For hd television network, need help

[vortex677]

Hello I want to deliver a small series and pitch it to networks. Some networks want hd so I want to shoot hd. My question is for networks that use hd since this series has no need for a cinematic release can I shoot at 1080 and downconvert to 720 or do most networks want a full 1080 master? Please let me know. Thank you for all help provided.

[Jim Carswell]

Depends on the network.
Check with their technical/production departments for their specifications.
If you don't have a network lined up before production begins and you are just producing the series in hopes of getting a deal you are better off shooting 1080. That gives you more versatility in the event you have to delivery 720.
Jim

[Andrew McCarrick]

Also, if you do shoot 1080, go 30 progressive otherwise your going to have deinterlace to go 720; as it only runs progressive in 720. Shooting interlaced would meaning you're going to get blending of two different images into one progressive frame, to go from 60i to 30p.

[vortex677]

Okay so when i shoot don't shoot in 24p mode on the firestore ajust it to 30p? Please let me know if thats what I must do. Thanks again guys for all your help.

[Andrew McCarrick]

You could shoot either 1080/24p or 1080/30p.... so if you do have to downconvert to 720.... you make 1080/24p into 720/24p or 1080/30p into 720/30p. As long as you shoot progressive you'd be fine.... but I would suggest 1080/30p as that has the entire capability of either staying 1080 or going to 720 and being accepted by all broadcaster/distributors. So yes, if I were you, I'd shoot 1080/30p. So that way if the network you release to is 1080, they can take it as is..... or if the network does 720, you just down convert.... so with 1080/30p you can get two masters; 1080 and 720.

Sorry if all that sounds redundant but I'm just trying to make myself clear.

[vortex677]

Thank you so much. Wow no matter how much I read and read about this camera i get the most info from dvxuser forums. Thanks again for all your help. I wanted to shoot in the begining 1080 24p because i thoght it would give a filmic look or feeling to it but if 30p is the same and Iget two masters from it then it is the best choice. Thanks again.

[Barry_Green]

No no no -- forget 1080/30p unless you specifically want the 30p look. If you want the film look, shoot 1080/24pA.

1080/30P is a good way to screw yourself out of any possible PAL distribution. If you think your footage will play on the half of the globe that uses PAL, do NOT use 30P. Ever.

[David Jimerson]

You could shoot either 1080/24p or 1080/30p.... so if you do have to downconvert to 720.... you make 1080/24p into 720/24p or 1080/30p into 720/30p. As long as you shoot progressive you'd be fine.... but I would suggest 1080/30p as that has the entire capability of either staying 1080 or going to 720 and being accepted by all broadcaster/distributors. So yes, if I were you, I'd shoot 1080/30p. So that way if the network you release to is 1080, they can take it as is..... or if the network does 720, you just down convert.... so with 1080/30p you can get two masters; 1080 and 720.

Sorry if all that sounds redundant but I'm just trying to make myself clear.

Why would you not be able to convert 1080/24p to 720? I'm doing it in a batch render as we speak.

[vortex677]

wow thanks so much guys Glade I read this, we are starting to shoot this upcomming weekend. so 1080/24pa all the way. I hope they will want it in 720 so I can downscale it and make it look even better. I have a question based on statistics, what is the most prefered by networks? A 720 master or 1080? I know each has their own specs but just am curious about the majority. thanks for all the help.

[Kegan]

Thanks, that has helped me lots too. Does this apply for all types of video for hd broadcast? Commercials, music videos, docs?

Very informative thread, thanks vortex for starting it.

-Kegan

[mikkowilson]

Contact the network/staion you are providing to.

Different networks use different standards. Even of the big ones, some are 1080i, some are 720p.

- Mikko