Convert timecode in Vegas EDL to human time

musicvid10 wrote on 8/30/2008, 7:44 PM
I wanted a way to do this so I could use a simplified printed EDL to mark changes in edit points, mostly just for fine tuning, etc.

I'm sure you experienced editors have been doing this for a million years; but I had to figure it out for myself, so here is what I came up with in case anyone can use it.* The EDL times are in milliseconds, btw.

1) Import the EDL into Excel as a semicolon-delimited text file.
1a) Sort the database on column "C" (I forgot to mention this).
2) Format column "C" (the start time) as 0.000
3) Insert a blank column "D"
4) Format the new column "D" as hh:mm:ss.000
5) Select D2 and insert the following formula =C2/(8.64*10^7)
6) Hit "Enter," reselect D2 and drag the box corner down to paste the same relative formula into the whole column.
7) Voila! Column "D" should now read exactly the same as the Vegas timeline.
8) I then hide the columns I don't care about and print the simplified EDL, leaving space to write my notes as I watch the dvd.

Comments

johnmeyer wrote on 8/30/2008, 7:54 PM
Very useful! Thank you.
baysidebas wrote on 8/31/2008, 5:00 AM
I'm sure it's useful for those making many adjustments. However, in my workflow, when I'm up to that point, I seldom need to make more than a dozen "improvements" to a 60-90 minute production. In that scenario, this procedure has served me well.

When the edits have been "finalized," drop a Sony FX Timecode onto the video bus and render the project. Burn an RW DVD of the result [just to be green]. Watch the DVD on a DVD player and regular TV set [not on a computer] to reveal any problems peculiar to the delivery system. Make notes of edit fine tuning using the timecode burned in on the video, no need to wrestle with voluminous timecode that may not have any actions associated with them.
Go back into Vegas and implement those changes. Remove the timecode FX from the video bus. Render, author, quality check.
If there is any further fine tuning needed [rare, but it does happen] either trust your familiarity with the project by that time to return to the edit or repeat the timecode burn in, and here there's no need to re-burn the whole project, just the region(s) of interest, the window TC will locate the edits for you precisely, down to the frame.
ushere wrote on 8/31/2008, 6:11 AM
with bayside on this...

rough cut to clients edl > tc with both shot AND master tc embedded > mp4 to client via net

new client EDL (if necessary, usually isn't) > cut shots (WITHOUT RIPPLE) > trim remaining > remove gaps > mp4

no last minute changes > fine cut with titles, graphics, transitions, etc > audio mix down to stereo > mp4 for final approval > dvd + m2t back to tape + save veg

no problems, cash cheque.

i have three clients i haven't seen in more than 5 years ;-)


leslie

musicvid10 wrote on 8/31/2008, 6:26 AM
**I'm sure it's useful for those making many adjustments.**

I've hand-written the times for edit changes in my notes for a long time, and it had just gotten too tedious.

**. . .no need to wrestle with voluminous timecode that may not have any actions associated with them.*

Don't know what you mean by this - the EDL generates one line per event along with the associated timecode. As I said, I simply hide the unwanted data in other columns.

My current 2+ hour project has 160 takes and the "checklist" approach works just dandy. Some of the more "creative" editors might use several hundred, so I posted the cell formula for those who need it . . .
baysidebas wrote on 8/31/2008, 8:14 AM
**. . .no need to wrestle with voluminous timecode that may not have any actions associated with them.*

That's exactly it [in my case]. The interviews i edit may have as many as 250 events in them. In a 12 point font, that's several pages of a printed EDL. When I need to make a dozen changes, they would get lost in that forest.

I'm sure that your protocol works well for you, and for others with similar needs. My needs are far simpler and at the other end of the spectrum.

We should all be grateful to Vegas for its flexibility and features that allow us to tailor our workflows for our specific needs.