Hi, I'm currently importing mp4 files into Avid and for some reason they're taking up a HUGE amount of space (much larger than the original files).  What's going on here?  I'm concerned that I may run out of computer space.  In addition, once I've created a timeline and  after rendering special effects, if it's a huge file, how do I export it?  I think it would be too big for even a DVD.  Help please!

Hi,

Debra66@aol.com:

I'm currently importing mp4 files into Avid and for some reason they're taking up a HUGE amount of space (much larger than the original files).  What's going on here?

What format/frame rate are the mp4 files, what format/frame rate is your project, and what resolution are you using when you import?

Debra66@aol.com:

In addition, once I've created a timeline and  after rendering special effects, if it's a huge file, how do I export it?

How long is the sequence?

When you import, the MP4s are transcoded to DNxHD (or DNxHR, depending on the project settings). These are far less compressed and so take up a lot more space. Linking to the MP4s uses the files natively; no transcoding required. But playback performance may suffer, depending on exactly which format of MP4 was used (if you're forced to use the QuickTime plug-in, performance suffers).