CineForm

Christopher,

That is the long way around. It is now possible to load many MOVs directly into HDLink and convert in a single step. You may need a later version of Prospect HD for this (emails went out to get everyone up to verion 2.2.4 or 5.) There are tricks to adding more MOV support (more codecs) that tech. support can help with (have more to learn but our own new QT features.) For formats that aren't supported by HDLink, you can use Premiere Pro to output directly to a CineForm AVI (all outputs from PHD are 10-bit.)
 
David,

Thanks, I will keep you posted on the outcome. The HDLink created 1080p24 10-bit files are amazingly small data size and great for playback on my laptop with Prem Pro 2. I am yet to figure out how to create and export 10-bit PHD files from within Prem Pro. I'll keep experimenting with params.
 
If you are using Prospect HD there is no 8-bit mode, all CineForm AVI exports are 10-bit. That is way you can't find the option. If you want smaller files but the same high quality output, set the "Presentation Mode" checkbox with the compiler settings.
 
Thanks David. Jake (support) promptly directed me to the latest upgrade for PHD (v.2.2.92). I managed to get some of the QT mov files to convert with HDLink.

That said, I think what was confusing me with the 8-bit/10-bit question is how HDLink refers to a tick box in the preferences "Up convert 8-bit to 10-bit". I assumed PHD was 8-bit unless this preference was ticked.

As it works out, PHD in Prem Pro has a more optimized setting, as you pointed out in your last post, and that optimization was confusing me, it creates a file smaller than HDLink does, with the "Up convert 8-bit to 10-bit" ticked. This is great for data management, I will keep experimenting.

Another item I have ticked in Prem Pro is >> Project >> Project Settings >> Video Rendering >> Maximum Bit Depth (ticked), and would make sure the same item is ticked upon the Export of a CineForm sequence to PHD codec.

One more topic I would like to raise here, as it may also benefit those interested in CineForm's efficient 10-bit HD post production method, pertains to Color Correction. Prem Pro is said to provide 32-bit internal processing for CC. Another add-on plug-in, namely 'Color Finesse 2' promotes 32-bit floating point CC.

Since CineForm have developed their own RT and non-RT CC and effects, part of Prem Pro when running PHD (and AspectHD), David, can you comment on whether CineForm's CC for Prem Pro or the Prem Pro 3-way CC provides the highest quality final output to a 10-bit master. Also, to your knowledge, does Color Finesse plug-in for Prem Pro provide better output, than the aforementioned, apart from it's interface and tools set? I am not concerned with RT performance, I am looking for maximum quality post processing and mastering.

I have mostly worked through my work-flow, and your feedback will help me resolve the last few items. Thanks.
 
Christopher Barry said:
...
Since CineForm have developed their own RT and non-RT CC and effects, part of Prem Pro when running PHD (and AspectHD), David, can you comment on whether CineForm's CC for Prem Pro or the Prem Pro 3-way CC provides the highest quality final output to a 10-bit master. Also, to your knowledge, does Color Finesse plug-in for Prem Pro provide better output, than the aforementioned, apart from it's interface and tools set? I am not concerned with RT performance, I am looking for maximum quality post processing and mastering.
Click to expand...

All of Premiere's new color correction tools (under the CC tab) are 32-bit float and they work well (avoid color tools under other tabs as they are 8-bit only.) Our CC tools are 32-bit float. I haven't tested the latest Color Finesse for 32-bit I/O support (internally it has always been float, yet it I/O use 8-bit under PPro 1.x.) It is not an issue of quality once you are doing 32-bit processing & I/O, more of user control or perference.
 
lalalal 12345... haha sorry for the ranting.. i just wanted to be one who writes the last post on this extremely long thread!
 
Green Hornet said:
So if i send a customer a cineform avi file, what is needed for them to edit/ view it?
Click to expand...

If you wish to view it in MediaPlayer (or any DirectShow player), all you need is the CFDecode2.ax file from C:/Program Files/Common Files/CineForm and register (using regsvr32.exe) that on any system that needs to play CineForm AVIs. As all that messing around with the registry is annoying, you can use the Connect HD trial to install the codecs. To edit CineForm AVIs, most NLEs and compositors use VFW, that decoder also comes with Connect HD.

Note: We are planning to have a freely downloadable decoder only installer (one of these days.)
 
One thing I keep running into (just started happening today) is that when I try to export anything from PPro2.0, i get a message saying that the app isn't able to encode using the cineform codec, and that i should visit cineform.com to purchase an upgrade. Given, I'm using ConnectHD and not AspectHD, but i was able to export just fine until today, and I haven't changed any settings.
 
Have you upgraded or installed Vegas recently? Sony Vegas will overwrite the CineForm codec that comes with Connect HD, you will need to reinstall Connect. If you haven't played with Vegas, then that might be a bug for using Connect HD under Premiere and a ticket should be filed with cineform.com/support. We do very little testing with Connect HD under Premiere Pro, as nearly all of of our customers use Aspect HD or Prospect HD with Premiere.
 
David Newman said:
If you wish to view it in MediaPlayer (or any DirectShow player), all you need is the CFDecode2.ax file from C:/Program Files/Common Files/CineForm and register (using regsvr32.exe) that on any system that needs to play CineForm AVIs.

Note: We are planning to have a freely downloadable decoder only installer (one of these days.)
Click to expand...


Please post a link once you get a viewer only installer.
I am sure everyone will need it for their customers trying to watch cineform avi's.

Suggesting a non-computer person (many who do the hiring of video personel) anything more complicated than a straight install, doesn't go well for most.
 
I just found out at CineForms website:

" CINEFORM AND WAFIAN SELECTED TO ASSIST CONTENT CREATION FOR XBOX LIVE MARKETPLACE "

read:

http://www.cineform.com/press/rel-XboxLive.htm

...thats why I don't see the two David's around the last few days... they are "testing" the new Xbox ! Men, I haven't played video games for years...

Now, seriously,David(s), please enlighten us more about this deal !

best
Andreas
 
We have been around for the last month working on this (and other CIneForm annoucements.) It is a very busy time. Somehow I didn't get an XBOX 360 out of the deal, not that I have played console games in years either.

The XBOX live Market place using CineForm Intermediate compression and inverse telecine (3-2 pulldown remove), scaling and deinterlacing tools, to product the achieve SD and HD masters for basically all the content. These masters/archives are converted to VC-1 for the end user experience; they needed a fast, high quality, medium bitrate, 10-bit format for their masters, so what choice did they have. ;)

Pretty cool huh!?!
 
I didn't noticed the "other announcements". Lots of reading, I will start right away.

What's with the deserted island you insist calling it your Blog ? :)

best
Andreas
 
When your are working on stuff you are not allowed to talk about the blog doesn't get much attention. I will get back to it at some point.
 
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