Re: MAC / CS3 / DVCPRO-HD color shifting

Still disappointed in doing a round trip from FCP to AE and back again. Seems like it should be easy, but as all have noted, there is a gamma/color shift.

I'm hoping that someone can shed some light on this issue, so here's what I've learned:

I feel like I've isolated the problem as to the way AE interprets a file exported with the DVCPROHD codec (601 as well) from FCP.

For instance, if I have a 601 clip on the hardrive and take it into FCP and export it with current settings (on a 601 timeline), I can then import 2 clips into AE and make a comparison. The two clips are the original 601 clip and the same clip exported from FCP. You would think they would be identical and looking at them in Quicktime Pro, they look the same. However, in AE, there is a notable gamma difference, and I can find no interpretation setting or project setting that makes them look the same.

One other discovery. If I take a clip out of FCP using an Animation codec (select 'other' from the export menu), although my files are huge and it takes an impractical amount of time to export, the round trip is "matchframe" perfect, even if I export the clip from AE using a 601 or DVCPROHD codec.

In summary, a problem is introduced when exporting a clip from Final Cut using a codec and importing that clip into After Effects.

Can anyone tell me if they can repeat my experience or if they can make the round trip cleanly?

One other clue. I'm using a duel quad core mac and I suspect it may be contributing to the problem, as I get level shifts inside my renders when multiprocessing is enabled.

My desired workflow is to use a DVCPROHD timeline and edit shots on Final Cut; Export clips or a series of clips from FCP to AE; Combine Photoshop elements composed in DVCPROHD resolution (pixel size) with FCP exports and render using DVCPROHD codec; import AE compositions back to FCP and place them back on the DVCPROHD timeline. Sound straight-forward?

As an example (hoping to show that you cannot just go back to the original footage and bring it into AE), say I have 3-five second clips pulled from an existing 30 minute show and I want to do a couple of 60 frame transitions. I have marked in and out on each clip and set them up with long dissolves as a rough cut for the client to review. I now want to change the dissolves to stylized AE transitions, using a logo graphic as a transition element. Ok, all I need to do is to export the two-60 frame "subclips" for each transition, bring them into AE, create the transition and export them back to Final Cut. But alas, there are level shifts, making the workflow unusable.

Use an Animation codec, you say, when exporting from FCP, that will work. Sure, but now what if I'm editing a presentation shot in green screen and have to export all the clips. It's impractical.

Any helpful, tested (not theoretical) ideas would be greatly appreciated. To the others who have posted on this thread, I share you pain.

Gary Lieberman
Editsuite.com