File workflow on AC130/160

[Carl Sobeck]

Reading the manual and the brochure leaves me with a question that I hope someone can answer.

Page 68, 69 of the AC130 manual suggests using the Panasonic AVCCAM Viewer software during the download process to the computer for storage, editing, etc for both DV and avchd files (due to the file size and similar to the Sony Content Management Utility)-understood and no problem with that . BUT in the Panny brochure for the AC130 (in fine print) it states that AVCCAM Viewer does not support DC files, and goes on to explain the offload process for DV files via IEEE1394 output.

SO in short, does that mean that the only way to output DV files will be in real time via 1394 wire (eliminating separate file limitations obviously) and will any DV files (input via a card reader) have the file separation and need to be linked together individually on a time line for continuous flow if the Viewer doesn't support them?

Seems that the Viewer software utility should do both types of files, but as stated in the literature its leaving a very time consuming process for those who need quick file turnaround using DV files as written.

Thanks, Carl

[Nate Haustein]

Hi Carl, I did a test for you. Findings below:

• As you suspected, AVCCAM Viewer does not support the DV files from the camera.

• The DV function creates a new folder in the card file structure, meaning that Final Cut Pro / FCX kind of freak out when you're trying to open up the card in Log and Transfer

• What did work for me was to open up the SDHC card in a finder window, then drag and drop the DV files which are a standard .AVI format. These played fine in Final Cut.

So, no you don't have to wait in real time as the video imports via 1394 port, but your workflow is certainly a bit different than when working with the AVCCAM footage. Hope this helps.

[Carl Sobeck]

Thanks Nate!