HD

Chapter 15 Importing Media Files Into Your Project 203
IV
About Importing Video Files
You can import any QuickTime-compatible media files into Final Cut Express HD, but to
avoid rendering, your media files need to match your sequence settings. For example, if
you create a motion graphics title sequence in another application and then export to
a QuickTime movie for use in Final Cut Express HD, make sure you export using the
same settings as the sequence into which you plan to edit the title sequence.
Before you export a movie file for use in your Final Cut Express HD sequence, make
sure you choose settings that match the sequence.
If you are importing video that contains audio, make sure that the audio sample rate
and bit depth of your media file match your sequence settings. For more information,
see “Choosing Audio File Sample Rate and Bit Depth” on page 204.
Tips When Importing
When you import media files, keep the following in mind:
 If you want to import media files from removable storage media, such as a CD, do
not import the files directly. Instead, copy the files to the folder on your scratch disk
where your other project media is stored. Clips that refer to removable media
become offline when you eject the disc.
 When importing QuickTime reference movies, the only file that will be recognized
by Final Cut Express HD is the main file that contains the references (to the other
associated files). You may see error messages, such as “file unknown,” if you try to
import these referenced files.
 While not necessary, it’s a good idea to keep all of the media files used for any
given project together, for organizational purposes. When you back up or archive
your project file, you’ll also want to back up or archive any graphics, audio, or
QuickTime files that weren’t captured from tape, so they don’t get lost.
 You can use clips compressed with different codecs in your sequence, but only clips
with settings that match your sequence play back without rendering or using real-
time processing. Unless it’s necessary to combine clips with different codecs in your
sequence, you will get the best editing performance by using clips with settings
that match your sequence.
Sequence preset Image dimensions Frame rate Codec
DV NTSC 720 x 480 29.97 fps DV/DVCPRO NTSC
DV PAL 720 x 576 25 fps DV PAL
HDV 1080i60 1440 x 1080 29.97 fps Apple Intermediate Codec
HDV 1080i50 1440 x 1080 25 fps Apple Intermediate Codec
HDV 720p30 1280 x 720 29.97 fps Apple Intermediate Codec