File Structure for Projects and Archiving

roberths wrote on 9/18/2003, 11:53 AM

Hello,

I am new to digital video, but have been working with computers for about 15 years. Does anyone out there have any suggestions for setting up a directory structure for projects? Usually I try to contain photos, music, captured video all in separate folders under a project directory.

Given the nature of working with video the project directories are enormous (media and DVDA HD sessions). I know I can backup to DVD+R using multiple discs and I don't mind doing so. I would like to try and cram as much stuff on individual CD+R or DVD+R so that I don't have to span between discs.

Also, to create a DVD master all I would need to do is copy all the files (VIDEO_TS folder) generated from DVDA and put them on a DVD through Roxio or Nero? I want to have a master that I could always make a copy from if I ever needed on in the future. Do most Vegas users archive both the original data files as well as the created DVDA HD sessions?

Any suggestions would help.

Thanks,
Rob

Comments

johnmeyer wrote on 9/18/2003, 11:59 AM

suggestions for setting up a directory structure for projects

Put each project in a separate directory.

Put each type of media asset in a subdirectory.

Use Vegas to capture the tapes, and give a unique name to each tape.

When you are finished with the project, archive all the files in the directory --except the .AVI files -- to a DVD-R or CD-R.

Save the optical media and tapes in a safe place.

If you want to re-create the project, you copy the files from the CD or DVD back to your hard disk, and then re-capture the video files from tape using the Vegas recapture facility. This will re-create the video files, bit-for-bit identical to the originals. Tape is a lot cheaper and easier for video, and it saves many steps doing it this way, since the video is already on the tapes.

Remember, these are digital tapes, so the bits on the tapes are identical to the bits on your computer, which are identical to the bits you might put on your DVD-R (DVD+R) or CD-R if you were to archive the AVI files onto many, many disks.

randy-stewart wrote on 9/18/2003, 12:05 PM

Roberths,

When I get done with a project, I click the save as on the veg file and then check the box that says save clips and media with project. That all goes into one folder. I then create a data DVD with that folder and any of the production renders that will fit on the disk (.wmv, .mov, .avi., etc). Usually, the .avi renders are too big but that's okay since I have the complete project (veg, used clips, and media) on DVD and can reload it and render at will later.

As for working folders, on my video drive I have a folder for captures, one for projects, and one for productions. Individual projects have sub-folders within these 3 main folders. This way I know where to look for a particlar type of event. If I need sound effects or other media (music, backgrounds, etc.) I keep them separate from my video drive on CD's or on my primary hard drive.

Hope this helps.

Randy

roberths wrote on 9/19/2003, 3:10 PM

John and Randy,

Thanks for your input. The information you provided was a big help. I hadn't thought about archiving the video clips to tape.

Take care,
Rob

GaryKleiner wrote on 9/19/2003, 5:15 PM

One thing that should be mentioned is that you should ALWAYS save your .veg (project) files on a different physical drive as your media, or at least save them in BOTH places.

That way if your media drive crashes, you at least can recreate the project by recapturing your media because you still have the .veg.

Gary

randy-stewart wrote on 9/19/2003, 5:20 PM

Good advice. Thanks Gary.
Randy

kameronj wrote on 9/19/2003, 8:57 PM

I think I just scanned a post that pretty much says the same thing as I was going to suggest.

Since I have main directories with pictures, backgrounds, etc in them - when I'm working with a project I do all the stuff I need to to them and then do a save as and copy all the media to one place. Then archive just that one folder.

Or....some other projects I have done I have:

1. Root folder for project
2. Several sub-folders for diferent media (pix, audio, etc)
3. Draft folder (or tests)
4. Finished folder (with the finished file)

Then (if small enough) archive everything to CD or DVD.

CrazyRussian wrote on 9/19/2003, 11:02 PM

Here is my file structure for projects:
Project name
Capture
| Tape 1
| Tape 2
Rendered
Sound
| Music beds
| Effects
Stills
DVD
I save VEG file in the root of project name, capture into Capture folder and have folder for each tape, render into rended, save music in sound folder with subfolders for each category, stills stores JPG, GIF, PIX and any other picture and finaly I ouput DVD files into DVD folder.