Intermediate format choice/workflow

Mike M. wrote on 8/3/2010, 10:11 AM
Hi:

I know this subject has been, in some cases, beat to death, and from the many many posts I've read I think I can see the advantages to using an intermediate format for editing. However, I'm a bit confused and hope for some guidance.

I have a mix of video formats that are primarily MPEG2 and some MP4/h.264. Most are standard definition. Many are PAL rather than NTSC.

My goal is to simply put these together with perhaps a simple dissolve between each and burn to a NTSC DVD for home television widescreen or SD viewing.

1. I suppose my first question would be one of workflow since I have several choices to make.

2. Second question would be the necessity of an intermediate format and for what.

Finally, I'm sure that I've over looked something else.

I realize that comparing to the massive projects people here are working on, this is may be a complete joke to ask for help, but I would appreciate anything.......or be pointed in the right direction.

Thanks,

Mike

Comments

john_dennis wrote on 8/3/2010, 10:28 AM
Since you appear to have an i7 and since you don't have big plans for lots of edits or filters, the cost of software, disk space and time to convert to an intermediate doesn't seem warranted. You could plod through the native formats and get the DVDs out in your lifetime.
So far, that's the direction I've gone.
musicvid10 wrote on 8/3/2010, 10:31 AM
Standard Definition MPEG-2 and AVC/MP4 should work just fine on the timeline if your computer is not from the stone age.

It is only if you have difficulty navigating the timeline or have serious preview issues that it would be worthwhile considering an intermediate render.

You've got some built-in issues going from PAL footage to NTSC DVD that others here will be able to assist you with.
Mike M. wrote on 8/3/2010, 11:14 AM
Thanks John and musicvid for your help. I've read many of your posts and tips

Now I've got to determine the best way to deal with the PAL to NTSC along with the varying resolutions/framerates. Most of these are sort (<5 minute) segments.
musicvid10 wrote on 8/3/2010, 2:19 PM
As a starting point, consider rendering everything to 23.976 NTSC.
You will get better results discarding 1fps from your PAL footage than trying to manufacture 6fps out of thin air going to 29.97. And your native 29.97 will still look good at 23.97 with some attention to your settings.

As I said, others here have lots more experience with this than I do.
Mike M. wrote on 8/3/2010, 3:28 PM
Okay, I see. Make everything PAL and then just burn the DVD as PAL? I believe that most players will play either one???
John_Cline wrote on 8/3/2010, 3:33 PM
NO. Most newer PAL players will play NTSC discs, but virtually no NTSC players will play PAL.
musicvid10 wrote on 8/3/2010, 8:55 PM
No, I suggested making everything 23.976 NTSC, not PAL.