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What is MXF4mac?

MXF4mac is the name of the MXF product series for Mac OS X.

Is MXF4mac a company?

No. The company name is Hamburg Pro Audio. We are based in the beautiful city of Hamburg in the north of Germany.

Hamburg Pro Audio sounds like you are dealing only with audio?

Historically the company started to provide professional audio solutions and services. During the last years the company expanded the focus on media technologies such as MXF and QuickTime.

What is MXF Import QT?

MXF Import QT (formally known as MX4QT Import) is a so called QuickTime component and it enables QuickTime and QuickTime based applications to access native MXF without converting or referencing to the MOV format.

Is MXF Import QT a plug-in for Final Cut Pro?

No. MXF Import QT is a QuickTime component. You can call it a plug-in, you can call it an extension but the correct term is component. Final Cut Pro and other Mac OS X applications interface with third party components through the standard QuickTime API.

Does MXF Import QT convert MXF files to QuickTime files?

MXF Import QT integrates MXF into the QuickTime multimedia architecture and provides a direct access to a broad range of compatible MXF variations. MXF Import QT itself does not convert MXF media and does not create reference files. However due to the integration in QuickTime it is possible to use all standard features of QuickTime and the QuickTime API to convert MXF to other formats which also includes 3rd party export formats. QuickTime is not only a format and not just a media player. QuickTime is an open and expandable multimedia architecture that enables MXF integration in the entire Mac OS X operating system. Both the open Material eXchange Format and the open QuickTime architecture fit pretty well together. Only QuickTime and Mac OS X allow such a system wide media integration with all applications.

Which applications are compatible to your MXF components?

Any Mac OS X application can interface with our MXF components through the open QuickTime API. Check the compatibility list for applications we already tested.

Do I need Final Cut Studio to use MXF4mac import and export solutions?

Basically not but Compressor (part of Final Cut Studio, Final Cut Server and Logic Pro) as well as the Qmaster render engine install certain video codecs we use such as IMX, DVCPRO HD or AVC-Intra. We highly recommend to use the original Apple codecs to ensure maximum quality and support. Having different codecs for the same formats installed might cause conflicts (please see P2CMS documentation). Please note that version 1.3.1 or later of the Apple IMX codec is required.

Do I need software from Avid to use MXF Import QT?

We use standard codecs included with QuickTime and Final Cut Studio to interpret DV, IMX and uncompressed based MXF media as this allows realtime effect handling and editing in Final Cut Pro. However you need to download and install Avid's free LE codecs for Mac OS X to access DNxHD MXF files.

What do I need to read AVC-Intra files?

You need to upgrade to Final Cut Studio 3 to receive the new AVC-Intra codec from Apple. This new codec is optimized for editing in Final Cut Pro and provides full 10-bit Y'CbCr support. Version 1.6 of MXF Import QT has dropped support for the free Panasonic AVC-Intra codec due to the improved performance and Final Cut Pro support of the new Apple AVC-Intra codecs.

What is the benefit of MXF4mac against other MXF solutions?

1. The importer does not convert MXF media to the QuickTime movie file format. This saves time and disk space. However there is still the option to re-wrap or transcode the media if needed. For example using our P2 Flow application for the Panasonic P2 format allows to use native MXF media in Final Cut Pro or to use it with Log and Transfer to convert it to QuickTime MOV.
2. The importer does not create QuickTime reference movies to improve project compatibility especially when working with Final Cut Pro and XML based workflows. This allows you to better exchange projects between MXF aware editing and asset management systems. However there is still the option to link MXF media to QuickTime reference files if needed. For example using our P2 Flow application for the Panasonic P2 format allows to create a "VirtualTape" from your clip selection. This feature allows to create one small QuickTime reference movie for selected clips, an entire card or multiple cards.
3. The importer is a single QuickTime component so you don't need additional software to import MXF directly to a broad range of compatible applications.
4. We provide an universal and manufacturer independent MXF importer so we are not limited to read only one MXF variation from a single manufacturer. We support as many variations as possible with only one single solution and we continuously extend the compatibility.
Check the compatibility list and the news section on our website frequently.
5. We support streaming MXF media. This means our MXF import component can access compatible MXF media while it's being ingested. Ingest includes copy or transfer processes (such as local file transfers, network file transfers or even web based file transfers) and live recording or capturing using MXF ingest servers. Don't block your system anymore while an ingest is in progress.
6. We support round-tripping with import, export, capture and specific workflow solutions. It's MXF integration to the core.
7. Our comprehensive knowledge about media technologies such as MXF and QuickTime results in excellent support and extra services.

Where can I buy MXF4mac products?

MXF4mac products are available through resellers, directly from us or via our web shop.

Can I install one license on multiple computers?

A single user license can only be installed on one single machine. You can contact us or one of our authorized resellers regarding site licensing.

How can I test your software without purchasing a license?

You can request a demo version or test license of MXF Import QT. The demo has no copy protection, no expiring date and can be installed on as many systems as desired. The demo version offers most features and is limited to only show the first 30 seconds of a MXF clip. Please note that the demo version does not provide realtime AES3 audio (OP1a D-10 files only) support in Final Cut Pro and our workflow tools (MXF4macCM, P2 Flow CM, UpdateFCPMedia) are not included. There are currently no free demos available from our exporters or applications. You can contact us regarding full featured test licenses. Please provide valid contact information and a brief description about your MXF workflow.
 

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News

AVC-Intra QT 1.0 released

The first AVC-Intra encoder for the Mac is now available for QuickTime and Final Cut Pro.
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