/
Edit While Capture/Ingest (EWC)

Edit While Capture/Ingest (EWC)

Edit while capture (also known as "edit while ingest" or "growing file editing") is a professional workflow where editors begin cutting and processing media while the recording is still in progress.

This technique is essential for high-speed environments like live sports, breaking news, and on-set film production.

How It Works

  1. Growing Files: The Cinedeck Server/s creates a "growing" file (e.g., MXF or MOV) that the editing software (NLE) can read even though it hasn't been finalized.

  2. Live Sync: Upload low-resolution "proxy" versions of the footage to the cloud instantly.

  3. Immediate Access: The editor can drag the footage onto a timeline and start trimming, adding graphics, or color grading while the camera is still rolling.

  4. Near Instant Playback: Once the file has started recording it can be loaded into another Cinedeck channel or 3rd party playout device for playout.

Supported Professional Codecs/Wrappers

Wrapper / Standard

File Extension

Common Professional Codecs

Key Workflow

EWC

MXF OP1a (Avid/General)

.mxf

DNxHD/HR, ProRes, AVC-Intra

Mastering & Deliverables: A "single-file" MXF used for high-end exports and final broadcast masters.

 

 

YES

XDCAM (Sony Standard)

.mxf, .mp4

MPEG-2 Long GOP (at 35 or 50 Mbps)

TV News & Broadcast: A highly efficient, legacy-friendly standard for cameras and satellite feeds.

 

NO

MXF OP-Atom (Avid Native)

.mxf

DNxHD/HR, ProRes

Internal Editing: Avid’s native way of working; it splits video and each audio track into separate files for speed.

 

 

YES

QuickTime

.mov

Apple ProRes, DNxHR, H.264

Production: Standard for high-end editing on macOS and Windows.

 

YES

MPEG-4

.mp4

H.264 (AVC), H.265 (HEVC)

Delivery: Universal standard for web and social media.

NO