Adobe Media Encoder, MPEG-2 for DGFastChannel

Compression Techniques

Adobe Media Encoder, MPEG-2 for DGFastChannel

Posted by Mike Healey on March 11, 2009 at 4:16 pm

Hey Folks!

I’ve looked around these posts for a specific fix for my issue with no luck.

I’m using Adobe Media Encoder to export MPEG-2 spots for DGFastChannel. All my settings past their QC tests except the 720×512 issue for VBI. When I set the output dimensions to 720 x 512 the encoder stretches the video to 512 rather then adding the 32 extra (black) lines top/bottom.

After teh first test failed and they sent the results I went into the encoder and created a 720 x 486 crop withing the 512 window. I lose 16 lines top/bottom but I’m not too worried about stuff outside the safe zone. The new test worked and they pasted the video but I’d still like to know why I can’t get the encoder to add the extra lines of black rather then stretching the video or having to crop it.

Any clues??

Thanks!!

Juan Carlos aguirre replied 15 years, 10 months ago 3 Members · 4 Replies
4 Replies

Chris Blair
March 11, 2009 at 11:54 pm

I don’t think Abobe Media Encoder can add the VBI pad that DG wants. At least not the versions we have. I think Episode, Carbon Coder and Digital Rapids Stream software are the only ones capable of doing it the way they want. Unless there are some hack workarounds for the other encoders out there.

We used DG/FastChannel for a number of years for one big client and they’re a nightmare to work with.

Vyvx is much more customer service oriented and doesn’t have the hoop jumping 720×512 requirement. But of course you have to use who your client is paying. I’ve never understood how DG/FastChannel has overcome their poor customer service and accounting deficiencies. They regularly overcharged us and it would take months to straighten out back when we had to use them.

Chris Blair
Magnetic Image, Inc.
Evansville, IN
http://www.videomi.com
Mike Healey
March 12, 2009 at 1:43 pm

Hi Chris,

I was told DGFC had acquired Level 3 (Vyvx) last year? I’m not certain but I figured they were one in the same now. Either way, I was able to find a workaround to the 720×512 dimensions DG requires. I loose 16 lines top/bottom but it’s outside the safe zone so I’m not too worried about it.

In the encoder, I create a 720×486 crop that creates the false image DG is looking for and satisfies their VBI needs. I would rather the encoder add black lines top/bottom and not crop the source but this works for now and it passes their tight QC specs.

Thanks for the heads up on DG! I have a call into Vyvx to see what alternatives are available to me at this point. We’re just now starting to migrate to tapeless spot delivery so it hasn’t been an issue until now.

Thanks!

~Mike~

Mike Healey Productions, Inc.
http://www.MikeHealeyProductions.com
Chris Blair
March 13, 2009 at 3:27 am

Well I’ll be….you’re right!

https://www.geniusdv.com/news_and_tutorials/2008/06/dg-fastchannel-completes-acquisition-of-vyvx-adver.php

Wonder why Vyvx’s specs are different? Or at least they were last fall when we were using them extensively. We’re not using them at the moment for anything.

Chris Blair
Magnetic Image, Inc.
Evansville, IN
http://www.videomi.com
Juan Carlos aguirre
July 15, 2010 at 11:41 pm

Hey Mike, I’m trying also to use Media encoder x CS4 to deliver to DG, could you point me in the right direction in terms of all the settings.. I have DG spec sheet, but no sure how to match it.

Thanks in advance.
JC

Juan Carlos Aguirre
HTV Studio
http://www.htvstudio.com

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