There are so many technical variables that need to be considered in a video production that I get rather bewildered. So, I figured I can iron out my camera knowledge (or lack thereof) on my own and ask some questions that I can’t seem to understand about rendering. I’m currently using Vegas 8 and a DVX100A.
Firstly, I’ve already produced a few of these but have been more labored with the content than the technical aspects of production. The visual of the material shown on-screen is very simple. It is an instructional guitar production that only shows the entire guitar. (Approximately from the neck to the waist of the player) In many instances, I split the screen horizontally to show multiple guitar parts simultaneously. This works out fine as they fit nicely on the screen in their respective locations. Here’s my first question. Since this is a multi-stage process, I tend to render these multiple guitar pieces, then add to them and re-render them. Am I losing quality every time I render? I render to MPEG2 every time. The reason for this is that I add chord names as the chords change while the song is being played. If I try to add these chord names prior to rendering multiple guitar parts, (sometimes up to 4 video tracks) the video, understandably gets choppy and it’s very time consuming to shuttle frame-by-frame to find the exact location to enter a new chord name. It’s much smoother adding chord names to rendered video. Is there a standard to achieving minimal loss or is there no loss rendering multiple times? What should the video settings in ‘Properties’ be? I typically shoot in 60i because I slow riffs and leads down 50%. I also select ‘progressive’ scan when rendering the entire project because it looks better.
Then comes DVD architect, where it always compresses the entire project. These DVD’s are usually around 90-100 minutes. How much of a beating does the quality take during this phase? Should I consider checking into Blu-ray or dual layer DVD’s?
Lastly, I currently use the DVX100A and like it but have not figured out how to use it properly. My results are good, but not great. I’m seriously considering getting a Panasonic GH-1, but have been reluctant because of the AVCHD format. It seems great, but I’m confused about the likelihood of creating a 90-100 min DVD + menus. If I shoot in this format, how does it reduce to fit on a DVD? Or does it? And if not this format, does that camera still shoot in a nice standard format for DVD? Sorry for the Neanderthal questions but I’ve never been technically savvy. I feel my way by just looking/listening but that doesn’t always yield the best results. It’s not horrendous, but it could be better. I could use a one-on-one crash course in basic Camera operation and some tips on rendering. If anyone here who lives in Southeast Michigan and is fairly tech-minded would like to make a little dough for sharing some knowledge in person, please feel free to respond. I just need a day with someone who knows their stuff. I think once I establish a set process, it shouldn’t deviate as the set is small and remains the same always. I just need to reach that comfort zone. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Firstly, I’ve already produced a few of these but have been more labored with the content than the technical aspects of production. The visual of the material shown on-screen is very simple. It is an instructional guitar production that only shows the entire guitar. (Approximately from the neck to the waist of the player) In many instances, I split the screen horizontally to show multiple guitar parts simultaneously. This works out fine as they fit nicely on the screen in their respective locations. Here’s my first question. Since this is a multi-stage process, I tend to render these multiple guitar pieces, then add to them and re-render them. Am I losing quality every time I render? I render to MPEG2 every time. The reason for this is that I add chord names as the chords change while the song is being played. If I try to add these chord names prior to rendering multiple guitar parts, (sometimes up to 4 video tracks) the video, understandably gets choppy and it’s very time consuming to shuttle frame-by-frame to find the exact location to enter a new chord name. It’s much smoother adding chord names to rendered video. Is there a standard to achieving minimal loss or is there no loss rendering multiple times? What should the video settings in ‘Properties’ be? I typically shoot in 60i because I slow riffs and leads down 50%. I also select ‘progressive’ scan when rendering the entire project because it looks better.
Then comes DVD architect, where it always compresses the entire project. These DVD’s are usually around 90-100 minutes. How much of a beating does the quality take during this phase? Should I consider checking into Blu-ray or dual layer DVD’s?
Lastly, I currently use the DVX100A and like it but have not figured out how to use it properly. My results are good, but not great. I’m seriously considering getting a Panasonic GH-1, but have been reluctant because of the AVCHD format. It seems great, but I’m confused about the likelihood of creating a 90-100 min DVD + menus. If I shoot in this format, how does it reduce to fit on a DVD? Or does it? And if not this format, does that camera still shoot in a nice standard format for DVD? Sorry for the Neanderthal questions but I’ve never been technically savvy. I feel my way by just looking/listening but that doesn’t always yield the best results. It’s not horrendous, but it could be better. I could use a one-on-one crash course in basic Camera operation and some tips on rendering. If anyone here who lives in Southeast Michigan and is fairly tech-minded would like to make a little dough for sharing some knowledge in person, please feel free to respond. I just need a day with someone who knows their stuff. I think once I establish a set process, it shouldn’t deviate as the set is small and remains the same always. I just need to reach that comfort zone. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
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