Mac write back is now available for PDW-U1
It has been a long time coming with several delays but it’s here at last!
After patiently waiting while the PC users enjoyed file based write back to professional disc, us mac users can now rejoice at this development.
So what does this mean?
Well up until now if you wanted to back up SxS media on to Professional disc and you were Mac based then you had limited options. Namely using the PDW-HD1500. While the PC community were able to enjoy this ‘back up feature’ using a device costing around 8X less to purchase.
So now we are back in the running to use the PDW-U1 and low cost optical discs to archive SxS media from our desktop, without the need to purchase a more costly deck
Hold on cowboy……not so fast!
While this is a great step forward, it is important to understand that ‘DATA WRITE BACK’ is still a few months off (i’m told by the summer, maybe before)
Let me explain
In order to archive your SxS footage today you will need to follow these steps:
- Transcode your clips using the File>export feature in XDCAM clip browser
- Select a CODEC to transcode
- Pay for the Main Concept plugin details here
- Create export location folder
- Mount XDCAM disc and drag & drop transcoded files to ‘clip folder on XDCAM disc’
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It may sound complex but I assure you it’s ok once you’ve done it once
Data write back capability will allow you to use the disc simply as data storage and so you can copy your BPAV folders that are created when you record on the SxS cards
Not much longer now to wait…
- Den
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You can also use XDCAM Transfer to import from SxS, Final Cut Pro to transcode and File > Export > Sony XDCAM to write as MXF.
Which is equally long-winded, just means paying for FCP instead of Main Concept.
Thanks Robert, good point.
The Main concept will allow users to transcode using only XDCAM EX Clip Browser if you don’t want to tie up FCP.
Thanks for the tip though!