To take an Avid sequence to FCP the only worthwhile method is Automatic Duck's Pro Import FCP. It will transfer all important clip metadata and sequence structure, some transitions and will provide information where transitions were not able to be transferred. Transferring the media files from the Avid, while possible is often more trouble than

I believe video of the event will be posted here: http://opentvnetwork.com/channel/contents/7

My standard technique for this is the Paint Effect.... I apply the effect (either to clip, or a layer of filler above it), then used the rectangle tool to draw a big box that covers the whole frame. By default it will be solid Red, you can change that to black. Then draw and oval within it to cover 80-90% of the frame, change the mode to Erase - now

The never ending discussion... Both do good work. Personally I'm more comfortable in Avid, but I can operate FCP with reasonable confidence (especially once I remap the keyboard). There are many things about FCP I find frustrating, and quite a few with Avid too. But my familiarity means I don't encounter Avid frustrations as often, I know what

I've been runnning MC4 on my completely unqualified laptop in Windows 7 Pre-Release for a few months - it's been working fine for what I've been doing, but I haven't pushed it. I have no used any DNA or DX hardware and been sticking to basic cutting and effects. I did try an Audio Suite plugin and it didn't throw any errors, but

Firewire out of camera into laptop, and just like a tape. Ideally you should record on tape on the camera as well, so that you have cover if the Avid stops unexpectedly. Also, you'll want to break the recording as often as possible (every 30-60 minutes at least) to keep clips manageable. It should work fine, but test it beforehand, and have a plan

If it's a lock off shot the easiest thign to do is often simply put a copy of the shot on the layer above (offset by 10 frames or so) then use the Animatte tool to mask the person out. Set mode to Key In, draw a mask around the person (can usually be quite rough) and animate it. There are literally dozens of ways to address the depending on the

[quote user="AndrewAction"](Not sure why you dont have Avid FX with 3.5.4)[/quote] I'm pretty sure all out licenses have simply been upgraded from much earlier (maybe even version 1) before Avid FX shipped. Software upgrades don't include the additional stuff. That said, I imagine we probably do have at least a couple of copies somewhere

SDK's are available cost-free for Linux from Blackmagic and Bluefish 4:4:4 - with Bluefish offering products that seem best suited (multiple input SDI cards).

Oh definiately. I find that sometimes if I am not 100% sure how things are going that I stop it part way through, play the partial render and then continue it if it's all good. Also the ability to play all frames in the effect editor at less-than-realtime is great.