04.11.08
Posted in Announcements, Apple, Applications, Apps, AVCHD, iMovie, Leopard, Mac OS X, MacBook, Media, Movies, News, Resources, Reviews, Tech, Troubleshooting at 3:17 am by 37prime
“Good news, everyone! We finally can use Panasonic HDC-SD9 and Final Cut Pro.”
UPDATE:
So far, I have not been able to import 1080p/24p clip from HDC-SD9 into iMovie correctly. I’m still looking into it. I don’t have Final Cut Express 4 to test the import.
Good news, indeed. After 6 weeks, I finally get to import 1080p/24p clip from Panasonic HDC-SD9 correctly. The audio and video are in complete sync. The remedy is none other than Perian 1.1. Previously, Perian QuickTime Component was conflicting with Final Cut Pro.
Numbers of people raised the concern regarding Panasonic HDC-SD9 compatibility with Mac OS X applications (iMovie ’08, Final Cut Pro 6, and Final Cut Express 4). I was exploring this issue because I want to use my Panasonic HDC-SD9 in 1080p/24 mode.
I asked some Apple employees regarding this problem, and the non-answer I got is that Apple is working on camera compatibility issues. I’m hoping that Apple would update their applications to support Panasonic HDC-SD9 in particular and newer 1080p/24p camcorders in general.
On Thursday (2008.04.10), Apple released Pro Applications Update 2008-001 and brought Final Cut Pro to version 6.0.3. I was hoping that Apple would have resolved the issues with HDC-SD9 camcorder. Unfortunately, the issue persisted.
I decided to spend some times for trial-and-error in making Final Cut Pro playing nice with HDC-SD9. It was 03:00 hour, and I had an epiphany. Previously, some people were recommending ShedWorx’s VoltaicHD Converter to import AVCHD clip in Mac OS X. I went to ShedWorx’s site and read the System Requirements for the VoltaicHD Converter:
System Requirements for the VoltaicHD Converter:
- OSX 10.4 or 10.5 (Intel and PowerPC)
- QuickTime 7.3
- Apple Intermediate Codec (AIC)
- iMovie (HD or 08) or Final Cut Express/Pro
- Perian if you are using Final Cut
VoltaicHD requires Perian QuickTime Component!
I checked Perian site, and compared the version I previously had installed on my MacBook Pro. The current version 1.1 and I had version 1.0 installed on my MacBook Pro. I downloaded the latest version and installed it. This time Final Cut Pro converts the 1080p/24p clip from HDC-SD9 correctly.
I will test if I could import HDC-SD9 1080p/24p video using iMovie ’08 and Final Cut express with Perian 1.1 installed.
NEXT:
Video sample from Panasonic HDC-SD9, 1080p/24p, audio and video in complete sync.
Note:
- 15-inch MacBook Pro Core Duo 2.0GHz 2GB RAM
- Mac OS X Leopard 10.5.2
- Final Cut Pro 6.0.3 (with Pro Applications Update 2008-001)
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04.07.08
Posted in Announcements, AVCHD, Media, Movies, News, Resources, Reviews, Tech at 2:54 am by 37prime
In the continuing series of Canon HG10 review, we’re looking at the built-in Advanced Accessory Shoe. One thing that I am missing from the Panasonic HDC-SD5 and Panasonic HDC-SD9 is the availability of any expansion ports.
Three accessories that are Advanced Accessory Shoe compatible for Canon HG10 are:
- Video Flash Light VFL-1
To be used with advanced accessory shoe combination video light & flash unit.
- VL-3 Video Light
The VL-3 Video Light connects to the Advanced Accessory Shoe and is powered directly by the camcorder.
- DM-50 Directional Stereo Microphone
Get near-professional quality sound for your movies with this shotgun stereo mic. Select from pure shotgun or shotgun + surrounding sound modes. Since the mic is powered by the camcorder’s power source, you remain cable free. Wind shields are included
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03.27.08
Posted in Announcements, Apple, Applications, Apps, iPhone, iPod, Leopard, Mac OS X, Media, News, Resources, Reviews, Tech at 11:49 am by 37prime
I’m fortunate enough to find out that FiOS was available in my area. I ordered it and had it installed sometimes in 2007. Currently I have the 15Mbps up and 2Mbps down. I’m want to upgrade to the 15/15 service.
This is one of many reasons to get FiOS, and it actually peaked at 1.8MB/s:
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03.26.08
Posted in Announcements, Apple, Applications, Apps, Media, News, Resources, Reviews, Security, Tech, Vista, Windows at 7:52 pm by 37prime
The people who develops Opera and WebKit are racing to pass Acid3 test. Both camps have scored 100/100 on Acid3 test. According to both Opera and WebKit camp, even though they scored 100/100, there are still some bug fixing to do.
The WebKit folks announces that WebKit achieves Acid3 100/100 in public build, today.
With r31342 WebKit has become the first publicly available rendering engine to achieve 100/100 on Acid3.
Meanwhile, Opera folks were the first to claim perfect score on Acid3 test using their internal build.
I downloaded WebKit build r31344 and ran Acid3 test on it. The video can be found here (QuickTime Movie 744KB).
WebKit is available for Mac OS X and Windows.
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03.09.08
Posted in Announcements, Apple, Applications, Apps, AVCHD, iMovie, Leopard, Mac OS X, Media, Movies, News, Resources, Reviews, Tech at 1:54 am by 37prime
Despite its compatibility problem with Mac OS X, Panasonic HDC-SD9 is a great HD camcorder. If you are using Macs and wanting to get this camera, it is best to wait until Apple releases updates to iMovie ’08, Final Cut Express 4, and Final Cut Pro 6.
In the meantime, check out the screen capture from Panasonic HDC-SD9 and compare it to the one from Panasonic HDC-SD5. Notice the interlacing on Panasonic HDC-SD5 screen capture.
Panasonic HDC-SD9 Screen Capture
Panasonic HDC-SD5 Screen Capture
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03.08.08
Posted in Announcements, Apple, Applications, Apps, AVCHD, Entertainment, iMovie, Leopard, Mac OS X, Media, Movies, Music, News, Resources, Reviews, Tech, Troubleshooting at 11:56 pm by 37prime
UPDATE (2008.04.11):
I finally get it to work with Final Cut Pro!!! just search for HDC-SD9 on this blog.
Panasonic HDC-SD9 is capable recording video in 1080p and 24 mode. This is one great feature on a compact camcorder. The quality of the video is amazing.
Unfortunately for Mac users, this camcorder is not fully compatible with iMovie ’08, Final Cut Express 4, and Final Cut Pro 6. The three applications crash during playback or import of videos recorded in non-”24p Digital Cinema” mode. When the “24p Digital Cinema” mode is turned on, iMovie ’08, Final Cut Express 4, and Final Cut Pro 6 can playback and import the recorded video. Even though the three applications can play and import the video, some problems persist.
To illustrate the problems, please check-out the following videos. Both videos were recorded at the same time, one is using Panasonic HDC-SD5 and the other is using Panasonic HDC-SD9. You’ll see how the HDC-SD9 video is playing faster than the actual recording.
Both videos are resized to 960×540 resolutions. This is done due to the sheer monstrosity of the 1920×1080 file size. QuickTime 7 is required for proper playback.
Panasonic HDC-SD5 Recording (H.264 13.2MB)
Panasonic HDC-SD9 Recording (H.264 9.2MB)
The imported video plays faster while the audio plays at normal speed. Somehow the video and audio go out of sync during the import. By default iMovie ’08 transcoded the AVCHD video to Apple Intermediate Codec, while Final Cut Pro transcoded the AVCHD video to Apple ProRes 422. I will try importing the AVCHD video to another format using Final Cut Pro later.
——-
note: I blame Carrie for making me re-learn “Greensleeves“
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Posted in Announcements, Apple, Applications, Apps, AVCHD, iMovie, Leopard, Mac OS X, Media, Movies, News, Resources, Reviews, Tech at 8:52 pm by 37prime
Panasonic HDC-SD9 is capable of recording video in 1080p/24p mode. Mac users find out that iMovie ’08, Final Cut Express 4, and Final Cut Pro 6 are unable to read/import videos from HDC-SD9 that are not recorded in 24p mode.
UPDATE:
Currently iMovie ’08, Final Cut Express 4, and Final Cut Pro 6 do not transcode AVCHD video correctly. The video is faster than the audio.
More info here.
To enable the highest quality recording and 24p mode, go to the “video” menu, and set the followings:
- REC MODE: HA1920
- 24pDIGITAL CINEMA: ON
By selecting those options, the HDC-SD9 camera will be recording in 1080p and 24p mode. In addition to that, Mac users can import the videos to iMovie ’08, Final Cut Express 4, or Final Cut Pro 6.
UPDATE:
For some reasons, Final Cut Pro imported the video and speed it up a little bit. One video runs about 40 seconds, while the imported video runs about 28 seconds. It is clear that Final Cut Pro does not fully understand the recording mode from this camera.
HDC-SD5 (left) vs. HDC-SD9 (right)
HDC-SD9 24p Digital Cinema mode turned on
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03.07.08
Posted in Announcements, Apple, Applications, Apps, AVCHD, Cat, Entertainment, iMovie, Leopard, Mac OS X, MacBook, Media, Movies, News, Pictures, Resources, Reviews, Tech, TV at 10:32 pm by 37prime
UPDATE:
Panasonic HDC-SD9: The Trouble with Mac OS X
Another video, with audio intact. Imported using Final Cut Pro 6.0.2.
Panasonic HDC-SD9 video sample:
- Recording Mode: HA1920
- 24p Digital Cinema mode
- Imported using Final Cut Pro 6.0.2
- H.264 @ 1920 x 1080
- 10.80 mbits/s
- 27 seconds
- 35.4 MB
- Done on 15-inch MacBook Pro Core Duo 2.0GHz, Mac OS X Leopard 10.5.2
Final Cut Pro is having trouble playing/importing when the video is recorded with “24p Digital Cinema” mode turned off.
UPDATE:
For some reasons, Final Cut Pro imported the video and speed it up a little bit. The original video runs about 40 seconds, while the imported video runs about 28 seconds. It is clear that Final Cut Pro does not fully understand the recording mode from this camera.
WARNING! THIS MOVIE FILE MIGHT NOT PLAY IN YOUR BROWSER DUE TO ITS RESOLUTIONS.
Right-click, then save as. Because it is going to take a long time to buffer.
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Posted in Announcements, Apple, Applications, Apps, iMovie, Leopard, Mac OS X, Media, Movies, News, Resources, Reviews, Tech at 8:16 pm by 37prime
UPDATE(two):
For some reasons, Final Cut Pro imported the video and speed it up a little bit. One video runs about 40 seconds, while the imported video runs about 28 seconds. It is clear that Final Cut Pro does not fully understand the recording mode from this camera.
UPDATE(one):
iMovie ’08, Final Cut Express 4, and Final Cut 6 can not handle videos recorded in NON-24p mode. It is not clear why. Personally I am getting this camcorder because it has the 24p mode.
——-
It seems that Apple has to play some catch-up with the newer AVCHD camcorders. The latest offering from Panasonic, the HDC-SD9 AVCHD camcorder is not fully compatible yet with iMovie ’08, Final Cut Express 4, and Final Cut Pro 6.
The video clip recorded using Panasonic HDC-SD9 will crash the Mac OS X apps during playback or video imports. Apple is surely working on updates for tehir applications so they can handle new AVCHD camcorders.
Some users has been posting their experiences with Panasonic HDC-SD9 on Apple Discussions Board (check them out here).
I will be posting more regarding this.
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Posted in Announcements, Apple, Applications, Apps, AVCHD, iMovie, Leopard, Mac OS X, Media, News, Resources, Reviews, Tech at 6:48 pm by 37prime
My order of Panasonic HDC-SD9 through Amazon.com has arrived.
I’ve been reading about the problems people has with Final Cut Pro and iMovie ’08. I will test this camera and post it here.
Pictures of Panasonic HDC-SD9
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