Film Festival Output

[Eon42]

Hello DVXUsers,

I'm drawing closer and closer to locking the picture-edit to my 75 minute feature-length film, and I'm starting to research different options for festival presentations. I shot this film in Standard Definition on a DVX100A in 24PA (NTSC) and I'm debating over converting to 1080 24P HDCAM, DegiBeta, or BetaSP. (Many festivals require one of these formats for presentation.) Now, I know that BetaSP has been a broadcasting standard for the longest time - but I will admit that I am limited in my knowledge regarding these outputs. Which format complements 24PA the most? How much resolution would be lost up-converting from DVCAM to HDCAM?

If you've been in the same situation as I find myself in, I'd greatly appreciate any thoughts or suggestions.

PLEASE NOTE - I am not asking about prices (I will call around and get quotes) But if anyone could tell me which format would be the best bang for my buck that would be great. ALSO, I apologize if I posted this in the wrong category. If it's in the wrong spot please advise where it should be post.

Thanks in advance,

Eon42

 

[Macville]

To be honest, Beta is probably the cheapest and best bet. Why? Since most projectors project video at 60i (if they are hooked up via video and not VGA) your 24p footage is going to get telecined to 29.97 at some point. If you do an HDCAM then you can print to tape at 23.98 but then the tape deck or projector is going to convert that to 29.97 (and probably do a poor job.) Plus, HDCAM is 3:1:1--which means you are going to loose some information since DV 4:1:1. I would suggest printing to beta (uncompressed) with the telecine to 29.97 already done. That way you will know EXACTLY how the telecine looks and won't have any strange issues at projection time.

Matthew

 

[Eon42]

Thanks Matthew,

I'm noticing that some festivals even accept miniDV tapes as a format - how well does this format stack up against Beta? The same 29.97 telecine applies - is there any reason why miniDV would be inferior for projection?

 

[merc]

i've been looking into this aswell. and am wondering same thing, but i would like to find some ballpark prices. i'm looking into sundance, and they project HDCAM. i hope its not to costly, my feature is already draining my budget.