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Missing Soundtrack Pro Files

Audio files are never lost, they’re just, um, misplaced. Soundtrack Pro automatically records files to a temporary location. Which means you can find your source files, even if there’s a crash. This article shows you how.

Missing Render Files

I am getting periodic reports of missing render files inside Final Cut Pro. This short article may give you a hand in tracking down the problem.

Searching for Missing Files in FCP

In this article Larry answers a subscriber’s question about how to locate a missing file in FCP.

Removing a Microphone from the Top of the Frame

The lighting is perfect, the acting superb, the audio flawless — except the boom mike has crept into the top of the frame. Here are several quick techniques you can use to get rid of it — without reshooting.

Problems With PAL Resetting To NTSC

Whenever you trash or delete Final Cut preference files, FCP will reset back to NTSC DV 48kHz audio. This reset happens whenever your preferences get trashed. I don’t think Final Cut inherently thinks NTSC, but that when things reset, FCP resets to its default settings which is NTSC.

Exporting Audio Using OMF

When your audio mix is more complex than Final Cut can handle, this technique shows you how to export your audio using OMF, while keeping all your clips and handles intact.

Commentary: NAB 2006

We are living in the middle of truly interesting times from proliferating video formats, monitor problems and tapeless acquisition, this article helps you make sense of the industry during a period of very rapid change.

MS Audio Mikes in Final Cut Pro

MS microphones are popular in documentary recording because they avoid problems with phase-cancellation. However, there is not an easy way to use them in Final Cut Pro — until now, that is, using this very simple technique.

Converting MPEG-2 Video for Final Cut Pro

Final Cut does not like editing compressed video. However, what’s the best way to convert MEPG-2 video, which is compressed, into something Final Cut likes? This article tells you what you need to know.

Scrolling Text in LiveType

Creating scrolling text in Final Cut is awkward at best. Here’s a much more flexible way to create scrolling text in LiveType that allows multiple font sizes, colors and, gasp, a pause at the end!

Technique: Using Leopard’s Help System by Ben Balser

OS X 10.5 (Leopard) has a new help system that is very cool and available in just about every application. In this article, Ben Balser describes what you need to know to take advantage of it.

Jittery Video Playback

Here’s a short article that describes what to do if you are experiencing jittery video playback. We look at what could cause it and how to fix it.

Definition: Insert vs. Overwrite Edits

There are two categories of edits inside Final Cut Pro — Insert and Overwrite. This article describes what they are, when to use them and faster ways to get them done.

Importing 16:9 Videos Into iDVD

QuickTime does not always properly display 16:9 video. This means that iDVD may not accurately compress your video in the correct image aspect ratio. This article explains what you need to do to fix this problem.

Final Cut Pro Goes HD!

Apple, on April 18, 2004, announced the latest version of Final Cut. Larry attended the event and files this report, then updated it in June with more information direct from Apple.

Handy-Dandy Grid

Final Cut makes it challenging to line things up properly in the Canvas or Viewer, because there are no grids or guides. Here’s a quick technique you can use to create your own grids.

What is Frame Offset?

Frame offset was invented to allow you to compensate for the delays between your computer and an external device, like a deck. Here is how it works and why you should care.

Strengths and Weaknesses of Final Cut Server

Final Cut Server is out, but what does it really do? In this article, we take a look at the strengths and weaknesses of the product. Server has a lot of power, but it isn’t for everyone — this article helps you decide for yourself.

Feeding Video to a Monitor Wall

The way a monitor wall works is that you send it a full-screen feed for each camera or image you want it to display. It will then composite them into a single display. This gives you the highest image quality and the ability to zoom one of the images full-screen.

FCP 7: Things I Wish Final Cut Did – But Actually Does

Gary Freedline sent me a long screed decrying missing features in Final Cut Pro. However, in reading it, I realized that many of them are already there if you know where to look. This article points the way.