I'ld use the submaster effect (or "collapse") to get a submaster containing both clips and apply the matte key to the submaster (by pressing ALT). then you should be able to get a smooth keyframe animation.

DNxHD supports an alpha channel and I always use it to export composition from after effects. what kind of clip do you want to convert to DNxHD+Alpha?

[quote user="TomMxEdit"]My question is whether it is better to have an alpha channel or not within Media Composer, if it isn't needed.[/quote] if you don't need it, I'ld ignore it using the import settings: a) the alpha channel needs storage space b) it's an additional effect, that needs to be rendered when you export your

MXF is nativ and you don't have to import it. you can a) AMA link it or B) copy the MXF files into your media directory and add it with the media tool.

[quote user="Gregory Pettys"]http://www.videotoolshed.com/product/68/loudnesschange[/quote]Grimm Audio offers a audiosuite plugin to get a EBU R 128 mix. BUT: this won't work for the web and you have to make a mixdown.

[quote user="erwabo"]I just tried that and it still comes in with white. It imports it as Matte Key: Filename.png (With Alpha)[/quote] I don't get it: it imports as a "Matte Key". So what? matte key = alpha channel. is your image correct?

Before you spend a lot of money in upgrades - I'ld use a trial version (MC or squeeze) to try to convert the file. Just in case the clip is damaged and you'll never succeed in converting it. Squeeze would over you a post thanksgiving 50% off sale. Another thought: is your clip spanned? several people report having problems with spanned clips

what about an external encoder? f.e. squeeze or tmpgenc? let them transcode your MTS file to QT using an avid codec - then you should be able to fast import the clips into MC.

I'ld suggest to do a audio mixdown and then apply the "normalize" audiosuite plugin and set it to f.e. -0,5dBFS.

did you try to AMA link to the clips and transcode afterwards? seems to be faster. works like a charm with fs-700 clips. you just need the sony avchd ama plugin: http://avid.force.com/pkb/articles/de/Download/de419715