DV video quality

Xena Deb wrote:

Steve Mullen wrote:

Sooo... the 8.0.1 iMovie 09 update is not even worth it?

I would disagree with this assertion. The iMovie update is absolutely worth it for a number of reasons, in addition to the ability to get decent 720p video from the built in export preset.

That you can possibly get even better results using other programs like Final Cut or third party tools is another matter. As it pertains to this iMovie update you can now, finally, get good looking 720p video without jumping through any additional hoops which is what most users in this space want. That simply wasn't possible before the update and it was a PITA.

Compare 720p exports from iMovie '09 before this update to ones after the update and the difference is dramatic. I think many users will be happy with the results of the new 720p export preset.

If you are using 09 you'll want the new book. But, the fundamental material remains the same because the basics of iM didn't change.

------

Yes, 801 gives better 720p. But, not as good as if you used an external deinterlacing program.

I guess my question is -- is there material in the first book that won't be covered in the second book. The imovie9 book is a given! Just waiting for it to be released. If the 08book has other basic info, I will buy both.

tx

Hey Steve.....
When and where could I find this ebook that you speak of?

1) No reason to spend on the iM08 book unless you don't plan to upgrade to iM09. I promise by next Friday it will be ready. It has to get done because there's only another week to do taxes and then the NAB (National Assoc. Broadcasters) convention starts. Apple's not exhibiting this year. Guess this means no new FCP until next year. 😟

2) Click on my post's Signature to find my website. The Signature icon is a neat feature -- you can see recent posts by someone, send them email, and go to their website. You can even find a short Bio.

thanks. I had found your website through a google search, but this works better. All your posts are their to learn from. no rush on the book. I don't even have the new version yet. Will soon. I was waiting for the bugs to be worked out and i want a new macbook. If you are looking for another book idea, I was searching the web for anything on being more creative for everyday users. There was one lesson on how to shoot a kids sports event. I would love something broader. Combining the technical expertise with a creative guideline on shoots, angles, clips, music, incporating pictures and clips etc.

Just because imovie is a paint by numbers approach. People can still really mess up that!

Have fun at the show. You should do a blog on your website.

I completely agree that the "photography" side of video is missing. Us old timers had no choice but to start with our "toy" Kodak cameras. Then we went to 8mm, Super8, and then 16mm. Only then did we get to Beta/VHS.

The good news is that I'm now getting exactly the same MEASURED resolution exported from iM09 as in the original DV clip. This is better than I've ever gotten!

Now I need to see if Apple screws it up using SHARE TO IDVD.

And, if iDVD is part of the problem. I've heard Apple's compression in iDVD is less than stellar.

For example, Apple's H.264 has been tested to be one of the worst. I think it's become clear, the do have the best programmers or management will put no resources into software.

I'm puzzled - I recently got a Sony HDD camcorder which records MPEG2, and had to get MPEG Streamclip to be able to read them as iMovie couldn't recognise. It will convert to QT, to DV, to AVI, or to MPEG4, but I can't see anything called AIC??

In Streamclip, select File/Export Using QuickTime. You will get a long list of choices, including Apple Intermediate Codec (AIC).

I see it now, thank you!

For anyone who is willing to pay for and learn FCE, is the "best quality" using imovie 09 and FCE better than just imovie 09?

If so, will this workflow, or any other FCE-inclusive options be included in your upcoming guide?

Yes, the transfer of a project from iM to FCE is included. But, there is no longer any DV quality lost in iM09 if you follow the procedure in my eBook.

And where would one find this procedure that is in your ebook.....
I guess I should be asking where can I find your ebook?
What is the web address of your site?
What is your email?
I have been reading many of your posts where you mention your ebook but you don't fully plug it......
where can I go?