Varicam is a type of camera that can record material to tape at different frame rates, even though the tape always runs at 60p. Frames are recorded to tape in such a way that Backdraft Conform can decode them into a supported frame rate on capture.

Backdraft Conform removes the redundant frames so that the frame rate of the captured clip corresponds to the frame rate of the project. You can monitor the process using the VTR Status display. The Current Frame Rate field is updated depending on the frame rate of the captured material. Upon loading, the EDL will be converted to the correct Timecode.

You can import EDLs that reference material shot on Varicam, but note the following:

• You should use a Varicam project template when importing Varicam material so that the imported clips will have the proper frame code mode and timing. To enable Varicam project templates, the corresponding 1280X720p VideoPreviewDevice keyword must be defined in the init.cfg file. See the Autodesk Visual Effects and Finishing Configuration File Reference Guide.
• EDLs that reference media shot on Varicam at unsupported frame rates (referred to as “off speed”) cannot be properly recaptured. Instead, you can use the Panasonic^® Frame Rate Converter to convert media to a supported frame rate before you perform the offline.
• You cannot use Varicam in conjunction with 2:3 Removal Mode or EDL Conversion.

You can import EDLs, FCP XML, and AAF files that reference tape-based media shot on Varicam.

To load an EDL with Varicam media:

1. From the Import EDL menu, click Load.

   The Load EDL menu appears.

   
   

   (a) EDL Frame Rate box  (b) Varicam Frame Rate box  

2. Select an EDL file with Varicam information.
3. Enable the Varicam button.

   The EDL Conversion and 2:3 Removal Mode buttons are disabled.

4. Select the Varicam frame rate.

   The Varicam Frame Rate box only includes the frame rates that can be used: 23.976, 24, 29.97, 30, 59.94, and 60 fps.

5. Select the EDL frame rate.

   When Varicam is enabled, the EDL Frame Rate box only includes the frame rates that can be used: 23.976, 24, 29.97, 30, 59.94, and 60 fps.

6. Click Load.

   The EDL with Varicam media is loaded into the Import EDL menu.

7. From the Show Timecode box, select Show VC to display the Varicam timecode in the EDL work area.

   The timecode of events on the Varicam tapes is displayed in the EDL work area. This timecode is set at 30 fps, even though Varicam tapes contain 60 fps progressive media.