Author: Why Not

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Panasonic HDC-SD9 in Apple Knowledge Base

From Apple Support:

http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1348

Final Cut Pro, Final Cut Express: Unexpected quit with Panasonic HDC-SD9 AVCHD

Symptoms
Final Cut Pro and Final Cut Express may quit unexpectedly when using the Log and Transfer window to preview AVCHD media from a Panasonic HDC-SD9 camcorder.

Products Affected
Final Cut Pro 6.0, Final Cut Express 4.0

Resolution
The Panasonic HDC-SD9 model camcorder is currently not qualified for use with Final Cut Pro or Final Cut Express.  Although some devices that are not qualified may work to some extent with Final Cut Pro and Final Cut Express, in this case the camcorder may not perform as expected.

To find devices qualified for use with Final Cut Pro and Final Cut Express, refer to Qualified Devices for Apple Pro Applications.

Additional Information
This camcorder’s implementation of AVCHD video uses a format of H.264 that employs “Br-frames”, which are similar to traditional MPEG-4 B-frames, but contain motion reference information. The Final Cut Pro and Final Cut Express components that preview AVCHD media currently do not recognize or handle Br-frames in AVCHD data.

Up to this point, Panasonic HDC-SD9 is not yet supported in Final Cut Pro and Final Cut Express by Apple.

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Panasonic HDC-SD9 and Final Cut Pro: Perian to The Rescue

UPDATE 2008.06.11:

QuickTime 7.5 adds support for Panasonic HDC-SD9 and other newer AVCHD camcorders.

Hans Eklundh left a comment and confirmed that the 25p PAL version (Europe) also works with QuickTime 7.5

“Good news, everyone! We finally can use Panasonic HDC-SD9 and Final Cut Pro.”

AVCHD Final Cut Pro Icon

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.

Panasonic HDC-SD9 AVCHD Camcorder

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:

  1. OSX 10.4 or 10.5 (Intel and PowerPC)
  2. QuickTime 7.3
  3. Apple Intermediate Codec (AIC)
  4. iMovie (HD or 08) or Final Cut Express/Pro
  5. 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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Apple Releases Pro Applications Update 2008-001

Apple today releases Pro Applications Update 2008-001.

About Pro Applications Update 2008-001:

This update improves reliability for Apple’s professional applications and is recommended for all users of Final Cut Studio, Final Cut Server, Logic Studio, and Shake.

For more information about this software update, please see:
Release Notes

Pro Applications Update 2008-01 is a revision to Final Cut Studio 2.0. This update includes Final Cut Pro 6.0.3, Compressor 3.0.3, which addresses specific customer issues, installation issues, compatibility updates, general performance issues and improves overall stability.

This update is recommended for all users of Final Cut Studio 2.0 and later.

System Requirements:

  • Mac OS X 10.4.11
  • Mac OS X 10.5.2

Unfortunately, Apple has not added support for Panasonic HDC-SD9 1080p/24 mode. I have been waiting for the update from Apple to support this camera.

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Canon HG10 AVCHD Camcorder: Advanced Accessory Shoe

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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South Park: Season 12 Episode 5 – “Eek, A Penis”

South Park: Season 12 Episode 5 – “Eek, A Penis”
Original Air Date: 2008-04-09

South Park Season 12 Episode 5 -

Watch “Eek, A Penis” streaming at SouthParkStudios.

Note:

Preview “Eek, A Penis” here.

Discuss this pre-air announcement here.

Cartman Shaves His Head

From South Park Studios: (announced on April 7th, 2008)

This Week on South Park: “Eek, A Penis!”
While Ms. Garrison is off trying to find a way to become the man he was
always intended to be, Cartman is put in charge of the classroom.

From today’s Comedy Central Press Release:

ERIC CARTMAN IS THE NEW SUBSTITUTE TEACHER
IN AN ALL-NEW “SOUTH PARK” ON
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9 AT 10:00 P.M. ON COMEDY CENTRAL

Cartman has a gift for reaching the most difficult kids in the school system in an all-new episode of “South Park,” entitled “Eek! A Penis!,” premiering on Wednesday, April 9 at 10:00 p.m. (ET/PT) on COMEDY CENTRAL.

While their regular teacher, Ms. Garrison, is busy looking for a way to become the man he always intended to be, Cartman is put in charge. Soon after Cartman takes over, the kids’ test scores are on the rise. Cartman decides to make a difference by working with some inner-city kids whom no other teacher has been able to reach.

South Park Season 12 Episode 5 on:

  • iTunes Store – UNCENSORED (available on Saturday – April 12th, 2008)
  • Amazon Unbox (available on Saturday – April 12th, 2008)

South Park Studios and Comedy Central would like to remind you if you are looking for South Park episode, you can get it at iTunes Store, Amazon Unbox, or xBox LIVE instead of downloading the AVI or RM files off torrents from site likes mrtwig.net or southparkfiles.com. Comedy Central is so relieved that mrtwig.net is currently down. Another reminder from the Good Ol’ Comedy Central that asks everyone to stay away from southparkfiles.com, because southparkfiles.com has every single South Park episode made available in one form or another. Yeah, please do not go search for “South Park Torrent” on Google.

Remember downloading TV episodes off torrents is generally frowned upon by the TV networks. It’d be very very very wrong to download South Park episodes off torrent sites such as mrtwig.net where you can find high quality South Park episodes in AVI and RM. Please forget that you can find high quality South Park episode links on the Internet because Comedy Central would like you to purchase them. One final note, Comedy Central thanks you for purchasing South Park DVDs.

——-

South Park: The Imaginationland Trilogy DVD
Dubbed as “Uncensored Director’s Cut”, this DVD would include unaired scenes from the trilogy. Would the DVD set make any different since all of Season Eleven Episodes are available for purchase on iTunes Store and Amazon Unbox. Of course! The DVD is higher quality than the digital download version, and it is not crippled with DRM.

More info:

First Time Ever On DVD: Completely Uncensored And Features Audio Commentary
With Co-Creators Trey Parker And Matt Stone
——–
Bonus Materials Include Storyboards And
Fan Favorite Episodes “Woodland Critter Christmas” And “Manbearpig”

Imaginationland Trilogy DVD

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Bad Religion Tonight

I’m heading off to see Bad Religion again tonight, last night show was great. Tonight show is the last show of their Spring 2008 US tour.

After the show, lots of people walking backstage and it turned out to be some kind of mini High School reunion for Greg Hetson. Meanwhile, Bret Gurewitz quickly disappeared from the venue, taking out his gear and never came back. I didn’t see him for the rest of the night. Greg Graffin spent considerable amount of time with  fans, posing for pictures, etcetera, etcetera. Brooks Wackerman was talking to fans and somewhat packing his stuff. Jay Bentley was seen hanging out with the crews during the stage break-down. Brian Baker was “caught” using his iPhone while talking to some fans. One funny moment when one of the band’s acquaintances was caught taking the pizza that was supposed to be for the crew only.

That was the quick summary of what’s going on backstage with Bad Religion.

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South Park: Eric Cartman Interview on NPR

South Park Fans should not miss Eric Cartman on National Public Radio (NPR). NPR’s “In Character” series has featured Jack Bauer, Catwoman, Cookie Monster, and Darth Vader.

What are you waiting for? Read and listen to NPR’s “In Character” with Eric Cartman.

Eric Cartman: America’s Favorite Little $@#&*%

Eric Cartman answers Proust Questionare

——-

South Park Season 12 premiered on March 12th, 2008. For more informations, head to South Park Studios.

In addition to that, you can watch all South Park episodes streaming at SouthParkStudios.com/episodes.

——-

South Park: The Imaginationland Trilogy DVD
Dubbed as “Uncensored Director’s Cut”, this DVD would include unaired scenes from the trilogy. Would the DVD set make any different since all of Season Eleven Episodes are available for purchase on iTunes Store and Amazon Unbox. Of course! The DVD is higher quality than the digital download version, and it is not crippled with DRM.

More info:

First Time Ever On DVD: Completely Uncensored And Features Audio Commentary
With Co-Creators Trey Parker And Matt Stone
——–
Bonus Materials Include Storyboards And
Fan Favorite Episodes “Woodland Critter Christmas” And “Manbearpig”

Imaginationland Trilogy DVD

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