How to export razor-sharp, small-filed video for web?

[Marc Brak]

I see that while i was typing this, a fairly similar question was posted below.

I’ll watch both.

For now i should add that the original is 720×576 (PAL). 320×240 would be great for web download (not streaming).

[Tim Kolb]

I don’t know if any format can be said to be “better” in every circumstance than any other…the compression tool and the settings make a difference though.

The Adobe Media Encoder is OK, but ProCoder from Canopus is a more flexible transcoding tool, and the free download Windows Media Encoder also has more capabilities for creating Windows Media files.

I would say that “razor sharp” is probably the first place you’ll need to rethink…the best web video is actually relatively soft. when you start with a full PAL frame and knock it down to less than a quarter size, the smaller frame can’t possibly represent all the detail, so the video should run through some pre-processing in whatever software you use to transcode:

1. De-interlace. Cuts down the complexity of the source material so the compression is cleaner, the data rate is more efficient and it will also compress a bit faster.

2. Some compressors have the capability to deal with levels or contrast…raising the black levels slightly and lowering the peak brightness levels will also relieve some stress on the data rate and improve the “perceived” image quality.

TimK,

Kolb Syverson Communications,
Creative Cow Host,
2004-2005 NAB Post Production Conference
Premiere Pro Technical Chair,
Author, “The Easy Guide to Premiere Pro” http://www.focalpress.com
“Premiere Pro Fast Track DVD Series” http://www.classondemand.net