Broadcast Requirements

[GDV]

Hey guys, so I'm shooting a doc that I hope to get broadcast on any HD network (hopefully Discovery HD) someday, and I'm trying to clear some doubts I have about meeting broadcast requirements; for example:

I read on their specifications that all master tapes must be HD Cam, at the 1080 interlace 59.94 Hz line rate. Does that mean I'd HAVE to shoot everything at 1080i/60i OR can I shoot 1080/24p or 30p (or 720 for that matter) and after change it in post?!

Also, what is it that I have to do to make sure I'm abiding to all SMPTE 274M specifications while shooting with the HVX?

[vidled]

I believe this has been discussed here in depth. I'd suggest a search (maybe for "Discovery Channel").

Discovery, by the way, is tough cookie, especially if not commisioned.

Also, was the HVX even on the "approved cam" list of DCI? How'd they go about getting all the masters?

Edit: here's one thread you might find interesting: http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=75697&highlight=Discovery+Channel

[SomewhereinLA]

I certainly wouldn't worry to much about that kind of guidelines, it's more a wishlist than anything else... If you have a great documentary that fits their brand they will air it. They still show stuff shot on beta sp...

[Shane Ross]

The HVX is on their list of approved cameras. HDV is not. Getting 720p23.98 to 1080i 59.94 is easy, depending on the system you use (FCP and Avid HD). And it is perfectly acceptable.

[SPZ]

maybe check out the BBC parameter. I don't remember the link, but I am sure they have it on their website...

[Noel Evans]

The HVX is on their list of approved cameras. HDV is not. Getting 720p23.98 to 1080i 59.94 is easy, depending on the system you use (FCP and Avid HD). And it is perfectly acceptable.

Sorry Shane, but it isnt. Cant remember the exact details, but Barry not so long ago posted full details on this, regarding the 15% of which the HVX is included. Wasnt so long ago so a search should bring it up.

GDV most broadcasters usually have a white paper on standards and delivery, if you cant find it online a few phonecalls should get you where you can get it.

[Shane Ross]

A company that I consulted for shot a series for Discovery Channel using the Varicam as the A-Camera, and the HVX as the B-Camera. The stipulation was that no more that 25% of the footage could be from the HVX (but of course they went over that percentage, and not a word was said). The issue is that Discovery wants all the show masters, and will not take P2 data in any form..drive or DVD.

So what they had to do was import all the footage, string it out into 30 min timelines and output that to tape, then recapture the tape. Which was what they needed to do anyways, since they were editing on old Meridian Avids on OS 9 systems. It was a chore, but it got done and the results were more than satisfactory to Discovery.

TAPE is the issue with them. They accept only tape.

[Richard Sutcliffe]

So we only need a varicam priced HD deck in order to supply footage shot with the HVX? Isn't that just brilliant!

[Disco Robo]

The critical bit here is HD. Discovery has what 10 channels or more, you could shoot with a vx1000 and edit in iMovie for most of them but their HD product has strict guidelines for content. Everyone takes tape. How do you deliver even 30 minutes of 1080i content on P2. "Here's my p2 store and my 5 8Gb cards, I'll pick it up next week" riiiiight.

To answer the original question. Shooting 1080 24p or 30p actually records to 1080i 59.94. Don't remove the pulldown and you're already there. Good Luck.

[GDV]

Whew,,thank you so much guys. You have cleared up some major doubts, I love this place...

Just one thing, do the SMPTE 274M specifications refer to something else or is it talking pretty much about the same thing?

Much appreciated
G. Daniel V.

[AJProductions]

"The critical bit here is HD. Discovery has what 10 channels or more, you could shoot with a vx1000 and edit in iMovie for most of them but their HD product has strict guidelines for content. Everyone takes tape. How do you deliver even 30 minutes of 1080i content on P2. "Here's my p2 store and my 5 8Gb cards, I'll pick it up next week" riiiiight."


Actually, something to note: I was recently fooling around with my MXF footage in Premiere CS3 and found, near the exporters, a choice to "Export To P2" which I found curious. I clicked it and it opened up a window to export my final timeline as P2 data into any folder I wanted on any hard drive I wished. If someone told me they could accept my MXF data files I could simply export them into a folder, drop it into an external hard drive and get it to them.

However, a lot of people on this board are talking about Discovery Channel and what hardliners they are. Sure they are, it's their business. But some here are suggesting that delivery to them is okay, even in some cases in a SD format. What many here aren't taking into account is that Discovery is trying to move all their channels over to HD simulcast. This means everything they're going to be buying from here out better be HD or they going to be stuck with tons of shows that either need to be uprezzed or thrown out in the near future. This is why they've become so strict and this is why anything they commission these days must be in DVCPRO HD 100 (or the Sony equiv.). Just because they're showing it in SD today doesn't mean they don't want to show it in HD later!

Matt :cheesy: