If AE is on the same machine as your Avid, export QT reference. If it’s not, use same as source QT. And remember, your looking at interlaced footage on a progressive computer monitor. Don’t judge using a computer monitor, unless your product will wind up on a progressive monitor.
I agree. Even the low end stuff that goes to DVD get 1:1 title creation. I’d bet you’d really notice a difference if you change it. Don’t worry about the mixed resolution on your timeline. The XPro can handle it.
Are you saving your titles at 1:1 compression? I’m not familiar witht the Newscutter line, but I’m assuming it will accept mixed resolution like the AXPro will…