Field Dominance Issue (Screen Capture Included)

[Francis Hughes]

Thanks for helping Kris, here are the settings….

https://yfrog.com/f/msscreenshot20100812at181p/
https://yfrog.com/f/mvscreenshot20100812at181ep/

As you can see all is ‘apparently’ ok.

[Francis Hughes]

For those that might have the same problem in future and find this thread via the search. I solved my problem by using the Flicker Filter in FCP set to max. This solved 99% of the issue.

[Michael Gissing]

Using a flicker filter to fix a field dominance issue isn’t the way to go.

If you take the fact that DV is the only lower field form of PAL then you can manage field issues best. Your clip and sequence settings seem to be right. Check you clips to make sure their isn’t a shift fields filter accidentally on the clips.

If that is all correct then you shouldn’t see interlacing on moving images in FCP with the viewer at 100% or on an external monitor via an I/O card. Next stage is to do the mpeg2 encode for DVD and letting Compressor change the field order to Upper. Follwing this workflow, there should be no interlace flicker on a TV. You will see interlacing on a computer monitor. If you want a computer/web version then deinterlace using frame controls in Compressor, but only do this for versions to be played on computer screens as this reduces the resolution.

[Francis Hughes]

Hi Michael.

I checked the footage and there is no shift fields filter on any of the source material either on the clips in the timeline or on the footage from the browser.

I did try letting compressor change the field dominance and it came out even worse. I did not bother to waste a DVD on it.

I’m checking the footage this morning and well recapture a small section, I have to conclude that either the footage was captured incorrectly (though I can’t see how, given the settings reported by FCP) or it was filmed incorrectly.

Will report back with my findings.

[Jason Porthouse]

I see nothing in you’re original screenshot that would give me cause for concern. Set at 100% the canvas will show interlacing like this – it’s FCPs way of representing interlaced material. it only does it at 100%.

I’m assuming you’re not monitoring with any external monitor, even if it’s a TV. If so I’d wager you’d see a normal, interlaced picture.

I think you’re getting yourself in a pickle because you’re trying to correct a problem that isn’t there, and making it worse in doing so.

If you’re editing PAL DV, make sure your sequence is PAL DV, make sure FCP isn’t putting on any shift fields, take of the flicker filters, and when you’re sure of all that, (use easy setups if in doubt) then export a self-contained reference.

Then use compressor’s presets to encode for DVD, and if using DVD studio pro, author a PAL dvd using the output. Don’t screw around with compressors presets… use Best Quality 90 min (or whatever you need)

Played on a correctly set up DVD player the output should be fine. I’ve done dozens of DVDs using this workflow and it has *never* given me interlacing issues.

If you can, invest in an output card and a monitor – even if it’s an old CRT domestic telly. Seeing exactly what you’re dealing with, and knowing it’s right from the get-go, will save you a lot of time and heartache in the long run. It’s worth the few hundred quid you’d need to invest.

Jason

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