Audio not imported with video (cfa not created?)

[caroleIR]

Hello everyone.

I am running into a problem when importing .mov files into my project. Those files have all been created the same way, however 5 of them won't import correctly: the video is fine but the audio is absent, and I get the error message :

"An unspecified error occurred while performing a conform action on the following file: filename.mov 48000.cfa"

After browsing the forums, I tried clearing the Media cache, media caches files and peak files folders, but the problem remains.

It looks like the .cfa file in question wasn't even created in the first place.

I never ran into that problem before, even though !i use these kind of files all the time.

I tried to see if I found a similar problem on the forums, but I didn't, so I created a new topic. I hope this is not a repeat of another topic.

Thank you all!

[John T Smith]

You say created the same way... does that mean the same camera with exactly the same settings?

Free programs to get file information for PC/Mac http://mediaarea.net/en/MediaInfo/Download

Analyze a good and bad file to be sure they are 100% the same

[caroleIR]

Hello John,

Those files were created the following way:

I exported a 25fps timeline from Premiere into a .mov (h264). Then I converted the file into a 24fps .mov using a tool from my company. The 24fps is what I want to import. For some reason, some files are fine, but others have the problem I mentioned.

Thank you for the link, I didn't see any difference when checking good and bad files.

[Ann Bens]

See of you can load them up in Audition and export as wave.

[excited_Genie16B8 · Accepted solution]

Couple things.

1. Don't use H.264 as an Intermediary.  Use Cineform or DNx instead.

2. You don't need external tools to change to 24 fps.  Import the newly exported Cineform or DNx file into a PP project and Interpret the footage to 24 fps.

Modifying clip properties with Interpret Footage in Premiere Pro

[caroleIR]

Hello Jim,

Thanks for your advice, but those steps are unfortunately necessary. Interpret footage doesn't work the way I need it to. h264 is the codec I need to use as well for workflow reasons.

Ann, I only have a license for Premiere, I cannot use Audition.

Thank you all for taking the time to respond.

[excited_Genie16B8]

Well, it looks like the company tool may not be working properly.

On a side note, even Hollywood uses the Interpret method I mentioned.  I'm curious why you find it inadequate?

[caroleIR]

Yes, we are looking into it, but it's the first time I have a problem with it.

I work on scanned footage (film restoration) and to sum up, the DPX are moved in the timeline in an improper way, basically ruining all my work on it. We tried the interpret footage method and it always ended up with bad results.

[excited_Genie16B8]

the DPX are moved in the timeline in an improper way

Hmmm.  What does that mean?

[caroleIR]

Ah, sorry.

I mean frames are moved: for example the first shot is moved a few frames later than its intended timecode. So using interpret footage would mean I'd need to spend a lot of time checking each shot and their position on the timeline for every film.

[excited_Genie16B8]

I admit, I'm confused.

My suggestion was to use the Interpret method on the final export.  Do all the editing first, export a Cineform or DNx file, Interpret that and export again to your final delivery format.

[caroleIR]

I'll have to test that again, then, it does sound like it should work, but I remember testing the method without success. Thank you.

[excited_Genie16B8]

If it doesn't satisfy, report back.  Perhaps we can find other ways to avoid the issue.

[Kevin-Monahan]

Hi CaroleR,

Are you clear of this issue yet? Let us know.

Thanks,
Kevin

[caroleIR]

Hi Kevin-Monahan,

My team is testing Jim_Simon's suggestion but I haven't heard back yet. I would say that it's looking promising though.

Thank you

Carole