outputting 16:9 in letterbox sequence

[Noah Kadner]

Letterboxing to? HD is 16:9 if you are going to standard definition you can choose 16:9 or 4:3 letterbox- what are you trying to do?

Noah

[Peter Carroll]

I have SD footage shot in the anamorphic mode of my new HVX 200. Since the project will be viewed mostly on conventional 4:3 TVs I need to output a letterboxed master. I am using Final Cut 4.5, and when I create a letterbox sequence the image sharpness deteriorates. Is there any way to minimize this?

[Noah Kadner]

Are you outputting to DV NTSC, how will it be played back? Please let us know your SD settings- we can’t see your computer from here. DVDs can be encoded at 16:9 native BTW.

Noah

[Peter Carroll]

Noah, thanks for being patient with me.
Yes, I am outputting DV NTSC and I would like to release the show on DVD.
The clip item properties are Anamorphic, DV-NTSC 720X480.

[Roddy Jamieson]

Let your DVD do the letterbox when you author. Just set your track display to 16:9 letterbox and provided the end user’s DVD player is correctly set they will have a letterbox on their 4:3 screen. If they have widescreen TV then no problem.

Roddy Jamieson

[Noah Kadner]

Exactly- peek into the manual about 16:9 anamorphic DVD authoring. It will look a lot better than 4:3 letterbox. Quick background on why this is so:

https://gregl.net/videophile/anamorphic.htm

Noah

[Peter Carroll]

Thanks for the advice and the link. This is very helpful.