Apple Compressor

1. Apple Compressor Basics

2. What is Apple Compressor? • Apple Compressor is a tool for you to compress video to different formats required for distribution or projection. • It allows you to compress files for faster delivery.

3. Convenience of Compressor • This integration with Final Cut Pro and other applications makes transcoding (the process of converting files from their original format into output files ready for distribution in another format) faster and more convenient. • Saves hard disk space by eliminating the need to export intermediate media files before processing them. • It also leverages the video processing technology of the other applications to do much of the work (therefore maximizing the quality of images that are encoded), and avoids degradation that can occur from multiple compression and decompression steps.

4. Compressor Features • Batch processing: This streamlined process allows you to create multiple output files from single source media files. • H.264 encoding: H.264 produces higher quality video at lower data rates for everything from mobile phones to High Definition (HD). H.264 works especially well with the Apple QuickTime 7 media player. Compressor includes H.264 formats that specifically target HD DVDs, iTunes, the iPod, and Apple TV. • Transcoding activity in the background: Compressor lets you begin transcoding a batch and then continues processing in the background, allowing you to perform other tasks at the same time.

5. Compressor Features • Droplets: These standalone applications can be used for drag-and-drop transcoding operations straight from your desktop. Once created, Droplets simplify and automate the transcoding process and can be used even without opening Compressor. • Settings: Settings contain all necessary file format, filter, and geometry settings needed for transcoding. You can customize and modify the Apple-supplied settings or create new ones, making it possible to create a library of specialized settings that can be reused.

6. Compressor Features • Filters: The selection of available Compressor filters gives you dynamic artistic control while you convert your source media to other formats, and allows you to create a final product to your precise specifications. Available filters include: • fade in/fade out • timecode overlays • gamma correction • noise removal • letterbox • watermark • color adjustment • controlling dynamic range, peak levels, equalization, and fade in/fade out for audio.

7. Typical Compressor Workflow

8. The Interface

9. The Interface Toolbar Settings Tab Job Inspector Project Area History

10. The Batch Window • Batch Window • When you first open Compressor, the Batch window appears. The Batch window allows you to import source media files for compressing, add settings and destinations, name the batch, and choose where you want to save it. The Batch window is where you place all source media files in preparation for transcoding. • Note: Generally the Batch window is always showing. If you close it, it will reopen when you create a new batch (File > New Batch) or open an existing batch (File > Open).

11. The Settings Tab The Settings tab allows you to centrally manage Apple and custom settings. You use the Settings tab together with the Inspector window to create and modify settings, decide exactly which settings you want to use to transcode your source media file, and choose which output format you want the transcoded file converted to.

12. Destination Tab The Destinations tab allows you to create, modify, or remove destination settings, set a default destination, and add file identifiers to your output media filename.

13. Inspector Window

14. The Toolbar Inspector window Preview window Add Surround Sound Add an Image Sequence Batch Monitor Add files History

15. Preview Preview your video before you submit by hitting the “Preview” button in your tool bar. Playback controls for the Preview window, similar to other Apple software like FCP and Motion Set In and Out Points (I, O) Loop your video

16. Batches, Targets, and Jobs • A batch is the heart of the transcode process. It contains one or more source media files, which are the files you want to convert, or transcode, to another format. Each source media file creates its own job. This means that a batch can contain multiple jobs, with each job based on its own source media file. • Each job also has at least one target. The targets define what sort of output file should be created by the transcoding process. You can have multiple targets assigned to a job, which means that you can easily create multiple output files, each with a different format.

17. Jobs and Targets Project Tabs Target from Templates Targets JOBS

18. Targets • Each target has three parts: • A The setting: The setting part of a target defines the encoder format that is used, as well as a number of other aspects, including a variety of filters and geometry attributes. • A The destination: The destination part of a target defines where the output file is saved. It also defines the rules that are used to create the output filename. Compressor includes a preference setting that allows you to specify a default destination. • The output filename: You can edit the output filename part of the target if for some reason you do not want to use the name generated based on the destination.

19. Your Settings Tab Create a new setting group with your own customized settings. Duplicate Setting Save as droplet Delete Selected Settings These are the settings provided in Compressor for different types of video outputs. You can select presets from these folders. Search for a particular setting Create a Setting

20. Apple Group – Apple Devices

21. Apple Group - DVD

22. Apple Group - Formats

23. Apple Groups – Other Workflows

24. The Compression Workflow

25. Review Questions • What windows make up the Compressor interface? • What is the workflow for Compressor? • What are the benefits of using Compressor? • Define Batches, Jobs, and Targets • What types of presets are available in Compressor?