[Ivan Myles]

Try applying the correction to the clip in a nested sequence, then apply the mask to the sequence.

[Ivan Myles]

I agree you should use progressive rather than interlaced. The choice between 720p-50 or 1080p-25 will depend on the source footage. In the future, try maximizing quality to the greatest degree allowed by the camera (bitrate, GOP, lenses, aperture, lighting). I would probably focus on 1080p-25 first, and use 720p-50 for motion shots. It’s subjective, though.

[Ivan Myles]

Here are the settings to export a test file using AVI-None:

You can use the same settings to export the entire file, but it will be very large.

You do not need to convert the source files prior to editing. I suggest the following workflow:

– import the H.264 source files into Premiere and edit as desired
– export a high quality intermediate file using either the QuickTime-PNG or QuickTime-DNxHD codec (you would need to download the DNxHD codec from the Avid website). Here are the settings for PNG:

To export a DNxHD file, I suggest the 1080p/25fps/185/10-bit setting with Color Level set to RGB:

[Ivan Myles]

There is a well-known issue with QuickTime color management when displaying H.264 files. The problem seems to be amplified when viewing videos on computers that also have the Creative Suite applications loaded. Try viewing the file in QT on a computer without the Adobe apps. Alternatively, open the file in QT and perform the following:

– Select “Window” and “Show Movie Properties”
– Click “Video Track”
– Select the tab marked “Visual Settings”
– In the lower left corner, set “Transparency” to “Blend”
– Adjust the “Transparency Level” slider to 100%
– Set “Transparency” to “Straight Alpha”
– Toggle the “High Quality” setting by clicking it twice (this just resets the image)
– Close the Properties window

You should now see the true colors as stored in the file. DO NOT save the reformatted file in QuickTime; just close it when done.

[Ivan Myles]

I just read your thread on the Adobe forum and discovered you need an intermediate file for further processing. In that case, export as ProRes, DNxHD, PNG, or JPEG2000 instead of H.264.

[Ivan Myles]

Yes, the pixel ratio should be square; sorry I missed that. Thanks for uploading the files. The artifacts on the trunk/boot are known as macroblocking and banding.

Try exporting a short test clip (~50 frames) using all the recommended settings listed above (High Profile, Level 5.1, 2-pass VBR, 300mbps, Keyframe=1) to produce the best possible quality from the H.264 encoder. Also export the same clip using the AVI-None codec to generate an uncompressed 8-bit RGB reference file. Import both files into Premiere, insert on the timeline, and compare to the source file.

If the AVI looks good but the high quality H.264 still looks bad, then the issue is with the H.264 codec.

If the AVI looks bad, too, then take a closer look at the source file. The blocking may not have been apparent in QuickTime because of QT color management. Let me know what you find.

[Ivan Myles]

One more thing: What is the source frame rate? Your sequence is 25fps, but the export is set to 50. Assuming the source is 25fps, change your export frame rate to 25fps and disable frame blending. Do this with the first set of changes listed above.

[Ivan Myles]

Thanks for posting the pics. Try this, first:

– VBR, 2-Pass
– Increase (maximize) the bitrate

If results are still undesirable, use High Profile, Level 5.1, and raise bitrate further.

To get the best possible quality, maximize the bitrate and under Advanced Settings change key frame distance to 1 frame. It is unlikely you would keep these settings, but it shows the full capability of the codec.

[Ivan Myles]

If you can export using IMX625/50, then the codec is already loaded.

Sequences can be created without using presets. In the New Sequence popup, select the Settings tab, set Editing Mode to Custom, and then set the parameters to be compatible with your footage. The settings can be saved as a custom preset, if desired.

[Ivan Myles]

What are your export requirements (codec, bit rate, player compatibility)?

It would be helpful if you could list all the export settings or post a screen shot.