Tech Note: QT References with Media Composer 3.5
QT Refs out of Media Composer 3.5.x will not play on machines running MC 3.1.x or machines with the latest codec package (1.10) from Avid (http://www.avid.com/dnxhd) …the reverse happens as well, QT refs from 3.1.x will not play properly on systems with 3.5.x installed
I have only tried with DNxHD and on Unity (so everyone can see the same media), and verified all qt ref export settings with Avid…i.e. use network media resources, etc. I can recreate the issue as well.
My thoughts are that Avid Codecs changed in 3.5 from earlier revs (maybe for stereoscopic) and are not backwards compatible AND/OR the latest Avid downloadable codecs (1.10, from 1.9) do not have the same codecs as 3.5.
UPDATE #1: Examining the installer package from 3.5.1 shows the Avid PE and LE codec package as being 2.0.0, which is NOT available on Avids download site (avid.com/dnxhd).
SUMMARY: Avid apparently tweaked the codecs from 3.1.x to 3.5, and no one seems to have noticed yet. Theoretically, one should be able to take the codec installer (2.0.0) from the 3.5.1 editor install and use that on any system that needs to view media exported from a 3.5 editor machine. That does an end user no good who doesn’t have a copy of 3.5.1.
Update #2: The plot thickens. Avid has posted a link to the 2.0 codecs included within Media Composer 3.5.x (link here) however it is still *not* linked at the http://www.avid.com/dnxhd microsite. Bigger still is the fact that Avid has uncovered this is also a Unity issue. This has been escalated to top priority within Avid Engineering, and I’ve provided them with some sample footage. Until this is resolved, it appears QT Refs with 3.5.x are kaput. In addition both of the 3.5.1 releases (first rev of .1 AND 2nd rev of .1) do not address this issue.
Update #3: Avid Engineering informs me that revving to the as-yet-unsupported QT 7.6 should fix the issue, as wella s downloading the 2.0 codecs, both which appear to work. Both the OS and my encoding solution(s) see the file and can play it / manipulate.
*whew*
In his current role as Senior Applications Editor at Key Code Media, Michael consults on and demonstrates workflows benefiting the post industry: acquisition, storage, editorial, audio, finishing, and encoding. His background of integration and configuration of both hardware and software, coupled with his production experience, gives him a keen insight into the future of the post industry.
Michael has spent many years on the technical, consulting, and demonstration side of post production. He’s been involved in the design and build of hundreds of NLE systems and facilities, and consulted on even more. He’s also had the privilege of working on many new media and interactive media based projects, from web design to DVD to interactive kiosks. He’s been a keynote speaker at colleges, conventions, technology retreats and symposiums.
His post audio experience encompasses serving as a Dialogue Editor, SFX Editor, ADR Recordist & Editor, Re-Recording Mixer and Supervising Sound Editor on dozens of film, television and internet based projects.
He is currently a member of the MPSE (Motion Picture Sound Editors), an Apple Certified Trainer (Final Cut Pro – ACT FCP), an Avid Certified Support Representative (ACSR), and is constantly becoming certified on latest and greatest post technology has to offer.
Plus, he really, really, digs Post.
Thanks Michael!
I, however, upgraded before seeing this – and now I don’t seem to be able to do any Avid QT reference pickups from a watch folder.
Unity 5.1 and Composer 3.5.1
Avid Mess up?
I updated the post to reflect what I’m saying here!
Yes, indeed, Avid broke Unity and MC with 3.5…QT refs seems to be hosed. Avid Engineering is hot on the trail.
I’d back rev Avid and codecs, or do a consolidate to another non Unity drive.