Codecs

Codecs, Proxy Files (AVI) and Timecode Information Files

Without the need of dedicated boardsets, Incite Media Assistant lets you preview, log and edit
all your media using nothing but the appropriate file format codec. So, not only can you view
standard PC formats like Indeo and Cinepak, Incite Media Assistant can preview heavier file
formats like MJPEG, DV25, DV50 etc. All you need is the proper codec installed on your
system. Codecs are generally bundled with other programs or hardware or else can be
purchased directly from independent vendors.

Another important "behind the scenes" feature is what we call the proxy file or Proxy AVI. What
is a proxy file and how does it work? When you use Incite to browse for a media file folder and
open that folder, Incite Media Assistant basically converts all of the media files into a file format
more suitable for browsing. Your original files are not altered. Rather they are copied, converted
and displayed in the Catalog window as a kind of "ghost" or "virtual" representation of your
media file. Using this surrogate file you will be able to preview the material, convert into any file
format, load and select logging points, create storyclips for insertion into an Incite Media
Assistant storyboard, export a storyboard sequence into different formats for use in different
applications, etc.

In most cases, the fundamental link between the original media file and the proxy AVI, is the
timecode file used for capturing the media. This timecode file is one of the primary reasons you
can export edited media out of Incite Media Assistant. For example, exporting an Incite Media
Information file (or IML) from an Incite Media Assistant storyboard to an Incite system, the entire
storyboard and collection of clips will be easily reproduced thanks to the shared timecode file.
The only difference being, in Incite Media Assistant you work with the lower quality, proxy files,
while Incite will source the original, higher quality files automatically once the storyboard is
imported.
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