Pixelation Problem using Compressor (I think!)

T

Trigonis

Member
Hi everyone!

I've run into a slight dilemma with encoding my DVC Pro HD 720p24 project "Perfekt". I made a 30 minute version (for the A-List festivals), and when I use Compressor to encode an MPEG-2 file, at one point in the film, it becomes "pixelated" for a few seconds. I double-checked the original FCP movie file, and that's always perfect, so I know it's some kind of problem with Compressor itself, but I'm at a loss to figure out exactly what the issue is. If anyone can help with this issue, please be in touch ASAP, as I've been in the process of submitting the film to festivals, and this is a slight setback (my 32 minute version demonstrates no problems whatsoever, which is why I'm so perturbed by all this.)

Thanks in advance, and I'll hope to hear from you guys soon.

Sincerely,
John Trigonis
 
Try adding a compression marker there. Sometimes an invisible glitch on a DV tape can cause this to happen as well. If you can- you might want to re-capture just that shot that's causing the glitch and then reencode the whole thing.

Noah
 
DV Tape? I think this was done on P2 or FS-100 so it wouldn't be a tape issue. What are your setting in compressor?
 
"Perfekt" was shot on P2, not DV tapes

"Perfekt" was shot on P2, not DV tapes

I didn't record on a DV tape, it was a P2 card. The settings on Compressor are the same as when I did my 32 minute version; nothing's different except the length of the film now.
 
I am having the exact same problem. I shot a short film in HDCAM on F900, captured to DVCPROHD and everything looks great. When I try to export to DVD through compressor there are scenes that basically fall apart.

I tried downres in FCP to 8bit uncompressed NTSC first and it still looks great, until I compress with Compressor. I am using the highest setting in Compressor, something like 6.5 Mbs (90 min?).

What I have learned is that the problem occurs with the scenes that are too bright. I purposely brightened a few scenes in Color and it is with these white edges that things fall apart. I darkened the scenes back down and the results were somewhat better.

Consulting with a few people and they suggested going with a harware compressor rather than software. I've been told that for highly professional results (that's why I spend so much on camera and post CC) that hardware is the way to go. (???)

Would like to hear other's opinions on the above.
td
 
I think you'll find BitVice from Innobits

http://www.innobits.com/

will solve your problems. I've never been impressed with Compressor for MPEG2, having the problems you describe for my compositing showreel with flashing lights.

BitVice is a top-notch MPEG2 compressor, and even has a 2.2 gamma override, instantly solving the age-old 'it's different on my TV to my computer screen' issue
 
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It runs like a dream on my MacBook Pro though, even under emulation/carbon or whatever. I've found no real performance hit, and no stability issues.
 
Thanks so much for the advice, guys. I'm not sure if it's a brightness issue, 'cause the scene itself is pretty low-light, but I'll give it a try, as well as playing with the settings on Compressor. I'll keep you updated, but hopefully one of these suggestions work so I can start submitting this thing in its new 30-minute form.

Sincerely,
Trigonis
 
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