Avid® MediaLog ™ User’s Guide m a k e m a n a g e m ove | m e d i a ™ Avid ®
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Contents Using This Guide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Symbols and Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 If You Need Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 How to Order Documentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Avid Educational Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Using User Profiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Creating a User Profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Importing a User Profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Changing User Profiles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Exporting a User Profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Closing a Project . . . . . . . .
Emptying the Trash in the Bins List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Managing Folders and Bins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Saving Bins Automatically . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Saving Bins Manually . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Describing Project Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deck Settings Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 Deleting Deck Configuration Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Setting Deck Preferences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Understanding Timecode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 Preparing to Log Material . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Importing Log Files into MediaLog Bins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94 Transferring Bins from Another MediaLog System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97 Chapter 5 Organizing with Bins. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99 Preparing to Work with Bins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99 Film Scene Workflow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 Setting the Bin Display .
Using Text View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117 Arranging Bin Columns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117 Moving and Rearranging Columns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117 Aligning Bin Columns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117 Showing and Hiding Columns. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118 Deleting a Column . . . . . . . . . . . .
Avid Log Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144 Global Headings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144 Column Headings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146 Data Entries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149 Sample Avid Log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Using This Guide This guide provides information about the configuration and operation of Avid® MediaLog™. This guide is for video and film editors who wish to log clips before bringing them to an Avid editing system for batch capture and editing. Unless noted otherwise, the material in this document applies to the Windows XP and Mac OS X operating systems.The majority of screen shots in this document were captured on a Windows XP system, but the information applies to both Windows XP and Mac OS X systems.
Using This Guide n 14 Symbol or Convention Meaning or Action > This symbol indicates menu commands (and subcommands) in the order you select them. For example, File > Import means to open the File menu and then select the Import command. t This symbol indicates a single-step procedure. Multiple arrows in a list indicate that you perform one of the actions listed. k This symbol represents the Apple or Command key. Press and hold the Command key and another key to perform a keyboard shortcut.
If You Need Help If You Need Help If you are having trouble using Avid MediaLog: 1. Retry the action, carefully following the instructions given for that task in this guide. It is especially important to check each step of your workflow. 2. Check for the latest information that might have become available after the documentation was published in one of two locations: n - If release notes are available, they ship with your application.
Using This Guide Avid Educational Services For information on courses/schedules, training centers, certifications, courseware, and books, please visit www.avid.com/training or call Avid Sales at 800-949-AVID (800-949-2843).
Chapter 1 Understanding Avid MediaLog Avid MediaLog is a tool to select and log footage before your edit session. Although you can log footage with Avid editing system products, using Avid MediaLog frees up your Avid editing system for editing rather than for logging footage. After logging shots (for example, on a laptop), use your Avid editing system to capture and edit the footage. In addition, you can transfer film to National Television Standards Committee (NTSC) or Phase Alternating Line (PAL) video.
Chapter 1 Understanding Avid MediaLog Avid MediaLog also lets you add new categories of information to your log, so you can record the scene, take, location, or any other comments that can help you identify the footage. Once you have created a log, the Avid MediaLog Sort command orders your shots according to criteria you specify. The Sift command uses your criteria to pick out specific footage, such as all the product shots or all shots from a certain location.
How Does Avid MediaLog Work? Each time you log clips, you open a bin and use Logging Tool controls to play your tapes, mark the shots, and add the clips to the open bin. A bin is open while you log clips to it. Sample Bin Deck and log controls are in the Logging tool. Deck controls Log controls If you have a log sheet, you can log clips without using a deck. You type the start and end timecodes for each clip, and then add them to the bin.
Chapter 1 Understanding Avid MediaLog As you work on a project, Avid MediaLog remembers the name of each bin you open and displays a list of bin names in the Project window. The list is useful for helping you to quickly access bins. Sample Project window Bin names What Are the Basic Logging Steps? To perform a logging session: 1. Start your computer and the Avid MediaLog program. 2. Create a new or open an existing project. 3. Create a new or open an existing bin. 4. Prepare to log: a.
Chapter 2 Getting Started This chapter describes how to set up the hardware and run Avid MediaLog sessions.
Chapter 2 Getting Started n If you need to connect and control more than one video deck, see the setup guide for your Avid editing system. A direct serial video deck connection requires a serial adapter kit that contains these items (see the following figure): c • An RS-232 to RS-422 serial adapter • Two serial cables; male 9-pin connectors at both ends Turn off the computer and the deck when you are connecting the serial cable. To connect a single deck to your PC: 1.
Setting Up the Hardware (Macintosh) Setting Up the Hardware (Macintosh) Make sure your computer meets the following requirements: • The computer is running the Mac OS X operating system. See the release notes for the supported version. • At least 12 MB of RAM is available to run Avid MediaLog (20 MB or more is preferred when working with large bins). Avid MediaLog can control a deck that uses Sony serial deck protocol and a timecode reader.
Chapter 2 Getting Started n Adjust the switch on the video deck to Remote mode before using the software to control the video deck. For more information about connecting decks, see the setup guide for your Avid editing system. Supported Decks For a list of supported decks, search for “Supported Decks” in the Avid Customer Support Knowledge Center on www.avid.com. For instructions on how to access the Knowledge Center, see the Avid editing application release notes.
Installing Avid MediaLog Installing Avid MediaLog This section describes how to install the Avid MediaLog software. c c Do not install the Avid MediaLog application on disks where you store media. If you install Avid MediaLog on an Avid editing system, make sure the Avid MediaLog application is in a folder separate from the Avid editing application. Each application has its own preferences.
Chapter 2 Getting Started 3. Click Install Avid MediaLog. Follow the online instructions to install the software. When the installation is complete, a message asks if you want to restart the system. 4. Restart the computer now or later (before you start the Avid MediaLog application). Installing Avid MediaLog on a Mac OS X System For Macintosh systems, Avid MediaLog software is shipped only on the Avid MediaLog CD-ROM. n The Macintosh version of Avid MediaLog v11.
Starting Avid MediaLog c Do not run any other Avid editing application on the computer at the same time as the Avid MediaLog application. The two applications conflict with each other. 4. Do one of the following: t (Windows) Click the Start button and select Programs > Avid > MediaLog. t (Macintosh) Double-click the Avid MediaLog folder to open it and then double-click the Avid MediaLog application icon to start Avid MediaLog. The Select Project dialog box appears.
Chapter 2 Getting Started n (Macintosh only) You have to create a new user before you can change to that user. See your Macintosh documentation or the Macintosh Help. 3. Start the Avid application. Your current login name appears as the User in the Select Project dialog box. Selecting a Project You can select a project from a private folder, a shared folder, or a folder anywhere on your system. You can also create a project in any of these folders.
Starting Avid MediaLog The following table lists the default folder locations for each folder option: Folder Option Folder Path Private (Windows) C:\Program Files\Avid\Avid MediaLog\Avid Projects\login name (Macintosh) Macintosh HD/Users/Shared/MediaLog/Avid Projects/login name Shared (Windows) C:\Program Files\Avid\Avid MediaLog\Avid Projects (Macintosh) Macintosh HD/Users/Shared/MediaLog/Avid Projects External Last folder opened through Browse button.
Chapter 2 Getting Started 4. Click the Format pop-up menu and select a project type based on your source footage. The following table lists the available format options. n 30 References to 24p projects include 23.976p projects unless otherwise noted. Project Type Source Footage Transfer 23.976p NTSC For film-originated or video-originated footage that has been shot at 23.
Starting Avid MediaLog 5. Select the following additional options: - For 23.976p, 24p, 25p, and 1080p film projects, click the Film button and select a film gauge tracking format from the Film Type pop-up menu. - For 24p PAL projects, select an audio transfer rate. For information on audio transfer rates, see “Transfer Settings for Film Projects” on page 158. - For 25i PAL, 30i NTSC, and 1080i Matchback projects, select Matchback, click the Film Type pop-up menu, and select a film format.
Chapter 2 Getting Started Selecting a Private Project The default location for the private projects folder is • (Windows) C:\Program Files\Avid\Avid MediaLog\Avid Projects\login name • (Macintosh) Macintosh HD/Users/Shared/MediaLog/Avid Projects/login name Creating or storing a project in a private folder does not prevent other users from navigating to or opening the folder. To select a private project: 1. Start the Avid application. The Select Project dialog box opens.
Starting Avid MediaLog Selecting a Shared Project The default path for the shared projects folder is • (Windows) C:\Program Files\Avid\Avid MediaLog\Avid Projects • (Macintosh) Macintosh HD/Users/Shared/MediaLog/Avid Projects To select a shared project: 1. Start the Avid application. The Select Project dialog box opens. Shared folder Location Shared option selected 2. Click Shared in the Select a Project area. n You cannot type into the User or Folder text boxes.
Chapter 2 Getting Started 3. Do one of the following: t Select a project and click OK. t Double-click a project name. The Project window, the Composer monitor, and the Timeline open with the selected User settings loaded. Selecting an External Project You can select a project that is located outside of the Avid Projects folder. To select an external project: 1. Start the Avid application. The Select Project dialog box opens. Browse button 2. In the Select Project dialog box, click External.
Starting Avid MediaLog 3. Do one of the following: t Select a project and click OK. t Double-click a project name. The Project window, the Composer monitor, and the Timeline open with the selected User settings loaded. Browsing for a Project To browse for a project in a location other than the default folders: 1. Start the Avid application. The Select Project dialog box opens. 2. Click the Browse button. Browse button 3.
Chapter 2 Getting Started Using User Profiles You can establish different profiles for a single user without having to log out of your system and log back in under a different name (see “Changing Users” on page 27). Separate editing functions to have separate settings. User “Editor,” for example, can have separate profiles for “Audio editor,” “Film editor,” or for “Assistant 1,” “Assistant 2,” and so on.
Starting Avid MediaLog The Create User Profile dialog box opens. 3. Type a name in the Profile Name text box and then click OK. The new user profile appears selected in the pop-up menu and the user profile name appears in the Project window title bar. Importing a User Profile To import user settings from another user or user profile: 1. Click the Settings tab in the Project window. 2. Click the User Profile Selection pop-up menu and select Import User or User Profile. 3.
Chapter 2 Getting Started n If you are using a user profile other than the default and you change to another project, the default user settings are loaded, even though the Project window still displays your non-default user profile name. You must reselect the user profile you want to have active. Exporting a User Profile You can create a user profile on one system, export it to a server and then import the same user profile from another system to the new system.
Backing Up Your Project Information Backing Up Your Project Information Although Avid MediaLog automatically saves your bins, projects, and settings, you should back up these items frequently to avoid losing any of your work if your hard drive fails.
Chapter 2 Getting Started Restoring from a Backup To restore a project, user profile, or settings from a backup storage device: 1. Make sure Avid MediaLog is closed. 2. Mount the drive or insert a floppy disk as appropriate that contains the backup copies you want to restore. 3. From the desktop, double-click the drive or floppy disk and the internal hard drive. 4. Drag the project folders from the storage device to the appropriate folder on the internal hard drive.
Ending a Work Session b. Click Leave to quit the application. Click Cancel to return to the Select Project dialog box, and select another project. Turning Off Your Equipment (Windows) When you finish using your system and want to turn it off completely, follow these steps to avoid damaging your system or media storage drives. Quit the Avid application before turning off your equipment. To turn off your equipment: 1. Select Start > Shut Down. The Shut Down Windows dialog box opens. 2.
Chapter 2 Getting Started 3. Turn off each external drive in the chassis and then turn off the chassis itself. 4. Turn off all other hardware. c Never remove media drives from your Avid system when it is turned on. Shut down the computer and then remove the drives. Using Help You can get help and background information for tasks, windows, dialog boxes, and screen objects through your Avid Help system. The Help system is HTML based and operates in the Microsoft® Internet Explorer Web browser.
Chapter 3 Working with the Project Window The Project window provides controls for structuring and viewing important information about your current project. This chapter covers the following topics: n • Exploring the Project Window • Working with Bins • Describing Project Settings • Using the Format, Info and Usage Displays • Using Other Tools This chapter refers to the installation default directory path for the various Avid folders.
Chapter 3 Working with the Project Window You can use the Project window to: • Create and open bins. • View and modify settings. • View information about the format of the project and system memory usage. • View information about the work session usage. • Add folders to organize project components. Opening and Closing the Project Window The Project window opens automatically when you select a project in the Select Project dialog box.
Exploring the Project Window To locate and redisplay the Project window, do one of the following: t Select Tools > Project. t Click in an unobstructed area of the Project window to bring it forward. Changing Font and Point Size You can change the default font and point sizes of the Project and Bin windows. You can vary the fonts and point sizes across these windows.
Chapter 3 Working with the Project Window Working with Bins Bins contain the master clips that are created when you log source material. From the Project window, you can view a list of bins associated with the project, and open, close, and create bins. You can also open bins created for another project. Viewing a List of Bins To view a list of bins associated with the project: t Click the Bins tab in the Project window.
Working with Bins Displaying Folders of Bins in the Bins List You can add folders to the Bins list in the Project window to help organize your project. You can click bins and drag them into folders, or click folders and drag them into other folders. See “Managing Folders and Bins” on page 52. Fast Menu button New folders Trash icon To display the folder’s contents in the Bins list of the Project window: t Click the triangular opener next to a folder icon.
Chapter 3 Working with the Project Window Creating a Folder in a Project To create a folder in a project: 1. Click the Bins tab in the Project window. 2. Select Fast > New Folder. A new untitled folder opens. 3. Click the untitled folder name in the Bins list and rename it. Creating a New Bin To create a new bin from the Project window, do one of the following: t Select File > New Bin. t Click the New Bin button in the Project window.
Working with Bins To change the name of a bin: 1. Click the bin name in the Bins list of the Project window. 2. Type a new name. Project name Default bin name Opening and Closing a Bin To open a bin: 1. Click the Bins tab in the Project window. 2. Double-click the Bin icon next to the bin name. The bin opens in a separate window. The Bin icon in the Project window becomes dimmed, indicating the bin is open. Opening Selected Bins To open several bins at once from the Project window: 1.
Chapter 3 Working with the Project Window 2. Find and select the bin you want. (Windows only) Bins have the file name extension .avb. c Never open a bin that is stored on a floppy disk or equivalent device, since the system cannot save your work. Always copy the bin to a project folder on the system drive before you open it. For more information, see the input and output guide or user’s guide for your Avid editing system. 3. Click Open.
Working with Bins A Trash icon appears in the Bins list in the Project window. The Trash contains the deleted item (bin or folder). The deleted item is stored in the Trash until you empty it. Viewing Contents in the Trash If you need to view the contents in the Trash or decide you do not want to delete those items in the Trash, you must first move the bins or folders from the Trash. To view items in the Trash: 1.
Chapter 3 Working with the Project Window 2. Click Empty Trash to delete the bins or folders from the Trash and from your system drive. Managing Folders and Bins You can use the Project window to create hierarchies of folders and bins that reflect the specific workflow of the current project. This structure provides both simplicity and backup security.
Working with Bins You can manually save bins for added security — for example, immediately after an important edit. When your work is lost, or when you want to recover an earlier version of a bin, you can retrieve files from the Avid Attic folder. To adjust the frequency of automatic saves: 1. Click the Settings tab in the Project window. The Settings scroll list appears. 2. Double-click Bin in the Settings scroll list. The Bin Settings dialog box opens. 3.
Chapter 3 Working with the Project Window Describing Project Settings From the Settings scroll list in the Project window, you can view, select, open, and alter various User, Project, and Site settings. To view the Settings scroll list: t Click the Settings tab in the Project window. Settings tab Settings type Settings scroll list Understanding Settings The three types of settings appear in the Settings scroll list as User, Project, and Site.
Describing Project Settings • n Site settings establish default parameters for all new users and projects on a particular system. They can apply to particular configurations of equipment installed at the site (for example, specification and node settings for an external switcher). They can also include other User or Project settings that you copy into the Site Settings window. Site settings are stored in a separate Settings folder.
Chapter 3 Working with the Project Window Settings Scroll List (Continued) Setting Name Description For More Information Film Sets parameters for edit play rate, ink number format, and transfer rate. See “Film and 24P Settings” on page 156. Import Sets parameters for file import. See “Importing Logs” on page 93. Keyboard Maps commands from the Command palette to the keyboard. See “Viewing Keyboard Settings” on page 62.
Describing Project Settings Reviewing Basic Settings The following are basic system settings to review at the start of your project: • Film SettingsBin Settings • Logging Settings To view the settings: t Double-click each setting in the Settings scroll list of the Project window. Film Settings Film settings determine essential parameters for accurately capturing, tracking, and editing source material for 23.976p, 24p, 25p, and 1080p projects.
Chapter 3 Working with the Project Window Bin Settings Dialog Box Options (Continued) Option Description Maximum files in a project’s attic Specifies the total number of files stored in the Avid Attic folder. When a bin is saved, the Avid system copies the previous version of the bin to a special folder called the Avid Attic. The default is 30 files. Keep more files if there are many users working on the system. This ensures that all the bins are backed up.
Describing Project Settings The following table describes the different settings display groups. Settings Display Groups Option Description Active Settings Displays currently active settings in your Avid system. All Settings Displays all settings available in the Avid system. Base Settings Displays Project, User, and Site settings only; no views are displayed. Bin Views Displays all the Bin View settings you created. Import Settings Displays all the Import settings.
Chapter 3 Working with the Project Window 2. Select another name from the User pop-up menu. User pop-up menu The previous user’s settings are saved, and the new user’s settings are loaded into the Avid system and the Project window. Modifying Settings You can alter the default options for various settings to reflect the specific needs of a project or to customize the system based on personal preferences. For details, open a settings window and press F1 (Windows) or the Help key (Macintosh).
Describing Project Settings Using Site Settings When the system opens a new project, it searches for the Site_Settings file in the following path: • (Windows) drive:\Program Files\Avid\Avid MediaLog\ML Settings • (Macintosh) Macintosh HD:/Applications/MediaLog/ML Settings The system loads Site settings and any settings placed in the file and then loads any Project and User settings not included in the Site_Settings file.
Chapter 3 Working with the Project Window Viewing Keyboard Settings Common editing commands are mapped to the MediaLog keyboard. Use the Keyboard settings to view the commands mapped to your keyboard. You cannot change the mappings in Avid MediaLog. To view keyboard settings: t n Double-click Keyboard in the Settings scroll list of the Project window. The Keyboard palette varies, depending on the type of keyboard attached to your Avid system.
Using the Format, Info and Usage Displays The Keyboard settings window opens and displays command buttons that are mapped to the keyboard. To view the name of a command button, let the mouse pointer rest on the button for 1 or 2 seconds. Using the Format, Info and Usage Displays The following types of information are also available on the Project window: • The Format display allows you to view the video format selected in the New Project dialog box.
Chapter 3 Working with the Project Window Using Other Tools The Avid MediaLog application provides access to the following tools for use while logging clips: • Avid Calculator • Communications (Serial) Ports tool • Console window About the Avid Calculator The Avid Calculator helps you calculate video and film durations, and convert timecode and film key numbers to different formats. For example, you can: • Convert drop-frame to non-drop-frame timecode values.
Using Other Tools 2. Select a format from the Format pop-up menu. 3. Make calculations in one of the following ways: t Click numbers and functions in the Avid Calculator. t Enter numbers and functions using the numeric keypad. t Enter numbers and functions using the top row of numbers on the keyboard. You do not need to enter leading zeros, colons, or semicolons for timecode. 4.
Chapter 3 Working with the Project Window c Do not use the programming features of the Console window without guidance from Avid professionals. Contact your local Avid Reseller (in North America, you can contact Avid Customer Support). To display current system information: 1. Select Tools > Console to open the Console window. 2. Scroll to the top of the Console window to view your system information and ID.
Chapter 4 Logging Source Material You use Avid MediaLog to log your clips in preparation for capturing later when using Avid editing applications.
Chapter 4 Logging Source Material Understanding Logging Avid MediaLog requires that you name the clips that you log, the tapes they came from, and their start and end timecodes. Many editors prefer to log all their clips (shots) first and then batch capture their material later in the Avid editing application.
Configuring Decks and Setting Preferences Configuring Decks The Avid MediaLog application provides a feature that automatically configures your attached deck. Each time you quit the Avid MediaLog application, the deck configuration settings are saved. If you reconnect the deck to a different port, or attach a new deck, run the automatic deck configuration feature again. If Avid MediaLog does not automatically sense your attached deck, you must manually configure the deck.
Chapter 4 Logging Source Material The Deck Configuration and Deck Preferences settings appear as separate items in the Settings scroll list of the Project window. Deck settings Deck Configuration settings allow you to establish deck control parameters for a single deck or for multiple decks. As with all settings, you can create multiple versions, allowing you to select among them for frequent changes in hardware configurations.
Configuring Decks and Setting Preferences To configure a deck or multiple decks: 1. Double-click Deck Configuration in the Settings scroll list of the Project window. The Deck Configuration dialog box opens. 2. If you are configuring your system for the first time, click the Add Channel button to add a new channel box on the left side of the Deck Configuration dialog box and to automatically open a Channel dialog box.
Chapter 4 Logging Source Material n If you are not sure which port to choose, check the 9-pin serial port connectors on the back of the system. If the ports are not labeled, see the hardware documentation supplied with your system. 5. Click OK to close the Channel dialog box. A message box opens and asks if you want to automatically configure the channel now. 6. Click Yes if you want to automatically configure the channel.
Configuring Decks and Setting Preferences n With a deck already connected to the system, you can click the Auto-configure button to bypass the Deck Settings dialog box and automatically configure a deck with the default settings. 9. Select settings based on your deck. For information on Deck settings, see “Deck Settings Options” on page 73. 10. Click OK to close the Deck Settings dialog box and return to the Deck Configuration dialog box.
Chapter 4 Logging Source Material 14. Click Apply to complete the configurations and close the Deck Configuration dialog box. 15. If necessary, double-click Deck Preferences in the Settings scroll list of the Project window to adjust global deck control options. For more information, see “Setting Deck Preferences” on page 75. Deck Settings Options To access the Deck Settings dialog box, do one of the following: 74 t Click the Add Deck button in the Deck Configuration dialog box.
Configuring Decks and Setting Preferences The following table describes the Deck Settings options. Deck Settings Options Option Suboption Description Name Type your custom name for the tape deck. The default name matches the deck type. Description Enter notes about the deck. Notes Displays configuration information, supplied by Avid, about the deck you have selected. Not all decks include this information. Device Select your manufacturer and model from the menus.
Chapter 4 Logging Source Material Deleting Deck Configuration Elements You can delete deck configuration elements to remove or replace them. To delete deck configuration elements in the Avid system: 1. Double-click Deck Configuration in the Settings scroll list of the Project window. The Deck Configuration dialog box opens. 2. Click a channel box, a deck box, or the entire configuration to select it. 3. Click the Delete button. 4. Click Apply to complete the changes and close the dialog box.
Configuring Decks and Setting Preferences The following table describes the Deck Preferences options. Deck Preferences Options Option Description When the deck contains no tape, Log As You select the timecode format (Drop Frame or Non-drop Frame) for logging clips when no tape is in the deck. When a tape is in the deck, the system automatically uses the existing timecode format on the tape (See “Understanding Timecode” on page 77). Allow assemble edit for digital cut Not Applicable.
Chapter 4 Logging Source Material Understanding Timecode Timecode is an electronic indexing method that denotes hours, minutes, seconds, and frames that have elapsed on a videotape. For example, a timecode of 01:03:30:10 denotes a frame that is marked at 1 hour, 3 minutes, 30 seconds, and 10 frames. NTSC video (the video format used mainly in the United States) uses one of two formats: drop-frame timecode and non-drop-frame timecode. Drop-frame (DF) timecode is designed to match the NTSC scan rate of 29.
Preparing to Log Material PAL video (the video format used in many countries other than the United States) uses a scan rate of 25 fps. Timecode is indicated by colons. There is no need for drop-frame timecode in PAL video. You set the default timecode format for logging clips in the Deck Preferences dialog box (see “Setting Deck Preferences” on page 75). You can select Drop Frame or Non-drop Frame. You can change the starting timecode of a clip or, for NTSC projects, the type of timecode.
Chapter 4 Logging Source Material Accessing the Logging Tool To access the Logging tool, do one of the following: t Click in a Bin window to activate it, and then select Bin > Go To Logging Mode. t Select Tools > Logging. Setting Up the Logging Tool To select the appropriate source deck, source tape, and active track settings for your logged material: 1. Open or create your project and the bin in which you want to store your master clips.
Preparing to Log Material n • Use unique names. The system cannot distinguish between two tapes with the same name and between two bins or clips with the same name. For example, if two tapes are named 001, you might encounter problems correctly associating their clips with the correct physical tapes. • Use alphanumeric characters (A–Z, 0–9), with no spaces before the name. Characters can be uppercase and lowercase. The maximum length of a name is 31 characters.
Chapter 4 Logging Source Material Selecting Active Tracks The Logging tool captures information about the active tracks. Avid MediaLog automatically activates the tracks that were active in the previous session. To change these settings: t Click tracks in the Channel Selection area of the Logging tool to activate or deactivate them. Selecting the Target Bin You select a target bin in which you want to organize your logged material.
Preparing to Log Material Identifying the Source Tape To select a source tape: 1. Insert a tape into the deck. The Select Tape dialog box opens. n For information about deck preferences, see “Setting Deck Preferences” on page 75. n For information on tape naming conventions, see “Guidelines for Naming Tapes” on page 79. If a tape is already inserted into the deck, click the Source Tape Display button in the capture tool. 2.
Chapter 4 Logging Source Material Setting the Audio Sample Rate Before you begin logging, you must select an audio sample rate. To set the audio sample rate: 1. Double-click Audio Project in the Settings scroll list of the Project window. The Audio Project Settings dialog box opens. 2. Click the Sample Rate pop-up menu and select either 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz. 3. Close the dialog box.
Logging Logging from a Source Tape One method of logging is to use Avid MediaLog tools to control a source deck, to select shots from your source tapes, and to record clip data directly to a bin. Make sure you have set up all the required information for logging, as described in “Configuring Decks and Setting Preferences” on page 68 and “Preparing to Log Material” on page 78.
Chapter 4 Logging Source Material To log clips directly from a source tape to a bin: 1. Insert your tape into the deck. The Logging Messages bar displays the message “Mark IN,” indicating the system is waiting for you to mark an IN point. The Mark IN button appears in the top left corner of the Logging tool. 2.
Logging The system automatically calculates the appropriate timecode for the remaining IN point, OUT point, or duration, and enters the clip into the bin. The clip name, which is automatically numbered by the system, is highlighted and ready to change. c You must enter two of the three timecode marks (IN point, OUT point, or duration) to complete the log entry. 4. Name the clip by typing a new name before clicking any of the buttons in the Capture tool.
Chapter 4 Logging Source Material To move through the tape to the marked location: t Click the Go To Memory button. To clear the memory mark: t Click the Clear Memory button. Logging On-the-Fly You can log clips while the tape is playing. This is called logging on-the-fly.
Logging 9. (Option) Type a new name for the logged clip in the bin, and press Enter (Windows) or Return (Macintosh). 10. Repeat these steps until you have logged all your clips. Pausing a Deck While Logging If the deck is playing while you log clips, you can direct Avid MediaLog to automatically pause the deck after you select an IN point and an OUT point. While the deck is paused, you can enter the name and comment for the clip you want to log. To pause the deck while logging: 1.
Chapter 4 Logging Source Material The Deck Preferences dialog box opens. 3. For NTSC projects, select either Non-drop Frame or Drop Frame from the pop-up menu. This selects the timecode format for logging. 4. Click OK to close the Deck Preferences dialog box. 5. Make sure a bin is selected. 6. Select Bin > Go To Logging Mode. The Logging tool opens. 7. Click the Source Tape Display button. A message box opens and asks if you want to associate a tape with the deck.
Logging 8. Click Yes to open the Select Tape dialog box. List of tapes 9. Do one of the following: t Double-click the name of the tape. t Click the New button, type the name of the tape you want to log, and then click OK. t Select the name from the list, and then click OK. 10. In the Channel Selection area in the Logging tool, click the tracks you want to log. For example, click V, A1, and A2. 11. Select the destination bin from the Bin pop-up menu. 12.
Chapter 4 Logging Source Material n To carry your comments over to the sequence so that they will appear in the Timeline, in cut lists, or in EDLs, you must add the comments again when creating the sequence by using the Add Comments command in the Clip Name menu. To add clip names and comments on-the-fly: 1. Start typing the clip name at any time during logging of a clip. The Annotate window opens on screen, allowing you to see the text as you type. 2.
Logging Film Information Logging Film Information After entering or importing the basic log information into a bin, you can then add film-related log information before capturing. For information, see “Working with a Film Project” on page 155. Modifying Clip Information After Logging You can change or modify the information logged into the bin.
Chapter 4 Logging Source Material “Avid Log Specifications” on page 143 describes the format specifications for an Avid log and includes a sample Avid log. Make a separate log for each videotape, or log clips from several different videotapes into one log. After you manually create an Avid log, you can import it into Avid MediaLog as described in “Importing Log Files into MediaLog Bins” on page 94.
Importing Logs n Avid recommends that you convert any files not created on an Avid system into Avid format using Avid Log Exchange. Avid Log Exchange is included with most Avid video editing applications. The following table lists the log formats that can be imported directly or converted for import using Avid Log Exchange (ALE). Compatible Log Formats Log Format Requirements File Name Extension AatonBase Conversion required .atn or .atl Avid Log Import directly .
Chapter 4 Logging Source Material The Select files to Import dialog box opens. For Windows, select Files of type > Shot Log Files (*.ale). For Macintosh, Shot Log Documents is already selected as the file type. 3. Navigate to the drive and then to the folder that contains the log file you want to import. If the log is on a floppy disk, insert the floppy disk into the floppy drive. 4. (Option) If you want to adjust import parameters for the shot log, click the Options button.
Importing Logs Import Settings Options (Continued) Option Description Merge events with known sources and automatically create subclips. Select this option to create subclips for events that are merged or relinked to their source clips upon import. Use this option if you have already entered master clips in a bin for each camera roll or master scene and have subsequently logged all the events related to those clips for import. n Merge events with known master clips.
Chapter 4 Logging Source Material Transferring Bins from Another Avid MediaLog System Avid MediaLog bins are interchangeable with those of other releases. In general, later releases of the Avid MediaLog application accept bins from earlier releases. To transfer a bin from one Avid MediaLog system to another Avid MediaLog system: 1. Save Avid MediaLog project bins from the first Avid MediaLog system on a floppy disk. 2. Go to your second Avid MediaLog system and quit the Avid MediaLog application. 3.
Chapter 5 Organizing with Bins The Avid system provides powerful database tools for organizing and managing your captured material. You can view bins in two different display views. You can rename, print, sort, sift, duplicate, and delete clips.
Chapter 5 Organizing with Bins Film Scene Workflow During the organizing phase, common practice on film productions is to organize the captured clips according to a scene. This helps to simplify the work environment for the editor and keeps crowded bins to a minimum. Organize scene bins according to the following basic workflow: 1. Create one bin for each scene using the procedures described in “Creating a New Bin” on page 48. 2.
Preparing to Work with Bins The Set Bin Display dialog box opens. The following table describes the object icons listed in the Set Bin Display dialog box.
Chapter 5 Organizing with Bins Object Icon Descriptions (Continued) Object Icon Object Description Rendered Effects Groups Clips that reference effect media files generated when you render an effect (For MultiCamera editing) Clips containing two or more grouped clips, strung together sequentially according to common timecodes 3. Select the object types that you want to see: usually master clips and subclips. 4. Select the option “Show clips created by user” by default.
Understanding Bin Display Views To enter Brief view: t n Click the Brief tab in the bin. A different set of column headings appears for film projects. Column headings Object icon Bin Fast Menu button Text View For information on Text view features, see “Using Text View” on page 117. In Text view, clips are displayed in a database text format, using columns and rows, with icons representing the various objects. You can save various arrangements of columns, text, and objects as customized views.
Chapter 5 Organizing with Bins Bin View Menu To the right of the Fast Menu button is the Bin View pop-up menu (Text view only) for selecting different bin views. Three bin default views are installed automatically. They are: For more information on film and statistical column headings, see “Bin Column Headings” on page 130. • Custom view: Allows you to create and save customized views. The only required column heading is the Name heading, that appears by default.
Understanding Bin Display Views When you create a new bin view, the system saves the settings for this view so that you can later access and alter, copy, or delete these settings. New bin view settings appear in the Settings scroll list of the Project window. Saving a Custom Bin View Any time you add, hide, or delete a column, the bin view name changes to an italicized name with the file name extension .n to indicate that it no longer matches the original view.
Chapter 5 Organizing with Bins To open the Bin Fast menu: t Click the Fast Menu button in the appropriate bin display view. Basic Bin Procedures There are some basic procedures that you can use in either bin display view for manipulating clips in the bin. They include selecting, deleting, duplicating, moving, copying, and sifting clips. You can also change the font and point size of the text in a bin. See “Changing Font and Point Size” on page 45.
Basic Bin Procedures Duplicating Clips When you duplicate a clip, the system creates a separate clip linked to the same media files. You can move, rename, and manipulate this clip without affecting the original clip. To duplicate clips: 1. Select the clip that you want to duplicate or select multiple clips. 2. Select Edit > Duplicate or press Ctrl+d (Windows). A copy of the clip appears in the bin, with the original clip name followed by the file name extension .Copy.
Chapter 5 Organizing with Bins When you copy clips from one bin to another, the custom columns that you created in the first bin are also copied to the second bin. The custom columns appear in the order in which you created them. The copies appear in the destination bin and the originals remain in the source bin. If the destination bin’s display was set to show reference clips, the referenced object types do not appear until you save the bin. To copy clips from one bin to another bin: 1.
Basic Bin Procedures Assigning Colors to Bin Objects You can assign colors to clips and subclips to help you manage and organize the bin objects. Colors assigned to bin objects are referred to as source colors. Adding a Color Column to a Bin To add a Color column to a bin: 1. With a bin in Text view, select Bin > Headings. The Bin Column Selection dialog box opens. 2. Ctrl+click (Windows) or click (Macintosh) Color from the scroll list to select it. 3. Click OK. The Color column appears in the bin.
Chapter 5 Organizing with Bins 3. Select a color from the Windows Color dialog box or the Macintosh Color Picker, and click OK. The custom color appears in the Color column and on the clip icon. n After you assign a custom color, the color appears as Other in the Set Clip Color submenu. Limiting Color Choices When assigning colors to bin objects, you can limit the color choices to only the colors currently used in the bin. To limit the colors available when assigning colors to bin objects: 1.
Basic Bin Procedures Sifting Clips When you sift clips, the bin displays only those clips that meet a specific set of criteria. For example, you can do a custom sift to display only those clips containing the word “close-up” in the heading column. The Custom Sift dialog box provides six levels of criteria. To sift clips: 1. Select Bin > Custom Sift. The Custom Sift dialog box opens. Criterion pop-up menu Text to Find text box Column or Range to Search pop-up menu 2.
Chapter 5 Organizing with Bins After you have sifted the clips in a bin, you can display the bin in a sifted or an unsifted state. To view the entire bin: t Select Bin > Show Unsifted. To view the sifted bin: t Select Bin > Show Sifted. The word “sifted” appears in parentheses after the bin name when you view the bin in its sifted state. Sifting Timecodes or Keycode Ranges You can sift on a timecode (or keycode) number within a specific range.
Basic Bin Procedures Type 01:08:32:00 in the Text to Find text box in the Custom Sift dialog box, and select Start to End Range from the Column or Range to Search popup menu. After custom sift The clips that encompass the timecode number 01:08:32:00 Some column pairs explicitly define a range; for example, Start and End or Mark IN and Mark OUT. Other columns define the beginning of a range and the Duration column determines the end of the range.
Chapter 5 Organizing with Bins The following table lists all columns associated with explicit ranges and their corresponding menu choices: Range Menu Items for Explicit Ranges Bin Column (Explicit Ranges) Column or Range to Search Pop-up Menu Item Start, End Start to End Range Mark In, Mark Out Mark In to Out Range KN Start, KN End KN Start to End Range KN Mark In, KN Mark Out KN Mark In to Out Range The following table lists all columns associated with implicit ranges and their corresponding men
Basic Bin Procedures Sifting Within a Range To sift for a timecode or keycode number within a specific range: 1. Select Bin > Custom Sift. The Custom Sift dialog box opens. Criterion pop-up menu Column or Range to Search pop-up menu 2. Type the timecode (or keycode) number for which you want to sift in a range. 3. Select a range from the Column or Range to Search pop-up menu; for example, Start to End Range or Mark In to Out Range. The criterion “contain” is displayed in the Criterion pop-up menu.
Chapter 5 Organizing with Bins Locking and Unlocking Items in a Bin You can lock items in a bin to prevent deletion. When you lock clips in a bin, you lock their associated media files on your desktop as well. To lock items: 1. Click a clip or subclip to select it. Ctrl+click (Windows) or Shift+click (Macintosh) additional clips, if necessary. 2. Right-click (Windows) or Ctrl+Shift+click (Macintosh) and select Lock Bin Selection.
Using Text View Using Text View Text view provides the most complete view of clip information. It uses database columns you can rearrange and customize to suit your needs. For information about saving a custom bin view, see “Saving a Custom Bin View” on page 105. To enter Text view: t Click the Text tab in the Bin window. Arranging Bin Columns This section provides procedures for moving, aligning, showing and hiding, deleting, duplicating, adding, and changing columns in a bin.
Chapter 5 Organizing with Bins Showing and Hiding Columns You can select individual or multiple columns to be displayed or hidden in the bin. For a complete description of each column heading, see “Bin Column Headings” on page 130. To select column headings: 1. With a bin in Text view, select Bin > Headings. The Bin Column Selection dialog box opens. 2. Select the headings you want to add to the bin: t Click the name of a heading to select it. t Click a selected heading to deselect it.
Using Text View Deleting a Column Deleting a statistical column is the same as hiding the column; you can restore the column at any time using the Bin Column Selection dialog box, as described in “Showing and Hiding Columns” on page 118. When you delete a custom column, however, you must re-create the column. To delete a column: 1. Click the column heading in a bin. 2. Select Edit > Delete or press the Delete key. The column disappears from the view and surrounding columns fill the empty space.
Chapter 5 Organizing with Bins In the example, “Copy ‘Start’ column to:” appears at the top of the dialog box because the user selected the Start column for duplication. 3. Select a column name from the list. The column must contain the same type of data for the copy to occur. For example, you can copy start timecodes to the Auxiliary TC column, but you cannot copy timecodes to the Pullin column. 4. Click OK. The column of information appears in the column you designated.
Using Text View Changing a Custom Column Heading You can change the heading name of custom columns only. You cannot change any of the standard column headings. To change the name of a custom column: 1. Press and hold the Alt key (Windows) or Option key (Macintosh) and click the heading to highlight it. 2. Type the new text for the heading and press Enter (Windows) or Return (Macintosh). Managing Clip Information in Text View For additional bin shortcuts, select Help > Shortcuts.
Chapter 5 Organizing with Bins • (Macintosh) Return: Enters any new information typed into the cell and moves the pointer down to the cell in the next row. You can continue to press Return to scroll down the column until the last cell in the column is highlighted. The next time you press the Return key, the first cell in the column is highlighted. • (Macintosh) Shift+Return: Move the pointer up to the cell in the previous row.
Using Text View Modify Command Options (Continued) Type of Modification Options Description Increment Timecode Start or End Changes either the start or end timecode. Incrementing the start timecode automatically modifies the end timecode by the same amount. Only start timecode can be incremented after capturing. Timecode text box Allows you to enter custom incremental timecode. Start or End Changes either the start or end timecode.
Chapter 5 Organizing with Bins To modify selected data, using the Modify command: 1. Open the bin and click the Text tab. 2. Click the icon to the left of the clip or other object you want to modify. Ctrl+click (Windows) or Shift+click (Macintosh) each additional object you want to modify. 3. Select Special > Modify. The Modify dialog box opens. Modify Options pop-up menu 4. Select an option, such as Modify Options > Set Timecode By Field. 5.
Using Text View Copying Information Between Columns The following procedure describes how to copy all the information in one column to another column, or just to copy information from a cell to a column. The procedure uses an example of copying timecode information in one column to a new column. To copy column information to another column: 1. Select the timecode column you want to copy. 2. Select Edit > Duplicate. The Select dialog box opens, prompting you to target a timecode column for the data. 3.
Chapter 5 Organizing with Bins n If the Sort command appears dimmed in the menu, you have not selected a column. To reapply the last sort: t Select Bin > Sort Again with no column selected. This step is especially useful after you have added new clips to a sorted bin. Sorting Clips in Descending Order To sort clips in descending order: 1. With a bin in Text view, click the heading of the column you want to use as the criterion. The column is highlighted. 2.
Using Text View Sorting Clips by Color You can sort the clips by color if you assigned colors to the clips. See “Assigning Colors to Bin Objects” on page 109. To sort clips by color: 1. Click the Color column heading in the bin. 2. Select Bin > Sort. The objects in the bin are sorted by color. n Colors are sorted by hue, saturation, and value. Displaying Timecodes in a 23.976p, 24p or 25p Project When you are working with 23.
Chapter 5 Organizing with Bins The following table shows the converted timecode for each timecode column. All of the values are equivalent. Timecode Columns n Bin Column Timecode TC 24 01:00:00:12 TC 25 00:57:36:12 TC 25P 00:57:36:12 TC 30 01:00:00:15 TC 30N 01:00:01:00 TC 60 01:00:00:30 The TC1 track in the Timeline represents the timecode of the project in which you are working.
Using Text View Adding Timecode Columns to a Bin To add timecode columns to a bin: 1. Select Bin > Headings. The Bin Column Selection dialog box opens. 2. Ctrl+click (Windows) or click (Macintosh) the timecode columns you want to display. 3. Click OK. The timecode columns appear in the bin. Adding Timecode Values to the Timecode Columns To add timecode values to the timecode columns: 1. Open a bin. 2. Add the Start column and the timecode column with the format you want to use. 3.
Chapter 5 Organizing with Bins 6. Click OK. The values for master clips and subclips in the Start column are converted to the appropriate timecode format and are entered into the column you selected. Bin Column Headings You can select individual or multiple columns to be displayed or hidden in a bin. The following table describes the Bin Column headings. For a procedure on how to select column headings, see “Showing and Hiding Columns” on page 118.
Using Text View Bin Column Headings (Continued) Heading Description CFPS Captured frames per second. Cadence Type of pulldown present on the source NTSC tapes when in a 23.976 or 24p project. Camera Camera used to film this clip. This feature is used in multicamera shoots. Camroll Camera roll containing this clip. Used for 24p projects, 25p projects, and matchback projects only. Color Color of the bin objects for organizing the objects.
Chapter 5 Organizing with Bins Bin Column Headings (Continued) 132 Heading Description KN Dur Length of the clip, expressed in feet and frames. KN End Ending key number for the clip. KN Film Key number film gauge. Ctrl-click the cell and then select the gauge. KN IN-OUT Mark IN and Mark OUT key number for the clip. KN Mark IN Key number for the IN point, if you set one for the clip. KN Mark OUT Key number for the OUT point, if you set one for the clip.
Using Text View Bin Column Headings (Continued) Heading Description Project Project under which the media was originally captured. Pullin Telecine pulldown of the first frame of the clip (pulldown phase). Pullin can have the values A, B, X (matchback only), C, or D. Used for 24p projects and matchback projects only. (NTSC only) Pullout Telecine pulldown of the last frame of the clip. Pullout can have the values A, B, X (matchback only), C, or D. Used for 24p projects and matchback projects only.
Chapter 5 Organizing with Bins Bin Column Headings (Continued) 134 Heading Description Transfer Frame-counting field for sources that have been prepped for transfer. The format is the following: a descriptor of up to 32 alphanumeric characters, followed by a hyphen (-), followed by a six-digit frame count, for example, TransferChildDocu023657. UNC Path Universal Naming Convention that specifies the location of resources on a server. The location you enter becomes a hyperlink to that location.
Chapter 6 Creating MediaLog Output After logging your tapes, you can print the bins to create a paper record of your log, export the bin files for use in a different application, or transfer the bins to an Avid editing system for capturing and editing the footage.
Chapter 6 Creating MediaLog Output 3. Select File > Page Setup. The Page Setup dialog box opens, reflecting the specific options for your printer. 4. Select the Page Setup options. 5. Click OK. 6. Select File > Print Bin. The Print dialog box opens, reflecting the specific options for your printer. 7. Select the Print options. 8. Click OK (Windows) or click Print (Macintosh). The system prints the active bin.
Transferring Bins to an Avid Editing System n ALE and tab-delimited files include information for master clips and subclips only. Information for other objects, such as group clips, sequences, and precomputes, is not included. You can also export a bin as an AFE file. For more information, see “Transferring Projects and Bins Using AFE Files” on page 139. To export a shot log based on clip information in a bin: 1. Open the bin containing the clips you want to export.
Chapter 6 Creating MediaLog Output You can transfer bins in the same way you transfer any files: on a floppy disk, removable disk, or over a network. To transfer MediaLog bins to an Avid editing system: 1. On your computer desktop, locate and double-click the folder that holds the project you want to transfer. For default project folder locations, see “Selecting a Project” on page 28. 2. Double-click the project from which you want to transfer bins. Bin 3. Select the bins you want to transfer.
Transferring Projects and Bins Using AFE Files 8. Select the MediaLog bins and copy them into the appropriate Avid project folder. The location of this folder depends on your product and platform. For more information, see the editing guide for your Avid editing system. 9. Start the Avid editing application and open the project. The MediaLog bins appear in the list of bins.
Chapter 6 Creating MediaLog Output n Specific information for transferring projects to Avid DS is contained in the Avid DS Conform Guide, which is available from the Avid Customer Support Knowledgebase or the Avid DS Web site. For information on accessing the Knowledgebase, see the release notes for your Avid system. To create an AFE file that includes all bins in a project: 1. Click the Project window and select File > Export. The Export Project As dialog box opens.
Transferring Projects and Bins Using AFE Files 3. Select File > Export. A MediaLog dialog box is displayed. 4. Select AFE. The Export Bin As dialog box (for the entire bin) or Export As dialog box (for individual clips) is displayed. 5. Select a location, name the file, and click Save. MediaLog creates the AFE file. 6. Transfer the AFE file to a location you can access from the other Avid application. You can use removable media, a network connection, or an Avid Unity shared storage system.
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Appendix A Avid Log Specifications This appendix explains the Avid log file format.The Avid editing system can import logs that meet Avid log specifications. These logs must follow the formatting requirements described in the following topics: • Understanding Avid Log Specifications • Avid Log Specifications • Sample Avid Log Understanding Avid Log Specifications You can prepare an Avid log on any type of IBM®-compatible or Macintosh computer by using a word processing application or a text editor.
Appendix A Avid Log Specifications Avid Log Specifications This section contains tables that show how to enter headings and data to create an Avid log. The tables use the following conventions: • A heading appears in the first column, without angle brackets or standard brackets. For example, FIELD_DELIM is the first global heading. • A is surrounded by angle brackets. appear underneath, also in angle brackets. You must enter exactly one of these values.
Avid Log Specifications Avid Log Global Headings GLOBAL HEADINGS: Global headings are case sensitive and must be spelled exactly as shown. Include all required headings. Other headings are optional but might be necessary for your project. The maximum number of combined global, standard, and custom headings in a log file is 64. Heading [Enter] or [Return] Required This marks the start of the global headings. Enter TABS to show that the file is Tab delimited.
Appendix A Avid Log Specifications Column Headings The standard column headings appear after the global headings in the Avid log file. You do not enter the data for a column heading along with the heading. You enter the data later, in a separate data section. You must include the five required standard column headings; they are listed first in the following table. You can create your own custom column headings. Enter them after the standard headings (see the last heading in the following table).
Avid Log Specifications Avid Log Column Headings (Continued) COLUMN HEADINGS: Column headings are case sensitive and must be spelled exactly as shown. Note that the first five headings are required. Other headings are optional but might be necessary for your project. This table lists only the column headings that are relevant to shot log files. Some data, such as Creation Date, is gathered by the system. The following table does not include headings for such data.
Appendix A Avid Log Specifications Avid Log Column Headings (Continued) COLUMN HEADINGS: Column headings are case sensitive and must be spelled exactly as shown. Note that the first five headings are required. Other headings are optional but might be necessary for your project. This table lists only the column headings that are relevant to shot log files. Some data, such as Creation Date, is gathered by the system. The following table does not include headings for such data.
Avid Log Specifications Avid Log Column Headings (Continued) COLUMN HEADINGS: Column headings are case sensitive and must be spelled exactly as shown. Note that the first five headings are required. Other headings are optional but might be necessary for your project. This table lists only the column headings that are relevant to shot log files. Some data, such as Creation Date, is gathered by the system. The following table does not include headings for such data.
Appendix A Avid Log Specifications Avid Log Data Headings (Continued) DATA HEADINGS: The word Data marks the start of the data for each clip. 150 [Tab] Required Under Tracks heading. Enter the tracks you want captured for the clip. Enter V for MOS takes. Enter A1, A2, or A1A2 for wild sound. [Tab] Required Under Start heading. Enter the video timecode for the sync point, the first frame of the clip.
Avid Log Specifications Avid Log Data Headings (Continued) DATA HEADINGS: The word Data marks the start of the data for each clip. [Tab] Under Ink Number heading. Identify the ink number for the start of the clip. [Tab] Under KN Start heading. Identify the complete key number for the start of the clip, for example, KU 31 26368903&12. [Tab] Under KN End heading. Identify the key number for the end of the clip.
Appendix A Avid Log Specifications Avid Log Data Headings (Continued) DATA HEADINGS: The word Data marks the start of the data for each clip. [Tab] Under Soundroll heading. Identify the sound roll, using letters and numbers. [Tab] Under TC 24 heading. Identify the start of the clip for 24p timecode. [Tab] Under TC 25p heading. Identify the start of the clip for 25p timecode (PAL pulldown). [Tab] Under TC 25 heading.
Sample Avid Log Windows Heading [Enter] FIELD_DELIM [Tab] TABS [Enter] VIDEO_FORMAT [Tab] NTSC [Enter] AUDIO_FORMAT [Tab] 44kHz [Enter] TAPE [Tab] 001 [Enter] FPS [Tab] 29.
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Appendix B Working with a Film Project This appendix covers the following topics: • Film and 24P Settings • Logging Film Information For information about starting a film project, see “Creating a New Project” on page 29. n n The information in this appendix also applies to matchback projects. Matchback is available in Symphony, Media Composer, Film Composer, Avid Xpress, and Avid Xpress DV systems. Film projects that use 24p and 25p media are not available on all Avid systems.
Appendix B Working with a Film Project Film and 24P Settings Set film preferences in the Film and 24P Setting dialog box immediately after you create a project to provide the system with important information about the type of film and audio transfer you used for your job. You can access the Film and 24P Setting from the Settings scroll list in the Project window. The following illustration shows the dialog box for an NTSC film project.
Film and 24P Settings Adjusting the Film and 24P Settings Options The following table describes the Film and 24P Setting dialog box options that Avid MediaLog uses with film projects to set the essential parameters necessary to capture, track, and edit source material. Film and 24P Setting Dialog Box Options Option Description Edit Play Rate Selects the play rate for your project.
Appendix B Working with a Film Project Film and 24P Setting Dialog Box Options (Continued) Option Description Audio Transfer Rate (PAL) For 24P PAL film projects. The choices are: Film Rate (100%). For 24-fps film footage transferred MOS to 25 fps by speeding up film with the audio coming in separately at 100% of the actual speed. Video Rate (100%+). For 24-fps film footage transferred to 25 fps by speeding up the film with the audio synchronized to the video picture.
Film and 24P Settings The following illustration shows the relationship between film frames and video frames. Four film frames A B C D n Five NTSC video frames (10 fields) A1 odd A2 even B1 odd B2 even B3 odd C1 even C2 odd D1 even D2 odd D3 even A B X C D This setting is not available in matchback projects. However, you can modify the pulldown phase after you log it. See “Entering Pulldown Information” on page 163.
Appendix B Working with a Film Project Film and 24P Setting dialog box or use the Modify Pulldown Phase dialog box before logging (see “Modifying the Pulldown Phase Before Logging” on page 166. To set the pulldown phase: 1. Determine the correct pulldown phase for 00:00:00:00 in one of the following ways: t If you are logging film-to-tape transfers, check the transfer log.
Logging Film Information • If you want to produce a cut list or use film-tape-film-tape for recapturing, you must log key numbers. You can add key numbers after logging or capturing, before you create the cut list. • All film and video reference numbers are in ascending order. For example, you cannot have key numbers in descending order. Displaying Film Columns To display film columns in the bin: 1.
Appendix B Working with a Film Project 2. To log data under optional headings (for example; Auxiliary TC1 through Auxiliary TC5, or Film TC), select Bin > Headings and Ctrl+click (Windows) or click (Macintosh) the specific headings you want to add from the Bin Column Selection dialog box. 3. You can also track custom information for the job by creating a custom heading. To create a new heading, type a name that describes the information in the headings bar at the top of the bin.
Logging Film Information You specify the pulldown phase in the Pullin column. The following illustration shows a bin with a Pullin column. Start timecode Pullin column (information required for NTSC) If you do not have a transfer log, or if the transfer log is incorrect, you need to add the information manually. If you log clips using the Logging tool, the Avid system uses the A frame as the default pulldown phase. You might need to edit this value.
Appendix B Working with a Film Project Determining the Pulldown Phase It is easiest to determine the pulldown of a sync point (or pulldown phase) if you ask your film lab to keypunch (cut a small hole in) the sync frame at the zero frame in the original film footage before transferring the film to video. Many film labs or transfer houses can also provide a pulldown frame indicator displayed at the far right of the burn-in key numbers, depending on the equipment available.
Logging Film Information The following illustration shows a keypunch on the A frame. Notice where the timecode changes. Four film frames A B C D Five NTSC video frames (10 fields) A1 odd A2 even B1 odd B2 even B3 odd C1 even C2 odd D1 even D2 odd D3 even A Timecode change B Timecode change X Timecode change C Timecode change D 4. If there are three keypunched fields, or fields without motion, the pulldown is either B or D.
Appendix B Working with a Film Project 3. Click the cell again. The pointer changes to an I-beam. 4. Type the pulldown phase and press Enter (Windows) or Return (Macintosh). To modify the pulldown phase for multiple clips: 1. Ctrl+click (Windows) or Shift+click (Macintosh) the clips you want to modify. 2. Select Special > Modify. 3. Select Modify Options > Pull in. 4. Select A, B, C, or D. 5. Click OK. The pullin for all selected clips is changed, based on the pulldown phase you selected.
Logging Film Information n After you capture an NTSC transfer, the timecode shows a loss of every fifth frame of video. For example, do not worry if you find that your timecode jumps at one point from 1:00:14:15 to 1:00:14:17. You have not lost a frame, just an extra pulldown field. Entering Frames-per-Second Rates for PAL Transfers When you log in advance for PAL film-to-tape transfers, log the footage as clips that have a 25-fps play rate, as listed in the FPS column of the bin.
Appendix B Working with a Film Project Tracking 3-Perf Counts For film projects, you can track 3-perf key number counts in your Avid editing system. 3-perf key number tracking appears in the KN Start, Ink Number, and Aux Ink Number bin columns. A sample key number might be as follows: KJ 12 1234-3456-10.3 The “.3” at the end of the key number represents the perf value. Enter the perf value as an extension of the key number (.1, .2, or .3) in the appropriate bin column cell.
Logging Film Information n • In the Film TC column, enter timecode generated by a film camera (using Aaton or Arri timecode) for tracking the picture at the start of the clip. The film timecode should sync with the video timecode logged in the Start column. Only 24-fps timecode is supported. The clip being captured must contain a video track. • In the TC 24 column, enter timecode for original HDTV sources (1080p/24) or audio DATs created for PAL feature-film productions that use in-camera timecode.
Appendix B Working with a Film Project 170
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ Index Numerics 23.
Index ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ global headings in 144 importing 93, 143 sample created with text editor 152 specifications 144 standard headings in 146 B Backing up, media files 39 Backup options (Bin settings) 57 Bin Column Selection dialog box 118 Bin display, settings 100 Bin Fast menu, described 105 Bin settings access and brief description of 55 Automatic-Save options 57 Backup options 57 defined 57 storing files in the Avid Attic folder 58 Bin View settings column headings 130 described 55 Bin vi
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ displaying source colors in bins 109 duplicating 107 locking in a bin 116 modifying information in 92 moving 107 removing from bins 108 selecting 106 sifting 111 Closing bins 50 projects 38 the Project window 44 CMX EDL log format 94 Color, assigning source color in bins 109 Color column, adding to bins 109 Column headings displaying or hiding in a bin 130 in Avid log file 146 Columns See Bins Comments, adding during capturing 90 Communications (Serial) Ports tool 65 Configuring
Index ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ Open 49 Set Font 45 View Name (bin) 105 Digitizing modifying clip information before 92 preparing for targeting bins 81 Disks See Drive space, Drives Displaying bin column headings 130 film columns 162 Drives, saving work on 39 Duplicate command (Edit menu) 119 duplicating clips using 107 Duplicating bin columns 119 clips 107 E Entering additional film data 170 ink numbers 170 key numbers 168 optional timecodes 169 pulldown of the sync point 163 Entering frames-per-second
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ Info display in the Project window, defined 63 Ink Number Default Edge Type 157 Ink Number Default Film Type 157 Ink numbers, entering 170 Installing MediaLog on a Macintosh system 26 on a Windows system 25 K Key numbers entering 168 formats for 168 Keyboard, controlling decks from 91 Keyboard settings 62 access and brief description of 56 Keykode format 168 Keyscope log format 94 Kits for connecting hardware 21 L Labroll data 170 Launching (Starting) MediaLog 27 Locking and un
Index ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ O Offline logging 88 OLE log format 94 Online Help See Help system Open Bin command (File menu) 49 Open dialog box 49 Opening bins 49 Help 42 the Project window 44 OSC/R log format 94 Output timecodes, displaying in bins 127 Projects backing up 39 browsing for 35 closing 38 creating new 29 exporting as AFE files 139 saving 39 selecting a private 32 selecting a shared 33 Pulldown, finding at the sync point 163 Pulldown phase modifying before digitizing 167 setting for Film
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ Serial (COM) Ports settings, access and brief description of 55 Set Bin Display command (Bin menu) 100 Set Font command (Edit menu) 45 Set Pulldown Phase of Timecode 158 Setting up hardware Macintosh 23 Windows 21 Settings basic 57 bin 57 deck configuration 70 default, restoring 60 defining 56 described 54 film 57, 156 for film preferences 31, 156 keyboard 62 overview of 54 project defined 54 displaying 59 scroll list 55 site defined 55 using 61 tab 54 user defined 54 Settings sc
Index ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ Trash emptying 51 moving bins from 51 viewing contents of 51 Turning off equipment Macintosh 41 Windows 41 Turning on the hardware 24 U Unique tape names 79 Unlocking and locking bin items 116 Usage information, displaying 63 User, selecting another 27, 59 User profiles adding 36 changing 37 described 36 User settings defined 54 selecting a user from 59 178 V Video decks See Decks Video Pulldown Cadence 157 View bin customizing 104 saving 105 types of 104 View Name dial
