-
DVCPRO HD – what are native frame dimensions?
Hi! My question is about math actually. We all know that native size of a 720p frame is 1280×720 considering pixels are square. We also know that DVCPROHD stores frames as 960×720.
But if we open a DVCPROHD .mov file QuickTime will display it as 1248×702 meaning these dimensions are correct to display DVCPROHD’s frame. So can anybode tell me *what dimensions are really correct*?
I need dimensions of the source frame to calculate correct downscaling proportions to make a PAL 4:3 movie from DVCPROHD 720p, using only one Shake node (Resize) instead of simple combination of two: Fit and Resize; trying to optimize
Another thing that we have to take in count when doing such conversion is that PAL 4:3 720×576 frame have 1.066 pixel aspect.
So, any ideas? -
7 Replies
-
In 720p:
Native DVCPRo HD is 960×720 with a PAR of 1.33.
When displayed on a monitor that image is stretched to 1280×720 with a square PAR of 16:9 (or 1.78).
QT is obviously scaling the image. 720p base band is 1280×720 by it’s very design.
-
I was absolutely sure in that until saw QT “info” box.
Guess that’s just QT’s bug -
[Max Chernyaev] “Guess that’s just QT’s bug”
It does sometimes have a few reporting errors.
Jeremy
-
Hey there! I realize this is an old post, but just came across a similar issue, and thought maybe you could help.
I’m delivering native res 720P DVCPro HD files for a client, and was told not to use export > quicktime file using current settings, because it makes a final cut movie file that needs to be opened in final cut. Instead, I’m exporting using quicktime conversion, DVCPro HD 720p60 codec, at 23.98 (current) fps.
When I get to the size settings, there are two options that look right: 1280 x 720 HD (in the first section, with web size settings) or, HD 1280×720 16:9 (which is in the bottom of the list, amongst the NTSC and PAL size settings). I chose the latter (as it made the most sense) clicked okay, and in the “move settings” window, it shows the size as: 1280×720 (1248×702). [I would have expected it to say 1280×720 (960×720).]
When I exported, the quicktime player metadata told me the resulting file settings were 960×720 (1248×702), and that the file was natively 1248×702. I know from experience quicktime player metadata is very unreliable and quirky. So I opened a version of the same video that I’d exported from FCP as a quicktime file using current settings instead of quicktime conversion. When both were displayed at actual size, the file I created using quicktime conversion actually displayed slightly smaller(!), but at a seemingly proper aspect ratio ( it looks like it really is 32 pixels smaller horizontally and 18 pixels vertically, the difference between 1280×720 and 1248×702).
I tried the other setting in the quicktime conversion box, “1280 x 720 HD.” the “movie” settings window in the export did not say “(1248×702)”, but the resulting file displayed the same way in quicktime player, and when viewed at actual size, was still slightly smaller than the current settings quicktime movie file.
Anyone know what this means? Am I losing res by going through quicktime conversion? Or can anyone possibly disambiguate the differences between a current settings final cut movie quicktime file, and a quicktime conversion DVCPro HD qt? I usually live and die by current settings final cut movie files when exporting full res, but when delivering masters to clients who might not have final cut, what should be done?
Thanks, all!
-
[Amy Grumbling] “I’m delivering native res 720P DVCPro HD files for a client, and was told not to use export > quicktime file using current settings, because it makes a final cut movie file that needs to be opened in final cut.”
That’s wrong. Using current settings has nothing to do with it. What app are they trying to use? DVCPro can’t be used everywhere and in any app, but that’s not because of current settings.
Export Quicktime Movie using current settings does attach a FCP icon, and it will automatically open in FCP if you simply double click it, but it will open just like any other QT in QT Player or other apps as well, and it behaves like any other. Just make certain to create a self contained file.
David Roth Weiss
Director/Editor/Colorist
David Weiss Productions, Inc.
Los AngelesPOST-PRODUCTION WITHOUT THE USUAL INSANITY ™
A forum host of Creative COW’s Apple Final Cut Pro, Business & Marketing, Indie Film & Documentary, and Film History & Appreciations forums.
-
Thanks, David! That didn’t sound right to me, but I think I’ve never opened a current settings file in anything other than FCP or QT player. The client is sending the file to a vendor who will be encoding all the deliverables for a corporate event.
So is there any difference between a current settings file and a quicktime conversion DVCPro HD file besides the icon?
Best,
Amy -
[Amy Grumbling] “So is there any difference between a current settings file and a quicktime conversion DVCPro HD file besides the icon? “
Yes, if you use Export QT Movie there is no recompression, and you can’t make a mistake by inadvertently changing anything. So, you can probably imagine which one I recommend. Right?
David Roth Weiss
Director/Editor/Colorist
David Weiss Productions, Inc.
Los AngelesPOST-PRODUCTION WITHOUT THE USUAL INSANITY ™
A forum host of Creative COW’s Apple Final Cut Pro, Business & Marketing, Indie Film & Documentary, and Film History & Appreciations forums.
Reply to this Discussion! Login or Sign Up