Media Composer locators do not translate to DS via AFE conform. To alleviate this limitation you can use Markercon v0.9. Markercon converts Avid Media Composer markers (locators) to Avid DS subtitles and an HTML table.

Markecon supports Media Composer 7 spanned markers.

The HTML output of Markercon can be used outside of DS. For example, the formatted HTML file can be sent to a client instead of a marker plain text file. The checkboxes in the HTML table are for editor’s convenience only and are not persistent.

Download

Markercon is available from HDhead.com.

Screen Grab

markercon_screengrab.png

Markercon Windows Installation

You must install Python 2.7.6 (or any pre-version 3.0 build). The installers are located here: __http://www.python.org/download/releases/2.7.6/__. Select one that is appropriate for your system.

The markercon.py script file can be saved anywhere on the system.

Markercon OSX Installation

OSX comes with Python already installed and requires no additional installation unless drag-and-drop functionality is desired.

You must allow execution privillege of markercon.py either via “Get Info” panel or via command line: chmod +x markercon.py

Exporting Markers in Media Composer

Click on the fast menu of the marker bin in Media Composer, select “Export Markers” and export as text.

Windows Usage

Drag-and-drop the text file onto the Markercon icon or shortcut. Markercon will generate an HTML file and a subtitle file and save them next to the source file.

Open the subtitle file in DS. If desired, open the HTML file in the DS browser.

Windows Advanced Usage

The command line operation of Markercon allows selection of font size.

Press Windows key + R, type “cmd” and press enter. The command line console will open. Navigate to the directory where markercon.py is saved and execute:

markercon.py C:\FullPath\YourFile.txt s

The optional argument s will create small font size. Omitting the argument will default to the large font size. Substitute your custom file path and name.

OSX Usage

Type “terminal” in the Spotlight search box and launch the terminal. The command line console will open. Navigate to the directory where markercon.py is saved and execute:

markercon.py Volumes/drive/FullPath/YourFile.txt s

The optional argument s will create small font size. Omitting the argument will default to the large font size. Substitute your custom file path and name.

Known Issues

Importing subtitles of incorrect frame rate or mismatched DF/NDF timecode will cause DS to crash.

Unlike Media Composer markers, DS subtitles do not allow more than one subtitle per timecode.

Due to internal subtitle limitations in DS, spanned markers appear as single frame subtitles with correct duration noted in the “length” field.



Author

Igor Ridanovic
www.HDhead.com