Help with REDCINE on PC with MC v3

[Lav Bodnaruk]

Hey guys,

In my previous dealings with the RED I had to export files in TIFF sequence to import it into AVID where I cut it. This time around, this isn't really an option, because this is not a 30sec TVC but rather a pilot for a TV show (with 400GB of R3D files).

I have managed to open all of the R3D files in REDCINE (3.1.5 PC version) where I can tweak some settings. I managed to save it as XML, and using Xtrans and RED_ALE, convert it into .ale file (thanks to reading throughout this forum and finding out how to get up to this stage!)

But then, when I attempt to export (output) the actual QuickTime in DNxHD codec, I keep getting the same Error Log popping up and reporting "player failed to write frame" line, and it counts EVERY SINGLE frame - so, if I leave it on exporting with the error log on, nothing ends up in the folder... nothing..

I have tried re-installing the REDCINE, but no luck.
I have managed to export DPX file, but nothing else. Even when exporting TIFF sequences, only ONE tiff gets exported - not the actual sequence (and yet, this worked for me in built 15 when i shot a TVC on RED).

I am really hoping there is a way around this as I do not have access to RED ALERT and need to finish this project ASAP (my fault for taking this format over some others when I didn't have the post-production workflow tested).

If anyone has any ideas, please, let me know.

I am using SP2 windows Xp on HP workstation xw8400 8-core CPU, with Nvidia Quadro FX3500 video card.

Regards,
Lav

http://www.lavproductions.com

[MichaelP]

This might be best posted in the REDCINE section as it seems to be a REDCINE issue. I can't think of anything off the top of my head, but will see what I can find.

Michael

[Lav Bodnaruk]

Hi Michael,

thank you for your post. I guess if you haven't seen this problem yet, I am in a lot of trouble, as I have noticed you posting a lot on this forum...

Can I ask you, do you know of anyone that has in fact successfully exported Avid DNxHD QuickTime from REDCINE on a PC? I seem to only be reading about people that have done this on a Mac using REDCINE...

I have posted my problem in the REDCINE section - under the bugs sticky. Hopefully someone out there will be able to help me... meantime, I got to look for a Mac that can transfer this footage for me as my post-production days tick away... (just lost 18hrs in front of this monitor trying to figure this out)

Cheers,
Lav

[MichaelP]

RECINE on PC is currently not the best solution for creating transcoded dailies for a couple of reasons we are tracking down as I write this. I am working with Assimilate to get to the bottom of these issues. The ones I am tracking are not related to what you are seeing and hopefully someone will jump in with their experiences.

Michael

[Lav Bodnaruk]

thanks Michael.
Hopefully someone sees this post... meantime, I have no option but to look for a Mac suite where I can finish this project off...

In your experience, REDCINE on PC should be able to export QuickTime Avid DNxHD? I am just wondering if you know of a case that says this works - so that I should keep on trying to figure out a problem or call it quits. My alternative right now is to try and go to a friends house, who also runs Media Composer on his home PC suite and see if he can export the Avid DNxHD QT from REDCINE on his machine - in case some codecs or drives that are on my machine are causing this...

Thanks again!
Lav

[Lav Bodnaruk]

Hi Michael,

is there any other way that I can get this R3D footage out of the REDCINE into my Media Composer and then have it on-lined back in REDCINE again? I am able to do the XML - into XSL and then into ALE OK, but would anything else work instead of QuickTime DNxHD ?

Is there any other program that runs on PC that will open these R3D files and do this for me or are all those REDRushes and REDALERTS Mac only...

thanks,
Lav

[MichaelP]

REDCINE is the only application on PC right now that can read R3D files. I guess you could try After Effects, but I haven't tried that myself with the latest version. But You would have to deal with every source clip as a composition - painful.

Due to the lack of QT codec on Windows, third parties haven't been able to take advantage of the same tools available on Mac. While we are working towards a PC based solutions for R3D conversion to DNxHD, it is not ready at this time.

REDCINE can create DNxHD media, it has issues in how it is being tagged to the operating system so the fast import is not working, but it will import. For offline it will work.

Michael

[Lav Bodnaruk]

thanks Michael.
I will try my friends PC today - he too runs Media Composer and although he hasn't yet worked with R3D, I will try and see if he can install REDCINE and if he has any luck exporting to DNxHD quicktime - even if it works for us for offline without fast import, I'd be happy - just to finish this project and never enter RED land again (lol) - or until it is ready for PC and Avid in particular.

Thanks again!
Lav

PS. Do you work for Avid Michael? I notice in your friends list a name of Cecilie... this wouldn't be Cecilie Amundsen? If so, please send my regards :)

[MichaelP]

I do work for Avid by day and produce/edit feautures by night. I have been at Avid since May of 1990. Let me know how your process works. There is a new release of REDCINE as of yesterday that supports audio. I am working through the process to highlight any issues or new benefits and will report back.

Michael

[Lav Bodnaruk]

Hi Michael,

a bit disappointing really, but I ended up having to go to a Mac, and edit the proxys there. Ones cut, I will on-line on Mac too.

Not only did I just bypass the best editor in the world (Avid) but I am not even using my $10k HP workstation which was aquired for editing - and not sitting in my house for web surfing on R3D/PC problems...

So very very disappointed and doubt I will shoot RED next until the work flow is 100% worked out and I have tested it personally with my gear... just not worth all the money I lost on this job (hiring an editor with a Mac, when I am an editor - freaking LOL)

To think I could have easily shot on 35mm (with these extra costs now, it would have been exactly the same) makes me want to jump off a building

Anyway, best of luck making Avid and RED work together on PC. I look forward to the day it is all up n running :)

Best,
Lav

[MichaelP]

The next time a RED job comes along you could always hire an assistant to process the files on a Mac then just give you the files to bring into your system. That's how I work. My main editing system is a PC but I have a Mac for editing in the field and other functions. I don't let platforms lock me into the getting the best solution I am looking for.

Michael