Scan converters to HDV

[Chris James]

Hello, all. I'm new here and an absolute novice, but this forum has taught me more in twenty minutes than two days worth of internet research has benefited me - so I thought I'd seek some advice.

I need to take HD footage of a PC video game for promotional videos. While researching standard scan converter-to-NLE capture sytems I chanced accross the HDV format and I couldn't help thinking how convenient it would be to be able to record my footage to tape and then output via Firewire into Premiere.

Can anyone think of a scan converter-to-HDV solution that might work? Is it even possible?

My main problem is that most scan converters output the HD signal via an SDI output, and I have yet to find an HDV deck that would accept the signal.

Also, I tend to think that 720p would be a better format for game footage, since the progressive format and "smaller" resolution (1280x720) would be more suited to game output than 1080i's 1920x1080. But I'm worried about cornering myself into JVC's 720p format, since I'm getting the impression that Sony's 1080i is more popular, and I'm ultimately intending to use Premiere's HDV capture options. Does it matter?

Also, any thoughts on whether the MPEG-2 compression would be appropriate for game footage? Games tend to have lots of quick camera movements and lots of small details.

I know this is a forum intended more for videographers - but I thought some of you might have some insight!

Thanks!

Chris

[Douglas Spotted Eagle]

Originally Posted by Chris James

Also, I tend to think that 720p would be a better format for game footage, since the progressive format and "smaller" resolution (1280x720) would be more suited to game output than 1080i's 1920x1080. But I'm worried about cornering myself into JVC's 720p format, since I'm getting the impression that Sony's 1080i is more popular, and I'm ultimately intending to use Premiere's HDV capture options. Does it matter?
Chris

First, video games in the near future are ALL 1080p, that's the announced standard of the gaming authors, XBox, PlayStation, etc.
Second, a scan converter will be expensive, and potentially unnecessary. Using tools like Hypercam, Camtasia 3, etc, you can capture screens at incredible 1080 resolution. If you want to buy a scan converter, www.hedcom.com is one source. They aren't cheap. Supposedly the XBox will be set up to disallow scan conversion connection to prevent gamers from kiping the signal. It wouldn't surprise me much.
Regarding the rest of it...I'd worry about 1080 vs 720 as well. 720p upscaled to 1080p30 isn't all that impressive. You might want to check out this op-ed piece: http://www.vasst.com/search.aspx?text=1080