We are attempting to import sequential images into AVID that are 60f into a project that is set up as 1080i @59.(something).  When we import the files, they only come in at 30f (or 29.97f) and we cannot find the setting to change that.

The question is; has anyone run into this problem?  We would normally convert these images to a WMV or QuickTime, but we have an alpha channel that is necessary.

All comments welcome.

To make things easier, you could always open the image sequence in AE and export to QT with an Alpha. 

I don't have AE, but I will get the demo version and try that.

Thanks!

Larry Hilton:

1080i @59.(something)

1080i 59.97  is actually 59.97 fields per second. so it is 29.97 Frames persecond. If you want true 60 frames a second you might try a 720p 59.97 second project as it would be a true 60 frames a second.

I'm sorry I did not specifically write that out.

It is actually set at 59.97 fields per second.  We were having problems with the alpha channel, so we changed our renderings from fields to frame rendings (these rendings are from 3dStudio Max).  The problem is Avid does not import sequential images field or frame at anything above 29.97 a second as far as we can tell.

I will try to be more specific next time.

After Effects will definitely do it, but you'll need to do a few things.

Once you import your animation into AE create a composition that's half the duration of your original and drop your clip into it.  Right click on the clip in the timeline and select Time->Time Stretch...  Make sure that you have Layer In-point selected in the Hold in Place sub window, and enter a value of 200% into the Stretch Factor box.

Now press ctrl-M.  Set Render Settings to Best, and click on the word Best.  In the window that appears you will see Time Sampling->Field Render.  Set it to on and press the enter key.  Choose the output module you require - Quicktime Animation is probably the most appropriate for you and using the same technique as for render settings set Quicktime to Millions of colors+ to export your RGB and Alpha channels.  Render it out.

Import the rendered clip into Avid using Invert alpha channel and you should be in business.

PS:  There may be some discrepancies with menu or parameter names, because this was from memory.  They should be close enough for you to recognise.