As the subject header states, I have a number of digitized files in the above format that I would to link to a project.  Thus far I have not been able to do so.  Any ideas on how to accomplish this?

Thanks,
Denny

What's the format/frame rate of the project, and what happens when you try to link to the footage?

Hi Carl,

I set up an HD NTSC 1920X1080 29.97 project.  When I attempted to link via the source browser, the error was that the files could not be linked.  I have a hunch that the project creation is the issue here.  The m2t files are 1440X1080 29.97fps.  What do I need to do?

Thanks,
Denny

This one of VERY rare cases where the old "import" option is the way to go.  It won't link to raw HDV unless you purchase and install third-party software.

HDV gets weird due to its non-square-pixel formatting, so bear with me...

Before you start Avid, DISCONNECT any video I/O hardware if you're using any.

Now, open MC and your project.  Go to the project settings window, and change the project raster to 1440x1080.  IMPORT the files - they should fast-import (you might also need to change to 1080i59.94 - I'm not sure, I forget).

Now, you can exit the software, reconnect your hardware, change back to 1920x1080, and proceed.

You were spot-on with your assessment.  The files did fast import without issue.  I left the project raster at 1920 X 1080 just as it was, the the issue is resolved.  I would have prefered linking and transcoding, but . . .

Thanks so much,

Denny

dmfreeman:

 I would have prefered linking and transcoding, but . . .

You can always transcode the fast imported media to a better codec , gives you better quality imho

Hi Tomas,

Thanks for the tip.   I will try that this evening and see if it makes a difference.

Denny

You´re welcome Denny , it´s about the same as when you capture tapes , SD or HDV , you almost never edit and render in that ( low ) quality .

Linking and transcoding would have made your workflow with m2t files the same as working with most of your other media files. This was the reason why I was looking for an AMA plugin for m2t. The good news is that the fast import of m2t just re-wraps the media so there is absolutely no generation loss. Once it's in, as Tomas mentions, you can transcode it to whatever you like to improve editing performance and to reduced subsequent generation loss, presumably.

I would like to see if a batch import would work in the case where you trashed your imported m2t files and needed to re-import them - would it link correctly to existing master clips? Hopefully - I've never tested this but I will now that you've reminded me about this issue - lol

Cheers

I just did a quick test and batch re-importing works very well in two ways - either clicking on the clips or on the sequence that contains the offline clips... The method of selecting the sequence actually generates new master clips - interesting but very workable).