Issues With Retime Curves | Avid vs. Nuke | VFX Editors Respond
Edited By
Luis Martinez
A wave of confusion surrounds retiming issues in video editing, particularly between Avid and Nuke systems. Users are reporting difficulties in achieving accurate motion interpolation, raising questions about different algorithms and their implications for visual effects editing.
VFX editors are perplexed by varying retime results from projects. Recent comments highlighted that “90 percent of the time, I eye-match frame by frame to the Avid.” The struggle often arises when attempting fractional retimes such as “120%” or “143%”. Many agree these adjustments often need additional keys for synchronization.
The Math Behind Retime Curves
Different software tools, according to several VFX professionals, deploy distinct algorithms affecting interpolation. One comment noted, “Different tools use different algorithms.” The crux appears to lie in frame estimation, causing mismatches when converting projects between platforms.
Curiously, many editors have embraced a strategy of eyeballing frames rather than trusting automated retime functions. Even seasoned editors, faced with unreliable matches, are reverting to more manual checks.
User Sentiment on Current Practices
Comments indicate a mix of frustration and resourcefulness:
VFX Editor: "I try to give specific EXR source frames and fps callouts on retimes. Don’t hate me."
Another lamented, “The problem is that numerical values from editorial don’t always line up.”
The discourse suggests a blend of dissatisfaction with current methodologies and a shared understanding that accuracy often eludes even experienced practitioners.
Insights from the Community
△ A common struggle is achieving perfect retiming with fractional changes.
▽ Some users believe using nearest interpolation results in mismatched frames.
※ “I gave up trying a long time ago and just match by eye.”
Future Outlook on Retime Solutions
In the video editing community, there's a strong chance that software developers will respond to the ongoing frustrations surrounding retiming issues. Many experts estimate that improvements may come within the next six months, focusing on more standardized algorithms for frame interpolation. With collaboration between different editing platforms like Avid and Nuke, we could see shared libraries emerge, enhancing compatibility and providing editors the tools they need for precise adjustments. The demand for reliable retiming methods highlights a collective push for innovation in this crucial aspect of VFX work.
A Historical Perspective on Similar Frustrations
A non-obvious parallel can be drawn from the early days of digital photography. Just as VFX editors currently struggle with matching frames across different software platforms, early photographers faced challenges in achieving color accuracy when transferring images between developing processes. The workaround at the time involved eye-matching colors, similar to the current trend among VFX editors returning to manual checks. This historical echo reminds us that even technological progress often requires a blend of modern solutions and traditional practices, reinforcing the notion that human skill and vigilance remain essential, regardless of advancements.