HD to SD Conversion

Every sitatuion is different, but this is what I find seems to work best:

Duplicate your sequence, set the field dominance to NONE (in the sequence settings, command-0) and render. Then export a qt movie with current settings (either self contained or refernce) and bring that into Compressor, where you then apply the DVD SD preset that best applies to your time...

Then in DVD SP, makse sure your settings is for 16:9...

Christina's workflow is a good one, but watch out if your media is not Field Dominance: None.

If the media's field dominance does not match the setting of the sequence, FCP will line double the media, especially in transitions or other rendered effects, resulting in a loss of half your vertical resolution.

She's also right about using Compressor - I've had the best results using Compressor to downconvert for me.

My current workflow for SD downconversion.:

Export to Quicktime movie, self contained movie, current project settings - don't choose the DV codec, keep it as PR422.

Open the file in MPEG Streamclip.
 Export to Quicktime PR422 (NOT DV), max quality, better Downscaling, Deinterlace Video, upper field Dom.

Cropping: 9 on the L & R. This will prevent small black bars from appearing due to the aspect ratio conversion.

Now you basically have a good anamorphic SD 10 bit ProRes file.

I then use Bitvice to create the M2v. Deselect "interlaced input" and select 16x9 display.

I know that many will argue that using BV is not necessary since compressor comes with FCS but I purchased Bitvice several years ago when I was having problems with compressor and Bitvice turned out to be the better compressor at that time. Give Compressor a try if you don't want to invest in BV. Especially since I believe that the Mpeg Streamclip downconversion to PR422 is the most important step.

best,

g

It is squashed.

It's an anamorphic version of your 16:9 footage.

SD DVD will always be 720x480 pixels (4:3 aspect ratio). But when you Author the DVD with an anamorphic file and play it on a modern TV it will be stretched back to 16x9.

The only other option is to author Blu-ray.

g

You didn't mention whether or not you changed the default settings.

But the first thing I do is increase the Average data rate to 6.5 and then DE-crease the max back down to 8.25 ( when you increase average the Max setting goes up too high - don't exceed 8.25)

Other settings that may improve the image are:

- Video Purifier for noise reduction - use it sparingly, a little goes a long way.

- IntraDC - I increase that to 9. not much more benefit to 10 considering the render time.

- spatio - Spatial processing and blurs. I haven't felt the need to use this but have read positive things on the forum by users with problematic footage.

Of course, any changes that you make to the default settings will increase render time and possibly increase file size. But they openly admit the the defaults produce a VERY basic result. So if you were happy right out of the gate things will only get better.

I recommend cutting a 2 minute clip of some semi difficult footage to do your tests. You'll need to waste a few DVDs but in the end you'll have a better handle on what works.

best

g