CATEGORY: Video Postproduction

Video resolution . . . for the rest of us

OK, so your video editor comes to your desk and says that the video clip you wanted is ”320 x 240,” . . . and you basically rely on the look on his or her face as to whether that is a good thing or bad thing.  Sound familiar?

Let’s see if we can’t help you look a little less like a deer in the headlights in such situations.

Again, my disclaimer, I myself have had my deer-in-the-headlight moments, and I am not a bonafide engineer (I only play one on TV - ok, ok, I couldn’t resist), but over my years as a producer, director and editor, I picked up info along the way — at least enough to help me survive. (though some might say I know just enough to be dangerous, but let’s ignore that, ok?)

With that all said, let’s move on to the topic at hand.  Video Resolution: it all comes down to pixels.

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What is meant by 24P and 23.98?

1080i, 720p, 24P . . . oh my!

30 frames, 60i, 25 frames, 50i, 29.97, 23.98.  Somebody help!

Here are links to two in-depth articles on the web that I found that does an excellent job in explaining what all these terms all mean: http://tinyurl.com/ysxs4h   http://www.answers.com/topic/24p

But if you want a quick-read summary, I’ll give it try.  Please read on:

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What is “Unity Gain,” and why is it important?

Unity gain means keeping the levels – both video (contrast, brightness & color) and audio consistent throughout the path of production and post-production, from the recording of footage in the field all the way to the playback of the final program, whether it be broadcast or viewed on a recorded media like DVD.

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Time Code & Your Editing Sequence Timeline

The ”democratization of video” marches on, and I am right in step.  Every month I receive more and more orders from clients who send me completed programs that they have edited on their own systems — often inside a powerful laptop. 

I usually receive either an edited master videotape or a portable hard drive.  (check out my blog of indies, miniDVs and portable hard drives: http://tinyurl.com/6agsm4) 

Taking advantage of our wide array of videotape machine formats, a client usually wants us at Video Labs to either make additional videotape and/or DVD copies of the finished program.

All very fine — bring it on! 

The only downside to this “democratization” movement has been the relaxation — usually unintentionally — of some essential technical guidelines, that if not followed, can cause havoc.

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