Need advice for the best codec setting.

GregFlowers wrote on 6/20/2015, 1:58 AM

I'm doing the 48 hour Film project for the first time in 8 years. A lot of the submission requirements have changed. I'm working with Vegas 13. Here are the requirements...

(preferred) a self-contained Quicktime file
- codecs for HD: Apple Pro-Res, Apple Intermediate Codec, H.264 with a data rate of at least 16Mbps, HDV, DVCProHD, or Motion JPEG-A
- codecs for SD: DV-NTSC, Apple Pro-Res, H.264 with a data rate of at least 16Mbps, or Motion JPEG-A
- file extension: mov
- submission formats: USB flash drive or DVD-R

a self-contained MPEG-4 file
- codecs: H.264 with a data rate of at least 16Mbps and AAC audio
- file extension: mp4
- submission formats: USB flash drive or DVD-R
video DVD

I'm shooting HD and want to retain the highest quality possible. Does anyone have any specific recommendations based on the requirements on how I should render this project for maximal quality?

Comments

Steve Grisetti wrote on 6/20/2015, 8:36 AM

I'd recommend you use Project/Render As/Sony AVC with the Internet 1920x1080 30p template.

That should give you excellent visual quality with a minimal file size. (The bit rate is the required 16 mbps.)

JohnnyRoy wrote on 6/20/2015, 9:19 AM

Your choices are Sony AVC or MainConcept AVC for creating .mp4 files. Try both and see which one you like better. MainConcept AVC has better quality at low bit rates but at 16Mbps I don't believe you will see a difference between the two. As Steve said, start with the Internet HD 1080-30p templates and change the bit rate to what they want. The Two-pass option in MainConcept AVC will give the best results at a given bit rate.

~jr

GregFlowers wrote on 6/20/2015, 9:57 AM

Thanks guys! I'll follow your recommendations for sure.