Overview of AAF, OMFI Overview of AAF, OMFI and MXF Filesand MXF Files

Definitions: Media FilesDefinitions: Media Files

Represents raw audio or video and are stored in Represents raw audio or video and are stored in individual filesindividual files

Media files can be directly perceived, that is you Media files can be directly perceived, that is you can hear or see themcan hear or see them

Audio files contain samples; video files contain Audio files contain samples; video files contain framesframes

Media files account for most of the hard drive Media files account for most of the hard drive space used by a projectspace used by a project

Definitions: MetadataDefinitions: Metadata Info embedded in a media fileInfo embedded in a media file Examples include: scene #, take, sample rate, bit depth, Examples include: scene #, take, sample rate, bit depth,

SMPTE frame rate, region names…SMPTE frame rate, region names… Metadata cannot be directly perceived, a software Metadata cannot be directly perceived, a software

application is required to see metadataapplication is required to see metadata Info embedded in a session or sequence file that includes Info embedded in a session or sequence file that includes

what media files are used, where they appear on the what media files are used, where they appear on the timeline, etctimeline, etc

For AAF/OMFs – info about unrendered AudioSuite effectsFor AAF/OMFs – info about unrendered AudioSuite effects For AAF/OMFs – info about automation (clip based gain)For AAF/OMFs – info about automation (clip based gain)

AAF-OMF-MXF BasicsAAF-OMF-MXF Basics

Allow for projects to be interchanged between different Allow for projects to be interchanged between different applications and editing platforms (i.e. Final Cut Pro and applications and editing platforms (i.e. Final Cut Pro and Pro Tools)Pro Tools)

AAF (Advanced Authoring Format) – is a sequence only AAF (Advanced Authoring Format) – is a sequence only file – does not contain media –like a pro tools session file – does not contain media –like a pro tools session file (ptf or ptx)file (ptf or ptx)

OMF/OMF (Open Media File Interchange) – is both a OMF/OMF (Open Media File Interchange) – is both a sequence and media (audio and video) file formatsequence and media (audio and video) file format

MXF (Media Exchange Format) – media only (audio and MXF (Media Exchange Format) – media only (audio and video) Can be used with AAFs, but not OMFsvideo) Can be used with AAFs, but not OMFs

Pro Tools and AVID Pro Tools and AVID TerminologyTerminology

Pro Tools AVID (AAF or OMF)

Session Sequence

Whole File Region Master Clip

Region Subclip

Plug-Ins Real-Time Audio Effects

Volume Automation Avid Keyframe volume

Embedded MediaEmbedded Media

Linked MediaLinked Media

Embedded vs Linked MediaEmbedded vs Linked Media

Embedded Linked

One large file that contains both media and sequence data

Separate sequence and media files

Benefits – only one file to interchange between systems and is easier to manage

Benefits – if the media is on a shared server than it is easier to send the sequence file by itself – quicker import and export times

Disadvantages – long import and export times

Disadvantages – if the media is not on a shared server, than there are many files that must be transported between systems

Supported AAF and OMF files Supported AAF and OMF files for Importing to Pro Toolsfor Importing to Pro Tools

AAF or OMF sequences (including those AAF or OMF sequences (including those with embedded audio)with embedded audio)

Individual Avid video files in the MXF or Individual Avid video files in the MXF or OMF formatOMF format

OMF audio filesOMF audio files Note: Additional AVID video Note: Additional AVID video

hardware/software is required for hardware/software is required for importing MXF and OMF video.importing MXF and OMF video.

Supported AAF and OMF files Supported AAF and OMF files for Exporting from Pro Toolsfor Exporting from Pro Tools

With DigiTranslator 2.0 or higher, you can With DigiTranslator 2.0 or higher, you can export AAF, MXF, and OMF files from Pro export AAF, MXF, and OMF files from Pro Tools using:Tools using:

Bounce to DiskBounce to Disk Export Regions as FilesExport Regions as Files Export Selected Tracks as OMF/AAF Export Selected Tracks as OMF/AAF

commands.commands.

Additional Hardware /Software for Additional Hardware /Software for Post Production In Pro ToolsPost Production In Pro Tools

Advantages:Advantages: Digitize (capture) video in real time into pro Digitize (capture) video in real time into pro

tools, tools, Playback video to external monitorsPlayback video to external monitors Dedicated video card reduces strain on CPUDedicated video card reduces strain on CPU Enhanced compatibility with AVID systemsEnhanced compatibility with AVID systems See: See:

http://www.avid.com/US/products/family/Medhttp://www.avid.com/US/products/family/Media-Composer ia-Composer