VS X7 Compatible Video Input formats?

[carlos65]

I have a Sony VG900 which is capable of output through HDMI to an external drive...uncompressed HDMI output. I also have VSx7. Before I invest in an external recording device and SDD drive...can anyone tell me if VSX7 allows me to import uncompressed HDMI output from such a drive and edit and render it? The manual seems silent on this issue.
Thanks in advance for any advice!

[Ken Berry]

I am a little confused ... though I suspect you may be as well. You refer to "uncompressed HDMI output" and importing it as though it is an actual video format. But to me HDMI is not a format but a means of transferring video. Wikipedia says the following about it:

HDMI is a proprietary audio/video interface for transferring uncompressed video data and compressed or uncompressed digital audio data from an HDMI-compliant source device, such as a display controller, to a compatible computer monitor, video projector, digital television, or digital audio device.

Many camcorders and computers these days have HDMI or mini/micro HDMI sockets to allow the high quality transfer of video in various formats. You say your Sony VG900 has such a port. But your camera actually films in AVCHD format (and mpeg-2 standard definition). AVCHD is high definition mpeg-4 using the H.264 codec. And yes, Video Studio can import and edit and indeed output AVCHD whether via a HDMI cable or not. The camera uses Sony's own Memory Sticks, but I understand it also can use the more standard SD cards. Many people with camcorders using SD cards simply put the card into a card reader connected to the computer to transfer the video that way, instead of via a HDMI cable, even if they have one...

[Vdanny]

I believe what you mean is "clean HDMI", where you can send the uncompressed video to a HDMI production field recorder. These units still use a video codec, just a cleaner one than AVCHD, Apple ProRes or Avid DNxHD being two examples. I use Videostudio with AVIs encoded using the Cineform codec which is similar. Videostudio is great in that it create proxies for smooth editing of material using codecs with little compression. Apple ProRes or Avid DNxHD most likely won't work in Videostudio but it shouldn't be too hard to find one that works. Like I said, Cineform works great. Downloading and using the trial of the program to see if it suits your needs is always a good idea.

[BrianCee]

HDMI = High Definition Multimedia Interface

It's a plug and socket -not a video format - various formats can be transmitted.

[carlos65]

Thanks everyone. Yes...I was talking about clean HDMI uncompressed output AND I was confused because I too thought HDMI was just a plug and wondered what the FORMAT was. Collectively you have all cleared that up and now I know what to try next!