Hi

My shop has started using DSLR footage from a Cannon 5D. It looks gorgeous but runs really slowly in Avid. I know this is to be expected, so I've starting importing by AMA, then transcoding to DNxHD 45 (at 1080p).

My only worry with this method is if I offline my footage, and have to re-link it.  When I transcode an AMA clip, it makes a new clip with the same name with NEW at the end.

So, is there a way to re-link a transcoded clip, back to its original AMA clip?
If anyone has another workflow suggestion, I'm open to that too. 

Thanks

What is the point of relinking the transcoded footage?

I am linking as you and then transcoding to the desired resolution.

Then I back up the project.

George Angeludis:

What is the point of relinking the transcoded footage?

So if my transcoded footage goes offline, I can relink to keep my timeline edits.

There is no issue with relinking back to the original AMA clips...we do it all the time.  That way, you can transcode the final edit at a much higher resolution.

Kevin Klimek:

There is no issue with relinking back to the original AMA clips...we do it all the time.  That way, you can transcode the final edit at a much higher resolution.

Good to hear
What is the proper way of doing that? I've tried going to Clip >> relink, but it never seems to work. 

warlock2572:

So if my transcoded footage goes offline, I can relink to keep my timeline edits.

How the transcoded footage can be offline?

Unless you unmount/unplug the volume of the Avid MediaFiles.

AMA is good enough to use on a regular basis...

However, I have had one instance where the typical re-linking method did not work in a rather lengthy and complex edit project... and, from that point on, I went with a different work flow that doesn't use AMA linking. 

That being said, I was able to fix the unusual AMA linking problem.  It was a rather complex solution that is not commonly called for by many posters/users... so... just in case, ...if you run into a problem with AMA linking there are other atypical options that are available that most likely work through an AMA re-linking problem.

BTW, my work flow is faster to edit with and more reliable than using AMA (it's the speed I gain that I like most about my workflow)... BUT, the trade off is it takes a significantly longer time to prep the video source.  And, it requires numerous pre-renders and post renders.

George Angeludis:

warlock2572:

So if my transcoded footage goes offline, I can relink to keep my timeline edits.

How the transcoded footage can be offline?

Unless you unmount/unplug the volume of the Avid MediaFiles.

In rare cases, we have had clients come back with chamges a year after the job was done, and the media was deleted off our drives. We are archiving the original media, but not transcoded media.

@ Joe M
  What is this workflow that is working for you? I'm always interested in new ideas.

In general, my workflow is to convert my original media source to a low resolution format...then, edit as a low resolution media format.  Then, render out in what ever format I want as the final resolution format.  In MC language this is called editing offline.

This requires much more pre and post editing time consumption... but, the actual editing process is significantly faster.  Here is a basic flow chart of my media converson work flow.

Here is a short video that shows the idea of working offline... the only thing I would do differ is create a new bin to place the low rez versions of the original media.

http://www.vimeo.com/20557784

You also might note I start with Cineform media source instead of the original H264... that is because this format is MUCH more user stable/friendly between various editing applications (specially with regard to Adobe)... plus, it gives me a 10bit color file source for MC's XML offline (or new original) source... that makes post color work much better and professional looking (assuming you need this level of quality).

Your AMA clips must be mounted in order to relink a sequence or any master clips back to it.  If the AMA clips are not mounted, Avid has nothing to link to.  My workflow is as such:

1. Link to AMA clips.

2. Transcode clips to local or unity storage to whatever resolution you like working with

3. cut sequence.

Once my sequence is cut, I archive the project and delete the media files.  If I ever need to make a change after the media has been taken offline, I just remount the AMA clips, select the sequence and relink.  You have to select All Available drives as this includes AMA.  Select the Master Clips check box and deslect everything else.  Works every time.  Once your sequence is back online, you can then consolidate it depending on what you need to do.

Thanks for the replies everyone. That helps me a lot