Do we still need to transcode???

Streamworks Audio wrote on 9/12/2012, 3:29 PM
So last month I finally upgraded my workstation (first time in 4 years LOL). I replaced the motherboard/ram/GPU/CPU - I now have a i7 Quad at 3.5ghz, 16GB RAM and GeForce 550Ti.

For larger projects in the past I would transcode the source video to something more 'edit friendly', usually CineForm. And I wondering if I still need to do that with a machine such as mine.

We have some sources (screen captures) that are sent to us in Windows Media format (Quality VBR) - I can bring these files into the timeline, and playback at full frame rate (with Quality set to Best), which is far better than my workstation could do before the upgrades. But I do notice that as soon as I start cutting (no zooms or effects) the video on the timeline, I can see Vegas trying to decode the video which slows down playback (the classic '.......' behind the playback frame indicator).

I thought we would be able to by now editing such footage without having to transcode it... but it appears not.

Who out there is working on Native formats and who is still transcoding first.

Cheers,
Chris

Comments

[r]Evolution wrote on 9/12/2012, 4:59 PM
I shoot AVCHD but never edit AVCHD.
The editing experience is still a bit sluggish when I begin to stack layers &/or FX.
videoITguy wrote on 9/12/2012, 6:07 PM
I avoid EDIT of AVCHD at all times, and I prefer to avoid source of AVCHD. My sources of choice are HD formats as in HDV or high-data rate MXF.

Will almost always use Cineform if there is high-track number on a composite project or at least SONY MXF on the simpler edits.
vegemite wrote on 9/12/2012, 6:39 PM
I have never transcoded into Cineform or anything else. Currently I edit the big AVCHD files from my Panasonic AF-102 with no difficulty whatsoever.
[r]Evolution wrote on 9/13/2012, 12:36 PM
"Currently I edit the big AVCHD files from my Panasonic AF-102 with no difficulty whatsoever."

Do you stack/composite or are your projects usually single track?
How many AVCHD Tracks can you stack before 'stuttering'?
_____
I've been transcoding to High-Bitrate MPG2 for editing:
* Shooting AVCHD
* Transcoding w/ Adobe Media Encoder
* MPG2 25Mbps 1080p

but, I am starting to compare an MXF workflow:
* Shooting AVCHD
* Transcoding w/ Adobe Media Encoder
* MXF OP1a - XDCAMEX 35 1080p (4:2:0) -or- MXF OP1a - XDCAMEX 50 1080p (4:2:2)
vtxrocketeer wrote on 9/13/2012, 2:24 PM
I acquire in HDV and still transcode to Cineform. Often my workflow calls for multi-generational rendering, and so I rely upon the CF codec to maintain (visual) quality through those generations. Not so with HDV.
Laurence wrote on 9/13/2012, 2:34 PM
I used to use Cineform but I get occasional random black frames unless I go back to V9.
Streamworks Audio wrote on 9/13/2012, 3:41 PM
Thanks for all the feedback!

I tried again yesterday to work with the Windows Media files that were sent to me 'as is' but editing was just far too painful. Perhaps the files sent to me have a long GOP and Vegas needs to decode a lot, but simply things like moving back and forth frame by frame to find a splice point was dreadful.

Thus I still transcode to CineForm or Blackmagic MJPEG - for this particular project however, after I complete the edits I use the 'Replace' function to have the project use the original Windows Media files before rendering.
TeetimeNC wrote on 9/13/2012, 6:29 PM
I have a PC similar to yours. I only transcode AVCHD if I have complex multitrack projects. I'm hoping the Vegas 12 Smart Proxy feature will eliminate the need to transcode even those projects.

New! Smart Proxy Workflow

/jerry
riredale wrote on 9/14/2012, 10:30 AM
I source in HDV, work in HDV for quickie projects, but proxy to DV with GearShift for major stuff. With DV I can preserve the quality of the product since there's only one re-render, and I can multi-layer edit effortlessly with any PC I own, including a lightweight Dell laptop.