How to bulk convert MP4 to ProRes422 - Compressor

[scouser75]

Hi guys,

I have a large number of MP4 clips (H.264) which I need to convert to .mov files (will use ProRes422) in order to be able to use them in FCP7.

I am using Compressor 3.5.3. But when I drag a clip to create a job I get this message "Error trying to open source media file.". What am I doing wrong?

Also, is there a quick way to bulk convert lots of clips?

 

[Gwendolini]

QuickTime Player is up to date as is Compressor?

As for processing lots of clips:

Here is the link to the video if you want to not watch it on this page.

 

[e1me5]

This is the best software in my opinion. It uses the same tech with compressor but it has an easier workflow. You can create a batch list with all your files and you can convert up to 4 files simultaneously.. http://www.squared5.com/svideo/mpeg-streamclip-mac.html

 

[scouser75]

Thanks guys. Odd thing is, Qt and Compressor are up-to-date. I also tried MPEG Streamclip. And neither of these 2 are accepting the H264 .MOV file!

I'm at a total loss!

 

[BeechFlyer]

scouser75,

I was a late convert (only about six weeks ago) going to Final Cut Pro X, having used Final Cut Studio until then. I've used Compressor in the past for this type of batch conversion.

With OS X updates coming and Final Cut Studio getting older, Compressor got more and more unstable. At some point I switched to QuickTime - less convenient for mass conversions, but still doable. But even then I ran into issues, mostly FCP simply not recognizing some of the converted ProRes files, maybe one out of ten files, for no apparent (to me) reason.

Since then, I've switched to FCP X and the new Compressor, and I couldn't be happier. Things that used to be fragile simply work now, and they work quickly.

 

[Gwendolini]

Thanks guys. Odd thing is, Qt and Compressor are up-to-date. I also tried MPEG Streamclip. And neither of these 2 are accepting the H264 .MOV file!

I'm at a total loss!

Can you share a small H.264 .mov file with us to maybe take a look at it?

 

[ColdCase]

There is something in those video files QT is not liking. I've run across this before, but I think Bigasoft's Prores converter was able to sort things out. But certainly FCPX and the newest compressor seems to be much better and I haven't had to use Bigasoft for awhile short of windows media files.

They do offer a free trial for you to determine if it can help.

 

[scouser75]

Thanks again guys for the help.

BeechFlyer - I have considered skiping from FCP to FCX. But over the last year or so, it seems that the way to get editing jobs is to be say on Premiere. I used Premiere many years ago and wasn't at all impressed. But it seems (from what I hear and read) that it's come along way since then!

Gwendolini - Thank you for the offer. But unfortunately I don't think my client would like me to share the clip.

Coldcase, I'll give ProRes Convertor a go.

Fingers crossed....

 

[kohlson]

There was a Compressor update today -- maybe it will help.

 

[laurim]

When I want to process a lot of files, I make a Compressor droplet (right click on a Setting and Save as Droplet...) and put it on my desktop. Then I can drag files onto the droplet, it opens up a window and waits for Location and confirmation to go and then processes everything.

 

[scouser75]

Thanks guys.

Alas, not even the compressor update solved my problem.

Thankfully, I got someone else to convert the files for me. But for future, I have to somehow suss out why this is / isn't happening!