Confusion on 720pN-- Is it 960x720 or 1280x720?

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Level 1

131 points

Confusion on 720pN-- Is it 960x720 or 1280x720?

We shoot our video using DVCPro HD 720p60 (Native) on our P2 cameras. When we edit in FCP, the clips (and subsequent sequences) indicates our frame size in 960 x 720. However, when we export the sequences to QT, using the Current Settings and Saving as a Self-Contained movie from FCP, the Get Info results indicate the movie is 1280 x 720.

Why is this?

MacPro (June 07), Mac OS X (10.5.6), Duo Core 2.66 Ghz, G-RAID @ 1.5 TB

Posted on Mar 25, 2011 6:22 AM

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Answer 1

Mar 25, 2011 6:32 AM in response to Albeer

DVCProHD uses a different pixel aspect ratio to create a 1280x720 display from 960x720 pixels, ie. it is not a full raster codec.

720p is 1280x720.

It is the same, anamorphic concept that widescreen DV employs.

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Answer 2

Albeer Author

Level 1

131 points

Mar 25, 2011 7:39 AM in response to thrillcat editorial

Thanks so much!

Quick question: if it is not a full raster codec, should we continue to use it? It was recommended by one of our shooters, who based it on research he'd done. Its our understanding that 720pN would be better for DVD and web, which is what we typically produce for.

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Answer 3

Mar 25, 2011 7:48 AM in response to Albeer

DVCProHD is a great codec. Are you shooting DVCProHD, or converting something else to DVCProHD?

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Answer 4

Albeer Author

Level 1

131 points

Mar 25, 2011 7:54 AM in response to thrillcat editorial

We shoot DVCProHD on our Panasonic HPX-300 and HVX-200s. As mentioned, our format of choice is DVDProHD 720pN.

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Answer 5

Mar 25, 2011 7:55 AM in response to Albeer

Keep doing what you're doing.

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Answer 6

David S.

Level 7

20,636 points

Mar 25, 2011 8:20 AM in response to Albeer

Why not shoot AVCIntra on the 300?

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Answer 7

Albeer Author

Level 1

131 points

Mar 25, 2011 8:24 AM in response to David S.

We can but we have limited P2 card space. Another reason why we shoot 720pN is to capitalize on space-- both P2 card and archival. If we ever have a project that demands higher-end product, we can opt for AVCIntra, either 50 or 100.

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