Working with XDCAM Media

Please note, the following information relating to XDCAM EX and XDCAM media is for CatDV desktop BEFORE version 12 and is for historic reference use only. If you are on a version older than 12, please contact our Sales team to discuss updating.

With MXF clips it is normal for the audio and video information to be written to separate files. CatDV will automatically combine video and audio tracks from separate files into a single clip, known as a Metaclip allowing you to play the files in sync and all the end user sees is one video clip .

XDcam File Structure

It is important to retain the correct file structure as recorded by the camera when working with XDcam footage

 The Root folder name can be changed in order to identify it from other XDcam folders already on your system. You must not rename or change in any way the folder structure or .xml files contained within this Root folder.

To import your XDcam footage into CatDV drag the Root folder into the catalog area of CatDV by using the File System Browser within CatDV.

CatDV will analyse and import each MXF file and create  Metaclips allowing the separate MXF file components to be played as one clip. Proxy files are generated at source, CatDV is able to import the MPEG4 proxy files, this means the proxy files are available for playback with no proxy creation required.

In order for CatDV to read all the metadata associated with the clips and create Metaclips you will need to purchase the CatDV MXF option in addition to the CatDV Pro client application.

The proxies will play back instantly and can be used for logging and viewing.

MXF and XDcam Codecs required

To import and playback XDCam clips in CatDV you will need the MXF Import and XDecode codecs available from www.calibratedsoftware.com. Details of purchase and installation are available from Calibrated Software.

At this point you should now be able to import, playback, log and export media files from your XDcam Footage.