View Full Version : Converting Sony XDCAM-EX to CineForm AVI.


Desmond Sukotjo
October 7th, 2008, 10:17 AM
Hello.

I'm trying to convert Sony XDCAM-EX files to Cineform AVI using HDLink ProspectHD.

Source:
XDCAM-EX from SonyEX1. 1920x1080 50i.

Destination:
CineForm AVI. 1920x1080 24P.

So I imported the EX folder in HDLink, all the clips got read in (.MP4)
Then I convert them with these options, "DeInterlace: ON", "Rate Change: 25P to 24P".
Theoretically I should ended up with 24P clips.

BUT once the convertion finished, I got Cineform AVI files, and I import them into Premiere Pro, PPro still read them as 25fps not 24P.
Also tried import the Cineform Avi file into ProCoder3, ProCoder read them in as 25fps, Upper Field Interlaced, not 24 Progressive.

Is rate change and deinterlace EX clips during convertion not supported right now??

Any reply is highly appreciated.
Thanks.

Tim Bucklin
October 7th, 2008, 12:00 PM
Hi Desmond,

We found the problem and should have a fix built and ready by the end of the day. I'll post a link here when it's available for download.

Desmond Sukotjo
October 8th, 2008, 06:55 AM
Thanks, Tim.

While we're at it. Have you notice the color change. Between the Cineform AVI and the original .mp4 straight off the EX1 camera.

I did a test like below.

1. Clips from Sony EX1 camera (.mp4) straight imported into Premiere Pro CS3, and got a screengrab/freezeframe.

2. Clips from Sony EX1 camera, convert using HDLink, out as Cineform AVI, then imported into Premiere Pro CS3, and screengrab/freezeframe. (Off the exact same timing/frame, of course).

Clip from #2 became more Yellow-Greenish.

I can post a sample image if you'd like to see.

David Newman
October 8th, 2008, 11:22 AM
Premiere is wrong, CineForm is correct. Premiere is using 601 colorspace which is wrong for HD. Create color bars in camera, then check them in Premiere's scope with both modes.

Desmond Sukotjo
October 8th, 2008, 01:14 PM
601 Y' = 0.299 R + 0.587 G + 0.114 B
709 Y' = 0.2126 R + 0.7152 G + 0.0722 B

(source "HD" versus "SD" color space (http://www.glennchan.info/articles/technical/hd-versus-sd-color-space/hd-versus-sd-color-space.htm)).

That makes sense why Cineform is more Yellow-Greenish. Assuming that cineform is using 709 colorspace. I'll do a screengrab somewhere else, After Effects perhaps, and see if there's any different.

Thanks David.

Desmond Sukotjo
October 9th, 2008, 06:10 AM
The new update FIXES this convertion issue.

Tim Bucklin
October 14th, 2008, 11:37 AM
It looks like the update didn't make it into this thread; here's the update thread posted by David Newman last week:

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/cineform-software-showcase/135478-new-stuff.html