes Help that you can access directly from
the setting dialog box.
Before working in your project, review the basic system settings described in the following
table:
SettingDescription
BinSets parameters for auto-save interval and other bin procedures. See “Bin Settings” in
the Help.
Film and 24p Sets parameters for edit play rate, ink number format, and transfer rate. See “Film and
24P Settings” in the Help.
GeneralDefines default values such as the default starting timecode. See “General Settings”
in the Help.
InterfaceDefines the appearance and function of the applications windows and buttons.See
“Interface Settings” in the Help.
Settings tab
Settings list
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KeyboardDefines how commands are mapped to the keyboard. See “Using the Keyboard” on
page 235.
To view the Settings list:
tClick the Settings tab in the Project window.
Settings type
Using the Format Tab in the Project Window
To open a setting:
tDouble-click the setting in the Settings list.
To view Help for a setting:
tOpen a setting and press the F1 key (Windows) or the Help key (Macintosh).
Using the Format Tab in the Project Window
The Format tab in the Project window allows you to view basic project information, such as
the video format (NTSC, for example). The displayed information lists the options you
selected in the New Project dialog box when you created the project.
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For some project formats, the Project Type list lets you change the format of the project to
another format that shares the same frame rate. For example, if you are working in a
1080i/59.94 HD project, you can change the project format to 30i NTSC. For more
information, see “Changing the Project Format” in the Help.
For 24p PAL projects, the Format tab shows the audio transfer rate you selected when you
created the project. The actual audio transfer rate might be different from the display if you
used the Film and 24P Settings dialog box to change the audio transfer rate.. For more
information, see “Settings for Film and 24p Projects” in the Help.
To open the Format tab:
tClick the Format tab in the Project window.
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Chapter 3 Working with the Project Window
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Chapter 4
Capturing Media
Capturing is the process of creating digital media from video or audio input.When you
capture, you convert source material into master clips that contain reference information and
media files that contain the digital audio and video. The basic procedures you need to
capture media are described in the following sections:
•Understanding Logging and Shot Logs
•Importing Shot Log Files
•Preparing the Hardware for Capture
•Selecting Settings for Capture
•Configuring Decks
•Capturing DV Media Directly from a DV Device
•Setting Up the Capture Tool
•Preparing for Audio Input
•Preparing for Video Input
•Capture Preparations Check List
•Capturing and Logging at the Same Time
•Frame Chase Capture
•Batch Capturing from Logged Clips
•Recapturing Your Material
For advanced information about logging and capturing media, see “Capturing Media:
Advanced” inthe Help or in the Advanced Guide for your Avid editing application.
Chapter 4 Capturing Media
Understanding Logging and Shot Logs
Logging is the process of entering information about source material into bins at the
beginning of the editing workflow. A shot log is a text file that lists information about a roll
of film or a videotape, usually in chronological order.
You can get information into your bins either by importing a shot log file or by entering the
information directly. Logging can be done automatically or manually, before capturing or at
the same time as capturing.
When you import shot log files or log directly into a bin, you provide your Avid editing
application with frame-accurate clip information (such as starting and ending timecodes).
Your application uses this information to capture the source footage, and the information
forms the foundation for organizing, tracking, storing, retrieving, and generating lists of edit
information throughout your project.
You can import any shot log created or converted to meet Avid log specifications. You can
also combine or merge events while importing a log so that fewer master tapes require
capturing. The system imports any additional information logged with each clip. For more
information, see “Understanding Avid Log Specifications” in the Help.
For film projects, most telecine and other film-to-tape transfer systems generate a log you
can import directly to the bin, after you convert it to .ale format by using the Avid Log
Exchange (ALE) utility. Even if the telecine facility supplies you with an .ale file, you
should process it through the ALE utility, using the Clean function. For more information,
see “Preparing Log Files for Import” in the Help.
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You can also import an EDL to a bin for use in capturing. For more information, see the Avid
EDL Manager Help.
For information on how to import a shot log file, see “Importing Shot Log Files” on page 87.
For information about logging into a bin, see “Logging Directly into a Bin” in the Help.
For information about logging and capturing at the same time, see “Capturing and Logging
at the Same Time” on page 133.
Importing Shot Log Files
You can import a shot log file into a bin to make clip information such as start and end
timecode available to your Avid editing application. For more information on logging and
shot logs, see “Understanding Logging and Shot Logs” on page 86.
To import shot log files into a bin:
1. If you have created Import settings for importing shot log files, select the Import setting
you want to use from the Settings list. For more information, see “Creating and Using
Import Settings” on page 156.
2. Do one of the following to identify the bin in which you want to store the imported files:
tOpen a bin from the Project window.
For more information, see “Opening and Closing Bins” on page 77.
tClick anywhere in an open bin to select it.
tCreate a new bin.
For more information, see “Creating a New Bin” on page 76.
3. Select File > Import.
The Select Files to Import dialog box opens.
Importing Shot Log Files
Windows
Look in
menu
Files of
type
menu
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Chapter 4 Capturing Media
Macintosh
Enable menu
From menu
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4. (Option) If you want to select options for combining events on import, click the Options
button to open the Import Settings dialog box, After selecting the appropriate options
from the Shot Log tab, click OK to close the Import Settings dialog box and return to the
Select Files to Import dialog box.
For information on Import settings, see “Import Settings” in the Help. You can also view
this information by clicking the dialog box and pressing the F1 key (Windows) or the
Help key (Macintosh).
5. Do one of the following:
tIf you are importing an .ale file, click the Files of type menu and select Shot Log
(Windows), or click the Enable menu and select Shot Log Documents (Macintosh).
tIf you are importing a text file or batch importing multiple file types, click the Files
of type menu and select All Files (Windows), or click the Enable menu and select
Any Documents (Macintosh).
When batch importing multiple files and file types, you should establish global Import
settings in advance. See “Creating and Using Import Settings” on page 156.
Preparing the Hardware for Capture
6. Use the Look in menu (Windows) or From menu (Macintosh) to locate the folder
containing the source file.
7. Select the source file from the list and click the Open button.
When the system finishes importing the file, the clips appear in the selected bin.
Preparing the Hardware for Capture
Your source material can originate from a videotape, a digital audiotape (DAT), a compact
disc (CD), an in-house router, a tuner, or straight off-the-air, with the proper hardware
configuration.
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For information on connecting your equipment, see one of the following topics in the Help:
•Using the Avid Adrenaline
•Using the Avid Mojo
•Using the Avid Mojo SDI
•Setting Up Your Software-Only Avid Editing System
You should check the items described in the following table before capturing:
ItemDescription
Sync source
Audio-only input
Client monitor
16:9 format
An external sync source is not required for capturing video or audio with
video. Avid recommends using an external sync source for output. For more
information, see “Selecting the Sync Source for Output” on page 519.
Sync is needed for audio-only input. For more information, see “Establishing
Sync for Audio-Only Input” on page 90.
Before you begin capturing and editing, set up your NTSC or PAL Client
monitor by using a color-bar generator (or house pattern) and lock in those
settings, if you have not done so already. See “Connecting a Client Monitor”
and “Playing Video to the Client Monitor” in the Help.
You can edit with video in the 16:9 aspect ratio for display of wide-screen
images used in the high-definition television (HDTV) format. To view the
footage on a Client monitor, you must have a 16:9-compatible Client monitor.
For more information on the 16:9 format option, see “Using the 16:9 Display
Format” in the Help.
Remote switch
The deck control switch on the front of the source deck must be set to Remote
rather than Local to control the deck with the Capture tool.
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Chapter 4 Capturing Media
ItemDescription
DAT
(digital audiotape)
Striped drives
When capturing from DAT, you might need to select an appropriate sync
setting. For more information, see “Establishing Sync for Audio-Only Input”
on page 90.
If you are capturing media at high resolution, you must use striped drives.
Getting Information About Striped Drives
Avid maintains a set of tables containing information about striping drives, which is
available through Avid online support.
For more information, see “Formatting and Striping Media Drives” in the Help.
To get information about striped drives:
1. Go to www.avid.com/onlinesupport.
2. Search for “Drive Striping Tables.”
Establishing Sync for Audio-Only Input
When you capture audio with video, the video input signal provides the timing reference for
digitizing analog audio. This ensures that the audio and video remain in synchronization.
When you capture audio only, the audio timing reference is taken from the same source as
the video output timing. You set the sync source for capture and output timing through the
Video Output tool. For more information about connecting a reference signal, see “Selecting
the Sync Source for Output” on page 519.
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If you are capturing audio only, and the material being captured must be resynchronized
with video, you must make sure that the audio captured remains synchronized with the
associated video. There are several cases to consider:
•Analog audio input (XLR and RCA)
•Digital audio input (ADAT, AES/EBU, S/PDIF, and SDI Embedded Audio)
Selecting Settings for Capture
Analog Audio Input
If you are capturing audio-only from an analog source, sync is taken from the sync source,
either black burst or tri-level, as selected in the Video Output tool. If no sync source is
connected, sync is generated from internal timing.
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If you need to synchronize audio with video clips captured separately, Avid
recommends that you connect a sync source to both the Avid DNA device and the audio
deck. Otherwise you might experience drifting of the audio during editing.
Digital Audio Input
Digital audio inputs (ADAT, AES/EBU, S/PDIF, and SDI Embedded Audio) provide their
own timing reference. No other connections are required to achieve sync, so long as the
source deck is genlocked.
When using the AES/EBU inputs, the lowest numbered channel that is enabled for
input in either the Capture tool or the Audio tool is used as the timing reference. It is
important that all AES/EBU inputs that are used simultaneously be locked to the same
timing reference.
Selecting Settings for Capture
Several settings directly affect the capturing process. This section includes information on
Media Creation settings. For other settings, see the following topics in the Help:
•Capture Settings
•Capturing Across Timecode Breaks
•General Settings
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•Settings for Film and 24p Projects
•Advanced Capture Settings
For information about locating and modifying settings, see “Using the Settings List” in the
Help.
You can also view information about settings by clicking a window or dialog box and
pressing the F1 key (Windows) or the Help key (Macintosh).
In the MXF Media Type tab or the OMF Media Type tab of the Capture Settings dialog box,
review the setting for “Maximum (default) capture time.” This setting limits the length of
capture-on-the-fly and capture from an IN point without an OUT point. The default setting is
30 minutes. For more information, see “Capture Settings” in the Help.
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Chapter 4 Capturing Media
Understanding Video Resolutions
Video resolution refers to the dimensions and the amount of compression in a video media
file. The resolutions you can select depend on your project format.
•For 25-fps and 30-fps projects, the Video Resolution list shows single-field resolutions,
two-field interlaced resolutions, and DV.
•For 24p and 25p projects, the list shows progressive, full-frame resolutions. Select 1:1
for uncompressed media.
•For HD projects, the list shows 1:1 (not available for capture), Avid DNxHD
resolutions, and DVCPRO HD, depending on your video input. For more information,
see “Capturing DV Media Directly from a DV Device” on page 101.
•For HDV projects, no video resolutions are available for capture, because your Avid
editing application automatically selects the correct resolution. For 720p HDV projects,
Avid DNxHD and DVCPRO HD resolutions are listed for other media creation. For
1080 HDV projects, DNxHD-TR resolutions are available for other media creation.
Resolutions use either the OMF or the MXF media format. For more information, see “File
Format Specifications” in the Help.
DNxHD resolutions are available in 10-bit and 8-bit versions. 10-bit compressions are
indicated by an X, such as DNxHD 220 X. DNxHD resolutions use the MXF media format.
JFIF, MPEG, DV 25, and DV 50 resolutions are not available in HD projects.
™
For more information about resolutions, see “Resolution Specifications” in the Help.
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If you are using Avid Unity LANshare or Avid Unity PortServer Pro, make sure to
specify a supported resolution. For information on supported resolutions, see the
LANshare or PortServer Pro documentation.
Selecting Video Resolutions and Media Drives
The Media Creation dialog box allows you to set the video resolution and to select drives for
capturing, creating titles and motion effects, importing, and performing audio and video
mixdowns.
For more information on video resolutions, see “Understanding Video Resolutions” on
page 92.
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92
You can also select a video resolution and select drives directly in the Capture tool, the Save
Title dialog box, the Select Files to Import dialog box, the Audio Mixdown dialog box, and
the Video Mixdown dialog box. The Media Creation settings automatically change to the
resolution and drives you select.
Selecting Settings for Capture
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If you are using Avid Unity LANshare or Avid Unity PortServer Pro, make sure to
specify a supported resolution. For information on supported resolutions, see the
LANshare or PortServer Pro documentation.
To select a video resolution and media drives:
1. Do one of the following:
tDouble-click Media Creation in the Settings list.
tSelect Tools > Media Creation.
The Media Creation dialog box opens.
2. Click the Media Type tab, and select either OMF or MXF file format.
If your project uses an HD resolution, you cannot select OMF as a file format. MXF is
selected by default.
3. Click the Capture tab.
Video Resolution menu
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4. Click the Video Resolution menu, and select a video resolution.
The Video Resolution menu contains a list in the available resolutions.
Clicking Apply to All sets your selected video resolution for all applicable tabs in the Media
Creation dialog box. Your settings are not saved until you click OK.
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Chapter 4 Capturing Media
5. Select a video drive and an audio drive. To select the same drive for both video and
audio, click the Single/Dual Drives Mode button until only a single drive menu opens.
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n
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The drive that appears in boldface type has the most available space.
6. (Option) You can select drives and create a drive group. Click the Target Drive menu,
and select Change Group. For more information on selecting a drive group, see
“Targeting a Drive Group” on page 116.
Because there is no audio associated with titles or motion effects, you can select only a video
drive in the Titles or the Motion Effects tab of the Media Creation dialog box.
7. To apply your drive selection to all the Media Creation tabs and the rest of the
application, click Apply to All.
This sets your selected video and audio drives for all the Media Creation tabs. It also
sets them for any place in the application where you select drives.
Your settings are not saved until you click OK.
8. Click OK to save your settings.
For more information about options, see “Media Creation Settings” in the Help. You can
also view this information by clicking the dialog box and pressing the F1 key (Windows) or
the Help key (Macintosh).
Setting Drive Filtering
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Your Avid editing application lets you select any drive on your system to use for media
storage. However, high-quality resolutions require striped drives.For more information, see
“Getting Information About Striped Drives” on page 90.
Because media files are very large, you can remove from the list of available drives the drive
where the operating system is located, the drive where your Avid editing application is
located, and network drives that do not support the resolution you select. Filtering drives in
this way provides you with a convenient way to store media only on drives with sufficient
space.
Your Avid editing application does not prevent you from using non-Avid drives, but
their reliability cannot be assured.
Selecting Settings for Capture
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If you are working in a network environment, see “Drive Filtering in Networked Workflows”
in the Help.
To set drive filtering in the Media Creation dialog box:
1. Do one of the following:
tDouble-click Media Creation in the Settings list.
tSelect Tools > Media Creation.
The Media Creation dialog box opens.
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2. (Option) Click the Drive Filtering & Indexing tab.
Options for indexing local drives apply only in an Avid Interplay™ environment. For more
information, see the Avid Interplay Software Installation Guide.
3. Select a drive to filter out:
tSelect Filter Network Drives Based on Resolution to remove those network drives
that cannot support the selected resolution, or cannot handle playback of the
selected resolution.
tSelect Filter Out System Drive to remove from the list the drive on which the
operating system resides.
tSelect Filter Out Launch Drive to remove from the list the drive on which the Avid
editing system resides.
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Chapter 4 Capturing Media
The drive or drives you filter out do not appear in the other Media Creation tabs as
possible locations where you can store media. They also do not appear in other drive
selection menus in the application except for the Import, Export, and Relink dialog
boxes.
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Your settings are not saved until you click OK.
4. Click OK to save your settings.
For more information about options, see “Media Creation Settings” in the Help. You can
also view this information by clicking the dialog box and pressing the F1 key (Windows) or
the Help key (Macintosh).
Configuring Decks
Deck Configuration settings allow you to establish deck control parameters for a single deck
or for multiple decks. As with all settings, you can create multiple versions, allowing you to
select among them for frequent changes in hardware configurations.
Deck Configuration settings and global deck control preferences appear as separate items in
the Settings list in the Project window.
Deck
control
settings
96
For information on setting Deck Preferences, see “Deck Preferences Settings” in the Help.
You can also view this information by clicking the dialog box and pressing the F1 key
(Windows) or the Help key (Macintosh).
Configuring a Deck or Multiple Decks
Configuring Decks
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You must manually configure the appropriate hardware connections before Deck
Configuration settings can take effect.
To configure a deck or multiple decks:
1. Double-click Deck Configuration in the Settings list in the Project window.
The Deck Configuration dialog box opens.
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2. Click the Add Channel button to add a new channel box on the left side of the Deck
Configuration dialog box and to automatically open a Channel dialog box.
Channel refers to the signal path for deck control, whether directly through a serial port,
through a V-LAN
connection. A direct serial port or FireWire connection allows one deck for each channel,
while a V-LAN VLXi system allows multiple decks.
®
VLXi system connected to a serial port, or through a FireWire®
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Chapter 4 Capturing Media
3. Click the Channel Type menu, and select one of the following items, depending upon
your system configuration:
-FireWire if you are controlling a DV camera or deck through a FireWire
connection.
-Direct if you are controlling a deck through an RS-422 connection to the serial port.
-VLAN VLX if you are controlling decks through a V-LAN/VLXi connection.
4. Click the Port menu, and select one of the following items:
-Avid DNA or OHCI if you selected FireWire for the channel. Avid DNA refers to
the FireWire (IEEE-1394) connection on the Avid Adrenaline, Avid Mojo, or
Avid Mojo SDI hardware. OHCI refers to a FireWire connection on the computer.
-COM1 or COM2 if you selected Direct or VLAN VLX for the channel.
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If you are not sure which COM port to select, check the 9-pin serial port connectors on the
back of the system. If the ports are not labeled, see the manufacturer’s documentation
supplied with your system.
5. Click OK to close the Channel dialog box.
A dialog box opens with a question asking if you want to automatically configure the
channel now.
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Configuring Decks
6. Click Yes if you want to automatically configure the channel.
A new channel appears in the display area of the Deck Configuration dialog box, along
with the autoconfigured deck.
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Channel
boxes appear
on the left
side
Do not autoconfigure a DV camera or deck. Not all DV devices respond to the Autoconfigure command. Due to this limitation, Auto-configure selects only a generic device
template. When a digital camera is attached to your system, click the Deck Type menu, and
select the proper device (described later in this procedure). When a deck is attached, click
the Deck Type menu, and select the applicable deck.
Decks appear on the right side
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You can reopen the Channel settings to change the options at any time by double-clicking the
channel box in the Deck Configuration dialog box.
7. If you did not autoconfigure the deck, click the channel box to select it.
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Chapter 4 Capturing Media
8. Click the Add Deck button to open the Deck Settings dialog box.
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With a deck already connected to the system, you can click the Auto-configure button to
bypass the Deck Settings dialog box and automatically configure a deck with the default
settings.
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100
9. Select the manufacturer and model number of your deck or other device. Selecting a
model opens a template of settings for the device you selected. You can change these
settings based on your device.
For more information, see “Deck Settings” in the Help. You can also view this
information by clicking the dialog box and pressing the F1 key (Windows) or the Help
key (Macintosh).
10. Click OK to close the Deck Settings dialog box and return to the Deck Configuration
dialog box.
You can reopen the Deck Settings dialog box to change the options at any time by
double-clicking the deck box in the Deck Configuration dialog box.
11. Repeat the channel and deck setup process for each additional channel or deck you want
to configure.
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