Overview of AAF, OMFI and MXF Files

Definitions: Media Files Definitions: Media Files  Represents raw audio or video and are stored in individual files  Media files can be directly perceived, that is you can hear or see them  Audio files contain samples; video files contain frames  Media files account for most of the hard drive space used by a project

Definitions: Metadata Definitions: Metadata  Info embedded in a media file  Examples include: scene #, take, sample rate, bit depth, SMPTE frame rate, region names…  Metadata cannot be directly perceived, a software application is required to see metadata  Info embedded in a session or sequence file that includes what media files are used, where they appear on the timeline, etc  For AAF/OMFs – info about unrendered AudioSuite effects  For AAF/OMFs – info about automation (clip based gain)

AAF-OMF-MXF Basics  Allow for projects to be interchanged between different applications and editing platforms (i.e. Final Cut Pro and Pro Tools)  AAF (Advanced Authoring Format) – is a sequence only file – does not contain media –like a pro tools session file (ptf or ptx)  OMF/OMF (Open Media File Interchange) – is both a sequence and media (audio and video) file format  MXF (Media Exchange Format) – media only (audio and video) Can be used with AAFs, but not OMFs

Pro Tools and AVID Terminology Pro ToolsAVID (AAF or OMF) SessionSequence Whole File RegionMaster Clip RegionSubclip Plug-InsReal-Time Audio Effects Volume AutomationAvid Keyframe volume

Embedded Media

Linked Media

Embedded vs Linked Media EmbeddedLinked 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 for Importing to Pro Tools  AAF or OMF sequences (including those with embedded audio)  Individual Avid video files in the MXF or OMF format  OMF audio files  Note: Additional AVID video hardware/software is required for importing MXF and OMF video.

Supported AAF and OMF files for Exporting from Pro Tools  With DigiTranslator 2.0 or higher, you can export AAF, MXF, and OMF files from Pro Tools using:  Bounce to Disk  Export Regions as Files  Export Selected Tracks as OMF/AAF commands.

Additional Hardware /Software for Post Production In Pro Tools Advantages:  Digitize (capture) video in real time into pro tools,  Playback video to external monitors  Dedicated video card reduces strain on CPU  Enhanced compatibility with AVID systems  See: edia-Composer