The Editblog

Sebesky Tools

Sebesky Tools is a handy freeware conversion utility that has been around for a while. It is always worth a reminder as you might not need it very often but when you do it is probably very helpful. Whenever you need to convert anything to/from Avid to Final Cut Pro, Sebesky Tools can be handy. Here’s a summary of what the 5 utilities do:

• fcp2ale – converts batch lists exported from FCP to ALE shot logs which can be imported in Avid. This makes it possible to move bins containing clips from FCP to Avid.

• ale2fcp – Converts ALE shot logs, exported from Avid, to batch lists which can be imported in FCP. This makes it possible to move bins containing clips from Avid to FCP.

• Batch Add TC – Can add timecode and Source ID (reel name) to QuickTime files exported from Avid, reading timecode and reel name from a corresponding ALE file. This makes it possible to maintain timecode- and source information when moving media from Avid to FCP.

• bwf2qt – Converts Broadcast Wave Format (BWF) audio files to QuickTime and optionally extracts metadata and place it in a batch list that can be imported in FCP along with the QuickTime files.

• TC Player – Its possible to manually add and delete timecode and source information to QuickTime files.

An all things Avid/FCP toolbox. It should be noted that Sebsky Tools (nor does any other utility that I am aware of) does not automatically convert Avid OMF files to Quicktime or vice versa. Many people do no realize that while Avid can export Quicktimes it uses the proprietary OMF format (usually) for all media it creates. You can’t dig into Avid and expect to see or reconnect to those media files in Final Cut Pro without first converting them. It ain’t gonna happen. In that process you lose reel name and timecode. Not good for online. That’s where Sebsky Tools can work.

I have to say that I have actually never used the tools as I subscribe to the philosophy (and so far have always been able to live by it) that once a project begins in Avid or Final Cut Pro … stay there. Sure there are times when you can’t as is evidenced by the very existence of Sebsky Tools. It is available here where there is more detail on what the tool does. The makers are in Denmark so there’s some English errors on the page. But from those I know who used the tools, they work well. If you have any experience with Sebsky Tools post a comment below and tell the world how it went.

This entry was posted on Monday, December 4th, 2006 at 9:13 am and is filed under Editing, Useful tools for editors. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.