Making DVDs: FCP to Compressor to DVDSP

[Rafael Amador]

Hi Paul,
I will start with my recommendation:
You go to DVD, so 720×480.
– Capture the Digibeta as 10b uncompress or ProRess HQ.
– Open a DV50 (720×480) sequence and change the codec to 10b Unc or Proress.
– Drop all your footage (Digi, 8b Unc and JPEG) in the sequence.
Before rendering, set “Render all YUV material in High Precision”.

[Paul Blin] “I want to capture the digi betas at 8bit UC or Photo JPG 90%–whichever you people advise. I don’t want to use Pro Res–I may need the files for other purposes later on, ie Avid.
“
You should go to a 10b codec because Digibeta is 10b. If you are going to any 8b codec you are waisting the best from your footage.
Now there is a free Proress reader for Windows. you shouldn’t have anyproblem to edit in AVID or any other suit.

[Paul Blin] “My understanding is that the QT reference will look to the first clip in the timeline and adjust accordingly, trying to apply those parameters to all the succeeding clips in the timeline, whether they are consistent frame sizes or not. “
Normally when you export a Reference movie from FC supposedly, the sequence must to be rendered. the Reff movie points to the render files.
I really don’t know what happens if you send to Compressor a Ref movie that haven’t been rendered before.

[Paul Blin] “So, Is it a good idea to capture at 720 x 480 so that all (or at least the vast of majority of) the assets are the same frame size? The typical setting for UC is 486×720. I’m confused about how to set up the Easy Settings or Audio/Video Capture Preset to Uncompressed 8-bit 720×480. I’m borrowing an AJA HD SDI card, not sure which mode”

Many capture Presets are designed to capture the footage as it is on tape. There are some parameters that can not be modified.
8/10b Unc and Prores have 720×486 size because that’s the size on DigiBeta.
DV and DV50 tapes write 720×480.
Luckily in NTSC all those formats are “Lower first”.
You will go to DVD so 720×480 would be better for you.
You can try to duplicate one of the AJA Presets and change the size.
Pick any of the 8/10b NTSC presets. Duplicate it and edit.
You will find:
– Frame Size: 720×486
– Aspect ratio: CCIR 601 NTSC (40:27)
Set Size 720×480 and Aspect Ratio NTSC DV (3:2).
There is no change in field order or time base.I think the AJA can manage this resizing on the fly.
You would end up with a 8/10b Unc 720×480 file.

[Paul Blin] “What about a few of my masters that are UC Quicktimes 720 x 486 ? can I downsize those? Is it possible I should just capture my digi betas at DVC 50? “

When you drop 720×486 footage in a 720×480 sequence, FC crops those 6 lines.
But Paul, you should go up with the codecs.
If you capture DV as proress (with a good video card) this improve the quality of the picture.
If you capture Proress as DV this will degrade the quality.

http://www.nagavideo.com

[Paul Blinn]

I’m still not sure about what codec to use in capture. 10bit is just too big of a file, especially if I end up making this portable on my laptop.

Is there a 10 bit Pro Res codec? Also, could you please explain this? When you say DV, you mean 480, right? I don’t have an DV (tapes).

“If you capture DV as proress (with a good video card) this improve the quality of the picture.
If you capture Proress as DV this will degrade the quality.”

Thanks for your detailed answer.

[Rafael Amador]

Hi Paul,
Proress in his to versions SQ/HQ is always 10b.
is your best option for capturing the DigiBeta.
Rafael

http://www.nagavideo.com