Files being mishandled?

S

sbryan

Well-known member
I'm not sure if this is a problem or not, so I'll try to be as detailed as possible.

I'm using a DVX in normal aspect ratio, which I assumed was 4:3 at SD resolution 640x480 and in 24P. It appears I'm using FCP defaults, as Sequence 1 is set to 23.98 fps before footage is added. The resolution, by default, is 720x480, which I believe is DVD resolution.

After logging and capturing, the clip in the Browser shows video at 720x480 resolution and a framerate of 29.97. I know those frame rates look the same, but as best practice, I'd like to edit in a 23.98 timeline. How can I conform the imported footage to that framerate?

I've placed a 1.85:1 matte over the footage.

The footage appears to be 4:3 in the Canvas window, but the option "Correct For Aspect Ratio" in the Scale Drop-Down Menu is checked. When I uncheck it, the footage is stretched, distorting the subject and giving him a fat head.

This leads in to my next question:

When I export a still image using Quicktime converter, the image exemplifies the same distorted qualities. How can I get an accurate still?

I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong, but to sum up:
1) Imported footage is recognized at 29.97 fps and I'd like to conform it to 23.98. I'm not using legacy footage, so I have no reason not to edit at 23.98. Will I run into problems if I keep the Sequence at 23.98 while the clip is running at 29.97?
2) Something is wrong with the pixel aspect ratio. I'm trying to find default settings to see if FCP is treating the footage as if it were 16:9 footage...
 
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dv is 720x480, not 640x480.

did you shoot in squeeze mode? if you shot 4:3 you shouldn't be seeing letterboxing unless you applied that as a filter or cropped.
 
I did apply a matte for Widescreen in post, but that shouldn't change the Aspect Ratio of the source, should it?

I shot in Normal mode according to the DVX's settings. I had an external LCD monitor when shooting that showed me natural-looking 4:3 footage.

Speaking of LCD monitors, I'm editing on a Widescreen monitor. Does "Correct for Aspect Ratio" simply account for the fact I'm using a Widescreen monitor, and will in fact, look correct upon exporting to DVD?
 
Computers use square pixels. Video, for the most part, uses un-square pixels. If you display un-square material on a computer that assumes everything is square the image will be distorted. The "correct for aspect ratio" option in the canvas drop down basically tells FCP to take the 720x480 image (which is 3:2) and display it as 4:3. In regards to exporting a still, you'll need to take the still into an image editing app like Photoshop or Pixelmater to adjust the pixel aspect ratio of the still.


-A
 
Okay, so on the aspect ratio issue, it's normal for exporting to DVD.

Any input on the frame rate issue?

Thanks,
Sean
 
you need to throw out the pulldown or advanced pulldown if you want to edit at 23.98. if you shot 24pa then do advanced pulldown removal. if you shot 24p, do cinema tools reverse telecine.
 
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