[Ben Holmes]

Beaten to it – that’s what happens when you answer a phone mid-post…

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[Ben Holmes]

Hi

If you’re delivering for a broadcaster like the BBC, the requirement is for a 16:9 FHA (full height anamorphic) master with titles/captions in 14:9 CAPTION SAFE.

This does not mean producing a 14:9 master (I’ve never heard of that requirement btw), but keeping safe areas on the edge of the 16:9 frame. Sport is different, requiring 4:3 safe.

Have a look at this:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/guidelines/dq/pdf/tv/tv_standards_london.pdf

Hope that helps – obviously depends who you are delivering for. I’m unaware of any 14:9 presets in FCP, nor have I ever seen a programme finished in this aspect.

Ben

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[Ben Holmes]

I’m in a similar situation most of the time – I use an HD monitor – so it’s not a big deal for me. I also like the flexibility the MBP gives me as a standalone device, and the HDMI output has saved me in the field on a couple of occasions. It’s still the only ‘missing feature’ though, IMHO.

I stopped using Kona after a few problems related to cables/connectors, as I have to constantly rig/derig kit, and had a few problems with a number of different cards in this regard, with BOBs not being recognised, and two card failures. I know AJA’s reputation is strong, and my experience is different from most peoples’. Unfortunately, most computer AV kit is NOT made for the Outside Broadcast life. AJA’s support is also excellent in the US, but not so easy to come by in the UK – usually we had to contact the States, with all the related time-zone issues that implied.

Lastly, the MPB allows me to swap the unit between two Mac Pro’s without having to open them up – I have kits flightcased for OB work, and one at base. All I need to do is fit each with the BM PCI interface, and plug into whichever kit I’m using.

For the vast majority of post work, I would have no hesitation recommending either product – the MBP just suit me better at the moment. As I using RED footage more at the moment, I may add a Kona 3 to one of my suites this year – although the RED post workflow does not make this the necessity it once was – and the MBP already supports dual-link 4:4:4 (and 3 Gb/s).

Horses for courses – no doubt.

Ben

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[Ben Holmes]

If I were AJA, I would make some mention of it in their literature. It might make people like me (who would use it primarily with desktop systems) think again.

Ben

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[Ben Holmes]

[Jason Porthouse] “Ben, I thought the MBPro did downconvert? I’m sure I’ve had mine doing it… *puzzled* “

Mmm – never post in a hurry. What I should have made clear is that the MBP does provide an SD feed of an HD project, but it cannot SIMULTANEOUSLY provide SD and HD like the Kona products (although this has been offered on the newly announced BM cards).

This means you cannot work in an HD enviroment where you need (for example) to layoff to an HD deck, and monitor on an SD-SDI monitor, or SD component/composite monitor. I use an HD-SDI monitor at home, but find this an occasional limitation when working in the field. It means the MBP may not suit every setup, although it still represents the best value and flexibility combination for me at the moment. The HDMI output helps to overcome some of these issues.

I’d love to see BM update the firmware on the MBP to fix this, btw – if it were possible.

Thanks for making me clear that up…

Ben

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[Ben Holmes]

[walter biscardi] “Technically this is incorrect. The Io HD supports playback of uncompressed formats. This is useful in a multiple system configuration so if you’re working in Uncompressed files you could capture with a Kona and still use the Io HD as a playback and mastering device on a 2nd system or even a laptop (for uncompressed SD). As a stand alone, one system box, it won’t help much with uncompressed. “

Interesting – I was not aware that you could pass an uncompressed HD stream down the FW interface. If so, I stand corrected.

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[Ben Holmes]

Most HDV cameras and decks have the option to downconvert the HDV signal to DV, so you can capture using the DV codec. If this is an option for you, this may be the simplest option.

Hope that helps – I realise it’s not exactly what you’re asking.

Ben

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[Ben Holmes]

The Multibridge Pro IS a breakout box in effect – and can be used standalone as a standards converter, as can the IO HD. However, the IO HD is limited by it’s use of FW800, so you can really only work in HD using ProRes – you cannot work in any uncompressed formats. This may not be a major consideration for you.

Switching to the equivalently prices Kona LH will gain you the ability to work with or without a BOB (altough I gather you are keen on them) and also live downconversion for SD monitoring of HD projects – something which only the new BM cards (not the MBP) support. You will, however, lose your HDMI monitoring.

Ben

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[Ben Holmes]

Play the DVD on your computer. Does it fill the window there? If so, it’s an issue with your TV, or more likely the PS3 setup for upconverting.

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[Ben Holmes]

However, the card WILL be necessary, as otherwise you will not be able to grade or properly view your footage. There is no way you can deliver something 4:4:4 in HD without having first viewed it on a professional monitor via a video card.

Either the Kona or BM (if you have access to an Intel Mac) would be ideal.

Ben

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