19 Replies Latest reply: Aug 22, 2010 7:10 PM by Christopher Duncan RSS

    CS4: Cineform Neo Scene 5

    Christopher Duncan Community Member

      After some discussion in a previous thread, it looks like Neo Scene would be a good addition to my AVCHD workflow in general. I've done some reading on Cineform's site, and it's clear that the first step is using their app to convert from AVCHD to Cineform AVI prior to editing in PPro. What I'm not sure about is output.

       

      Does installing Neo Scene add that as a file format option when rendering in PPro via Adobe Media Encoder? While final output for most projects would be in the appropriate compressed format for web, DVD, etc., there may be times when I want to edit footage and render it out to Cineform so that I can use that footage in future HD projects.

       

      In other words, their site seems to focus on getting it from the camera into Cineform format. Is that its only function, or can I render from PPro to Cineform as well?

       

      Thanks,

       

      Chris

        • 1. Re: CS4: Cineform Neo Scene 5
          Community Member

          HI,

           

          I've been fooling around with learning more about avchd stuff, and collected some info ...a little cryptic maybe...

           

          AVCHD CONVERTER and export info aunsoft 29 dollars ----- I got this yesterday and tested on one file...cheaper than -cineform-neoscene..can always get neoscene later if you want to get idea whats up with cheaper converter first...

           

          http://www.aunsoft.com/mts-converter/

           

          --------------------------- this from different threads...----------------
          Re: Premier CS3 and MTS files

           

          Convert AVCHD to HDV http://forums.adobe.com/thread/390605?tstart=0

           

          or Cineform Neo Scene http://www.cineform.com/neoscene/

           

          ----------
          export ....Try MPEG2 4:2:2 I-frame:

           

          http://forums.adobe.com/servlet/JiveServlet/showImage/38378/MPEG2_I-frame.jpg

           

          Or http://lags.leetcode.net/codec.html.

           

          -Jeff

           

          -------------------------

           

           

          • 2. Re: CS4: Cineform Neo Scene 5
            Ann Bens CommunityMVP

            Tried different kinds of converters and did not like any off them,

            I use Cineform and i love it. Very easy to edit. Cineform is visual lossless. Which i could not say about other converters.

            You can capture HDV as CF avi or convert mts/m2ts to CF avi's.

            You can also export your timeline to CF avi.

             

            I used to use Dan Iscaacs method to go from HD to SD.

            Then i discovered that CF together with TMPGenc makes very good dvd-mpeg2.

            Imo better than CS4.

            • 3. Re: CS4: Cineform Neo Scene 5
              Community Member

              ------------

              I use Cineform and i love it. Very easy to edit. Cineform is visual  lossless. Which i could not say about other converters.

              -----------------

               

              Ann, You dont go into premiere at all with this workflow ??

               

              -----------------------

               

              Chris: do you have one of your clips I can download to experiement with ??  I promise I wont put groucho eyeglasses on anyone !

              • 4. Re: CS4: Cineform Neo Scene 5
                Ann Bens CommunityMVP

                You can download the trial, fully functional for 7 days.

                I have a hdv camera and caputure with NeoScene the same way as HDV split.

                Then I bring the files into Premiere.

                • 5. Re: CS4: Cineform Neo Scene 5
                  Community Member

                  Ann,

                   

                  ahhhh, OK...things make sense to me now .... thanks !

                   

                  • 6. Re: CS4: Cineform Neo Scene 5
                    Christopher Duncan Community Member

                    Hey, Rod.

                     

                    I think your previous advice pointing me to Jeff's 4:2:2 is the way for me to go at the moment. However, I'm looking into Cineform just to see what it can do for me since people seem to think highly of it.

                    • 7. Re: CS4: Cineform Neo Scene 5
                      Christopher Duncan Community Member

                      Hey, Ann.

                       

                      > You can also export your timeline to CF avi.

                       

                      So after you install Neo Scene, does CF appear as an option in Adobe Media Encoder?

                      • 8. Re: CS4: Cineform Neo Scene 5
                        Christopher Duncan Community Member

                        Hey, Rod.

                         

                        > Chris: do you have one of your clips I can download to experiement with ??  I promise I wont put groucho eyeglasses on anyone !

                         

                        Everything's client stuff right now, which I obviously can't share. Sorry, man!

                        • 9. Re: CS4: Cineform Neo Scene 5
                          Community Member

                          update on my experiments with m2ts file...using a conversion program to get into cs3 and then export as something decent.

                           

                          So far, in a word, I would say "this s...ks"

                           

                          I know the m2ts is a special animal ( different than m2t ) ...but it is quickly becoming apparent that to really work with these file types and get something decent back out I would need to

                           

                          a) get cs4 at least...probably better off with cs5

                           

                          b) with cs4 use Ann's suggestion all the way...neoscene convert and CF export....

                           

                          I will now move on to other things, as currently I am looking on avchd stuff with cs3 as akin to having a sharp stick in my eye.

                           

                           

                          • 10. Re: CS4: Cineform Neo Scene 5
                            Christopher Duncan Community Member

                            Rod,

                             

                            Somehow in all this I missed the fact that you were having problems getting AVCHD into CS3. D'oh!

                             

                            CS5 requires a 64 bit machine. CS4 rocks, but why buy CS4 when CS5 is out?

                             

                            At $99 (B&H Photo), it sounds like the Cineform Neo Scene approach is the most painless option, but in terms of price and usability. I mean, assuming that CF plays nice with CS3.

                            • 11. Re: CS4: Cineform Neo Scene 5
                              Ann Bens CommunityMVP

                              Yes, the Cineform codec is present otherwise one could not export to CF avi.

                              Download the trial, fully functional for 7 days.

                              • 12. Re: CS4: Cineform Neo Scene 5
                                Christopher Duncan Community Member

                                Thanks, Ann. Apologies for the stupid questions, I'm a bit new to this side of the street.

                                 

                                Definitely looks like something that should be in my bag of tricks!

                                • 13. Re: CS4: Cineform Neo Scene 5
                                  Ann Bens CommunityMVP

                                  There are no stupid questions just ....

                                   

                                  This is what it looks like:

                                   

                                  CF export.png

                                  • 14. Re: CS4: Cineform Neo Scene 5
                                    Community Member

                                    Well, not "problems" really...more like "experimenting" ...as I dont shoot, dont have camera, dont want camera.

                                     

                                    In terms of "handling" files with cs3 I do a LOT of experimenting...to learn stuff but also to see for myself what is going on re: quality issues etc...

                                     

                                    I've only edited a couple things for "clients" ( for free to learn the program basically ) and that footage was not avchd...and eventually I'll be leaning more toward working with ( hopefully ) pro camera stuff like some others here do...

                                     

                                    But to do that I need cs5 and a new computer.  If, in the meantime ( as I would need to use my annuity money to have a new 64 bit computer - with ability to work on pro stuff I think about $10,000) , which means formally retiring from my job - to start collecting my pension and get the annuity as a lump sum) I want to work on my 32 bit platform but have the upgrade to cs4 I could do that without having to spend the money on a new computer as well...

                                     

                                    Sooo, although this is long winded explanation, I'm doing stuff to learn everything I can about all the different video formats and workflows while I have the time, as it is now slow in NY for film work....though things are picking up in the past week...( august is good time for many to go on vacation in film biz ). But now there are set building things going on for shoot dates beginning in Sept, Oct....once the sets are built they are rigged for lighting and painted, translights are hung  etc and all that takes time...sooo, its starting to get busy...thank goodness.

                                     

                                    I am of the opinion that the cineform is the way to go with cs4...let me know how it works out for you !

                                    • 15. Re: CS4: Cineform Neo Scene 5
                                      Christopher Duncan Community Member

                                      > There are no stupid questions just ....

                                       

                                      Stupid people!

                                       

                                      Great stuff, thanks again for all your help.

                                      • 16. Re: CS4: Cineform Neo Scene 5
                                        Christopher Duncan Community Member

                                        > I am of the opinion that the cineform is the way to go with cs4...let me know how it works out for you !

                                         

                                        Will do. And maybe I need to get you down to Atlanta to build some sets for me. Or is that sort of thing beneath your pay grade? 

                                        • 17. Re: CS4: Cineform Neo Scene 5
                                          Community Member

                                          Hiya,

                                           

                                          -------------------

                                          Will do. And maybe I need to get you down to Atlanta to build some sets  for me. Or is that sort of thing beneath your pay grade? 

                                          -------------------

                                           

                                          What ? You want me to sweat bullets swinging a hammer ? !  

                                           

                                          hehe, kidding...

                                           

                                          This might help you someday...

                                          You local fun film buddies in the IATSE Atlanta

                                           

                                          home page
                                          http://iatse479.org/iatse479/Home.html

                                           

                                          available list ( current updated daily)
                                          http://iatse479.org/iatse479/Referrals_files/Availability%20List.pdf

                                           

                                          Im a grip like these guys on the "available list"..
                                          Miller, Christopher (404)723-8666 Grip - Grip
                                          Guevara, Bryan (949)874-3361 Grip - Grip
                                          Browner,Jonathan (404)313-2113 Grip - Grip

                                          ------------------------

                                           

                                          A friend of mine who I worked with in NY ( he was from Atlanta and eventually moved back down there from NY about 25 years ago ) is

                                          Mike Fedak ( pronounced "feedack" ). I called the union office down there a min ago and Mike is still working as a grip and if you PM me I'll give you his phone number. His mom just passed away I was told by guy in office..a few weeks ago...so he might be taking time off for a week or so more...

                                          Mike's younger brother Dave is a business agent now with one of the Atlanta locals...not a bad person to know either..as they basically see what your situation is and try to make good arrangements re: contracts or letters of agreement and so on...

                                           

                                          You can talk to Mike about anything needed and he will know...Directors of photography, cam operators, equipment vendors, props, scenics, set construction...anything...even production companies...

                                           

                                           

                                          • 18. Re: CS4: Cineform Neo Scene 5
                                            Christopher Duncan Community Member

                                            Rod,

                                             

                                            I was just teasing you about swinging a hammer for me, although the offer of a beer is good anytime.

                                             

                                            Thanks for the resource, though. It's nice to know who the pros are out in this neck of the woods.

                                            • 19. Re: CS4: Cineform Neo Scene 5
                                              Community Member

                                              Hi !

                                               

                                              You bet...you never know when you might need to refer someone else too...