How to load Sony SLT-A68 XDCAM files into Avid?

If you experience any issues editing Sony SLT-A68 XDCAM files in Avid Media Composer, you have come to the right place. This tutorial explains a workaround to transcode Sony SLT-A68 XDCAM files to Avid editable DNxHD codec, so that you can expect a smooth workflow between Sony SLT-A68 XDCAM and Media Composer.

"Hi everyone, I am trying to AMA link to XDCAM footage shot on the Sony SLT-A68, but my Avid Media Composer keeps coming up with error messages: Unable to autodetect plug-in for, you may need download & install the AMA plug in from the Avid AMA website. I downloaded and installed the AMA plugin as required but it still didn't work. I have Avid MC 8.3.1. Please help. Thank you."

Sony XDCAM/HDCAM plug-ins lets you get full native support of Sony XDCAM/HDCAM media and metadata - without transcoding - so you can start editing right away. However, if for whatever reason you are unable to edit Sony SLT-A68 XDCAM MXF files even with this plug-in installed, you can consider transcoding them to DNxHD codec first.

• Part 1: How to transcode Sony SLT-A68 XDCAM footage to DNxHD for Avid editing on Windows?
• Part 2: How to transcode Sony SLT-A68 XDCAM footage to DNxHD for Avid editing on Mac?

Here's what you need

Video Converter (It is available for Mac and Windows, simply download the proper version depending on your computer's OS.)

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Part 1. How to transcode Sony SLT-A68 XDCAM footage to DNxHD for Avid editing on Windows?

To transcode Sony SLT-A68 XDCAM footage to DNxHD for Avid editing on Windows, follow these steps: Step 1: Click "Add File" to load video files that you want to convert into this program.

Step 2: Click "Profile" to select "Avid Media Composer" > "Avid DNxHD 1080p(*.mov)" as output format. DNxHD is Avid's favorite editing codec, which Avid will recognize and handle well.

Tips: If necessary, you can click "Settings" button to modify video and audio parameters like encoder, resolution, frame rate, bitrate, aspect ratio, sample rate, and audio channels. You can also "Enable 3D Settings" to add 3D effect to your source media.

Step 3: Click "Convert" to start Sony SLT-A68 XDCAM footage to DNxHD conversion on Windows. As soon as the conversion is complete, click "Open Folder" to get the generated DNxHD .mov files for editing in Avid on your Windows PC with optimum performance. Hope it helps.

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Part 2. How to transcode Sony SLT-A68 XDCAM footage to DNxHD for Avid editing on Mac?

To transcode Sony SLT-A68 XDCAM footage to DNxHD for Avid editing on Mac, follow these steps: Step 1: Click "Add File" to load video files that you want to convert into this program.

Step 2: Click "Profile" to select "Avid Media Composer" > "Avid DNxHD 1080p(*.mov)" as output format. DNxHD is Avid's favorite editing codec, which Avid will recognize and handle well.

Tips: If necessary, you can click "Settings" button to modify video and audio parameters like encoder, resolution, frame rate, bitrate, aspect ratio, sample rate, and audio channels. You can also "Enable 3D Settings" to add 3D effect to your source media.

Step 3: Click "Convert" to start Sony SLT-A68 XDCAM footage to DNxHD conversion on Mac. As soon as the conversion is complete, click "Open Folder" to get the generated DNxHD .mov files for editing in Avid on your Mac computer with optimum performance. Hope it helps.