Vegas and HDV

[dvaddict]

From what I understand, Vegas 5 cannot capture or output 720P or 1080I, but you can edit it...I would assume you would have to use the capture progam with your camera for this...My question is though, can Vegas down convert the HDV footage to SD for output to SD cam or SD-DVD?

[Barry_Green]

Definitely.

[dvaddict]

Thanks Barry...as always, you are an invaluable resource for us dvx users....I just wonder if the down-converted footage can compare to original SD footage...guess we will find out soon enough when the Sony cam comes out...I don't think you can make a fair comparison between the JVC HD10 down-converted and an SD 3 chipper.

[Jive]

While Sony has stated that they will support HDV, AFAIK, there currently is no support of the HDV codec in Vegas. This is pretty much the same for all the NLE's who stated support for HDV.

As HDV is primarily meant to be a consumer/prosumer format, the input/output method for an NLE supporting HDV should be as straightforward as it is to input/output DV. However, no one really knows this as none of the NLE-makers have discussed the workflow involved in working with HDV footage in their respective NLEs, nor is there a true HDV cam currently available to even try capturing and exporting.

We've just got to wait. I'd expect an announcement in the coming weeks (what with Sony's HDV cam to be released in a couple months).

[Barry_Green]

Well, as far as the CODEC goes, you can drop HDV files right on the timeline in Vegas and edit them right now.

Where there's a lack of support is in importing and exporting. A fully compliant NLE would, as Jive says, provide support on par with how DV cameras work (assuming, that is, that the HDV firewire stream supports camera/deck control protocols!)

[scharky]

YOu would think that with sony's new HDV camera they would release an update that would allow full support for capture and export of HDV material. What else does Sony want you to edit with, hopefully they wont be realeasing another version of their proprietary micro MV software that will be HDV enabled. If they were smart, they would jump on the ball and allow support for the HDV codec. Of corse, what do I care, with no progressive modes, I wouldn't touch that camera with a ten foot pole. Those that have experienced 24p know what I'm talking about.

[David Jimerson]

By "output," I assume you mean output to tape?

If that's not what you meant, there are several 720p/1080i rendering options.

[scharky]

Yeah, output to tape, thanks for clearing that up David. I actaully love the way that Vegas can upconvert Dvx footage to 720p. Very nice results, especially the WM9 and Mpeg2 codecs.

[Student]

Wow, You mean In Vegas Versions 4 and 5 - I can take DVX 24pa Anamorphic footage and upconvert to 720p - then render to a Mpeg2 file for DVD Architect and burn a standard DVD with improved resolution for viewing on larger type screens such as plasma Hi Def LCD etc. ????

[David Jimerson]

No. DVDs are standard definition.

[scharky]

But you could hook your computer up to the plasma screen if you really wanted to. :)

[David Jimerson]

Well, there IS (if it's out) that Bravo DVD player which lets you record HD content in WM9 format (including 5.1 surround) on a standard DVD and play it on an HDTV set IN HD.