Transcoding is a digital video format conversion. It is used to change one video encoding into another. The reason to transcode a format, is based on the fact that not all video formats are compatible with every editing system/player. In the case of Red One camera footage, the .r3d video format is solely meant to be a transport file of the unaltered video signal that was captured in the Red One Camera. The final digital format from the Red One camera footage will be determined by the host NLE system on which it is being cut on and what would be the final deliverable product of the project.(ie, web, dvd distribution, tv broadcast for commercial or other) The .r3d format is one of the most flexible formats in the video production industry. Through transcoding, the output of the Red One camera or intermediate format can be decided at any time.
When dealing with Red Footage it is best to map out your post production work flow starting from the end deliverable and working back to the start of your editing process. It is also necessary to be mindful of any limitations that your post production system hardware may encounter with the Red One files. A deficiency in your system’s processing power can greatly increase the amount of time that you will spend on a project. However, by transcoding your footage to the appropriate format and resolution, your post work flow timelime can work more efficiently and some of your editing time consumption could be greatly reduced. It is important that if you decide to shoot on the Red One camera, that you have a post facility that understands the work flow and is knowledgeable in their equipment’s media capacity and any possible limitations it might have with the RED work flow..
Transcoding after a shoot: Many of our current clients have opted to have an RHI DIT transcode and deliver a converted file format that would best suit the highest specifications that their NLE system can support. If you would like to hire Ron Hill Imagery to facilitate this service, please read the following requirements.
Approx 8:1 in time ratio: When transcoding on an xenon 8 core Mac Pro, the approximate time is an 8 to 1 ratio in time consumption, based on conversion of a native 4k@24fps to a 2k ProRes422(hq). This does not include the time to transfer the final files to a transportable drive.
Not all hard drives are created equal: RHI recommends either the Lacie l2 portable drives or the Lacie rugged. To maximize transferring times, a firewire 800 portable hard drive is suggested. When supplying a drive, make sure that the drive was adequate space to load both the original files and transcoded files. (1hr of Red footage, shot at 4k is approx. 120GB of information)
Inferior drives and Back up storage: Many cheaper drives have inferior hardware and can experience drop outs and cause transfers and conversions to halt. This failure in the hard drive, will cause the RHI DIT to start the process over, therefore extending the time to deliver the hard drive with the completed files. And unless it is requested, RHI does not keep a copy of your original .r3d files. For an additional fee, RHI can store your files based on a weekly, monthly or yearly rate.
Transcode Form: If you would like to hire an RHI DIT to transcode your Red One files, you will need to complete the File Conversion and Transcode Form. Once your form has been received, the next step is to book an appointment with our Production Coordinator to have your files converted.
Separate Fees for DIT on set and for the DIT transcoding files: Please be aware that the transcode and transfer of files is a separate and additional fee from the DIT services hired to work on your Production set. As stated previously, you will need to schedule an appointment to transcode and transfer of your files. Do not assume that your footage will be processed immediately after your shoot.
Additional Transcode Note: If you find that your system cannot handle the files after they have been converted to your specifications and must be re-transcoded into another file format, an additional fee will be charged for the re-transcode of files.
