New to HD editing

Maverick wrote on 8/27/2012, 3:31 PM

Although I've created a few HD (1080p) slide shows I'm new to actually editing video footage.

Having just purchased a Sony HDR PJ260VE camcorder I have set the recording options to 1920x1080 50p.

My confusion now comes when choosing the project properties before I even drag the mts files I have transferred from the camera to HDD.

There is no 1080 50p option (although there is for 720!).

Also, what setting should I use when rendering for viewing on a PAL Panasonic Plasma 1080 (p & i) TV with the file playing from the laptop or PC?

I have read that I should turn Smart rendering off for better results and will do some tests shortly.

Is there some good reading material I could be pointed in the direction of to help me in my endeavours?

I know I have a lot more to learn but any guidance would be appreciated.

Comments

Ron Windeyer wrote on 8/27/2012, 6:31 PM

You're right; there is no custom template. This is easily overcome - make your own.
Working through the Project Properties: width 1920 (check) Height 1080 (check) field order none (check) aspect ratio 1.00 (check) Frame rate - hit the little arrow and select 50.000 (Double Pal) from the list. (OK, I'm assuming you are in PAL land. You can select 59.94 if not). The Template will now show Custom. Save that template and you're done!

Rendering is a different issue. 1920 x 1080 50P footage is a bit ahead of the technology currently available. AFAIK you can't put it onto a Bluray. What I do is manipulate the Sony AVC template - I make a mp4 file, 1920 x 1080 @ 50P; bitrate 25600000. This plays well on a computer and (luckily) also on my PS3, which feeds to the TV.

Good luck, and have fun!

Maverick wrote on 8/28/2012, 4:26 AM

Thanks for the help, much appreciated.

I don't have a Bluray burner yet hence watching on the plasma direct from the PC/laptop.

Edit: I hope this doesn't seem too stupid a question but...

When I got to the Custom Settings for rendering to HD 1920x1080-50p the bit rate is set to 25,999,360. Should I change this to 25,600,000 or leave it as it is (Vegas 10e)?

Ron Windeyer wrote on 8/28/2012, 5:22 AM

Not a *** question at all. I don't really know the answer.
I found that the maximum setting - 26000000 - used to crash regularly. "An error has occurred in the creation of the media file....."
Hmm. Maybe it needs a bit of room for the audio??
So I drop the bitrate a little.
The answer - do what works :)

Maverick wrote on 8/28/2012, 5:29 AM

Thanks again.

Like so many things there's no definitive answers - but I have appreciated the guidance :)