How to make AE recognize the alpha channel in ProRes444 ?

[ryan_khoo]

Hi there,

I exported a video clip using Final Cut Pro X with alpha channel using the ProRes4444 codec.

I have tested this alpha channel & it works in FInal Cut Pro X when I import it back to Final Cut Pro X to test it.

However, when I bring this file to After Effects CS5, it cannot recognize the alpha channel because the transparent part are all displayed as solid black.

How do I make AE interpret the ProRes4444 file as transparent with alpha channel ?

Thanks

[Bob]

That's fixed in AE CS5.5. In CS5 you need to edit the MediaCoreQTCodecRulesCS5.xml file. See this Adobe article for detailed instructions: http://blogs.adobe.com/toddkopriva/2010/05/prores-4444-and-prores-422-in.html

[ryan_khoo]

That's fixed in AE CS5.5. In CS5 you need to edit the MediaCoreQTCodecRulesCS5.xml file. See this Adobe article for detailed instructions: http://blogs.adobe.com/toddkopriva/2010/05/prores-4444-and-prores-422-in.html

Thanks Bob,

But this is too complicated & too technical for me.

What other format/codec of video clip with alpha channel that AE CS5 can recognize ? I might as well convert the video clip to that format ?

Thanks

[Bob]

Check to see if you have all the updates installed. I just checked my version of AE CS5 (10.0.2.4) and the changes mentioned in the article are already there.

[ryan_khoo]

Check to see if you have all the updates installed. I just checked my version of AE CS5 (10.0.2.4) and the changes mentioned in the article are already there.

Thanks Bob, I just checked. I am on a Mac & my Version is 10.0. Don't think mine can update because I am on Student Edition

What other format/codec of video clip with alpha channel that AE CS5 can recognize ? I might as well convert the video clip to that format ?

Thanks

[Bob]

Student editions should be able to get updates. The last update for the mac version is 10.0.1. Does the update link within AE report any updates available?

Quicktime using the Animation codec supports alpha and you can export to that.

[ryan_khoo]

Student editions should be able to get updates. The last update for the mac version is 10.0.1.

I did Apple > Software Update & it said my softwares are all latest. ??? Looks like Student Edition wont be getting updates as mine is Ver 10.0

Does the update link within AE report any updates available?

Sorry, which link are you referring to ?

Quicktime using the Animation codec supports alpha and you can export to that.

Okay, very important question, how do I convert my ProRes4444 file to Animation ?

Thanks

[Bob]

In the Windows version there is an update link in the AE help menu that brings up the Adobe Application Manager which checks for updates. I don't use Macintosh computers so I don't know if there is an equivalent process or where it would reside.

Here is the Macintosh download link at Adobe: http://www.adobe.com/support/downloads/product.jsp?product=13&platform=Macintosh

You would convert to quicktime/animation from AE just like you would output any other video. Put the comp on on the render queue and set up the output module use a custom preset using quictime and the animation codec. choose rgb+alpha millions of colors+.

[ryan_khoo]

Here is the Macintosh download link at Adobe: http://www.adobe.com/support/downloads/product.jsp?product=13&platform=Macintosh

Thanks Bob for the link ... it worked.

After updating to 10.0.1, AE can recognize the ProRes4444 file as alpha channel ..

Thanks & Merry Xmas to you & everyone here ...

[Bob]

I'm glad that worked for you.

Merry xmas!