-
Ideal Compression for Transcription Window Burns
I’m sending out some interview footage shot on an EX3 for transcription. I’d like the transcripts to contain timecode, so I need to give the transcribers a window burn with original timecode.
I’m trying to figure out what file format will be smallest (for ease in uploading and downloading) and quickest for export. I know, of course, that the smaller the format the more compression is necessary and thus the longer it takes, but I am looking for recommendations for what might be best.
In this case I do not care about image quality at all, except in so far as the window burned timecode should be visible. My original footage is in XDCAM HD.
Thanks for any tips.
-
2 Replies
-
I’d use Compressor to make H.264 Quicktime files with a single-pass encode. It’s such an efficient codec, so it makes a good look at a reasonable data rate. As far as the data rate goes, I’d rely on a short test there to see how low you can go and still be tolerable. Compressor is fast if you can use a quick cluster to take advantage of multiple processors.
-
Yep, this is what I do. I make h.264 Quicktimes, usually at about half the size of the original frame.
I’ve found that a data rate around 400 is plenty to let them read the timecode.
There are two ways to burn timecode, one is laying the clips into a FCP sequence and then using the TCR filter. The other is using the filter in Compressor. When using compressor I tend to change the text to white and put it in the bottom center.
Reply to this Discussion! Login or Sign Up