AVCHD for local playback via Handbrake tutorial

MikeLV wrote on 9/25/2012, 10:21 PM
I've read a number of different forum threads here and on creative cow and haven't been able to nail down the bottom line. I have a Canon camera that shoots AVCHD and I have choices of 60i and PF30 framerates. PF30 has a footnote that says *Recorded as 60i.

I intend to follow the "better method" using Handbrake and the ultimate usage for my videos will be downloadable video products for purchase, NOT Youtube/Vimeo.

In a discussion on another forum, someone mentioned that PF30 mode video, when dropped onto a Vegas timeline doesn't look crisp and sharp. But perhaps this has something to do with the project settings in Vegas as well?

So my questions are:

Should I shoot in 60i or PF30 mode?
AND
What should my project settings be configured to in Vegas in order to get the best results with the Handbrake tutorial?
AND
What, if any, modifications need to be made to the instructions given in that tutorial?

Thanks everyone!

Comments

VidMus wrote on 9/25/2012, 10:25 PM
"someone mentioned that PF30 mode video, when dropped onto a Vegas timeline doesn't look crisp and sharp."

I only get crisp and sharp if I use 'Best/Full' for playback. Any less setting and it will look kind-of dull.
musicvid10 wrote on 9/25/2012, 11:08 PM
Why don't you test shooting 60i and PF30 examples and follow the tutorial the rest of the way; eagerly awaiting your outcomes!
MikeLV wrote on 9/26/2012, 9:12 AM
hi, it is not a problem with the preview window, I did check that and said it to best and full. I will try to do a couple of tests today and see how the results come out..
musicvid10 wrote on 9/26/2012, 9:15 AM
Be sure your Project and Render properties exactly match your source media. This is important.
MikeLV wrote on 9/26/2012, 9:56 AM
So would the PF30 be interlaced or progressive in the project properties? If interlaced, blend, interpolate...?
musicvid10 wrote on 9/26/2012, 10:01 AM
I really can't tell you because I don't have the file.
What does "Match Media Settings" in Project Properties tell you? (it's usually right).
MikeLV wrote on 9/26/2012, 10:50 AM
Ok, when I match the media settings, the video I shot in PF30 mode comes up as:

Frame Rate: 29.970 (NTSC)
Field Order: Upper Field First
Deinterlace Method: Interpolate Fields
MikeLV wrote on 9/26/2012, 12:11 PM
Even without going through the whole process, I noticed something immediately when comparing PF30 footage and 60i footage - The PF30 was noticeably more vibrant and bright compared with the 60i footage (no other variables changed) - even when just looking at the LCD on the camera. Not sure why the big difference, but the PF30 is definitely the way to go!