An example

MP3 audio files are typically compressed versions of high quality AIFF or WAV source masters. They are intended to be used as final distribution copies.

It's not a good idea to re-encode MP3 audio files due to common imperfections that will only multiply and become much more apparent after each stage of subsequent conversion. Best case scenario is to distribute MP3?s that are the direct result of an uncompressed source master. The same holds true for Quicktime video files. Re-compressing video that was encoded using settings intended for distribution purposes will result in quality degradation.

Export to Quicktime Movie:

This will result in a high quality, uncompressed native source master of the project sequence. The resulting file can be dragged on to the QT icon in your dock [or Finder], and it will playback just as any normal QT movie file. *If* you double click the file assuming that it will play as normal, it will not. In fact the file will load in Final Cut prior to playback. This file is similar in concept to an uncompressed AIFF or WAV audio file. Use it as your master, and present it to your encoder of choice. It?s your point of origin ? and it can be used repeatedly.

A few notes: Make sure you export as a self contained movie. This will provide stand alone playback support if the movie is moved to a different computer. Also notice the size of this file. Since it is an uncompressed source, it will be quite large. Lastly, prior to exporting, make sure your export settings match the native settings of the project sequence.

Using Quicktime Conversion:

The Final Cut documentation refers to this option as exporting Quicktime compatible files. This method should only be considered if you intend to use the resulting file as your distribution copy. Why? Quicktime Conversion re-compresses the source based on the codec, frame rate, data rate, etc., that is determined prior to exporting from your project timeline. This holds true even if the exact same settings as the project sequence are implemented.

In most cases QT Conversion settings will be optimized for a specific method of distribution. An example would be selecting the Sorenson 3 codec for a web movie with a low frame rate, low data rate, and scaled down pixel size. Or maybe using my recommended 3ivx codec for an iPhone copy. The point is Quicktime Conversion compresses the media. If you present the resulting file to a third party encoder and re-compress, quality degradation will be unavoidable.

Last update: 02:30 PM Sunday, January 13, 2008