Converting footage for 4:3 DV tape

[studio1972]

Hi,

I've got some corporate work where the client wants the footage on DV tape in 4:3 PAL format. Any idea what would be the best way to do this, I don't think that there is a 4:3 mode on the camera which is a bit of a problem to begin with. I am thinking I could:

1. Record in 1080 50i
2. Import all the footage into a Final Cut Express project as AIC
3. Put all the footage onto the timeline
4. Change the sequence to PAL (not anamorphic), this should squeeze the footage into a 4:3 shape
5. Stretch it all horizontally so that the left and right edges are removed so it is now properly 4:3
6. Render
7. Print to Tape

Would this work? Is there a better way of doing this?

Much appreciated.

Stuart

 

[voxwerx]

There is a way to just play it out in 4:3 mode via the component cables. I make 4:3 DVC Pro dubs at least once a week this way.... The menu offers either full frame (edge cropping) or letterboxed modes...

 

[SPrimeau]

You can also set the display to 4:3 in the Display menu settings. It shows 4:3 guides.

You can also check this thread that I made about 4:3 AVI tests here. But it's for a PC.

I also tried to capture it via the composite cable, but it's not good at all. Component cables are much betters.

Give it a try with your own test that you said to see if it's ok for you. It will probably gives you the best quality.

 

[studio1972]

There is a way to just play it out in 4:3 mode via the component cables. I make 4:3 DVC Pro dubs at least once a week this way.... The menu offers either full frame (edge cropping) or letterboxed modes...

Do you have to record that onto a deck, or can you do it with a DV camcorder?

 

[SPrimeau]

A DV camcorder doesn't have a component input.

 

[voxwerx]

Sorry to take so long to get back... just got my own HMC150... little giddy (I've been using the company machine since October). To answer your question, I do dub to an AJ-SD255 deck. But You could always use the good ol' "red, white and yellow" connectors to dub down to another cam (I would think). It was just easier to go component with what I was working with at the time...