Avid Avid® EDL Manager User's Guide 8.0 EDLManager 4.0 EN

User Manual: avid Avid EDL Manager - 8.0 - User's Guide Free User Guide for Avid EDL Manager Software, Manual

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Page Count: 76

Title Page
Contents
Using This Guide
Working with EDLs
Customizing EDLs
Editing and Troubleshooting EDLs
Index
- Numerics
- A
- B
- C
- D
- E
- F
- G
- H
- I
- L
- M
- N
- O
- P
- R
- S
- T
- U
- V

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Avid ®

Avid® EDL Manager

User’s Guide

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Avid EDL Manager User’s Guide • 0130-07991-01 • June 2008

Contents

Using This Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Symbols and Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

If You Need Help. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Accessing the Online Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

How to Order Documentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Avid Training Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Chapter 1 Working with EDLs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

EDLs and the Avid EDL Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Online and Offline Editing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

What the Avid EDL Manager Does . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Starting Avid EDL Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Using Help. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Using Avid EDL Manager with Your Avid Editing System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Creating an EDL from the Active Sequence. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Creating a Sequence from an EDL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Creating, Reading, and Printing an EDL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Creating an EDL from a Sequence, Existing EDL,

or OMFI File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Reading an Existing EDL from the RT-11 Disk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Printing an EDL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Saving an EDL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Saving an EDL as a Text File or an OMFI Composition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Saving an EDL to an RT-11 Disk. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Verifying an RT-11 Save . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Copying an EDL between Storage Locations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Formatting an RT-11 Disk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Viewing the Tape List in the Source Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Chapter 2 Customizing EDLs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Avid EDL Manager Option Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

The Avid EDL Manager Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Changing the Title of an EDL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Video Tracks and Audio Channels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Including or Excluding Specific Tracks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Redefining a Track . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Combining or Isolating Tracks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Creating Stereo Channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Choosing a Format for the Audio Channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Displaying Different Views of an EDL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Selecting EDL Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Selecting the EDL Type. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Adjusting the Timecodes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Setting the Source Timecode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Setting the Record Timecode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Finding Edits in a Field. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Updating an EDL with Avid EDL Manager Window Changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Changing Settings in the Options Window. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Choosing an EDL Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Selecting the Switcher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Setting Source and Record Timecodes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Setting the Master List Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Selecting the Reel ID Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Sorting the Order of Events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Selecting the Pulldown Starting Frame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Starting Event Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Setting the Starting Timecode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Setting Up a Dupe List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Using the Preread Option. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Adjusting the Options Tab Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Setting the Tapename Truncation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Selecting Options from the Comments Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

The Effects Comment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

The Repair Notes Comment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Saving Options to a File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Changing Options in the Site Settings Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Changing Font Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Changing Serial Transfer Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Chapter 3 Editing and Troubleshooting EDLs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Online Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Using a Text Editor to Edit an EDL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Fitting the Format to the Avid EDL Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Changing the Header Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Removing Issues in Complex Sequences. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Using the Console Window to Display Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Fixing Difficult Transitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Locating Trouble Spots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Slicing and Dicing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Trying One Track at a Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Avoiding Problems in EDLs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Simplifying Effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Looking for Missing Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Dealing with Corruptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Appendix A Check List for Online Editing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Calling Ahead to the Online Suite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Deciding What to Take to the Online Suite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Take Avid EDL Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Take the EDL in Several Forms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Take Reference Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Double-Checking the EDL File Names . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Appendix B Creating EDLs for Film Projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Matchback Conversion in Film-to-Video EDLs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Creating EDLs for a Matchbacked Sequence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Creating Audio-Only EDLs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Appendix C Using Serial Transfer to Transmit EDLs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Connecting the Edit Controller to the Computer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Setting Serial Transfer Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Transferring the EDL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Chapter Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Using This Guide

Avid EDL Manager is an application that allows you to create, modify, and manage edit

decision lists (EDLs). The Avid EDL Manager application can generate EDLs from

sequences created with all Avid® editing systems. Because Avid EDL Manager can generate

lists from any Open Media Framework® (OMF) composition, it is also compatible with a

broad range of other applications. You can start Avid EDL Manager from within your Avid

editing system, use it in conjunction with other Avid editing systems, or use it as a

standalone application.

The Avid EDL Manager application runs on the Windows 2000, Windows XP,

Windows Vista, and Mac OS X operating systems.

This guide is intended for Avid EDL Manager users from beginning to advanced levels.

Typically, these users are video editors who need to move a video project between one

editing environment and another, or otherwise use an EDL to control aspects of the editing

process.

nThe documentation describes the features and hardware of all models. Therefore, your

system might not contain certain features and hardware that are covered in the

documentation.

Symbols and Conventions

Avid documentation uses the following symbols and conventions:

Symbol or Convention Meaning or Action

nA note provides important related information, reminders,

recommendations, and strong suggestions.

cA caution means that a specific action you take could cause harm to

your computer or cause you to lose data.

wA warning describes an action that could cause you physical harm.

Follow the guidelines in this document or on the unit itself when

handling electrical equipment.

If You Need Help

If you are having trouble using your Avid product:

1. Retry the action, carefully following the instructions given for that task in this guide. It

is especially important to check each step of your workflow.

2. Check the latest information that might have become available after the documentation

was published:

- If the latest information for your Avid product is provided as printed release notes,

they ship with your application and are also available online.

If the latest information for your Avid product is provided as a ReadMe file, it is

supplied on your Avid installation CD or DVD as a PDF document

(README_product.pdf) and is also available online.

You should always check online for the most up-to-date release notes or ReadMe

because the online version is updated whenever new information becomes

available. To view these online versions, select ReadMe from the Help menu, or visit

the Knowledge Base at www.avid.com/readme.

3. Check the documentation that came with your Avid application or your hardware for

maintenance or hardware-related issues.

> This symbol indicates menu commands (and subcommands) in the

order you select them. For example, File > Import means to open the

File menu and then select the Import command.

This symbol indicates a single-step procedure. Multiple arrows in a list

indicate that you perform one of the actions listed.

(Windows), (Windows

only), (Macintosh), or

(Macintosh only)

This text indicates that the information applies only to the specified

operating system, either Windows or Macintosh OS X.

Bold font Bold font is primarily used in task instructions to identify user interface

items and keyboard sequences.

Italic font Italic font is used to emphasize certain words and to indicate variables.

Courier Bold font

Courier Bold font identifies text that you type.

Ctrl+key or mouse action Press and hold the first key while you press the last key or perform the

mouse action. For example, Command+Option+C or Ctrl+drag.

Symbol or Convention Meaning or Action

Accessing the Online Library

4. Visit the online Knowledge Base at www.avid.com/onlinesupport. Online services are

available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Search this online Knowledge Base to find

answers, to view error messages, to access troubleshooting tips, to download updates,

and to read or join online message-board discussions.

Accessing the Online Library

The Online Library for your Avid editing application contains all the product documentation

in PDF format, including a Master Glossary of all specialized terminology used in the

documentation for Avid products.

The Online Library for your Avid editing application is installed along with the application

itself.

nYou will need Adobe® Reader® to view the PDF documentation online. You can download

the latest version from the Adobe web site.

To access the Online Library, do one of the following:

tFrom your Avid editing application, select Help > Online Library

t(Windows only) From the Windows desktop, select Start > All Programs > Avid > Avid

editing application > Online Library

tBrowse to the Online Library folder, and then double-click the MainMenu file.

The Online Library folder is in the same location as the application itself, for example:

(Windows) C:\Program Files\Avid\Avid editing application\Online Library

(Macintosh) MacintoshHD/Applications/Avid editing application/Online Library

How to Order Documentation

To order additional copies of this documentation from within the United States, call Avid

Sales at 800-949-AVID (800-949-2843). If you are placing an order from outside the United

States, contact your local Avid representative.

Avid Training Services

Avid makes lifelong learning, career advancement, and personal development easy and

convenient. Avid understands that the knowledge you need to differentiate yourself is always

changing, and Avid continually updates course content and offers new training delivery

methods that accommodate your pressured and competitive work environment.

To learn about Avid's new online learning environment, Avid Learning Excellerator™

(ALEX), visit http://learn.avid.com.

For information on courses/schedules, training centers, certifications, courseware, and

books, please visit www.avid.com/training or call Avid Sales at 800-949-AVID

(800-949-2843).

1Working with EDLs

This chapter introduces edit decision lists (EDLs) and provides instructions for basic Avid

EDL Manager procedures. It includes the following sections:

•EDLs and the Avid EDL Manager

•Starting Avid EDL Manager

•Using Help

•Using Avid EDL Manager with Your Avid Editing System

•Creating, Reading, and Printing an EDL

•Printing an EDL

•Copying an EDL between Storage Locations

•Formatting an RT-11 Disk

EDLs and the Avid EDL Manager

An edit decision list (EDL) is an instruction list for all edits you make for creating a program

on videotape. This list can include cuts, wipes, dissolves, fades, and black edits. The Avid

EDL Manager application organizes the instructions as a series of chronological edits called

events. Each event specifies a timecode for the source and master tapes.

Online and Offline Editing

You generate an EDL to take a project from the offline editing environment, where rough

editing and experimentation are less expensive, into the online editing environment, where

an editor using an edit controller produces a finished master in less time. The Avid EDL

Manager saves EDLs in a format an editing system can use, such as GVG or CMX. Thus,

you can import an EDL from the online environment back into the offline suite to make

further changes before completing the master tape.

Usually, the offline environment includes nonlinear editing systems such as Avid’s Media

Composer®. The online environment can also include a high-end nonlinear editing system

such as Avid’s Symphony™ or Media Composer.

1 Working with EDLs

The EDL, in the form of a file generated in a readable format, is the link back and forth

between the two editing environments.

What the Avid EDL Manager Does

The Avid EDL Manager generates an EDL from a sequence in a bin or from an OMFI file.

OMFI is a file format for importing and exporting media allowing you to share information

with other platforms. You can also read a previously saved EDL into Avid EDL Manager.

After creating an EDL, save it as a text file that is readable by different edit controllers, such

as Sony®, GVG, or CMX, or save the EDL as an OMFI composition.

Avid EDL Manager can create complex EDLs. You can specify the different audio and video

tracks in the sequence; add comments or patches. You can also specify the assembly modes

that the online edit controller uses when creating your program.

Avid EDL Manager is a standalone application, so you do not have to run an Avid editing

system when you create EDLs from sequences. When you run Avid EDL Manager with your

Avid editing system, you can bring the sequence that is currently in the editing system into

the Avid EDL Manager window. After working with the EDL in Avid EDL Manager, you

can create a sequence in the Avid editing system from the EDL.

Starting Avid EDL Manager

You can start Avid EDL Manager as a standalone application or you can start it from within

your Avid editing system application.

(Windows) To start Avid EDL Manager as a standalone application:

1. Click the Start button.

2. Point to Programs.

3. Point to Avid.

4. Point to Avid EDL Manager.

Avid EDL Manager opens as the active window, showing the Editor button connected to

the Update button by arrow button.

(Macintosh) To start Avid EDL Manager as a standalone application:

tDouble-click the Avid EDL Manager icon.

Avid EDL Manager opens.

Using Help

To start Avid EDL Manager from within your Avid editing system application:

tSelect Tools > EDL.

Avid EDL Manager opens as the active window, showing the Editor icon connected to

the Update button by arrow buttons.

Using Help

The Help provides all the information contained in the Avid EDL Manager User’s Guide,

and operates in a web browser. To open the Help, select Help > Avid EDL Manager Help in

the Avid EDL Manager application. For information about using the Help, click the Using

Help button in the Help system.

Using Avid EDL Manager with Your Avid Editing

System

If you start Avid EDL Manager from your Avid editing system or have Avid EDL Manager

and the editing system running at the same time, you can do the following:

• Create an EDL for the sequence loaded in the active monitor.

• Create a sequence in the Avid editing system from an EDL that is open in Avid EDL

Manager.

See the following sections for more information.

Creating an EDL from the Active Sequence

To create an EDL from the sequence currently loaded in the Avid editing system, do

one of the following in Avid EDL Manager:

tClick the Right Arrow button between the Editing System button and the Update button

in the Avid EDL Manager window.

1 Working with EDLs

tSelect File > Get Current Sequence.

The EDL appears in the Avid EDL Manager window and a Left Arrow button appears

under the Right Arrow button, indicating that you can now also create a sequence from

the EDL.

Creating a Sequence from an EDL

To create a sequence in your Avid editing system from an EDL that is open in Avid

EDL Manager:

1. With your Avid editing system running, do one of the following:

tClick the Left Arrow button between the Editing System button and the Update

button in the Avid EDL Manager window.

tSelect Create Composer Sequence from the Avid EDL Manager File menu.

The editing system becomes the active window and a dialog box opens. The dialog box

lists only those bins currently open in the editing system.

2. Do one of the following:

tSelect an existing bin in which to place the EDL sequence and then click OK.

tClick New Bin to create a new bin in which to place the EDL sequence.

The sequence is created in the bin you selected and Avid EDL Manager becomes the

active window again.

cBefore you load the sequence in the Record monitor, you should decompose the

sequence or batch digitize the clips to ensure that the sequence is associated with the

correct source clips.

You can create a sequence in your Avid editing system directly from an EDL.

Creating, Reading, and Printing an EDL

The Avid EDL Manager window displays the EDL you create or the existing EDL you open

or read. You can also print the EDL. You can display an EDL by following the procedures in

the following sections:

•Creating an EDL from the Active Sequence

•Reading an Existing EDL from the RT-11 Disk

•Printing an EDL

Creating an EDL from a Sequence, Existing EDL,

or OMFI File

To create an EDL from a sequence in a bin, from an existing EDL, or from an OMFI file:

1. Select File > Open.

The Select File to Open dialog box opens.

2. Select Common Files (*.avb, *.edl, *.omf) from the Files of type pop-up menu.

3. Navigate to the disk or folder that contains the file you want.

4. Select a file — either a sequence in a bin (.avb), another EDL (.edl), or an OMFI (.omf)

file — and click Open.

When you open an OMF file or a file from a bin, set the Project Type menu to match the

project used to create the file.

If you select a bin or an OMFI file, one of the following happens:

1 Working with EDLs

- If the file contains only one sequence, Avid EDL Manager creates the EDL for that

sequence.

- If the file contains more than one sequence, the Open dialog box opens.

5. Select a sequence and click OK.

The created EDL appears in the Avid EDL Manager window.

For information on changing the settings in the EDL, see “Customizing EDLs” on page

27.

Creating, Reading, and Printing an EDL

Reading an Existing EDL from the RT-11 Disk

To read an EDL that is saved on an RT-11 disk in a CMX, GVG, or high-density GVG

(HDGVG) edit controller format:

1. Insert the RT-11 disk that contains the EDL you want to read into the disk drive.

2. Select File > Read From RT11 Disk.

The Open dialog box opens.

3. Select the EDL you want and click OK.

The EDL opens in the Avid EDL Manager window.

When you open an OMF file or a file from a bin, set the Project Type menu to match the

project used to create the file. If you open an EDL other than from an OMF file or a file

from a bin, you must select a standard suboption.

To eject the RT-11 disk:

tSelect File > Eject RT11 Disk.

Printing an EDL

To print an open EDL:

1. Select File > Print EDL (Windows) or File > Print (Macintosh).

A dialog box opens.

2. Select the print options you want.

3. Click OK (Windows) or Print (Macintosh).

1 Working with EDLs

Saving an EDL

You can save an EDL as a text file with the .EDL file name extension or as an OMFI

composition. The location where you save the EDL is a DOS-formatted disk, a hard drive or

other storage device, or an RT-11 disk that is read by CMX or GVG edit controllers. For

information on formatting an RT-11 disk, see “Formatting an RT-11 Disk” on page 23.

Saving an EDL as a Text File or an OMFI Composition

To save an EDL as a text file or an OMFI composition:

1. Select one of the following:

tFile > Save As, to save the EDL as a text file

tFile > Save As OMFI, to save the EDL as an OMFI composition

A dialog box opens.

2. Navigate to the disk or folder where you want to save the EDL.

3. Accept the default file name or enter a new name.

If you are saving to a DOS-formatted disk for transfer to an edit controller, use a file

name that the edit controller can read. The name must be eight alphanumeric characters

or fewer in uppercase letters, followed by the file name extension (either .EDL or

.OMF). For example:

ALISON84.EDL

4. Click Save.

Avid EDL Manager saves the EDL to the location you specified.

Saving an EDL to an RT-11 Disk

You can save an EDL to an RT-11 disk. Use one of the following procedures:

To save an EDL to an RT-11 disk (Macintosh) :

1. Insert a CMX or GVG disk into the disk drive.

A message box opens.

Creating, Reading, and Printing an EDL

2. Click OK.

3. With an EDL open, select File > Write To RT11 Disk.

The Save As dialog box opens.

4. Do one of the following:

tClick OK to accept the EDL file name.

tType a new name and then click OK.

The name must be six or fewer alphanumeric characters, in uppercase letters, followed

by the .EDL file name extension.

For example:

WILL3A.EDL

Avid EDL Manager saves the EDL to the CMX or GVG disk.

nSome edit systems cannot read high-density disks (marked with the HD symbol), so you

might have to use a double-density disk. If you are in doubt, check with the online suite or

have the suite provide you with a formatted disk.

To save an EDL to an RT-11 disk (Windows):

1. Insert a CMX or GVG disk into the disk drive.

2. With an EDL open in the Avid EDL Manager window, select File > Write To RT11

Disk.

The Save As dialog box opens.

1 Working with EDLs

3. Do one of the following:

tClick OK to accept the EDL file name.

tType a new name and then click OK.

The name must be six or fewer alphanumeric characters, in uppercase letters, followed

by the .EDL file name extension.

For example:

WILL3A.EDL

Avid EDL Manager saves the EDL to the CMX or GVG disk.

nSome edit systems cannot read high-density disks (marked with the HD symbol), so you

might have to use a double-density disk. If you are in doubt, check with the online suite or

have the suite provide you with a formatted disk.

Verifying an RT-11 Save

Because an RT-11 disk is not initialized for Macintosh or Windows, you cannot see its

contents by using the standard operating system tools (for example, My Computer on

Windows). To verify that the EDL was saved successfully to the disk, you can follow the

first few steps of “Reading an Existing EDL from the RT-11 Disk” on page 19. If the EDL

appears in the Make Selection dialog box, then you know it was saved to the disk.

To verify that the EDL was saved to the disk:

1. Insert the RT-11 disk that contains the EDL you want to read into the disk drive.

2. Select File > Read From RT11 Disk.

The list of files for the RT-11 disk appears in the Open dialog box, allowing you to

verify that your EDL was saved to the disk.

3. Click Cancel to return to the Avid EDL Manager.

Copying an EDL between Storage Locations

To copy an EDL from one location to another:

1. Do one of the following:

tTo copy to an RT-11 disk, insert the RT-11 disk in the disk drive.

tTo copy from an RT-11 disk, insert an RT-11 disk in the disk drive.

(Macintosh only) A message appears stating that this is not a Macintosh disk.

2. Click OK.

Creating, Reading, and Printing an EDL

3. Select File > Copy To/From Disk.

A dialog box opens:

4. To select the EDL to copy, do one of the following:

tTo copy from an RT-11 disk, click Yes.

A list of EDL files appears. Select the EDL you want and click OK.

tTo copy from any other disk or drive, click No.

A dialog box opens.

5. Navigate to the file you want to open and click Open.

A dialog box opens, and asks if you want to write to an RT-11 disk.

6. To select the destination for the EDL copy, do one of the following:

tTo copy to an RT-11 disk, click Yes, accept the default file name or enter a new

name of six or fewer uppercase characters and then click OK.

tTo copy to any other disk or drive, click No.

A dialog box opens.

7. Navigate to the location where you want to save the file and click Save.

You can copy an EDL from any drive or disk storage location to another without having

to open the EDL in the Avid EDL Manager window or switch to operating system tools

such as My Computer. The storage locations, including RT-11 disks, must be accessible

to your computer.

Formatting an RT-11 Disk

You can use an RT-11 disk in Avid EDL Manager formatted in one of the following:

•CMX

•GVG

• HDGVG (high-density GVG)

cWhen you take a DOS or Macintosh-formatted disk and format it as an RT-11 disk,

data on the disk is erased.

1 Working with EDLs

To format an RT-11 disk:

1. Select File > Format RT11 Disk.

A dialog box opens telling you to insert a diskette.

2. Insert a DOS-formatted disk (Windows) or a blank disk (Macintosh) into the drive and

click OK.

A message box opens warning that all data on the disk will be lost.

3. Click OK.

A dialog box opens.

4. Select an EDL disk type format.

Avid EDL Manager formats the disk.

Viewing the Tape List in the Source Table

The source table has one row for each source tape. The three columns provide the following

information:

• The user-defined name for a source tape

• The Avid-defined name for a source tape

• The Avid import ID, which is the internal identification for your Avid source tape

The exact format for these columns varies depending on the format of your EDL.

Before your online session, you might want to print the source table on paper.

To print the source table:

tSelect File > Print EDL.

The source table lists all source tapes in the sequence that the EDL describes. The

source table is a useful reference when you assemble your program.

Creating, Reading, and Printing an EDL

To view the source table:

tClick the Sources button in the Avid EDL Manager window. A list of source tapes

appears.

nIf Sources is already selected before you open an EDL, the source table appears when you

complete the opening procedure. To view the master EDL display, click Master in the Avid

EDL Manager window.

User-defined name Avid-defined name Avid import ID

1 Working with EDLs

2Customizing EDLs

This chapter describes how to customize an edit decision list by changing a variety of

settings. It also explains how to save settings for use with other EDLs.

This chapter includes the following sections:

•Avid EDL Manager Option Settings

•The Avid EDL Manager Window

•Changing Settings in the Options Window

•Changing Options in the Site Settings Dialog Box

Avid EDL Manager Option Settings

Initially, Avid EDL Manager uses default option settings to generate the EDL unless you

customize the EDL by changing the settings for any of the options. You can change the

settings, save them to a file, and then use the settings file for other EDLs; or you can

continue to manipulate the settings until you find the most effective combination for your

sequence.

Settings that you can change are located in several places within Avid EDL Manager. See the

following sections:

•The Avid EDL Manager Window

•Changing Settings in the Options Window

•Changing Options in the Site Settings Dialog Box

As you choose the settings for your EDL, remember that they might significantly affect the

online session in terms of time and money. For example, if you finish your program in a suite

with preread capabilities, choosing the preread option in the Avid EDL Manager application

can save time in dubbing sources and save money in additional deck rental.

2 Customizing EDLs

The Avid EDL Manager Window

Use the Avid EDL Manager window to change or select the following settings:

• Title name of your EDL

• Video tracks and audio channels

• Views of the EDL — master list, dupe list, or source table

• Settings to apply to the EDL

• Project type used to create the sequence

• EDL type to generate

• Source timecode type

• Record timecode type

Changing the Title of an EDL

You can change the title of your EDL at any time. For example, if you want to open an EDL

and modify it in some way, you can then retitle the modified version to distinguish it from

the original. If you then save the new version by using a new file name, you have two distinct

versions of the EDL with different titles and file names.

Video and Audio

Track Selector panel

EDL title Views

Update button

Source timecode Record timecode

EDL

To access the

Options window

Video Tracks and Audio Channels

nChanging the title of an EDL does not automatically create a new file. To create a new file,

you must save the EDL by choosing File > Save As. In the Save As dialog box that opens (for

an EDL with a changed title), the system supplies a new file name by default — the first six

characters of the new name plus the .EDL file name extension. You can accept this file name

or modify it before you save the EDL.

To change the title of an EDL:

1. Click the Title text box.

2. Delete the old title and type a new one.

3. Click Update.

The new title appears as the first line of the EDL.

Video Tracks and Audio Channels

Avid EDL Manager works with a maximum of 24 video tracks and 24 audio channels,

depending on the edit controller format you select, as described in “Changing Settings in the

Options Window” on page 37. The capabilities of the edit controller determine how many

output tracks (channels) you can use.

The Track Selector panel in the Avid EDL Manager window controls the selection of video

and audio tracks for the EDL. Each button in the panel represents one channel of audio or

video in the EDL.

Initially, Avid EDL Manager uses the following panel configuration:

The number on each button refers to the channel from the sequence that is assigned to that

channel in the EDL.

If you create an EDL from a simple sequence that contains one video track and up to four

audio channels, you can use the default arrangement of the Track Selector panel. For other

situations, you can reconfigure the Track Selector panel.

Including or Excluding Specific Tracks

If multiple audio channels and video tracks exist in your sequence, you might want to

include only certain tracks in the EDL.

Audio channels

Video track

Track Selector panel

2 Customizing EDLs

To specify which tracks to include or exclude:

1. Click the audio or video track button in the Track Selector panel.

A pop-up menu of channels (or tracks) appears. The number of audio channels listed

depends on your edit controller.

2. Do one of the following:

tSelect a track number from the pop-up menu.

tSelect the minus sign (–), at the top of the pop-up menu, to turn off a track.

The track number or the minus sign appears on the button.

3. Click Update.

Redefining a Track

You can assign any track from your sequence to any track in your EDL. Keeping channel A1

in the sequence as the first audio channel in the EDL is not necessary.

For example, if you decide to move audio channel 16 in your sequence to audio channel 1 in

your EDL, you would select A16 from the pop-up menu.

EDL

channels

Track selected to

include in the EDL

Video Tracks and Audio Channels

The underlined number in the list of available tracks — in this case, A1 — is a reminder that

you are moving A16 to the EDL audio channel 1.

The audio button displays A16, indicating that you have assigned track A16 from the

sequence to the first audio channel in the EDL.

When you generate your list, the EDL refers to this channel as A1 because it is the first

audio channel in the EDL itself.

Combining or Isolating Tracks

Depending on the complexity of your sequence, you can combine or isolate video tracks.

cWhen you save successive EDLs for the same sequence, be sure to devise a system for

giving each file a unique name, such as SOURCE1.EDL, SOURCE2.EDL, and so on.

For simple sequences, you can combine video tracks.

For sequences too complex to be represented in one EDL, you can isolate a video track. As

an example, you might have multiple layers of keys or a key over a superimposition (super)

with color correction, and so on. Track isolation creates successive EDLs for the same

sequence, each with a different video track.

To combine a video track:

tSelect the All V (All Video) setting from the Video Track pop-up menu.

Avid EDL Manager combines all the video tracks in a sequence into one representative

video track in the EDL. When you combine video tracks and the list is too complex,

Avid EDL Manager simplifies the list. To see error messages, select

Windows > Console. For more information on the Console window, see “Removing

Issues in Complex Sequences” on page 57.

To isolate a video track:

1. Assign a single video track from the sequence, such as V1, to the Avid EDL Manager

video track.

2. Save this EDL with a unique name.

3. Repeat the steps for each video track you want to isolate.

2 Customizing EDLs

Creating Stereo Channels

By assigning the same audio channel from your sequence to two different EDL Track

Selector panels, you can create stereo channels. For example, to create stereo channels using

A16 from your sequence, assign A16 to both audio tracks 1 and 2 in Avid EDL Manager:

To create stereo channels:

1. Click an audio button in the Track Selector panel.

2. Select the audio channel in the sequence from which you want to create a stereo

channel.

3. Click another audio button.

4. Select the same audio channel from the sequence to assign to this EDL channel.

5. Click Update.

Choosing a Format for the Audio Channels

Your EDL can include a maximum of 24 audio channels at any one time in the EDL,

depending on the edit controller format you choose. For information on choosing an edit

controller format, see “Choosing an EDL Type” on page 38.

Displaying Different Views of an EDL

To display one of the views in the Avid EDL Manager window:

tClick the button of the view you want to see.

For more information, see “Setting the Master List Tab” on page 41, “Setting Up a Dupe

List” on page 44, and “Creating, Reading, and Printing an EDL” on page 17.

Audio Channel

buttons

Displaying Different Views of an EDL

Selecting EDL Settings

EDL Settings allow you to organize and recall customized settings in whatever way is useful

for your work. You can create file settings for each editor who works on your system or

create settings for each type of edit controller you regularly work with.

The Settings pop-up menu lists the name of the current file your EDL is using and any other

files you have saved. It also lists any temporary files, shown as italicized file names. Avid

EDL Manager automatically creates a temporary file as you make and apply changes in the

Options window (see “Changing Settings in the Options Window” on page 37). To save your

customized options, see “Saving Options to a File” on page 52.

To open an existing file or a temporary file:

1. Click the Settings pop-up menu.

A list of settings files appears.

2. Select the file you want to open.

Avid EDL Manager loads the option settings associated with that file name. To see the

options that are set for this settings file, open the Options window by choosing

Windows > Options. The name of the file appears in the Settings File text box in the

Options window.

Selecting the EDL Type

Use the EDL Type menu to specify the type of EDL format.

To set the EDL Type

1. Click the EDL Type pop-up menu.

2. Select your EDL format from the list.

You can also select the EDL type format from the Options window. See “Choosing an

EDL Type” on page 38 for information on each format on the list.

2 Customizing EDLs

Adjusting the Timecodes

The Avid EDL Manager allows you to select the Source TC and Record TC to use in

generating the EDL

Setting the Source Timecode

Use the Source TC pop-up menu to select the source timecode. The Avid editing system

supports many source timecodes.

To select the Source timecode:

1. Click the Source TC pop-up menu.

2. Select a frame rate option.

Source timecodes Record timecodes

Source TC

pop-up menu

Record TC

pop-up menu

Adjusting the Timecodes

The following table explains the Source frame rate options.

Avid EDL Manager adjusts the frame rates and displays the new timecode in the source

column of the EDL.

3. Click the Update button.

Avid EDL Manager displays the new Source timecode in the EDL.

You can also select the Source timecode from the Options window. “Setting Source and

Record Timecodes” on page 40.

Setting the Record Timecode

Use the Record TC pop-up menu to select the record timecode. The Avid editing system

supports many record timecodes.

To select the Record timecode:

1. Click the Record TC pop-up menu.

2. Select a frame rate option from the Record TC pop-up menu.

Source Timecodes

Source TC Description

Start The starting timecode

24 24 fps

25P 25 fps pulldown drop frame

25 25 fps

30 30 fps pulldown drop frame

30NP 30 fps non-drop frame without pulldown

Auxiliary TC 1 – TC 5 The timecode from the timecode column in the bin

Aux TC24 24 fps auxiliary timecode

FilmTC Film timecode.

SoundTC Audio timecode.

VITC The vertical interval timecode

2 Customizing EDLs

The following table explains the options.

Avid EDL Manager adjusts the frame rates and displays the new timecode in the Record

timecode column of the EDL.

3. Click the Update button.

Avid EDL Manager displays the new Record timecode in the EDL.

Finding Edits in a Field

While field dominance is generally consistent for video-originated material, the pulldown of

the film transfer determines field dominance for 24p and 25p material. This field

information, which is important for color correction of 24p and 25p material, is indicated in

the timecode display.

The timecode format is as follows:

hh:mm:ssXff

where X stands for a punctuation symbol.

The following table explains how X indicates the timecode format and field.

Record Timecodes Description

TC 1 The timecode from the timecode column in the bin.

24 24 fps

25P 25 fps pulldown drop frame

25 25 fps

30DF 30 fps drop frame

30ND 30 fps non-drop frame

30NP 30 fps non-drop frame without pulldown

Timecode Formats

Symbol Example Field Timecode Format

. (period) 04:50:25.05 Field 1 Non-drop-frame

Updating an EDL with Avid EDL Manager Window Changes

Updating an EDL with Avid EDL Manager Window

Changes

The changes you make to the Track Selector panel or to the Source and Record pop-up

menus do not take effect until you update the EDL.

To update an EDL with changes:

tClick the Update button.

The Update button flashes to indicate when you should update.

Changing Settings in the Options Window

You can further customize your EDL by defining options in the Avid EDL Manager Options

window. The Avid EDL Manager Options window provides four tabs in which you can set

the required options. These tabs include the following:

•Master List

•Dupe List

• Options

•Comments

nAvid EDL Manager initially uses default settings to generate your EDL, if you do not

customize the EDL. For any subsequent EDL, Avid EDL Manager uses settings from the

previously generated EDL, unless you specify a settings file to use.

: (colon) 04:50:25:05 Field 2 Non-drop-frame

, (comma) 04:50:25,05 Field 1 Drop frame

; (semi-colon) 04:50:25;05 Field 2 Drop frame

Timecode Formats (Continued)

Symbol Example Field Timecode Format

2 Customizing EDLs

To change option settings:

tClick the Edit button.

The Options window opens.

Choosing an EDL Type

Avid EDL Manager needs to know the format and version number of your edit controller. If

you do not select a type, Avid EDL Manager uses type CMX_3600, which is the most

common format. The following table lists the available EDL formats and the number of

audio channels that each format supports.

nCheck with your online house before you make an edit decision list. As a backup, always

create a list based on the CMX_3600 type — it is the most common type. Otherwise, create

several lists in different types with distinct titles and file names. You are prepared if your list

does not load or you are moved to another editing room at the last minute.For information

on going to the online suite, see “Check List for Online Editing” on page 61.

To select a type:

1. Select Windows > Options.

2. Click the EDL Type pop-up menu and select an EDL type.

3. Click Apply.

nA type might be available in several versions. For example, Avid supports GVG 4.1 and GVG

7.0 types.

Edit button

Choosing an EDL Type

The following table explains the EDL types.

EDL Types and Audio Channels

EDL Type Number of Audio Channels

Abekas_Solo_(ASCII) 2

Ace 25 2

Ace_25_4.1_4.1 2

AmpexACE 200_9.10.03 4

Avida24

CMX_340 2

CMX_3400 4

CMX_3600 4

CMX_DigitalCut 4

CMX_Pulldown 4

CMX_Transfer 4

Cuedos_1 16

GVG_4.1_6.0 4

GVG_7.0_7.0 4

Paltex 2

Sony_5000 2

Sony_9000_1.0_2.21 4

Sony_9000_2.22_2.32 4

Sony_9100_1.02_1.04 4

Sony_9100_1.1_2.11 4

Sony_DigitalCut 4

2 Customizing EDLs

nIf you mix down audio channels, Avid EDL Manager does not represent them properly in an

EDL. Once audio channels are mixed down, Avid EDL Manager does not have a source to

associate them with, and therefore cannot find the timecode values it needs to create a list.

Selecting the Switcher

The Switcher pop-up menu displays a list of the various GVG and Sony switcher systems.

Select your switcher from the list. The default selection is SMPTE.

To select a switcher:

1. Select Windows > Options.

2. Select your switcher from the Switcher pop-up menu.

3. Click Apply.

Setting Source and Record Timecodes

Set the Source and Record timecodes in the Master List tab for all project types.

To set Source and Record timecodes:

1. Select Windows > Options.

2. Select a frame rate option from the Source TC pop-up menu, the Record TC pop-up

menu, or both.

For information on Source choices, see “Setting the Source Timecode” on page 34.

For the information on Record choices, see “Setting the Record Timecode” on page 35.

3. Click Apply.

Sony_Pulldown 4

Sony_Transfer 4

a. Avid is not available as a selection from the Type menu.

However, you might want to generate an EDL for further use

with an Avid editing system. In this case, you can preserve up to

24 channels of audio information by choosing 24 from the Audio

Channels pop-up menu in the Options tab (see “Saving Options

to a File” on page 52).

EDL Types and Audio Channels (Continued)

EDL Type Number of Audio Channels

Setting the Master List Tab

In the Master List tab of the Options window, you can specify several options (see

“Changing Settings in the Options Window” on page 37).

• Source TC

• Record TC

•Reel ID Type

• Sort Mode

• Pulldown starting frame

• Starting Event Number

• Starting TC

Selecting the Reel ID Type

The following table describes the various reel ID types.

nIf you change the reel ID, you must reload the sequence from the bin, OMFI file, or Record

monitor.

To select the reel ID type:

1. Select Windows > Options.

2. Click the pop-up menu.

3. Select a type from the Reel ID Type list.

4. Click Apply.

Type Notes

Tape Uses the reel ID from the tape source from which you digitized

your video.

Sound roll Uses the reel ID from the sound roll source, such as DAT (if

you entered this information in the bin). Used for film projects.

Camera roll Uses the reel ID from the camera source (if you entered this

information in the bin). Used for film projects.

Labroll

Disk Label

2 Customizing EDLs

Sorting the Order of Events

To minimize the amount of time the edit controller spends shuttling linear tapes, you can

select the appropriate sort mode. Sort mode affects only the order of the events and not their

content.

cDo not select a sort mode and then expect to change it again in the online session unless

you have Avid EDL Manager installed at the site. Some edit controllers cannot re-sort

an EDL.

To select a sort mode for your EDL:

1. Select Windows > Options.

2. Click the EDL Sort Mode pop-up menu and select a sort mode.

3. Click Apply.

nSelect mode A if you are unsure about which sort mode to use.

The following table describes the different ways you can use each mode.

EDL Sort Modes

Mode Sorts by Results in Use when

(Record IN)

Record IN timecode. Sequential editing from one

IN point on the record tape

to the next.

You have a short show, want to

generate a simple, flexible

EDL, or need to make many

last-minute decisions.

(Source, Record IN)

Individual source reel,

then by the Record IN

timecode.

Checkerboard editing on the

record reel, one source reel

to the next.

The length of source material

is roughly equivalent to the

length of the finished show.

(Source, Source IN)

Individual source reel,

then by the Source IN

timecode.

Checkerboard editing on the

record reel, with sequential

playback of material from

each source.

The length of source material

is much greater than the length

of the finished show.

(Source Start,

Source IN)

Source IN timecode,

then by individual

source reel.

Direct sequential transfer of

source material by record

reel.

The length of source material

is much greater than the length

of the finished show.

Setting the Master List Tab

Selecting the Pulldown Starting Frame

The Pulldown starting frame option on the Master List tab is used with 24p and 25p projects

and allows you to select the start frame for your generated EDL.

To set the pulldown start frame:

1. Select Windows > Options.

2. Select one of the following options from the Pulldown menu:

- Sequence — default setting, based on start frame set in sequence

- A Frame — sets pulldown start frame to A

- B Frame — sets pulldown start frame to B

3. Click Apply.

Starting Event Number

The highest number accepted by most edit controllers is 999. You should not need to change

this number. If you do change the number, use the following procedure.

To change the starting event number:

1. Select Windows > Options.

2. Type in the text box.

3. Click Apply.

(Source, Record IN,

Effects at End)

Individual source reel,

then by the Record In

timecode. Sorts effects

at the end.

Same as B, but with all

effects saved for the end.

The length of source material

is roughly equivalent to the

length of the finished show,

and there are many special

effects.

(Source, Source IN,

Effects at End)

Individual source reel,

then by the Source IN

timecode. Sorts effects

at the end.

Same as C, but with all

effects saved for the end.

The length of source material

is much greater than the length

of the finished show, and there

are many special effects.

(Source Start)

Source IN timecode

only.

Direct sequential transfer of

source material, in matching

order on the record reel.

Completing one-light

transfers.

EDL Sort Modes (Continued)

Mode Sorts by Results in Use when

2 Customizing EDLs

Setting the Starting Timecode

The Master List tab Starting TC option allows you to base the record start time on either the

sequence currently active in your Avid editing system, or the timecode that you specify.

To specify a timecode:

tEnter a time in the text box.

Setting Up a Dupe List

A dupe reel is a compilation of the duplicate clips that you need to conform a sequence, or

make the final show from your editing. If you have clips that a transition effect joins from a

single tape, you need to dupe a clip so that another source tape exists to transition to and

from, as one tape cannot be in two places at once. The second source tape is called a B-roll.

The following figure illustrates the use of dupe clips and a B-roll:

A dupe list is a list of duplicate clips. The editor conforms the dupe list onto a separate tape,

which is then used as a source when editing the final show from the master list.

Sequence Shot 1, Source A Shot 2, Source A

Dissolve

Shot 2, Source A

B-roll (Handle) (Handle)

Setting Up a Dupe List

In the Dupe List tab, you can set the dupe list options.

To set the Dupe List tab options:

1. Select Window > Options.

2. Click the Dupe List tab in the Options window.

3. To select options, do the following:

tClick the List pop-up menu and select a dupe reel type.

tType in the text box.

4. Click Apply.

The following table explains the options.

Dupe List Tab Options

Option Suboption Notes

List type None Creates no dupe reel.

One, New

Timecodes

Creates one dupe reel with a timecode you select.

One, Jam Sync Creates one dupe reel with timecodes from the original

sources.

Multiple

(B-rolls)

Appends a “B” to the incoming source when transitions

are made from a single source.

Preread Creates no dupe list. Adapts the EDL master list to

accommodate duplicate frames as preread frames when

editing with digital decks. For more information on

preread, see “Using the Preread Option” on page 46.

Dupe reel name Type your reel name in the text box.

2 Customizing EDLs

Using the Preread Option

Preread (see “Setting Up a Dupe List” on page 44) is an increasingly popular choice for

online editing because more suites now have digital decks. Preread allows an editor to make

a transition between two segments of a single source. The online session requires fewer

source decks, and preread virtually eliminates the need for dupe reels, allowing online

editing to move more quickly. This saves both time and resources.

Without preread, a dissolve between two shots from a single source requires three decks: two

source decks and a record deck. One of the shots must be dubbed out and played from a

second source deck. With preread, the third deck and the dubbing out are unnecessary.

nWith preread edits, the cut before the transition (sometimes called the A-side, or outgoing

footage) is overrecorded. The overrecord area must be equal to or greater than the duration

of the transition. You specify the source name of the “to” side of a preread transition in the

Preread name text box (see “Setting Up a Dupe List” on page 44) of the Dupe List/Preread

area in the Options window.

Preread name Used to specify the source name of the “to” side in a

preread transition (see “Using the Preread Option” on

page 46). The new name overrides the old for the

duration of the session.

Starting Event Number Changes the dupe reel’s starting event number.

Starting Timecode Specifies the starting record timecode of the dupe reel.

Handle Size Enter the length of extra material to include before and

after cuts on the dupe reel.

To avoid handles, set this number to 00:00:00:00.

Dupe all transitions Forces a B-roll for every transition.

Dupe List Tab Options (Continued)

Option Suboption Notes

Adjusting the Options Tab Settings

The Options tab provides settings that simplify the EDL, changes dissolves and wipes to

cuts, and converts tapenames to numbers.

To set the Options tab options:

1. Select Window > Options.

2. Click the Options tab in the Options window.

3. To set an option, do the following:

tClick an option to select or deselect it.

tSelect an option from a pop-up menu.

4. Click Apply.

The following table explains the options.

Option Description

Optimize the EDL Optimization is a process that simplifies your EDL. An optimized EDL

contains simplified text and events that are combined or condensed to speed up

the online assembly process. If two tracks of video and one channel of audio

share the same Record IN and Record OUT timecodes and they come from the

same source tape, optimization expresses them as one edit instead of three.

Show Dissolves as Cuts Changes all dissolves to cuts.

Show Audio Dissolves as

Cuts

Changes all audio dissolves to cuts.

Show Wipes as Cuts Changes all wipes to cuts.

2 Customizing EDLs

nIf you select both Optimize the EDL and Show Dissolves as Cuts, Avid EDL Manager

displays an alert message. This does not affect the sequence in your bin, OMFI file, or

Record monitor. You can always reset the dissolves by reloading your bin.

Setting the Tapename Truncation

The Tapename truncation pop-up menu of the Options tab allows you to determine which

part of the tapename you want to save.

To set the tapename truncation:

1. Select the Window > Options.

2. Click the Options tab.

3. Select an option from the Tapename truncation pop-up menu.

4. Click Apply.

The following table explains these options.

Include Black Edits Includes filler as black edits (video only). Select this option to have Cuts to

Black appear in your EDL.

Convert tapenames to

numbers

Changes all generated EDL reel ID names to numbers.

Include Source table with

saved EDL

Includes the source table information whenever you save an EDL.

Tapename truncation pop-up

Determines which part of the tapename you want to save. For more

information, see “Setting the Tapename Truncation” on page 48.

Number of Audio Channels

pop-up menu

Use for selecting the number of channels. Choose 4 or 24 channels. For a list of

edit controllers and the number of supported audio channels, see “Choosing a

Format for the Audio Channels” on page 32.

Option Description (Continued)

Tapename Truncation Options

Option Example Description Use When

Remove End CHICAGO138101

becomes

CHICAGO1.

Truncates the end of the tape

name. This method is the

default.

Distinguishing segment of

tape name is at the beginning.

Selecting Options from the Comments Tab

The Options window Comments tab allows you to select the types of comments and other

information generated during the editing of a sequence to display in the EDL. Displaying

this information can be helpful when conforming the program in an online suite.

To select a Comments tab option:

1. Select Window > Options.

2. Click the Comments tab.

Remove Middle CHICAGO138101

becomes

CHIC8101.

Takes half of the allowed

number of characters from the

front and the other half from

the end of the tape name.

Sequentially numbered series

of tape names, such as

CHICAGO138100,

CHICAGO138101, and so

forth.

Remove Beginning CHICAGO138101

becomes

GO138101.

Removes the beginning of the

tape name.

Distinguishing segment of

tape name is at the end, such

as tape names with very long

numbers in a large library

system.

Keep First Character,

End

CHICAGO138101

becomes

CO138101.

Keeps the first character and

the last characters and

removes everything in

between.

Distinguishing segment of

tape name is at the end.

Tapename Truncation Options (Continued)

Option Example Description Use When

2 Customizing EDLs

3. Click an option in the Comments tab to select or deselect it.

The selected options that appear in the EDL are prefixed by asterisks (*).

4. Click Apply.

The following table explains the options.

cSome edit controllers might not be able to load comments successfully. Check with the

online editor to make sure the edit controller can support these types of comments. If

necessary, you can create two separate versions of the list — one without comments for

the edit controller and one with comments — that you can print for your own

reference.

The Effects Comment

If you select Effects, Avid EDL Manager generates a comment in the EDL that indicates the

type of effect and its parameters. Effect types available in Avid EDL Manager are:

• Picture-in-Pictures

• Superimpositions

Comments Tab Options

Option Description

Audio EQ Refers to audio equalization (EQ) information. Avid EDL Manager generates

comments containing EQ values specified for clips with audio EQ.

Audio Patching Aids during the manual setup of cross-channel patching.

Clip Names Includes names associated with the source clips in Avid editing system bins.

Comments Includes comments about events in the EDL that were added during editing.

Effects Refers to information about special effects; for more information, see “The

Effects Comment” on page 50.

Locators Includes locator text added to the sequence during digitize.

Pan/Volume Info Displays pan and volume levels in each event: pan levels are measured in

percentages left and right of center and volume is measured in +/– decibels.

Pulldown Shows the frame rate.

Repair Notes Indicates modifications made to the EDL by Avid EDL Manager; for more

information, see “The Repair Notes Comment” on page 51.

The Repair Notes Comment

•Masks

• Resize and Blowup

• Flip, Flop, and Flip-Flop

•Color Effects

• Film Dissolves

•Film Fades

• Fades to Color

• Fades from Color

•Keys

•Wipes

• Rolling and crawling titles

For more information on effects, see your Avid editing system documentation.

The Repair Notes Comment

Repair notes indicate changes Avid EDL Manager makes to handle a complex EDL or

discrepancies Avid EDL Manager finds in the sequence. If you select the Repair Notes

option in the Comments tab of the Options window, Avid EDL Manager displays changes

that it makes, such as limiting the number of frames in a dissolve or invalid Source In times.

The following example shows two repair notes:

For more information on the use of repair notes, see “Removing Issues in Complex

Sequences” on page 57.

Example

of repair

notes

2 Customizing EDLs

Saving Options to a File

To save your customized options as a file:

1. Make changes to any of the option settings as described in this chapter .

2. Click one of the following buttons:

- Apply — saves your settings to a temporary file and brings the Avid EDL Manager

window to the front. The italicized name of the temporary file appears in the

Settings pop-up menu of the Avid EDL Manager window. The file remains

temporary until you click the Save As button and provide a file name.

- Save As — saves the options to a new settings file. A dialog box opens in which you

provide a file name for the settings file. The new name appears in two places:

- In the Settings pop-up menu in the Avid EDL Manager window

- In the Settings File text box of the Options window

nClick the Revert button to discard your changes and reinstate the options of the current

settings file.

Changing Options in the Site Settings Dialog Box

You can change serial transmission, list font, and printer font options in the Site Settings

dialog box.

To open the Site Settings dialog box:

tSelect Edit > Site Settings.

Changing Font Options

The List Font and Printer Font tabs in the Site Settings dialog box allow you to change the

font and size of the text in your EDL. The List Font tab affects the on-screen display; the

Printer Font tab affects the printed version of the EDL.

To change the font and font size of your EDL text:

1. Click either the List Font or Printer Font tab, depending on which font you want to

change.

2. Select a font from the Font pulldown menu.

3. Type a number in the Font Size text box.

4. Click OK.

Changing Serial Transfer Options

Set up serial transfer options only if you are transferring an EDL to an online editor by

means of serial transmission.

For information on using the Site Settings dialog box to define the serial transmission and

options, see “Using Serial Transfer to Transmit EDLs” on page 67.

2 Customizing EDLs

3Editing and Troubleshooting EDLs

You can edit an EDL with a text editor to clean up the EDL for a successful reading. You can

also troubleshoot EDLs by using techniques described in this chapter.

This chapter includes the following sections:

•Using a Text Editor to Edit an EDL

•Removing Issues in Complex Sequences

•Locating Trouble Spots

•Avoiding Problems in EDLs

Online Resources

The following web sites contain useful information on working with EDLs:

•www.zerocut.com

•www.24p.com

Besides tips on using and creating EDLs, these web pages contain links to other online

resources.

Using a Text Editor to Edit an EDL

You can use a text editor to delete or change information in the EDL that might not read

correctly into Avid EDL Manager.

Use the following tips when editing an EDL:

• Create a copy of the EDL.

• Edit the copied EDL rather than the original. You can then revert to the original if you

make errors.

• Delete only the information you want to delete; do not delete any extra characters. If you

delete extra characters, you might see further errors when you try to read the EDL again.

3 Editing and Troubleshooting EDLs

The following sections describe possible edits you can make to clean up the EDL for

successful reading. To make sure Avid EDL Manager can read your EDL, complete the

following procedures. If the first procedure does not solve the problem, proceed to the next.

Fitting the Format to the Avid EDL Manager

If you are having trouble reading a list in Avid EDL Manager, it is possible the list does not

meet Avid EDL Manager formatting requirements.

The following is a check list of the most common formatting problems:

tCheck the format layout to verify that the columns are in the correct place and the

characters are correct for your edit controller.

If you use an editor that can display hidden characters, turn on that feature to view

spacing, tabs, and carriage returns more easily. If you are unsure about the layout, see

the edit controller documentation from the online suite.

tDelete all general-purpose interface triggers.

These triggers, labeled GPI, cause problems reading into

Avid EDL Manager.

tDelete any Master/Slave comments.

These comments, preceded by the MS symbol, cause problems reading into Avid EDL

Manager.

tChange the source names in the EDL from Aux and Black to an unused reel number.

When you create a new EDL, this new number represents Aux and Black. You need to

do this because Avid EDL Manager reads only numbers, not letters.

Changing the Header Format

Sometimes the EDL does not read properly because the Avid EDL Manager does not

recognize the header format. This can happen if you use an EDL not generated by an Avid

video editing system. If this is the case, replace the unreadable header with an EDL header

generated by the Avid editing system.

To make sure the header format matches the EDL:

1. Delete the current header from the EDL you are trying to read.

2. Generate a list in Avid EDL Manager that is the same format as the EDL you are trying

to read.

3. Open an EDL generated by an Avid video editing system and copy the EDL headers.

4. Paste the EDL headers into the EDL you are trying to read.

Removing Issues in Complex Sequences

When a sequence is too complex for the Avid EDL Manager to describe, it generates error

messages and tries to simplify the sequence. This happens most frequently when you try to

generate a list for a sequence that has multiple video tracks.

Avid EDL Manager’s attempts at simplifying complex sequences are pointed out in the

repair notes and appear as comments within the list.

You can avoid having Avid EDL Manager simplify your composition by requesting a

separate list for each video track. This is known as track isolation. Or you can delete

comments and motion effects that might be causing problems.

Using the Console Window to Display Messages

Use the following procedures to access Console window messages for EDL Manager.

To display Avid EDL Manager messages:

tSelect Window > Console.

The Console window opens.

To get help about console commands:

tType Help in the Command text box, and then press Return.

A description of how to use the Help command appears in the message area.

Command text box

Message area

Recall button

Repeat button

3 Editing and Troubleshooting EDLs

To display a previous command in the Command text box:

tClick the Recall button (F3).

To perform a previous command:

tClick the Repeat button (F2).

To clear the display:

tClick the Clear button.

Always check the Console window after making a list. Error messages appear in the

Console window if certain comments or events cause problems.

Avid EDL Manager generally identifies motion effects by M1, M2, and so on.

cDo not use the programming functions of the Console window without the guidance of

an Avid professional. If you need help interpreting information in the Console window,

contact your local Avid Reseller; in North America, call Avid Customer Support at

1-800-800-AVID (2843).

Fixing Difficult Transitions

Specific transitions can cause difficulties for the Avid EDL Manager. For example, a color

effect on a resized motion-controlled clip that dissolves to an imported graphic file

overwhelms the Avid EDL Manager’s descriptive capacities, forcing a repair note. Less

obvious complexities can also affect list generation.

You can best resolve these problems by isolating the offending transitions and simplifying or

removing them.

Locating Trouble Spots

You can isolate trouble spots in several ways. They include slicing and dicing, and trying one

track at a time.

Slicing and Dicing

The most effective method for finding trouble spots is slicing and dicing the sequence.

Slicing and dicing isolates trouble spots by dividing sequences in half and testing for

successful generation.

To slice and dice the sequence with your Avid editing system:

1. Load the sequence into the Source monitor.

2. Mark an IN point at the head frame and an OUT point halfway through.

Avoiding Problems in EDLs

3. Cut this portion over to the Record side.

4. Test this portion of the sequence by creating an EDL.

If the EDL is generated successfully, you know that the problem is in the second half of

the sequence. If not, subdivide the sequence elsewhere to further isolate the source of

the problem.

To subdivide the sequence:

tLoad the unsuccessful half into the Source monitor and repeat steps 2 through 4 in the

preceding procedure.

Trying One Track at a Time

You can isolate trouble spots by generating an EDL using one track at a time. The problem

might be on a particular track. For information on isolating tracks, see “Combining or

Isolating Tracks” on page 31.

Avoiding Problems in EDLs

You can help resolve problems by trying the following:

•Simplifying Effects

•Looking for Missing Information

•Dealing with Corruptions

Simplifying Effects

You can simplify effects in your sequence that are overly complex. For example, you can

remove a color effect from a resized segment. Use comments to help re-create the original

sequence in the online suite.

Looking for Missing Information

Occasionally, Avid EDL Manager fails to generate a list because clips in the sequence are

missing information essential to the EDL (for example, you try to create an audio list by

using clips lacking audio timecode).

Try the following suggestions if you suspect a problem caused by missing information:

• Scan your bins for any obvious omissions of statistics you need for your sequence.

• Use the slice and dice technique to isolate difficulties.

3 Editing and Troubleshooting EDLs

• In your Avid editing system, find the overlap frame of troublesome clips, then use the

Find Bin command to check their statistics.

• Add information to the bin as needed.

Dealing with Corruptions

Corruptions can hamper list generation. Corruptions are areas where information relating to

a clip or transition was damaged or lost, preventing the system from describing it in an EDL.

In extreme cases, corruption prevents the clip from playing. The most effective way of

dealing with corruptions is to cut them out and replace them.

Scrupulously backing up a project can reward you if you encounter corruptions. Using an

earlier, uncorrupted version of a sequence that does not exhibit the corruption can save you

considerable time.

ACheck List for Online Editing

When you move from nonlinear to linear editing systems and generate EDLs to help

re-create your sequence online, you might encounter obstacles. For example, an EDL

generated in one format can be incompatible with the edit controller at the online suite, or

you might not be aware of the dupe reel characteristics your EDL should contain. Problems

like these can result in an unproductive and costly online session.

This appendix contains a list of suggestions to help you avoid or minimize problems. See the

following topics:

•Calling Ahead to the Online Suite

•Deciding What to Take to the Online Suite

•Double-Checking the EDL File Names

If you have questions, contact your local Avid Reseller; in North America, call Avid

Customer Support at 800-800-AVID (2843).

Calling Ahead to the Online Suite

Before you finish working offline, call the online suite to find out the following:

• What types of edit controllers does the online suite have? Find out all the different types

in case you are assigned to one edit controller but end up using another when you get

there. If possible, go to the suite, look at the equipment, and determine the appropriate

EDL format.

• Does the edit controller read high-density or low-density (double-density) disks?

• What EDL format does the controller read? CMX_3600 format is read by most edit

controllers. If you are unsure what type of edit controller the suite uses, save the EDL in

several different formats. If you have trouble with one format, you can have other

formats from which to select.

• Does the computer system at the online suite still read 3.5-inch disks?

• Do you need to generate a dupe reel list with new timecodes or a multiple B-roll list in

Avid EDL Manager? Also, find out if any other information is required for your project

and that you can include as a comment in the EDL.

A Check List for Online Editing

• Can the online suite create all the effects you specified in the EDL? If not, consider

regenerating the EDL and adjusting the options.

• Can you send a preliminary version of the EDL ahead of time to make sure it loads

properly on the edit controller? If it does not, you can make the necessary adjustments.

• What is the name of the switcher in the online suite? If you are not sure which switcher

is used, adjust the Switcher setting in Avid EDL Manager to SMPTE. (The switcher

setting is in the Options window.)

• Does the suite have a computer you can use?

Deciding What to Take to the Online Suite

Consider taking the Avid EDL Manager application, several forms of your EDL, and

reference information to the online suite.

Take Avid EDL Manager

If possible, take the Avid EDL Manager application along with the bins with you on a disk.

You can use Avid EDL Manager on a computer running the Windows or Macintosh

operating systems. If you do not have a portable computer, call ahead to find out if you can

load Avid EDL Manager from a CD-ROM onto a computer at the suite.

Take the EDL in Several Forms

Having your EDL in several forms allows greater editing flexibility. If difficulties arise, you

can refer to a paper copy. Take the EDL in the following forms:

• Saved on 3.5-inch disk

• Printed on paper (in A-mode sort for easy reference)

For more information on saving and printing, see “Printing an EDL” on page 19 and

“Copying an EDL between Storage Locations” on page 22.

Take Reference Information

You might also want to take as a reference one of the following:

• A digital cut. For more information, see the Help for your Avid editing system.

• A printout of the source table.

Double-Checking the EDL File Names

Make sure the EDL file names are the correct length and type for the disk format in which

you saved them. Follow these guidelines:

• If you save your EDL to a disk formatted for CMX or GVG, it is required that the file

name be six or fewer uppercase alphanumeric characters (omit special characters such

as slashes or hyphens) followed by the file name extension .EDL. Do not use spaces or

characters in the file name other than letters and numbers.

For example, TEST1.EDL is a valid file name for GVG and CMX systems.

• If you save your EDL to a DOS-formatted disk, make sure the file names are no more

than eight uppercase alphanumeric characters followed by the .EDL file name

extension. Again, the file name must not contain spaces or other special characters; only

letters and numbers are acceptable.

For example, WINSTON3.EDL is a valid file name for DOS-formatted disks.

A Check List for Online Editing

BCreating EDLs for Film Projects

This appendix explains several things to consider when you create EDLs for film projects. It

includes the following sections:

•Matchback Conversion in Film-to-Video EDLs

•Creating EDLs for a Matchbacked Sequence

•Creating Audio-Only EDLs

Matchback Conversion in Film-to-Video EDLs

If you are editing a film project with an Avid video editing system, you can finish the project

in video. The matchback conversion process requires the editing system to perform special

calculations to match the film to video. Because the ratio of film-to-video frames is uneven,

the film and corresponding video edit points do not line up evenly.

For example, with a ratio of 24 film frames to 30 video frames, a 6-frame film edit

corresponds exactly to a 7 1/2-frame video edit. However, video edits cannot include partial

frames, so the video edit must be 7 or 8 frames long.

Because video edits might be longer or shorter than the original film edits, the system makes

sure the film and video sequences match as closely as possible by checking the durations at

the end of each edit. If the total video-sequence duration is a frame longer than the film, the

system subtracts a frame from the last video edit. If the video is a frame too short, the system

adds a frame to the last video edit.

NTSC

Film

Edit

The corresponding video edit point does not fall

exactly on the boundary between two video frames.

B Creating EDLs for Film Projects

Creating EDLs for a Matchbacked Sequence

When you create an EDL for a sequence that converts from film to video, you can have an

edit listed in the EDL as slightly longer or shorter than the corresponding film edit. The EDL

might not be an exact representation of the sequence — it can be plus or minus one frame, in

accordance with the 30 to 24 frames per second (fps) matchback conversion. In this case, be

aware of the discrepancy when you go to the online suite so that you can adjust for the

difference.

Creating Audio-Only EDLs

If you create an audio-only EDL for a film project, set the following options in the EDL

Manager Options window before you generate the list:

• Show Dissolves as Cuts (Options tab)

• Sound Roll as the Reel ID type (Master List tab)

• Sound TC as the Timecode type (Master List tab

These options simplify the EDL and ensure that the pertinent source information is referred

from the bin to the EDL.

CUsing Serial Transfer to Transmit EDLs

If your offline and online editing suites are in the same building, or if you are transferring the

EDL to an edit controller that has no disk drive, consider using serial connections to transmit

EDLs from offline to online.

This appendix contains the following sections:

•Connecting the Edit Controller to the Computer

•Setting Serial Transfer Options

•Transferring the EDL

Connecting the Edit Controller to the Computer

To connect the edit controller and your computer:

1. Decide which port on the edit controller to use for transferring.

2. Connect the serial port on the computer to the port on the edit controller that you chose

to use for transferring.

Setting Serial Transfer Options

Before the edit controller and computer can communicate, you must specify various options

in Avid EDL Manager.

To set the serial transfer options:

1. Select Edit > Site Settings.

C Using Serial Transfer to Transmit EDLs

The Site Settings dialog box opens.

2. Click the Serial Transfer tab.

3. Select options from the pop-up menus. The following table explains the options.

The following table explains the serial transfer options.

4. Click OK to apply your changes to your EDL.

5. Click OK to implement the options you have selected.

Serial Transfer Options

Option Description

Port Indicates the system port. The items on this pop-up menu vary depending

on your system’s ports.

Data Width Indicates if 7-bit words or 8-bit words are being transferred — the default

is 7 bits.

Parity Indicates error detection, found through counting the number of bits in a

transmitted word. Even indicates the number of bits in a word is even.

Odd indicates the number of bits is odd. The default is zero.

Baud Rate Sets the data transmission rate for the computer on which Avid EDL

Manager is running — the default is 9600.

Stop Bits Indicates how many bits are needed to make a break in transmission —

the default is 0 stop bits.

Handshaking Allows communication between two systems — the default is none.

Options include DTR and Xon/Xoff.

Transferring the EDL

When you are ready to transfer the EDL, another person should be ready at the edit

controller to help you.

To transmit the EDL, do the following at the same time:

tHave the other person press Receive at the edit controller.

tSelect File > Transmit EDL.

When you see events scrolling one by one onto the edit controller screen, the transmission

was successful.

If you see either an error or strings of indistinguishable text, the serial parameters were set

incorrectly in Avid EDL Manager. Check the parameters for the serial port and reset them in

the Site Settings dialog box.

C Using Serial Transfer to Transmit EDLs

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Numerics

24p and 25p projects 36

All Video setting 31

Apply options 52

Audio channels

Avid Avid® EDL Manager User's Guide 8.0 EDLManager 4.0 EN

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