1080i or 576i capture for non-HD output?

Gotte · Post by **Gotte** » Thu Oct 15, 2009 7:49 pm

I've got a Canon HG20 which allows me to upload footage, originally shot in both 24 mbps and 17 mbps, at 1080i or 567i. I'm going to start a project which is will be outputted for standard, non-HD DVD. Will there be any difference in the final quality if I upload it in 567i as opposed to the bigger 1080i. My laptop is duel core, and can cope (just) with 1080i, but I imagine it will be happier with 567i mbps. But if I get better quality, even on standard DVD, I'd rather suffer a longer render and greater HDD usage with the 1080i.

many thanks

Clevo · Post by **Clevo** » Fri Oct 16, 2009 4:25 am

I'm still on SD... I'd say go for the higher quality. Mind you, If you have the time and inclination you can do a test using both formats and you can judge for yourself and then come back and tell us. It's possible there might not be a noticable difference.

Would like to hear what you thought though

Gotte · Post by **Gotte** » Fri Oct 16, 2009 10:41 am

Thanks for that.
I have done a test, which indicated there was no difference, but my problem is a certain lack of knowledge in equipment and process.

I'm creating a DVD by converting raw footage through VS 12 to an AVI file, then converting that, via Ulead Moviestudio to an ISO, which I then burn (have a few difficulties with burning direct with Moviestudio).

I then play it on standard DVD player and watch it on Toshibiba Regza LCD tv.

I've noticed that the TV is more blocky and less crisp than our old panasonic CRT, and as such, I don;t know if the TV is downgrading whatever is played on it, or simply hasn;t the resolution to view any differences (or the DVD for that matter).

As I said, from the test I've done, there seems no difference at all. But I might very well be downgrading the end product somewhere along the line to the point that none would show up, anyway.

I've also tried viewing the test on my laptop, but the screen is also LCD, and not that big, so I can't really tell if there's any difference.

skier-hughes · Post by **skier-hughes** » Fri Oct 16, 2009 11:18 am

Unless you have some expensive encoding programme then the best HD>SD conversion is often done in the cam.
Film in HD, downconvert using cam to SD and transfer that to your pc.
It will be mpeg2 I believe? so you're best sticking with that and not having an avi file, just make sure you use smart render to not re-encode it all.
Your HD tv will look blocky as it plays an SD picture, all that upscaling and poor quality displayed on maybe a large screen will never look as good as a good old CRT for SD, but then when you watch HD you'll win.

Gotte · Post by **Gotte** » Fri Oct 16, 2009 2:33 pm

Thanks for that.
Does converting to AVI lessen the quality? Also, can you tell me the best settings for MPEG2? Is it just a set standard, or can I improve it by increasing bit rate etc?
Many thanks.

skier-hughes · Post by **skier-hughes** » Fri Oct 16, 2009 3:16 pm

doing the conversion will do, but once in dv.avi it will remain at the same quality until you convert back to peg2, so you'd lose a little twice.
Mpeg2 for SD, I use a max of 7500 for video and 192, maybe 256 for audio, keeping total bitrate below 8,000.
I make hundreds of discs each week and get no compatibility problems.

Gotte · Post by **Gotte** » Fri Oct 16, 2009 7:28 pm

Thanks for that. Much appreciated.