Comments

musicvid10 wrote on 2/2/2008, 10:54 AM
DVD is Mpeg-2, Standard Definition (SD).

There are two current versions of High Definition discs (HD), Blu-Ray (BD) and HD-DVD. You need compatible hardware, media, and software to burn HD discs. In other words, you can't burn HD directly to DVD. The results, however, of downconverting HD source media to DVD formats are usually very acceptable.
JG123 wrote on 2/2/2008, 3:44 PM
Hey Vid..

First off, thanks for the reply!

Secondly, if someone is requesting an HD copy of my work, do I output to tape, then find a production company to burn it to HD DVD?

Thanks again..

JG
musicvid10 wrote on 2/2/2008, 3:49 PM
That's certainly an option, depending on the length of your project, but with the price of portable hard drives so low these days, you could carry the print into a production shop without the extra step
PeterWright wrote on 2/2/2008, 4:06 PM
As a stop-gap arrangement, Vegas 8 will burn BluRay HD direct from timeline to a standard DVD, but no menus and will probably only hold around 20 mins.
musicvid10 wrote on 2/2/2008, 5:05 PM
Peter, I didn't know this. Are the resulting discs playable only on Blu-Ray players, or on standard players as well?
PeterWright wrote on 2/2/2008, 6:47 PM
Even though they're standard DVDs, I think they will only play on a Blu Ray Player or something such as a PSP3 - probably because of the higher bitrate.

There have been a few teething problems, but quite a few have done it.

Here's one thread from the Video forum on the topic:

http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/forums/ShowMessage.asp?ForumID=4&MessageID=560435
JG123 wrote on 2/3/2008, 5:26 AM
So Vid..

I would render out the file first, yes? I mean, I wouldn't just bring a vegas timeline (and all media) on a drive to a prod house, right?

Thanks again..

JG
JG123 wrote on 2/3/2008, 5:27 AM
Thanks Peter.
Chienworks wrote on 2/3/2008, 6:02 AM
If the production house has the same version or newer of Vegas that you have then taking them the whole timeline, .veg and source files, might be appreciated. They would then be able to do whatever tweaking they thought was necessary to improve your video. Of course, they might charge you a ton for that.

If they don't have Vegas, don't want to be bothered, or you don't want to mortage your house to pay their inhouse editing fees, then yes render the project and take the rendered file to them.
musicvid10 wrote on 2/3/2008, 7:14 AM
I couldn't have said that any better, Chien.

Only thing I could add is tell them the exact length of your project, and ask which codecs, streams, bitrates, VBR, etc. they want so they (hopefully) won't need to rerender the video in order to burn the masters. That could cost you a penny or two, also.
bStro wrote on 2/3/2008, 7:48 AM
Secondly, if someone is requesting an HD copy of my work

Something that hasn't been mentioned: Have you asked this someone what kind of media they want this on? No sense making an HD-DVD if they don't have an HD-DVD player. No sense making a Blu-Ray disc if they don't have a Blu-Ray player.

For all we know, they just want an HD WMV file on a regular data DVD. Or an AVCHD file. Or any of the other (at least) half-dozen ways to deliver HD video.

Point being, HD's just a video format. You also need to be sure you're giving them the delivery format that's best for them.

Rob
JG123 wrote on 2/3/2008, 11:22 PM
Damn.. You guys all rock! Thanks for all the great advice!!