Whats the haps with the 720 format?

[AlanMorrison]

Hey everybody.

I am very shortly about to purchase the HVX200, however I am very hesitant for the sole reason that the 720 format is the most commonly talked about (and used in the most examples in reviews); but is there really no editing system available to edit the 720 format? I currently have FCP and im thinking that there must be a way around it that I am missing, because it is the most commonly mentioned format that I have read about.

Sorry if this question is stupid or been asked before, but I heard this is a great place to get help :)

[mark.burton]

720p24, 30, 60 is fine with FCP. 720p25, 50 is not directly supported. Are you in PAL or NTSC land?

[Ryan Patrick O'Hara]

Not a bad question at all. You are talking about 720 no? That is the DVCPRO HD format. This requires HD editing capability and there are several options. Panasonic works with the big editing companies. Here are the initial compatible editing systems: Apple Final Cut Pro, Avid Express Pro HD, Avid Newscutter family, Avid Media Composer Adrenaline HD, Canopus Edius HD/SD/SP/Broadcast, Canopus Edius NX.NXe/Professional.

Panasonic also provides an up-to-date list here:

https://eww.pavc.panasonic.co.jp/pro-av/

----Look for the p2 compatibility table-----

Here is the June 27th updated list:

https://eww.pavc.panasonic.co.jp/pro-av/sales_o/p2comp/index.html

It's not as bad as you probably think. Best of luck.

[Ryan Patrick O'Hara]

I think he is in PAL land.... the HVX202. Opps. I don't know about that stuff. I hope my links help somehow.... Sorry. :embarasse

[mark.burton]

Yep, I see your in NZ, so you will have this issue with FCP and 720p25 and 50. The only way to currently use those formats in FCP is to use Imagine software's P2 Log (http://www.imagineproducts.com/P2log.htm) and their 720p50 codec. Its not perfect but will get you going until Apple provide full support.

Avid currently has the same issue, there is no workaround for this. As Prodigy points out there are other NLE's which have P2 support - on the PC side Canopus Edius 4.0 will have 720p25/50 support as well as Cineform's Aspect HD and Connect HD tools for Premiere Pro and Vegas.
--
Mark

[AlanMorrison]

Thanks for your quick responce! Im sure something apple will come up with something. Until that time 1080 will serve me fine. Thanks again

[AlanMorrison]

Yeah sorry forgot to mention im in New Zealand. Would you suggest I purchase the 200 instead of the 202 for editing reasons? - I could probably get my hands on one. I supose the editing products here wouldnt read the 200 properly or something?

Cheers in advance