Hey guys. I'm trying to get FCP 6's Auto Conform Sequence feature to work, and I can't get my version to ever prompt me when I drag a new clip onto a new sequence. Any tips? In the prefs, it's set to "Ask."

thanks.

If the sequence is already set correctly to the clip settings it won't ask to change it.
Also if you already have clips in the time-line it won't ask if you bring in a different type of file.
It will just give you a render bar.
If you want to test it set up a new sequence that you know is incorrect and drop a clip into it.
It should ask to change it.
Hope that helps,

Todd

Another thing Eric, you might find it considerably easier to edit in the Pro Res 422HQ codec. This way you will not have to deal with HDV conforming just because of an added filter or transition. There are also available several new Pro Res settings that you won't find through normal routes. Call me for further info
Steve

Thanks, guys. Steve -- hard to call from Bonaire, but I will try. Mostly, I want to auto-conform because I'm doing really basic edits with no fancy stuff, and I don't want to render.

Todd -- yeah, I know how it's supposed to work. It does NOT work. I have tested it with a new project, new sequence, and a non-conforming clip. No prompt, nothing.

Are all the clips your working with all the same format/codec?
I suppose if the clips are a codec that FCP doesn't recognize it may not prompt you.
If you think its clip related you could post a few frames and I can try it on another system.

If its happening with multiple formats or files that FCP should recognize you could try throwing your FCP preferences away.

Todd

Hey, Todd. Yeah, I'm going to try trashing prefs now. I've seen that prompt before, so I know that it exists.

I'm shooting with little AVIs produced by a Flip Ultra. Maybe it is an AVI issue. The codec is 3ivx, and was installed separately.

Eric,
If I remember correctly, you are filming with a Z1. Why are you using a 3ivx codec?
Inquiring minds want to know.
Steve

The Flip Ultra shoots AVI 3ivx.

I know -- editing Flip footage in FCP is like polishing a turd, but it works.

Here's a clip from the Flip. Can you try adding it to a sequence to see if you get the prompt? I had to install the 3ivx codec to get it to play -- the codec comes with the Flip.

Hey Eric
You just have to all these new toys don't you.

I know it will not help you but I downloaded that clip, installed the 3ivx codec and imported it into a EDIUS 1440/1080 timeline and it plays/edits all in real time.

Downloaded and worked without any fuss in crappy old IMovie HD

Wags and Peter --

You guys are not helping!

It plays fine on my machine, but FCP does not auto-conform a new sequence when it is added. The question is about how to get FCP to auto-conform, because I've seen that prompt before, but I don't anymore.

iMovie HD transcodes the video when you import it.

I'm using the Flip because the coverage I was doing is 4:3 and doesn't auto-letterbox. Because the coverage was close to live, I had to shoot something that would be uploadable immediately. It's also highly rated as the tech blogger's standard video camera for interviews and show coverage. Plus, at $130, it's cheap!

Now, if you can help, please reply! (Todd and Steve? You are my best hope. )

Hm, Eric,

I downloaded as well. And, what a surprise, it really did not ask... I tried it with another file, that case it asks for auto-conform (HDV timeline, DV clip.)...

I got an orange sign above the timeline and a red. Orange says that the video playback is unlimited but audio needs render, if the RT is set to Unlimited. If I set it to Safe RT, it asks for render at the video as well.

I think the answer is the system's capability for playback. Since this file is so limited (one audio channel, its bitrate is 259,3 K/sec only) the system can handle it very good - however it needs render, but its very-very quick. But since there is normally no divx-based timeline in FCP, it does not ask to change the timeline basic codec to the clip's codec. I hope it makes sense for you. If there would have been such a timeline-preset it would ask for it...

Hope it helps...

I wish all success to you over there, greetings to Mary Lynn!

Jules

Eric,
Downloaded the AVI clip to the desktop and dragged it into an HDV timeline with an HDV clip already on. Clip properties state a 640x480 size and a 259.3k data rate No inquiry message came up. I had to render which took about 4 seconds but that was it. I then created a new sequence, checked that the settings were 1440x1080i and brought the clip in and no auto conform message. After render, it does play just fine.
That is not really helping you though.
Steve

Hey Eric,

Great Shoot-out, Eric, and fantastic coverage with your Flip!

And Hello to you, Jules!!

Here's my theory about the FCP Auto conform sequence thingy. When you drop a non-conforming clip onto the timeline and you have your User Preferences set to "Ask," then FCP will prompt you so long as it can create a sequence in the format of that clip.

I downloaded the clip, Eric, and encoded an MPEG-4 version. When I tried to drop that one onto an HDV sequence, I got the prompt. I still had to render, but the render was strictly for the audio. Then when I tried to drop your original clip with its AVI extension, I did NOT get a prompt from FCP--despite the fact that the AVI seems to be just a wrapper for the underlying 3ivx codec. FCP did not recogize this to be a format that it could use as a sequence setting.

So I think your Auto conform prompt is probably working so long as you have it set to "Ask" in the User Preferences, but FCP will only give you the prompt if it reads the clip format as being in a format that it can actually use for its Sequence Settings.

I'd be interested to hear from others who might have better ideas about how this is really working...Drew?

Mary Lynn