Downloading for broadcast

[Shane Ross]

Do they want TAPE or a digital file? They should be providing a spec sheet that indicates what they want and how they want it.

Shane

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[John Fishback]

If you have a Kona or other i/o card or box, you can downconvert in real time to tape. Most people agree this produces higher quality results than Compressor. That said, Compressor can do the job if you can deliver your program as a file. Ask the broadcaster if they have a preference of file format.

John

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[Krista Dunn]

I am delivering a quicktime file to stations. I have tried some tests and there is some distoration (vertical stretch) in the image when I cut in the native size and download thru Compressor. (people look thinner!) Any way you know of to avoid this? Thank you!

[Doug Beal]

the process you want is downconverting not downloading and in order to maintain aspect ratio from the native HD footage you need to “letterbox” the footage or 4:3 “centercut” which preserves your height but cuts off the sides.
what you are getting now is an anamorphic image which is also referred to as “squeeze” This is acceptable for DVD authoring but not for broadcast. they’ll want “letterbox” or “center cut”

Doug Beal
Editor / Engineer
Rock Creative Images
Nashville TN

[Krista Dunn]

Thank you, gentlemen!

[Andy Mees]

Hi Krista

As recommended earlier, check with your traget broadcaster as to their requirements/preference. Doug’s advice here, with respect, is not always necessarily correct, inasmuch as broadcasters might indeed prefer an anamorphic master which they can repurpose as desired eg 16:9, 14:9 or 4:3.

Hope it helps
Andy

[Doug Beal]

Hello Andy
I agree, as Shane said earlier, check with the broadcaster for their specs, however I was responding to her comment/question
” (people look thinner!) Any way you know of to avoid this? Thank you!”

Doug Beal
Editor / Engineer
Rock Creative Images
Nashville TN

[Andy Mees]

I hear you Doug, and as noted, my comment was “with respect”. No offense was intended.
I was hoping to clarify only that part of your post where it stated what you are getting now is an anamorphic image which is also referred to as “squeeze” This is acceptable for DVD authoring but not for broadcast. they’ll want “letterbox” or “center cut” which I though had the potential for misinterpretation by other less experienced viewers of this thread.
Hope that explains my post a bit better
Best Regards
Andy Mees