Is downconverted HD any better than SD?

craftech wrote on 9/12/2010, 4:53 PM

Despite the fact that this article is a few years old, it confirms what I have found myself. That HD cams don't produce any better looking SD video than good SD cams.
That's why (except for the 4:3 aspect ratio) my VX2000 produces stage video as good as my EX1 (with less hassles) when the end product is an SD DVD.

John

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Guy S. wrote on 9/13/2010, 3:20 PM

<<HD cams don't produce any better looking SD video than good SD cams>>

I have found quite the opposite to be true when comparing DV cams (XL1 VX2000) to HDV and AVCHD cams that cost the same or less. Like another said, night and day difference.

The issue seems to be color space conversion. Transcoding from DV's 4:1:1 color space to SD DVDs 4:2:0 color space costs you approximately 30% of your color resolution. Because HDV and AVCHD both use the 4:2:0 color space this resolution is preserved.

I believe this information was posted by DSE on this forum several years ago, and as I've said it tracks with my experience. But if you want a spare VX2000, I can make you a great deal.

Guy