DVFilm Mutate

Mutate is a simple application (Windows only) which converts 24.000 fps Quicktimes to 23.976 fps Quicktimes. The conversion is done without touching the movie data but simply by changing the flags and rate constants in the .mov file.

Why do I need it?

Premiere and other editing programs cannot edit and export 23.976P Quicktimes, which are necessary for 24P (progressive-scan) DVDs. So instead you convert your DVX100 clips to 24.000P Quicktimes and edit at 24.000 fps. Then Mutate is used as the final step to convert your 24.000 fps final cut to 23.976P for DVD authoring.

Where do I get it?

Mutate is no longer part of the DVFilm Maker package but you can download it here (right-click and select Save Target As).

How do I use it?

Drag your movie file into the Mutate application icon. Follow the instructions on the screen. The movie file is altered directly.

What happens to the audio?

The Quicktime clips created by DVFilm Maker at 24.000 fps have their audio rate changed from 48000 Hz to 48048 Hz so they stay in sync with the video. Your Premiere timeline must be set to 48048 Hz for accurate audio editing. Then your final cut is exported at 48048 Hz audio as well. Finally, DVFilm Mutate converts the audio back to 48000 Hz for the DVD. No sampling or loss of quality takes place, it's just a slight speed change that keeps everything in sync.