Really Disappointed with Sony Media Software

Marc S wrote on 4/27/2015, 11:35 AM

I just had a chat with Sony Tech Support concerning the ongoing compatibility issues with Sony X70 and Vegas. They told me it's high priority but could not give me a fix date.

They suggested I use Catalyst Browse. I explained to them that Browse screws up the black levels on clips when batch converting. They did not know this but confirmed it once I sent them images.

Next they suggested I convert each clip one at a time to solve this issue since they have no idea when this will be fixed. I suggested they give me a copy of Catalyst Prepare which does not screw up levels until this is fixed. They declined.

So let me get this straight... I bought a Sony Camera and use Sony Editing Software but I have to either buy another Sony product I do not need as a workaround or switch to programs like Adobe CC, Edius etc. that actually work with files created by SONY?

I'm really disappointed with this company. They do not back up their products.

Comments

videoITguy wrote on 4/27/2015, 12:06 PM

Well, you very well maybe " " , but here's the deal - we have covered this ground before - read here:

Subject: RE: XAVC-L
Reply by: videoITguy
Date: 1/9/2015 5:42:58 AM

+10 TotalCode - this is the app to have. Although SCS has made some idle promises about this delivery thru VegasPro - I would not hold my breath - seems they have more hurdle to do so than the market may bear. Stick with Total Code if you can.

The problem is this - Sony has got a for profit bottomline to manage. They are making business decisions that are in their stockholders best interest. Utlimately, whether you have faith or not - this shakes down to better value for the consumer.

Emphasis on Catalyst Edit (Prepare is the early subset) and the plan to go forward.

OldSmoke wrote on 4/27/2015, 12:24 PM

Marc

Are you sure Catalyst Browse changes the black levels? You have to make sure NOT to apply the color changes during transcoding. Catalyst Browse will retain the last color changes one makes and by default apply those during transcode to all clips selected.

Marc S wrote on 4/27/2015, 12:31 PM

Yes I've done multiple tests and I make sure apply color is unchecked. It happens when batch transcoding from Browse. Prepare does not have this issue on my machine but others have reported the issue in both programs on the MAC.

Marc S wrote on 4/27/2015, 12:32 PM

I can't afford to spend $449 on total code to use my Sony files in my Sony editing program.

OldSmoke wrote on 4/27/2015, 12:45 PM

Marc

Would you be able to upload somewhere two sample clips from the X70? Dropbox, Googledrive or so? Maybe it is a machine issue and I also would like to get a X70 as a second camera but I can wait if that is unresolved.

Marc S wrote on 4/27/2015, 1:31 PM

Sure here you go. I just recorded this in my front yard and it's straight from the camera card. Let me know your results.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/aos7j6jvp5fi9tb/Clip0001.MXF?dl=0

OldSmoke wrote on 4/27/2015, 1:49 PM

Marc

Yes, you are right, no luck. I guess I will wait until this is fixed somehow and stick with the AX100.

Edit:
When I look at the original file and the transcoded file in Catalyst Browse with the scopes, they do look identical.

Marc S wrote on 4/27/2015, 2:30 PM

Have you tried transcoding the file in browse to XAVC Intra 1920x1080p (Sony) and then bringing it into Vegas? That is where I get a level change. However I believe it only happens when batch encoding multiple files.

OldSmoke wrote on 4/27/2015, 2:32 PM

How do yo compare the transcoded file and the original in Vegas since you can't get the original into Vegas?

Marc S wrote on 4/27/2015, 2:37 PM

Here is the situtation:

In order to get Sony X70 files into Vegas you need to use Catalyst Browse or Catalyst Prepare to transcode them to XAVC Intra. This doubles the file size but allows you import clips into Vegas.

Both programs offer batch transcoding but for some reason when batch transcoding using the free Browse program it raises the black levels. When batch transcoding in Prepare it does not raise the black levels and they appear as shot and the same as in Catalyst scopes before transcoding (in other words black sit at 0 IRE on the Vegas timeline).

OldSmoke wrote on 4/27/2015, 3:18 PM

Are you using 8bit or 32bit full range in Vegas?

Marc S wrote on 4/27/2015, 4:22 PM

8 bit.

farss wrote on 4/27/2015, 4:44 PM

Not sure just how relevant but the X70 can record 10bit 4:2:2 in XAVC.

Bob.

OldSmoke wrote on 4/27/2015, 4:50 PM

Marc

The file you provided is recorded 422 10bit, you should set your project properties to 32bit full range.

Marc S wrote on 4/27/2015, 9:22 PM

True that it records in 10bit but that's not the problem in this case and 32bit mode is sometimes unpredictable with effects. The problem is a bug in Catalyst Browse as I explained earlier.

By the way I've been working all day in an 8 bit project with 71 Sony X70 clips that were batch converted in Catalyst Prepare and they all have normal black levels and no issues whatsoever. The problem is that Catalyst Prepare cost 200 dollars and Vegas should be able to work natively with the camera files.