Shooting 720p 24pN for a SD broadcast output?

J

janusz

Well-known member
In FCP, how do I go about exporting a 720p 24pN project to a SD (either full-frame, or 16:9 letterbox) format for TV broadcast?

What should my export settings be? Or is there another way to do it?

I know we should just shoot in SD, but the clients want to archive everything HD.

Thanks.
 
Actually, shooting HD and downrezing to SD can provide pretty good results. From FCP, I would suggest selecting "Export Using Compressor," which will bring up the Compressor dialog box where you can select the preset for the format to which you want to convert your FCP sequence. You can try the default settings for your preset and then tweak the settings if you don't like the results.
 
It would be best to get an HD capture card like the Kona 3 or Kona LH and output thru them. They downconvert to SD in real time and do a great job.

One issue you will have is that you need to figure out how to time your show. DVCPRO HD 720p24 will give you a non-drop frame sequence only, and your SD master will, of course, need to be drop frame.
 
What Shane said, do that. But you can also go with Blackmagic cards too, if those are more to your liking then the Kona series. Also these cards will give you RS-422 control so you'll get proper frame accuracy; which will be quite necessary for the broadcast master you create/send out.

The other thing you could do, depending upon your access to certain equipment, is to go into a DVCProHD deck and then out from that and in to a SD deck of some sort. Just do it all SDI. Just going from tape, I use the AJ-HD1200A's SD downconvert (offline/online) and it does a great job. Though this totally depends upon your access to gear/budget.

As for your last comment, no you shouldn't shoot in SD*. It is very doable to shoot a SD show in HD and then just do the math for the time length (as Shane mentioned) and deal with the down conversion. It helps future proof the show a lot better. Also right now leaves the door open for potentially puting it to HD-DVD or Blu-Ray.

cheers.

*Edited
 
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we have a blackmagic decklink sp card.

thanks for your tips, i will check it out asap and let you guys know.
 
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