Lustre allows you to import and grade compressed media files (e.g., RED, QuickTime, and MXF files). Each of these file formats can be imported into Lustre, and you can work on them natively. The playback performance of these files varies depending upon the file format, resolution, codecs (see Wiretap Gateway Supported Ingest File Formats), and CPU of the Wiretap Gateway. Since reading native RED media files is CPU intensive, you can improve the playback of your media by transcoding your RED media into a DPX file or to a Wiretap server. See Transcode Workflow.

There are some limitations when it comes to assembling an EDL with compressed media. For example, not all QuickTime files contain a reel name and timecode data, therefore, only files with this data can be used to assemble an EDL. As well, only MXF files with timecode data can be used to assemble an EDL.

There are three common workflows when you are working with compressed media.

Dailies gradingYou import the original footage, apply grading, and then render out (or play out to tape) for an offline editorial or production screening. Dailies grading would mostly be used for footage captured by a RED ONE camera.

Final gradingYou import all the source files needed for finishing a project, grade them, and then render out (or play out to tape) for finishing.

Confidence checkYou import QuickTime files to compare the offline editorial and the conformed version for editorial accuracy.