Re: FCPX metadata--how significant is it? And why?

[Bill Davis] "But isn't' the very concept of a "REEL ID" a contextual thing? I mean it's certainly important meta-data - to my knowledge there isn't actually a STANDARD for what a REEL is in the modern scheme of thing."

Sure. But right now, Apple doesn't recognize its own "standard", which is an embedded name/number/etc. in the "reel" column within QuickTime. Camera manufacturers, such as ARRI, are using that to identify the card. Other folks, like Avid make a distinction between a reel/tape (something captured from a VTR) versus a source (file-based). Import a QT with embedded reel ID and it shows up as a source ID inside Media Composer.

So while it's contextual, Apple has provided a mechanism to use this slot in QuickTime files for whatever you need it to be. Sure would have been nice if they'd remembered that in the design of FCP X.

And please don't bring up Apple and STANDARDS in the same sentence ;-) Apple has never expressed any interest in adhering to any actual sanctioned standards.

- Oliver

Oliver Peters Post Production Services, LLC
Orlando, FL
http://www.oliverpeters.com