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This chapter covers the following:
• About File-Based Media (p. 323)
• Introduction to the Log and Transfer Window (p. 324)
• File-Based Media Terminology (p. 325)
• Example File-Based Media Workflow (p. 326)
Many advanced camcorders record their media as files stored on non-tape-based media
such as hard disks or compact flash cards. You use the Log and Transfer window to view
media recorded on file-based media and transfer it to your scratch disk.
About File-Based Media
Historically, video footage has been recorded on videotape. As digital acquisition replaces
analog technology, many camcorders now record footage as files on non-tape-based
media such as hard disks, solid-state cards, and optical discs. For convenience in
terminology usage, non-tape-based media are referred to as file-based media in this
manual. Because of their nonlinear nature, file-based media provide clear advantages
over tape-based media:
• You can log clips while ingesting others at the same time. This is impossible using tape.
• File-based clips are defined at the time of recording, so it’s easy to review media. With
tape, you have to define clips manually by setting In and Out points.
• No cueing or pre-roll time is necessary for viewing and ingesting media.
• You can mount multiple volumes at the same time. With tape, you can only use one
at a time.
Today, some common file-based media formats include:
• DVCPRO HD and AVC-Intra (solid-state Panasonic P2 card)
• AVCHD (hard disk, miniDVD, Secure Digital card, and memory stick)
• Sony XDCAM, XDCAM HD (optical disc), XDCAM EX (SxS memory card)
• Sony Video Disk Unit devices (hard disk)
323
Overview of Transferring
File-Based Media
21