Ok. So my normal workflow (which works very well, usually)

FCP edit => Export Quicktime Movie (no re-compress frames) => Compressor => (m2v) => DVD SP

Type of footage: DVCProHD 720 30P (55mins TRT)
Compressor Codec: Basic Built in Apple MPEG-2 6.2 2 pass (no changes)

Problem: Every 15 frames, I get extreme artifacting.


Any ideas? Workflow has been proven before, now its not working right.

Thanks in advance.

Derek Nickell

Perhaps it's a problem with GOP structure(?).

In the Inspector (Compressor) click on the Encoder pane and then click on the GOP tab.

Is the GOP size given as 15? (I don't work with 30p footage, so I have to ask.)
In the drop-down menu for GOP size, is there a selection you can make for less than 15?
If so, select that.

In addition, you can increase quality (and hopefully eliminate the artifacting) by selecting IP in the GOP Structure drop-down menu.

P.S. I just googled "TRT" and couldn't find an appropriate definition. It's not ringing a bell with me right at the moment, so what does this term stand for?

Take a look at your hard drive. I had a similar problem with an external that was almost maxed out. Try exporting to a different location.

Thanks Dave/Dana.

I am working with different GOP structure right now. IP 6 closed and 7 open, 14 and 15. IBP IBBP.....

TRT = Total Run Time.

This HDD has 700gb free. And the whole project is located on that drive.

Working with FCP => Compressor 6.2 (generic) => Desktop right now to see if that helps...

Thx for the help.


PS: also running off a copy with iDVD....blasphemy.....

Sorry about the typo (now fixed). D'oh!

Another idea which may (or may not) help:
Instead of exporting from your FCP Timeline as a QuickTime movie, perhaps try the option where you export from the FCP timeline directly into Compressor.

Sorry about the typo (now fixed). D'oh!

Another idea which may (or may not) help:
Instead of exporting from your FCP Timeline as a QuickTime movie, perhaps try the option where you export from the FCP timeline directly into Compressor.

Doing that now....taking forever....yay....