Thanks to all that contributed to my previous thread on this topic! You have better defined my question, so I am posing an improved question with greater detail here:
I will be ingesting THOUSANDS of short SD clips from 10-bit SDI DigiBeta tape for use as stock footage. I will be delivering these clips in several formats:
(1) Production quality 10-bit codec (ProRes 422 HQ is at the top of my list right now).
(2) Pro-sumer quality H.264 or similar codec at nominal bandwidth.
(3) Preview/proxy clip (likely also H.264 for Internet preview).
(4) One or more JPEG still frame captures per clip.
BACKGROUND:
The Mac/FCP platform and AJA Io is completely capable of capturing the full 10-bit 4:2:2 video from DigiBeta tape. Sony Vegas' capability in this realm is a bit cloudy. A Mac/FCP system will be required if ProRes is the chosen broadcast codec. However, Vegas is highly programmable (with custom plug-ins written in .NET) and I intend to write a custom plug-in to automate much of the tedious part of the process (saving off clips with incrementing file names, automatically saving stills, capturing logging data in a custom form and saving to a database or metadata file, etc.)
Because my Vegas plug-in will be the central solution for automating a tedious work flow, how the Mac fits in (if at all) brings up multiple questions:
(1) If a Mac is used for capture, the ProRes output will directly work with Vegas, but my impression of FCP is that cutting multiple clips from the timeline, applying color-correction, and exporting them, will all have to be done one clip at a time---a very tedious and time-consuming process.
Conversely, if I use Vegas for capture I need to determine a codec capable of handling the 10-bit DigiBeta video. Further, that codec must be cross-platform if I have to take clips to a Mac to produce ProRes.
Knowledge/suggestions about SDI capture hardware and codecs would be gratefully received.
(2) Thoughts about ProRes for delivery to customers? What format(s) would you prefer for purchasing and downloading stock footage? Remember, I am talking about broadcast quality as a pro-sumer quality will also be available. Also, remember that customers will be using all sorts of equipment and a VERY acceptable codec is mandatory. AFAIK, only ProRes fits that bill.
(3) Thoughts about a pro-sumer quality codec? What codec and bandwidth would you consider acceptable for non-broadcast/industrial/business/personal productions? It seems that H.264 is widely accepted. I need to deliver a MINIMUM bandwidth for reasons including storage economy, download speed, and to ensure that the broadcast quality clips remain very salable. What is the MINIMUM bit rate you would find acceptable for SD clips in a budget production?
(4) Any solution MUST include preview to an NTSC monitor as each clip will undergo color correction. Is it possible to preview to a 10-bit output device? Is a cheap 8-bit DV to NTSC device adequate for professional color-correction?
Your engaging thoughts to follow...
Much thanks, again.
Kevin
I will be ingesting THOUSANDS of short SD clips from 10-bit SDI DigiBeta tape for use as stock footage. I will be delivering these clips in several formats:
(1) Production quality 10-bit codec (ProRes 422 HQ is at the top of my list right now).
(2) Pro-sumer quality H.264 or similar codec at nominal bandwidth.
(3) Preview/proxy clip (likely also H.264 for Internet preview).
(4) One or more JPEG still frame captures per clip.
BACKGROUND:
The Mac/FCP platform and AJA Io is completely capable of capturing the full 10-bit 4:2:2 video from DigiBeta tape. Sony Vegas' capability in this realm is a bit cloudy. A Mac/FCP system will be required if ProRes is the chosen broadcast codec. However, Vegas is highly programmable (with custom plug-ins written in .NET) and I intend to write a custom plug-in to automate much of the tedious part of the process (saving off clips with incrementing file names, automatically saving stills, capturing logging data in a custom form and saving to a database or metadata file, etc.)
Because my Vegas plug-in will be the central solution for automating a tedious work flow, how the Mac fits in (if at all) brings up multiple questions:
(1) If a Mac is used for capture, the ProRes output will directly work with Vegas, but my impression of FCP is that cutting multiple clips from the timeline, applying color-correction, and exporting them, will all have to be done one clip at a time---a very tedious and time-consuming process.
Conversely, if I use Vegas for capture I need to determine a codec capable of handling the 10-bit DigiBeta video. Further, that codec must be cross-platform if I have to take clips to a Mac to produce ProRes.
Knowledge/suggestions about SDI capture hardware and codecs would be gratefully received.
(2) Thoughts about ProRes for delivery to customers? What format(s) would you prefer for purchasing and downloading stock footage? Remember, I am talking about broadcast quality as a pro-sumer quality will also be available. Also, remember that customers will be using all sorts of equipment and a VERY acceptable codec is mandatory. AFAIK, only ProRes fits that bill.
(3) Thoughts about a pro-sumer quality codec? What codec and bandwidth would you consider acceptable for non-broadcast/industrial/business/personal productions? It seems that H.264 is widely accepted. I need to deliver a MINIMUM bandwidth for reasons including storage economy, download speed, and to ensure that the broadcast quality clips remain very salable. What is the MINIMUM bit rate you would find acceptable for SD clips in a budget production?
(4) Any solution MUST include preview to an NTSC monitor as each clip will undergo color correction. Is it possible to preview to a 10-bit output device? Is a cheap 8-bit DV to NTSC device adequate for professional color-correction?
Your engaging thoughts to follow...
Much thanks, again.
Kevin