Final Cut Pro 5: Unexpectedly quits after importing XDCAM Clips

Issue

After importing a number of XDCAM clips into Final Cut Pro using Sony's PDZK-P1 XDCAM Transfer Software (available from Sony), it's possible for Final Cut Pro to enter a condition where it may unexpectedly quit.

Solution

This issue is addressed by the Final Cut Pro 5.1.4 Update.

If you are using a version of Final Cut Pro 5 prior to the Final Cut Pro 5.1.2 update mentioned above, the rest of this document describes how you can anticipate this issue and what steps you can take to avoid possible loss of related data or work.

In the particular case of this workflow, the likelihood of an unexpected quit is related to the number selected for the "Levels of Undo" setting under Final Cut Pro > User Preferences > General. Specifically, if you have the Levels of Undo set to a low number, the possible condition for an unexpected quit will occur more frequently. Conversely, the unexpected quit will occur less frequently if you increase the number for the Levels of Undo setting. Closing and reopening Final Cut Pro after using XDCAM Transfer will prevent the condition which can cause the unexpected quit.

Because changing the Levels of Undo setting may only serve to postpone an unexpected quit, it is also recommended that you save your work often while using XDCAM Transfer, as well as just after importing XDCAM clips.

The following steps serve as an example of a workflow that can be used to work abound this issue:

1. Choose Final Cut Pro > User Preferences > General.
2. Change the Levels of Undo setting to 99 (the highest setting).
3. Click OK to close the User Preferences window.
4. Create and save a new project with appropriate settings for the XDCAM media you will be using.
5. Begin importing your XDCAM clips using the XDCAM Transfer Software.
6. Import 99 clips or fewer at one time. After importing, save the project, quit and relaunch Final Cut Pro.
7. If Final Cut Pro unexpectedly quits after you save the project, simply reopen your project and resume work where you stopped.
Continue importing your XDCAM clips until finished, saving your project frequently.
8. When you have finished importing XDCAM clips for this work session, save your project, quit Final Cut Pro, and relaunch Final Cut Pro before continuing to edit.
9. The unexpected quit should no longer occur once you have finished using XDCAM Transfer, and then quit and restarted Final Cut Pro.

Note: Since the unexpected quit is related to the number of Levels of Undo, it's a good idea to save your project before you take a number of actions equal to the number of Undo levels set in User Preferences.

For more information on using the Sony PDZK-P1 XDCAM Transfer Software, please consult its accompanying documentation, the "XDCAM Transfer User Guide.pdf."

Important: Information about products not manufactured by Apple is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute Apple's recommendation or endorsement. Please contact the vendor for additional information.