XDCAM HD with FCP 5.1 - output via firewire for downconverted SD monitoring at DVinfo.net

Mark P. Stuart · February 1st, 2007, 06:11 PM

I am editing a XDCAM HD project on FCP 5.1 with a dual 2.5ghz G5 Mac.

Enabling Digital Cinema Desktop Preview plays full frame rate and full screen on my 1600x1200 2nd display.

I prefer to monitor on a Sony CRT PAL studio monitor that I am used to so I now enable video playback using the Apple Firewire PAL setting.

The output I get is single frame, despite being set to all frames. Also the aspect ratio is wrong, it is more squashed closer to cinema 2.35:1

Is anyone editing HD material on FCP and managing to get an SD downconversion via firewire? without need for a Kona card?

Many thanks in advance

Shane Ross · February 1st, 2007, 07:32 PM

You cannot downconvert without a card of some sort.

The Matrox MXO is a good option for $995. Connects via a DVI port and displays HD and downconverts to SD as well.

Pete Schwab · February 2nd, 2007, 08:52 PM

you can also nest your hd sequence in an SD sequence, but then you'll likely have to render which is a pain in the rear. the matrox box looks like a really good way to go.

February 1st, 2007, 06:11 PM	#1
Mark P. Stuart New Boot Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Aberdeen Posts: 19	XDCAM HD with FCP 5.1 - output via firewire for downconverted SD monitoring I am editing a XDCAM HD project on FCP 5.1 with a dual 2.5ghz G5 Mac. Enabling Digital Cinema Desktop Preview plays full frame rate and full screen on my 1600x1200 2nd display. I prefer to monitor on a Sony CRT PAL studio monitor that I am used to so I now enable video playback using the Apple Firewire PAL setting. The output I get is single frame, despite being set to all frames. Also the aspect ratio is wrong, it is more squashed closer to cinema 2.35:1 Is anyone editing HD material on FCP and managing to get an SD downconversion via firewire? without need for a Kona card? Many thanks in advance __________________ Mark __________________________________________ Corporate Video Scotland Wedding Video Scotland

February 1st, 2007, 07:32 PM	#2
Shane Ross Major Player Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Los Angeles, USA Posts: 539	You cannot downconvert without a card of some sort. The Matrox MXO is a good option for $995. Connects via a DVI port and displays HD and downconverts to SD as well.

February 2nd, 2007, 08:52 PM	#3
Pete Schwab New Boot Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 18	you can also nest your hd sequence in an SD sequence, but then you'll likely have to render which is a pain in the rear. the matrox box looks like a really good way to go.