Tag: AVCHD

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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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Panasonic HDC-SD9: Screen Capture

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-SD9 Screen Capture

Panasonic HDC-SD5 Screen Capture
Panasonic HDC-SD5 Screen Capture

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Panasonic HDC-SD9: The Trouble with Mac OS X

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.

Recorded Using Panasonic HDC-SD5
Panasonic HDC-SD5 Recording (H.264 13.2MB)

Recorded using Panasonic HDC-SD9
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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Panasonic HDC-SD9: Video Mode

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.

Panasonic HDC-SD9: Recording Mode
HDC-SD5 (left) vs. HDC-SD9 (right)

Panasonic HDC-SD9: 24p Digital Cinema mode
HDC-SD9 24p Digital Cinema mode turned on