Sony HDV 1080i footage not crisp from iDVD at DVinfo.net

Johnnie Caraballo · June 6th, 2008, 04:24 AM

I have read the forums and see this same issue arise for many other users.

I see the same standard response:
Computer Monitors look nothing like TV screens.
HDV gets down converted to SD and wont look as sharp and crisp as HD.

As if almost to say - we got what we have and thats the best.

I just find it very hard to believe that with Apple up-selling us on very expensive computers that the end result is one step away from VHS quality!

I have seen Weddings shot on SD cameras with SD tape that look almost like HD when played back on a SD DVD.

How is it that I go from a gorgeous import to a final product that looks like I have a $100.00 camera?

Robert Lane · June 6th, 2008, 07:39 AM

For one thing, you'll never get the high-quality encodes from iDVD to make things look as good as you want. It has nothing to do with what format or camera you originally shot on, it's the over-simplified compression engine used by iDVD.

If you want professional results from your DVD's then you need to be using the pro products and take control over MPEG-2 quality. That means using Compressor 3 for the encoding (or another high-quality encoder such as Telestream's Episode Pro or others) and DVD Studio Pro for the authoring. Yes it's more complex than using consumer-grade applications but the quality of output will astound you compared to iDVD.

Johnnie Caraballo · June 6th, 2008, 08:04 AM

Thank you for your advice...

Robert Lane · June 6th, 2008, 08:11 AM

By the way, your listed Mac hardware is the perfect setup for FCS and DVD authoring.

June 6th, 2008, 04:24 AM	#1
Johnnie Caraballo Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Coral Springs, Florida Posts: 144	Sony HDV 1080i footage not crisp from iDVD I have read the forums and see this same issue arise for many other users. I see the same standard response: Computer Monitors look nothing like TV screens. HDV gets down converted to SD and wont look as sharp and crisp as HD. As if almost to say - we got what we have and thats the best. I just find it very hard to believe that with Apple up-selling us on very expensive computers that the end result is one step away from VHS quality! I have seen Weddings shot on SD cameras with SD tape that look almost like HD when played back on a SD DVD. How is it that I go from a gorgeous import to a final product that looks like I have a $100.00 camera? __________________ Sony HDR-AX2000 • Mac Pro 8 Core w/30" Cinema Display & Final Cut Pro X

June 6th, 2008, 08:04 AM	#3
Johnnie Caraballo Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Coral Springs, Florida Posts: 144	Thank you for your advice... __________________ Sony HDR-AX2000 • Mac Pro 8 Core w/30" Cinema Display & Final Cut Pro X

June 6th, 2008, 07:39 AM	#2
Robert Lane Go Go Godzilla Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Scottsdale, AZ USA Posts: 2,823 Images: 15	For one thing, you'll never get the high-quality encodes from iDVD to make things look as good as you want. It has nothing to do with what format or camera you originally shot on, it's the over-simplified compression engine used by iDVD. If you want professional results from your DVD's then you need to be using the pro products and take control over MPEG-2 quality. That means using Compressor 3 for the encoding (or another high-quality encoder such as Telestream's Episode Pro or others) and DVD Studio Pro for the authoring. Yes it's more complex than using consumer-grade applications but the quality of output will astound you compared to iDVD.

June 6th, 2008, 08:11 AM	#4
Robert Lane Go Go Godzilla Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Scottsdale, AZ USA Posts: 2,823 Images: 15	By the way, your listed Mac hardware is the perfect setup for FCS and DVD authoring.