Best Downconversion Option for Beta

A

andrewsl8

New member
Our agency recently shot some b-roll with our HVX-200 for some commercials. It was shot in 1080i 24 because we needed use it in conjunction with some footage shot with a CineAlta at 1080i.

The endproduct we need is broadcast quality SD into a Sony Beta 1800 deck via Final Cut. (The client wanted it shot in HD for future use)

I mistakenly thought I could downconvert from 1080 to SD by exporting as a Quicktime file in FCP. But the results weren't very good. So we want to buy a downconvert solution utilizing a Card like the Kona or Decklink, or the new Mini box from Teranex.

Has anyone had success with any of these solutions or is there another option? (We have a Dual 2.5 G5 and I dump the P2 into a Firewire drive via a Powerbook, and then hook the FW drive to my G5. Thanks!
 
I've done the same thing for broadcast myself.
I have a decklink card that will down convert. Also, I've just loaded the HD footage into a SD sequence and rendered out SD with good results. (this is different from exporting a SD QT as you did).
Try that before buying a card to see if it would work for you.
 
Andrew,

What kind of video card do you currently have installed on your NLE?

I work for the broadcast world, and have had great experiences with FCP and Decklink Blackmagic.

MC
 
Best Downconversion option for Beta

Best Downconversion option for Beta

Thanks for the suggestion - I did try nesting it and it "worked", but I don't think it looks as good as it should. (it seems slightly out of focus compared to the same footage run through After Effects by a friend))

Right now all we have is an AJA IO/LA and an GeForce 6800 Card in the G5.

I know I could just shoot in DVCPro50 to start with, but I thought starting in HD might give me the best result possible.

How well has the Decklink worked for you when you have downconverted?
 
I was going to suggest After Effects. That is what I use to conform and downconvert. Results are excellent and on a fast puter the render times on a PC are fine.
 
andrewsl8 said:
Thanks for the suggestion - I did try nesting it and it "worked", but I don't think it looks as good as it should. (it seems slightly out of focus compared to the same footage run through After Effects by a friend))

Right now all we have is an AJA IO/LA and an GeForce 6800 Card in the G5.

I know I could just shoot in DVCPro50 to start with, but I thought starting in HD might give me the best result possible.

How well has the Decklink worked for you when you have downconverted?
Click to expand...

did you export into a uncompressed SD sequence? That should look pretty good.

I have also had great luck with my decklink HD plus card..its less than 800 bucks.
 
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