XDCAM EX Workflow and Install issues

The XDCAM format can throw up a few issues for those not used to the new solid-state based recording methods, but it's not as complicated as some may think - there's a few easy steps to ensure your workflow remains smooth and easy when working on Apple hardware with Final Cut Pro 6.0.3 +

A - Versions, updates, software & drivers

The first things to ensure are that your system will actually support ingest, playback and editing of XDCAM EX footage, the following are the basic requirements for Apple hardware:

OSX 10.4.11 +
Final Cut Pro 6.0.3 + (This is the version where the XDCAM codecs were introduced as standard)
Sony SXS Device driver (Enables the system to recognise the specialist SXS cards)
Sony XDCAM Transfer Tool (Provides direct import into FCP and also works as standalone import, preview and metadata tagging tool)
Card reader (Can be either an Express34 card reader, SBAC-US10 card reader or direct USB connection from the camera)

The actual system specification regarding processor, RAM and GFX can vary. Lower spec systems will support the XDCAM workflow happily, but you find sluggish performance when working with real time effects and rendering. We recommend the following for optimal performance:

OSX 10.5.6+
Final Cut Pro 6.0.5
8 Core 2.66GHz+
12GB RAM+ (Matched pairs of Kingston DDR5)
Radeon 4870HD 512MB Graphics card
Dedicated OSX & Application HDD
Dedicated scratch disk capable of 100MB/s +
HD Production monitor for colour-critical projects

If you require to view native XDCAM EX footage on a machine without Final Cut Pro then there is a codec available from Calibrated Software that will provide the codecs for Quicktime playback - but please note this will disrupt any system with FCP also installed as you already have the codecs installed.

c - Import methods
XDCAM Transfer tool - direct
The transfer tool is an excellent route for importing your footage as it will allow you to mark subclips, add metadata and review your entire card before importing a Kb of footage. This option is available within FCP under File > Import > Sony XDCAM

XDCAM Transfer tool - from image or folder copy
Our favourite way of working with XDCAM content is to create a complete copy or disk image of the SXS card before you start working, using this method you've already created a digital backup of the data which can be copied to a separate external drive, optical disc or LTO tape backup. This means if you format the card and need to retrieve some raw data again via log and transfer you can use the copy or image to do so - the same way you would if the original card was connected.

Final Cut Pro Log & Transfer

You can also install the additional Sony plugin to enable Final Cut's Log and Transfer window to recognise SXS media. This is a very similar method to the XDCAM Transfer software but doesnt require the additional software, it will still do all your transcoding to the quicktime wrapper, allow you to make subclips and add metadata before importing to your scratch
disk.

XDCAM Clip Browser

The clip browser shouldnt really be used to import footage for editing in FCP, but it's excellent for copying the entirety or part of your SXS card to the system for backup. It will negate all the issues surrounding the folder structure that can easily be corrupted by copying/moving files from the finder window.

d - Do/Don't

Split/Spanned Clips
When working with footage that has been split or spanned across two media devices then you MUST follow precise methods to import the clips correctly. For detailed walkthrough of this procedure please see the Sony Workflow document (Page 41)

Altering folder structure
If you want to copy content from your SXS cards onto a drive or optical disc for backup never - ever - alter or delete any files in the RAW folder structure as this will make it useless in any of the SXS browsing and importing tools as they read this folder structure in order to reproduce the video and its metadata correctly.

Adding files to SXS media
You can use the SXS media as a memory card device - but if you do (And its not particulary recommended) ensure you don't add anything within the BPAV folder, create a separate directory and your software should simply ignore it. Please be aware that this data may get deleted by the camera if you try to record or playback while the media is inserted.

Ejecting media
Ensure you eject your media from your workstation correctly as you would a removeable hard disk, they are subject to the same limitations and possible corruptions as normal media.

Formatting before backup
Always ensure you've backed up your cards before formatting them for re-use unless the content is never going to be needed again.

Deleting backups before project finished
If you're still editing a project it's strongly advised to keep all the raw card data incase you need to re-import any clips or import new clips you didnt grab initially.

e - Backup

Copying folder
The main thing to ensure is that, as mentioned previously, the folder structure (BPAV) is kept entirely intact. Otherwise your XDCAM and FCP import tools won't be able to read it.

Imaging with disk utility
Our preferred way to backup SXS and other SSD media is by using the disk imaging utilties. Using the disk utlity you can select the mounted SXS card and simply click 'Create disk image' and choose your compression and location. Then backup this dmg image to as many places as you wish.

f - Intermediate Codecs
There are a few reasons to work with intermediate codecs, particulary ProRes 422 HQ, to edit your XDCAM EX footage. Primarily your rendering times on the timeline and for output may become considerably quicker as the ProRes codec requires less processing power than the Long-GOP algorithm of the XDCAM compression. Please, however, bear in mind that the difference in data rate is quite considerable. XDCAM EX will always sit between 4MB/s and 10MB/s depending on settings. ProRes 422 HQ will generally be between 20MB/s and 30MB/s, thus increasing your requirements for online storage and bandwidth.

In order to work with your XDCAM EX content as ProRes you can either change your native sequence settings to ProRes, or, in your User Preferences, set your Render Codec to ProRes (This will only work with HDV, XDCAM EX & HD codecs)

h - Issues

Missing import options
You need to install one of the import tools. Preferably the XDCAM Transfer Tool from Sony

Clips won't play back - just show white?
You don't have Final Cut Pro or the correct version of FCP, please see the system requirements for more information.

Missing Easy Setups?
If you're missing the XDCAM EX and HD setup options in Final Cut you need to locate them in this folder: 'Applications/Final Cut Pro Additional Easy Setups'
When you find them in here, copy all the XDCAM options to this folder: 'Library/Application Support/Final Cut Pro System Support/Custom Settings/' Re-start your Mac and the setups should now appear in the options.


If you have any issues with your XDCAM setup or workflow feel free to give us a call for technical support on 0870 730 6999

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