MPEG2 exports for HDTV

[Everest Mokaeff]

In Compressor in pressets Formats/MPEG-2 you’ll find three presets that are frame-rate and resolution off based

Sony PMW-EX3, Canon Mark II 5D, FCS3 in Moscow
http://www.mokaeff.com

[Mark Spano]

You might be able to do a proper MPEG-2 encode for broadcast with Compressor, but in the past I have found the customization options for this format in Compressor are much more suited to Blu-Ray and DVD encoding than broadcast. For that, I’ve used Squeeze or Episode to make an MPEG-2 with the right spec for broadcast. Get a detailed spec from the broadcaster and see how many of those line items you can hit with Compressor. I would bet you’ll need to move up to Episode or Squeeze…

[Andrew White]

Thanks. I’ve exhausted Compressor and now trying Adobe Media encoder.
SPecs are: Codec: MPEG2
Frame size: 1920×1080 pixels
Aspect picture ratio (OAR): from 1.78:1, up to 2.35:1

But surely 1920×1080 IS 1.78:1? When I make it anything elkse, ist no longer 1920×1080.

And why when I apply 4.2.2, cannot I not view the video? It just comes out a bunch of colored lines?

[Mark Spano]

Wow – they didn’t give you a bit rate to hit or a container type (TS / PS)? This might be a little game of darts for you, trying to hit a spec without enough info. Anyway, yes 1920×1080 is 1.78:1, but many times features are shot to be matted to higher ratios such as 2.35:1. Frame size in that case is still 1920×1080, but active picture (letterboxed) is 1920×817. And 4:2:2 profile for MPEG-2 is something different. You need to be sure they want that – only certain systems can even play that back.

[Andrew White]

THis is ALL the info they gave me:

Codec: MPEG2
Frame size: 1920×1080 pixels
Aspect picture ratio (OAR): from 1.78:1, up to 2.35:1
Frame rate: 50i
Stream type: MPEG2 Video Stream (Main Profile @ High Level)
Field dominance (interlacing): Upper Field First
Bit rate: not less 50Mbit/s CBR
Chroma format: 4:2:2

I am sending them sample files, but if you say only some systems can read MPEG2 4:2:2, then perhaps I should just send them the test file even though I can’t read it.

[Mark Spano]

If you have someone willing to test on the other end, then yes, just follow as close to the spec as you are and send them your test. They’ll be able to tell you right away if what you’re doing is right or not. I think I’ve been able to play 4:2:2 MPEG-2 files in VLC but I don’t remember. Seem to recall there was something weird with audio sync – never had a sure way of QCing my MPEG-2 encodes. Good luck.

[Chris Tompkins]

Good compression software in this business is essential IMO.
We have been using “Episode” for years and love it.
Use it daily.

Chris Tompkins
Video Atlanta LLC

[Rafael Amador]

Sorry. I saw the 422 request on your second post.
I think Episode is the solution.
rafael

Andrew White: “And why when I apply 4.2.2, cannot I not view the video?”
Why are you trying 422 for an MPEG-2 for broadcasting?
You haven’t been requested that.
MPEG-2 422 is for production, no for broadcast
http://www.nagavideo.com

[Andrew White]

I’ve got Adobe Media Encoder and have sent them a trial file using that. Thanks for the help all. Thumbs crossed.