This week, my Digital Newsgathering class at San Francisco State University will spend their lab time (once again) editing video using Final Cut Express. However, I have learned some very important lessons since last week’s lab.

1. You must convert Flip video to a standard Final Cut format BEFORE importing it into FCE.

Install the 3ivx codec (which happens to come with the Flip. Look in the System folder > Install > Mac or Windows 3ivx Installer. You can also download a trial version of 3ivx.). This codec will allow QuickTime to play and export your Flip videos.

Open QuickTime, import the Flip videos and then export them (details below after the video).

2. Reboot the lab computers before getting started (and delete unnecessary leftover files from the hard drive (if you can).
3. Lead the class through some FCE basics: importing video, arranging the work area layout, shortcuts for setting “In” and “Out” points, shortcuts for the blade and arrow tools, how to create basic transitions, how to create basic text titles, how to render selected clips, how to export for the Web.

Here are the steps you should follow for a more sane video editing lab:
1. File > Export
*Make sure the Export drop down menu says “Movie to QuickTime Movie”

2. Click on the OPTIONS button.

3. Under VIDEO, click on SETTINGS.
Set the following:
Compressions Type: H.264
Set the Frame rate: Current
Keyframes: Automatic
CHECK Frame Reordering
Optimized: For Downloading
Compressor: Best
Close the dialog box.

4. Under SOUND, click SETTINGS.
Set the following:
Format: AAC
Channels: Mono
Rate: 44.100 khz
Render – Quality: Normal
Mpeg 4 AAC LC Encoder Settings – Target Bit Rate: 128 kbps

5. Once you have exported all your videos from QuickTime, open FCE and Import these .mov files.

The good news is, after all this, you shouldn’t have to render your clips as you’re editing.

*I should also note that having a computer with the minimum system requirements is a must. Apple recommends the following:

• A Mac computer with a 1.25GHz or faster PowerPC G4, PowerPC G5, Intel Core Duo, Intel Core 2 Duo, or Intel Xeon processor
• For AVCHD: A Mac computer with an Intel processor
• 1GB of RAM or more. (The more the better, I say.)

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