best (free) intermediate codec for AVCHD at DVinfo.net

Hank Schnedl · August 15th, 2011, 09:12 AM

I currently use the XDCAM format to generate intermediates for AVCHD.
So far the workflow now is far better than using the AVCHD format directly.

Anyway, is there a better solution for this?

Thanks!

Phil Lee · August 15th, 2011, 10:48 AM

Hi

The best quality will always come from using the original file on the timeline, however if you have a good intermediate format then you may not really notice.

I go the route of proxies, so I encode MPEG2 HD from AVCHD 50p files and edit with ease on the timeline, then at the time of rendering out I revert back to the original files. So get the best of both worlds. :)

Regards

Phil

Gerald Webb · August 16th, 2011, 03:54 AM

Avid DnxHD is great, really solid codec, prob the best unless you want to pay for Cineform.

Getting First Light with Cineform Neo makes it worth its expence 10 fold IMO.
Been editing a live concert, using 2 monitors with Vegas,
after getting the cutting right on a section, Loop it,
Preview full screen on second monitor,
Open First Light and scopes on first monitor and do your color grading live in real time while watching second monitor playing the loop region.
This is so good :)

Larry Reavis · August 16th, 2011, 02:32 PM

there is a free version of Cineform that works with AVCHD if the camera produces .MP4 files:

CineForm Studio: Software Download

I use the NeoScene version myself so can't verify this limitation to .MP4 files, but i've read that merely renaming other containers to .MP4 does not work.

In any case, Cineform is an amazing codec - surely the best of the available intermediate codecs. I once tested repeated compression down to 6 generations, and saw absolutely no loss.

DNxHD is ok down to, say, a couple of generations. Better than XDCAM?

August 15th, 2011, 09:12 AM	#1
Hank Schnedl New Boot Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 10	best (free) intermediate codec for AVCHD I currently use the XDCAM format to generate intermediates for AVCHD. So far the workflow now is far better than using the AVCHD format directly. Anyway, is there a better solution for this? Thanks!

August 15th, 2011, 10:48 AM	#2
Phil Lee Major Player Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: London Posts: 302	Re: best (free) intermediate codec for AVCHD Hi The best quality will always come from using the original file on the timeline, however if you have a good intermediate format then you may not really notice. I go the route of proxies, so I encode MPEG2 HD from AVCHD 50p files and edit with ease on the timeline, then at the time of rendering out I revert back to the original files. So get the best of both worlds. :) Regards Phil

August 16th, 2011, 03:54 AM	#3
Gerald Webb Trustee Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Central Coast Australia Posts: 1,046	Re: best (free) intermediate codec for AVCHD Avid DnxHD is great, really solid codec, prob the best unless you want to pay for Cineform. Getting First Light with Cineform Neo makes it worth its expence 10 fold IMO. Been editing a live concert, using 2 monitors with Vegas, after getting the cutting right on a section, Loop it, Preview full screen on second monitor, Open First Light and scopes on first monitor and do your color grading live in real time while watching second monitor playing the loop region. This is so good :) __________________ http://vimeo.com/livewebvideo

August 16th, 2011, 02:32 PM	#4
Larry Reavis Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Encinitas California Posts: 121	Re: best (free) intermediate codec for AVCHD there is a free version of Cineform that works with AVCHD if the camera produces .MP4 files: CineForm Studio: Software Download I use the NeoScene version myself so can't verify this limitation to .MP4 files, but i've read that merely renaming other containers to .MP4 does not work. In any case, Cineform is an amazing codec - surely the best of the available intermediate codecs. I once tested repeated compression down to 6 generations, and saw absolutely no loss. DNxHD is ok down to, say, a couple of generations. Better than XDCAM?