Apple ProRes 422 (HQ) and low res text subtitles

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Level 1

4 points

Apple ProRes 422 (HQ) and low res text subtitles

Hi,

We are close to finishing our project and have reels at Apple ProRes 422 HQ to get the best quality. We are also using subtitles generated within Final Cut Pro. Either the standard or the Boris 3D.

My question is this: why is a text subtitle very sharp and clear when it is unrendered? But when I render, it becomes lower quality? (i.e slight shift to aliasing occuring)

Now the final rendered text quality is ok. But there is a definite shift to a lower quality when rendered. This doesn't make sense. I would like the rendered clean look to remain.

Has anyone come across this before?

Are there any settings that need to be adjusted?

I had a go with adding the Filter 'Shift fields'. No improvement.

I also had a go with moving the text up and down 1 pixel. No improvement.

It just doesn't make sense that the text subtitle should look worse

?

Any thoughts, much appreciated,
M

ps: This is now a 16:9 image uprezzed from a DV image.
I am using a MacPro 3GHz - 4GB Ram - FCP 6.0.4 - QT7.5 - OS10.4.11

MacPro, Mac OS X (10.4.11), 4Gb Ram 750Gb HD

Posted on Aug 9, 2008 6:24 PM

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Answer 1

Andy Mees

Level 6

12,610 points

Aug 9, 2008 10:55 PM in response to MarcusOne

how are you viewing the before and after titles?
when you say this is upresed DV can you clarify that you are not blowing up DV res title renders, but actually re-rendering original titles t full res.
also make sure you titles are centered vertically on a full scanline not between scanlines (ie not on a fractional y value eg 15.32, but rather a whole value eg 15)

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Answer 2

MarcusOne Author

Level 1

4 points

Aug 9, 2008 11:25 PM in response to Andy Mees

Thanks for replying.

1) The DV footage was uprezzed to Apple ProRes format. Thus it is it's own QT clip. Not a DV clip in a APR sequence.

2) I am monitoring on a JVC LCD monitor (broadcast quality)

3) Yes, for the most part I think the titles are on WHOLE number and not fractional ones.

What do you think?

M

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Answer 3

Andy Mees

Level 6

12,610 points

Aug 10, 2008 12:45 AM in response to MarcusOne

1) The DV footage was uprezzed to Apple ProRes format. Thus it is it's own QT clip. Not a DV clip in a APR sequence.

but if I'm understanding you correctly, the problem is not with the DV but simply with the titles, yes?

2) I am monitoring on a JVC LCD monitor (broadcast quality)

great, we're definitely on the same page then

3) Yes, for the most part I think the titles are on WHOLE number and not fractional ones.

bugger ... its not that then.

What do you think?

if your project is an interlaced one then could it be that you are confusing a single field output versus a full frame output as a drop in resolution .... how does the subtitle look when the rendered section is played back ? often titles will appearto be less sharp when viewing a single field freeze frame than when they are actually played back

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Answer 4

MarcusOne Author

Level 1

4 points

Aug 10, 2008 10:38 AM in response to Andy Mees

Yes the sequence is a Apple ProRes - 1080i - 29.97fps.

Maybe the problem is due to 'interlacing'??

But a still frame on the sequence unrendered shows a sharp clear subtitle - while a rendered one does not.

When it plays, then the rendered subtitles do not improve in quality.

In fact, when played on my broadcast monitor or projected via a pro LCD projector - the low res still remains.

M

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Answer 5

Aug 10, 2008 11:04 AM in response to MarcusOne

I've heard other reports of this. You might send this to FCP Feedback. So far, no solution that I've heard.

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Answer 6

MarcusOne Author

Level 1

4 points

Oct 12, 2009 1:56 PM in response to MarcusOne

Use the correct setting to show the sequence. make sure its 10 bit.

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