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User profile for user: ciscomccarthy
ciscomccarthy Author
User level: Level 1
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Exporting 16:9 720p HD to 4:3 SD?????

So we are shooting footage with an HVX at 720p 16x9. I want to be able to down convert this footage to 720x480 (4x3) SD for broadcast. I have tried to export out of FCP with the quicktime conversion and checking the preserve aspect ratio box with crop selected but the final export still comes out with the full 16x9 squished into the 4x3.

I was able to follow this same process with footage from a Sony EX3 and it worked fine. It cropped off the sides and made me a 4x3 image with no squishing. When I try this with footage from our HVX (DVXpro) it squishes. Is this a problem with the DVCpro footage of am I missing a step somewhere?

I did read that by exporting my HD footage at full res and then bringing that clip into an SD 4x3 timeline and stretching the clip out to fill the screen works, but I want to know if there is a way to achieve this in the initial export without having to re-import and stretch the footage?

Thanks

MAC PRO, Mac OS X (10.5.5)

Posted on Dec 8, 2008 12:30 PM

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User profile for user: Andy Neil
Andy Neil
User level: Level 4
3,795 points

Dec 8, 2008 12:39 PM in response to ciscomccarthy

I'm assuming based on clues in your post that you want a full frame, but cropped version of your HD video in SD. This is opposed to letterboxed 16x9.

The easiest thing to do would be to create a SD sequence and drag your HD sequence into it. Then resize the nested sequence so that the sequence filled the 4x3 frame. Then export as a standard QT movie.

This will also give you control if you need to shift the frame or pan and scan depending upon the action on the screen.

Personally, I hate conforming 16x9 into a 4x3 frame. I'd much rather see it letterboxed and at least be able to see the entire frame.

Andy
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User profile for user: Andy Neil
Andy Neil
User level: Level 4
3,795 points

Dec 8, 2008 1:18 PM in response to ciscomccarthy

ciscomccarthy wrote:
So it sounds like that is the only way to achieve this. No way to crop the image on the export so its full frame in a 4:3 without squishing huh???


I didn't say that. There's always more than one way to skin a cat (metaphorically). My method is simply the easiest with the most control over the image in case you need to reframe. If all you care about is globally lopping the ends off, you can do that by exporting via Compressor.

In Compressor, you go into the geometry tab of the setting you are compressing with. There is a drop down for "Crop To". Choose the 4x3 1.33:1 setting and it'll take off the correct amount from the right and left to make a 4x3 frame.

Andy
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Exporting 16:9 720p HD to 4:3 SD?????

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