Best DnxHD settings for a Master Copy intended for DCP

T

taras4444

Well-known member
Hi all,

I'm just finishing up a feature film shot on my panasonic af 100 (both with the internal codec and some prores with a samurai) and have nearly completed colour grading etc. I am just wondering if anyone can recommend the best possible settings to export my film as a DNxHD file for a master copy. I will also be sending it to be made into a DCP.

I downloaded the quicktime dnxhd codec and have seen people mention DNxHD220 but can't find it as an option, will 185 be ok? And is there any benefit to choosing a 10 bit option as the panasonic af100 only records 8 bit? (Again some forums have suggested conflicting things, with some people saying 10 bit helps give more scope with your colour grading).

Finally what's the best audio format to export? I have an aac option but cant find dolby (unless I do it separate).

Any and all advise will be appreciated. (The DCP company have not really specificed).

Thank you
 
I have done tests of converting 8 bit footage to DNxHD 10bit 185, and no it doesn't give any visual advantage, just larger file sizes. But really if I was giving it someone I see no hurt in just using the highest 10bit 185 option. Unless storage is an issue.
 
Thanks for the fast reply. And cool i think ill do that then. Gulp at the file sizes but oh well. Any advice on the audio?i cant see a dolby option with the dnxhd options.
 
Hey thanks for that very helpful! The only issue now is what to do with my audio. Some of my projects have 12 audio files (all separated into dialoguw, atmosphere music effects etc). How do i condense these audio files into the 3 needed, 2 left and right and one centre. Does anyone know how to do this in premiere cs6? Is there a good way where i can select all my dialogue tracks and make that just one. And another for my effects and another for music? ,
 
taras4444 said:
Hi all,

I'm just finishing up a feature film shot on my panasonic af 100 (both with the internal codec and some prores with a samurai) and have nearly completed colour grading etc. I am just wondering if anyone can recommend the best possible settings to export my film as a DNxHD file for a master copy. I will also be sending it to be made into a DCP.

I downloaded the quicktime dnxhd codec and have seen people mention DNxHD220 but can't find it as an option, will 185 be ok? And is there any benefit to choosing a 10 bit option as the panasonic af100 only records 8 bit? (Again some forums have suggested conflicting things, with some people saying 10 bit helps give more scope with your colour grading).

Finally what's the best audio format to export? I have an aac option but cant find dolby (unless I do it separate).

Any and all advise will be appreciated. (The DCP company have not really specificed).

Thank you
Click to expand...

you really should press the DCP mastering company for detail on what they want delivered… that said, if you graded your 8bit footage in a 10bit or greater environment, then you will lose colour information by using the 8bit codec for mastering

DNxHD 220 is the 30Fps versions of 185 (25Fps) and 174 (24Fps), the X means 10bit

I would use the RGB444 flavour of DNxHD for mastering if Adobe support it, i know the tools i use (Avid|DS, Nucoda FilmMaster, Resolve) render to it, and it's a bit larger, but not so bad when compared to rendering the official supported DCP mastering format, a 16bit TIFF sequence...
 
Awesome thanks dermot and everyone. Can anyone help in regards how to export all my audio tracks into three, left right and centre? I see just ab option for stereo or mono when i go to export...
 
Should i tick render at maximum bit depth? I have exprted some at 24 and some at 32 bit and see no real difference so a little confused.
 
You should export your audio as uncompressed stereo (sometimes called PCM). 16bit, 48K, Stereo.

To use the 5.1 settings (left, right, centre, Low Frequency Effects, left rear & right rear) needs a 5.1 mix doing - only really possible in a sound studio with the proper monitoring setup.

If you really want to prepare your film for the future you could also do an M&E (Music and Effects) export. This is used if your film is ever redubbed in a foreign language - create a stereo mix with all the dialogue removed so you are just left with the music and effects. This means that foreign dialogue can easily be added to your mix.
 
Awesome thank you. Also in regards to the visual quality when exporting i have to choose a bit depth, which should i choose? 24 bit or 32 bit? Or higher or just maximum bit depth? When i watch the dnxhd film in vlc aftet export it looks good but when importing into premiere again (to join all the sequences together) it looks almost a bit blocky on the fine lines even rasterized. Very confused sorry :$
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top