How to handle data recorded on P2 cards

P2 cards are semiconductor memory cards that are used as the recording medium in the professional video production and broadcasting devices that make up the DVCPRO P2 series. Since data recorded in the P2 format is in a file format, they have excellent compatibility with computers. The file structure is a unique format, which in addition to video and audio data in MXF files contains various other important information items. The folder structure links data recorded in the P2 format as shown below.

• P2 cards formatted on devices other than microP2 memory card compatible devices do not have the AVCLIP folder. For P2 cards without the AVCLIP folder, the folder will automatically be created when recording is performed on microP2 memory card compatible devices.
• When transferring data from a P2 card to a computer, or when rewriting data saved on a computer back to a P2 card, to prevent data loss be sure to download the special “P2 Viewer Plus” software. For details on downloading P2 Viewer Plus and the operating environment, click here to see the website.
• When using regular IT tools such as Microsoft Windows Explorer or Apple Finder to transfer data to a computer, follow the instructions below. However, be sure to use P2 Viewer Plus when returning data back to a P2 card.
  • Transfer the corresponding CONTENTS folder and LASTCLIP.TXT file together as a set.
  • Do not transfer individual files from the CONTENTS folder.
  • When copying, copy the LASTCLIP.TXT file at the same time as the CONTENTS folder.
  • When transferring the data in multiple P2 cards to a computer, create a folder for each P2 card to prevent clips with the same name from being overwritten.
  • Do not delete data from the P2 card.
  • Be sure to format P2 cards on a P2 device or P2 Viewer Plus.