Hello,

I'm an editor working on a feature doc shot mostly on RED, with some Canon 5D too. The transport drives have started to come back and I just wanted to check my workflow was correct. Firstly, I've backed up all raw files to a drive (Backup_1). From this Backup_1 drive I have imported the files into their respective bins (e.g 5D all, RED all - for convenience) via AMA. I then moved these files out of the 'all' bins into corresponding bins relating to shoot date (eg 061011 RED, 061011 5D etc.)  I have then transcoded in Avid to DNxHD36 files onto another drive (Edit_1). N.B for RED i reduced the debayer to 1/4 etc. After autosyncing all the audio files with the RED and 5D I thought I'd test unplugging the AvidMediaFiles folder from Edit_1 and plugging in Backup_1 again to see if I can relink it. I open the bins and try and re-link using every combination under the sun in the 're-link settings' and surprise surprise the thing doesn't re-link. What am I doing wrong? It seems like a simple task and yet it appears you have to have a PHD to reconnect the *** thing. Can anyone help me? Please!

Many thanks,

Will 

if i read your post correctly... the problem I see is that you moved your files after you linked them via AMA. You should establish a single location for your AMA linked video files and not move them.

As for recovery of lost AMA links... please describe what you have attempted in detail.  It should be a rather simple relinking process... if not, there is a rather complex method that will achieve this relinking.  But... before I go into detail about the "complex method"... you might describe what you have already attempted.

Joe 

Hi Joe,

I've managed to fix the problem. I moved the files back into their original bins, but was still having no joy until I looked at the source file path, which stated my Backup_1 had a different drive letter. This problem arose since I ingested on a different machine as well. Essentially that machine labelled the same drive 'J:' and the other machine, which I was transcoding on too, assigned it 'I:' Is there any way to fix that?! Otherwise I can only re-link to what I imported on the same machine.

ALso, I noticed several files in my original AMA import bins that were offline too, even though I have transcoded that already. Is there a way to re-establish that link too to the Backup_1 drive?

Sorry for all the questions, they will be my last I promise.

Thank you for taking the time to solve my problems. It is hugely appreciated.

Will

The work flow you have is always going to create the problem you are experiencing... changing drives is going to break links to AMA.

If the current workflow is the only option you have to edit your work... I would recommend you simply not use AMA linking and convert the files to a common DNxHD file format (or any other file format that might meet your needs) and place the converted files to a single drive....then, edit.

 You should be able to relink the missing AMA files in the Files>Link to AMA Volumes... then browes the folder for the files.  If not, make sure the bin that stores the AMA files reference clips is open... if it is closed the media file will not link.  In effect, you can't relink if the bin of the reference files/clips is closed.  Not sure if this is your problem... or that it is not linked and needs to be relinked.

If you want to view the complicated version of re-linking... here is the link to a post that explains re-linking (simple and complex).

http://community.avid.com/forums/p/88785/504003.aspx#504003

BTW... don't feel like you are bothering anyone... ask as many questions as you want... at some point, someone will have an answer.

Thanks Joe,

I have transcoded all the files already to another drive. All raw and transcoded material are on separate drives. It was just the re-linking process to the raw files I was trying to do (with the edit drives unplugged), which I've managed to do, but a few are offline. I don't want to link to the AMA volumes, as will that not just re-import the raw file again? I want to now just do a relink of the offline AMA imported clips (all are yellow, apart from and few greyed out ones). This I hope will re-establish a connection to the relative transcoded DNxHD35 transcoded files.

Hope that makes sense.

I think we have some terminology issues...

Transcoding to a DNxHD format and AMA linking are duplication of efforts... you would be better off using one or the other exclusively.

Importing in my mind and in AVID would not be related to AMA linking... this is the purpose of AMA lilnking - it is intended to eliminate the need for "importing" as a DNxHD file (as in your case).  AMA is used to avoid converting from the original file souce (such as H264) to an AVID friendly editing file format such as DNxHD.

As best i can tell you have an editing workflow that used both AMA linked video clips and DNxHD.... or you converted (transcoded) the original file source to an DNxHD format then AMA linked the DNxHD file format.. or... you AMA linked the orignal files into the edit?

When using both Red and 5D files (or any mix of different video sources for that matter)... I have found it much more easier to convert/transcode ALL original media files to a common DNxHD file format onto a common media drive... then, simply edit using the transcoded DNxHD file format in AVID.  This avoids AMA linking problems since you are not using AMA linking in the process.

Sorry that is not of much help with your current linking problem... but, if you look at the link I provided there is instructions to a "complex method" to achieve linking when you have hard drive issues and AMA linking.

If there is any mis-understanding/confusion on my part..it is the idea of AMA linking verses using transcoded DNxHD files... when discussing... relinking of an AMA linked file is not the same as loss of link between a transcoded DNxHD file. 

Perhaps, someone can chime in on what I am missing in your post...