This article describes how to convert QuickTime .MOV files to .MXF for use on DekoCastHD systems using ThunderBrowse.
How to convert .MOV files to .MXF format for use on DekoCast HD Systems
Introduction
DekoCast V. 4.0 does not import QuickTime .MOV files directly. Thunder Browse software can be used to import and convert a .MOV file into .MXF format. Thunder Browse, in turn, makes calls to QuickTime. If you do not have Thunder Browse, you may visit the Avid Tryout Center at http://www.avid.com/products/tryout.html where you can download a free copy. You will need to go through a quick registration process prior to download.
If you download it and install it without a license (dongle), it will run in Demo Mode. The Demo Mode version has a database which has room for only 15 entries. So, after the .MOV has been converted, you will need to move the .MXF to the folder of your choice and remove the file from the Thunder Demo Database.
This document will explain how to install Thunder Browse in Demo Mode and then it will explain how to convert a .MOV file to .MXF format. Before continuing, however, you should already have QuickTime version 7.0 or later installed on your system. You can download QuickTime for free by visiting http://www.apple.com .
Installing Thunder Browse
You should copy the ThunderBrowseDemo_setup.exe to your desktop and then double-click on the ThunderBrowse_setup.exe icon. After all files have been extracted, the Install Shield will begin.
At the “Welcome to the InstallShield Wizard” screen, click Next to begin installing.
Choose your video standard and then click Next again.
You will need to accept the software license agreement and then click Next again.
By default, Thunder Browse will be installed in the C:\Thunder folder. Click Change to
specify a different folder or Next to accept the default.
Click Install to start the installation.
You will need to restart your computer to complete installation.
Running Thunder Browse in Demo Mode
Open the Thunder Browse application and you will need to accept the license agreement and set your video standard. You will then be asked to select a security database. In response, you should click Cancel
NOTE: this should only occur the first time you launch Thunder Browse
You will get a Security Key Error telling you that you are not licensed to run this and to run in Demo mode, you will have to click Cancel. You will then get a 2nd Security Key Error message asking you to click Ok to continue. You will then get a "Tips" window and you may select any settings there that you desire.
Creating and Opening a New Database
You will now need to create a new database by clicking on:
File->Advanced->Create New Database
You will need to enter the following parameters:
Database Type: Thunder MXF
Video Resolution: <Your choice>
Database Name: <Your Choice>
Database Path: <Your Choice>
You will only need to specify the parameters circled in red in the following picture. Use the dropdown arrows to select the database type (Thunder MXF) and the Video Resolution.
Click on Create when you are finished.
Next, Click on File->Open and then navigate to the folder you specified in your Database Path. Open that folder and the database you just created will have a new extension, ".pff". Double-click on that file to open the database.
Importing a Clip
To import a clip, click on File->Import and navigate to your .MOV file and click on Open . You should see blue progress bars at the bottom of the screen as Thunder imports the .MOV clip. Once that is complete, you will need to export it as an .mxf file.
Select File->Export
and then enter a name for the clip and select .MXF for the file type.
This .mxf can now be copied as you like. It can be specified as the clip name in the Clip Object Editor within DekoCast. Or it can be imported into a Deko Database.
As mentioned earlier, the clip also exists within the Thunder demo database. Because this is only a demo product, this database can only hold 15 entries within the database. It is recommended that after exporting the file, you then delete it from the Thunder database.(Select the clip, then right click on it and select delete).