HD
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Discussion For Converting from Standard Definition (SD) to High
Definition (HD) video.
Overview
The shift to High Definition Video (HD) is an exciting and dramatic move.
Take one look at High Definition (HD) and the difference in quality
between HD and Standard Definition (SD) video is crystal clear. The HD
standard permits the conveyance of a broader, fuller image and range of
colors. The SD video picture is mostly constructed of 486 visible picture
lines. An HD image has up to 1080 lines, resulting in six times the
picture clarity vs. standard definition
There are actually 25 HD video formats. The two most common are
1080i (interlaced) and 720p (progressive). Progressive signals send the
entire frame at once whereas the interlaced signal is sent in two
intervals. The chart below illustrates the dramatic increase in resolution
between the 480 lines of standard definition all the way up to the
appreciable number of lines native in an image that contains 1,080 lines
of resolution.
(Source: National Association of Broadcasters)
HD Conference Pre-Production
There may be additional internal costs associated with the
transformation of your event from SD to HD. Any Standard Definition
(SD) video will need to be upconverted to HD. These recordings on
video tape such as BetacamSP or DVCam are often either in the form
480ior 576i. They are easily up converted to 1080i. However, up
converting to the 720p format may distort the picture or require filtering
which actually reduces the resolution of the final output.
PowerPoint graphics will need to be re-sized and formatted from their
current templates. PowerPoint computers must be capable of outputting
a 16x9 resolution image for transfer to HD-SDI.
HD at The Event Site
HD packages have the same flexibility as the SD packages in the past
have had - the ability to route signals to and from computers at the
Producer's area, the feed to the downstage HD monitors and to the
screens. The sessions will be taped on DVCproHD video recorders
which allow for up to 2 hours per tape - the longest length currently
available.
Attempting to find local replacements in the event of a projector failure is
almost impossible. Double stacking video projectors will increase the
cost but ensure a back up in case of a failure.
Unless a makeup artist is brought in that is familiar with working with
HD, some clients may not like how the staff appears on the screens in
HD. The increase in resolution will enhance the flaws and wrinkles in a
presenters face. Higher end cameras in the HD environment have a
skin detail menu that allows a vigilant video engineer to soften the detail
and sharpness of flesh tones to eliminate or hide visible blemishes of
the talent– just as Hollywood does on virtually every major motion
picture. But the camera and engineer can only do so much. Even then,
every single bead of sweat on a forehead will still be visible to the very
last person in the very last row of the audience. Simply put, a makeup
artist may be a wise investment.
The demands on the Lighting Director become exponentially more
challenging. HD is unforgiving when utilized in a mediocre lighting
environment. Every small lighting shadow and shading gradation on
the presenter’s head will be painfully evident in HD video. The Lighting
Director needs to take special care to make sure that all areas of the
stage and talent are lit properly and evenly with no hot spots or dark
areas. The job the Lighting Director becomes a much more precise
undertaking.
HD Post Production
The end use for the recorded video must also be considered. The final
product can be down converted to standard NTSC DVD video in the event
that the end users don’t have HD-DVD or Blu-ray DVD capabilities at
home.
If you have any questions or thought to add feel free to call or email.
Thanks.
Hannon Productions - Green Bay, WI - 920-562-1437 - hannonproductions@sbcglobal.net