-
Compressor and Export questions
I’m trying to use Compressor to convert my DV feature film from NTSC to PAL. The settings seem simple enough. I’m using the standard “PAL DV” preset and modifying it for best quality and such. But I’m having a problem with the screen size. I know standard PAL is 720×576, but even under the “custom” option, I can only resize the image to 720×540. The result is a slightly smaller image which appears “boxed in” by black on all sides. It’s not too distracting, but if anyone knows the “magic numbers” for these settings, please let me know.
Also, as for exporting, I’m dropping my new PAL quicktime into a standard “PAL DV” timeline in FCP and exporting (with 4 tracks of audio) to my DSR-11 DVCAM deck. The manual says that it will record the PAL signal automatically when connected via firewire (which is how it’s currently connected). However, because my monitor is NTSC-only, I can’t actually monitor the export. How will I know it’s recording correctly since I can’t monitor the export or view the recording on playback thereafter?
ANY help would be great. Thanks!
-
8 Replies
-
If PAL DV is like NTSC DV (720×480) then the 6 lines that you are missing are just part of DV. (NTSC is 720×486)
As for monitoring, you will have to capture after output and watch it down.
-
Hi Robert,
You don’t need to resize nothing to go from SD NTSC to PAL.
Set the Frame Control ON in Compressor and be patient.
You should export to a better codec than DV unless you intend to print to MiniDV PAL.[Robert Harari] “Also, as for exporting, I’m dropping my new PAL quicktime into a standard “PAL DV” timeline in FCP and exporting (with 4 tracks of audio) to my DSR-11 DVCAM deck. The manual says that it will record the PAL signal automatically when connected via firewire (which is how it’s currently connected). However, because my monitor is NTSC-only, I can’t actually monitor the export. How will I know it’s recording correctly since I can’t monitor the export or view the recording on playback thereafter? “
Print something to NTSC. When everything is set you only need to switch the desk to PAL.
rafael -
Thanks for the suggestions fellas. Unfortunately, I have to output to the PAL DV codec because I have to create a PAL master in DVCAM, which will eventually be transferred to DigiBeta for delivery to the distributor. Not my choice, it’s just what they want.
The “frame control” setting idea sounds like exactly what I need to do. However, since I’m a novice with Compressor, I’m not sure I know where to find it. Can you tell me where that option is?
-
Recapturing and watching it back is a good suggestion. Thanks!
-
Click the small icons in the Inspector. For better results set Resize Filter: BEST.
Rate Conversion BEST.
The rendering will take long time.
rafael -
Hey Rafael. I appreciate your time and help with my issues. But I’m just not seeing where this stuff is. Is it possible you’re referring to Compressor 2? I ask because I have only Compressor, not Compressor 2. Are these features only in Compressor 2, or am I just a fool that can’t find this stuff? Thanks.
Rob
-
Hi Robert,
Sorry but now I’m in Compressor 3 and I can not remember how it was in Compressor 1.
In Compressor 2/3 if you don’t set “Control Frame ON”, the application works no better than QT. If you set it ON, it behaves really like a Pro application.
rafael -
I see. That’s what I was afraid of. In Compressor 1, most of the export options available are for MPEG2 and MPEG4. The only PAL option I have for my project is PAL DV. Which is fine since I’ll need to export through it anyway. But the final image is rather choppy. And, being Compressor 1, it doesn’t have “Inspector” or “Frame Control”. Oh well, thanks anyway.
Reply to this Discussion! Login or Sign Up