Shoot SD on AX2000 if delivering DVD? Or downsize?

CVM wrote on 1/28/2011, 4:56 AM

Hello everyone... my head is spinning after reading all the issues people are having taking 1080i footage and trying to deliver on DVD. I am looking for people's opinions...

Should I shoot my wedding videos in standard definition on my AX2000 (AVCHD) camera if my final product will be DVD? Or should I shoot on the highest quality 1080i and then edit in Vegas 10 and convert (to some undetermined format) for burning to DVD? Will the SD quality from the AX2000 be better than my GL2 when burned to DVD and played on a big TV?

I haven't done any tests yet as my AX2000 is due in today from B&H.

Thanks.

Dave

P.S. I understand the logic in shooting the highest def in the field as I can always downsize, but I'm looking for the BEST quality deliverable on DVD.

Comments

Steve Mann wrote on 1/28/2011, 6:16 AM

Always shoot and edit in the highest resolution available. Downconvert only at the last step. In this case, when you encode the MPEG file for the DVD.

Steve Mann

Randy Brown wrote on 1/28/2011, 7:14 AM

I agree with Steve (and pretty much everyone on this forum) to shoot at the highest resolution.
Another advantage is you can save the bluray render and burn them a bluray disc when you get a burner (assuming you don't have one yet...LG has one on sale occasionally for like $80 and discs are now available for $1)

musicvid10 wrote on 1/28/2011, 7:30 AM

If you are certain you will only be using your footage for a DVD, I would have it shot in SD. However, many people find they want a HD version later, which would be impossible under those circumstances.

"convert (to some undetermined format) for burning to DVD"
The format for DVD is already determined. It is MPEG-2 video and AC3 audio, using the DVD Architect templates in Vegas to render.

CVM wrote on 1/28/2011, 11:01 AM

Thanks everyone... with the format you mentioned, will that maximize the quality from AVCHD 1080i HD to DVD?

Dreamline wrote on 1/28/2011, 1:12 PM

Never shoot SD with an HD camcorder. Unless it is for a very specific reason. The FACT that you can crop HD footage in post for SD production is AWESOME!!! Give it a try and you will discover how FANTASTIC of an option this is. :)

amendegw wrote on 1/28/2011, 1:28 PM

The issue you may run into is flickering / moire patterns in the downrezzed video. There are ways around this by rendering to intermediates and/or using other tools such as VirtualDub/Cineform HDLink/Sorensen Squeeze or others.

If you have a some time, you can read all about this here: http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/forums/ShowMessage.asp?ForumID=4&MessageID=738210

Here's what I would recommend. Do a test. Try using the "Quick and Dirty" procedure outlined here:

If the results are not good enough (i.e. produce more flicker / moire than can be tolerated), are you prepared to go thru the extra procedures outlined in the thread listed above? If not, shoot in SD.

Just my humble opinion,
...Jerry

PeterDuke wrote on 1/28/2011, 4:19 PM

IF you are sure that you only want SD for a DVD,
AND you never want to stabilize or pan or zoom in,
THEN shoot in SD. (It will give the best quality and there is no brainpower required in changing resolution.)
ELSE shoot in HD.

musicvid10 wrote on 1/28/2011, 4:43 PM

"Never shoot SD with an HD camcorder. Unless it is for a very specific reason. The FACT that you can crop HD footage in post for SD production is AWESOME!!! Give it a try and you will discover how FANTASTIC of an option this is. :)"

Rendering mpeg-2 SD from AVCHD source has been a major source of contention and multiple issues here since day 1. With all the tricks and workarounds one can devise, MPEG-2 PS like the AX2000 can shoot still easily beats downrezzed AVCHD for quality, sharpness, and color. May even be able to smart render, if it all fits. This consensus is well documented on these forums.

Once again, if your only use will be for DVD, shoot SD. If there is even a chance your client will want HD or BluRay later, shoot AVCHD. The choice is that simple, really.

warriorking wrote on 1/28/2011, 4:59 PM

I never shoot with the setting at SD with my AX2000, I always use 1080 and convert it to Mpeg-2 in Vegas when presenting DVD's..
The finished product always looks amazing......

musicvid10 wrote on 1/28/2011, 5:07 PM

Here is one of several lengthy discussions on this very subject, with many rendered examples to ponder. Only for those who wish to expand their knowledge:
http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/forums/ShowMessage.asp?ForumID=4&MessageID=738210HD to SD Challenge[/link]