Return to Balance on PBS A1/V1/HX200

[Chris Hurd]

Originally Posted by Ken Hodson

the lens options and higher detail capture of a Canon or JVC HDV would be superior to a fixed lens HVX, but because it is DVCproHD it gets a buy?

Incorrect. The HVX does *not* get a buy. Please review Barry's post plus the Discovery HD tech specifications in the link I've provided, and you'll see that the HVX is subject to the exact same restrictions that they're placing on HDV... despite the fact that it's DVCPRO HD.

At any rate, I agree with Philip's point that a properly done HDCAM master makes all of this a rather moot point... as long as the cameras stay out of each other's shots, who is to say it was originated on HDV? Who could tell? If your production values are respectable and your submitted master is clean, why would the question even come up? I'm willing to bet that more HDV and HVX material makes it to air on HD channels than they realize.

[Barry Green]

Originally Posted by John Huling

Well now that's a very interesting contridiction!
I am stumped. If the series "24" is shot on cameras with these specs why not?

Well, because "24" is *not* shot on cameras with those specs, it's shot on 35mm film...

[Chris Hurd]

My error, HDV camcorders were tested on the set of "24" by that show's DP, Rodney Charters:

Part One at http://www.showreel.org/memberarea/article.php?141
Part Two at http://www.showreel.org/memberarea/article.php?172

Whereas HDV was actually used by Jody Eldred on the NBC show "J.A.G." -- see http://www.uemedia.net/CPC/hdvroadsh...er_12909.shtml as well as Douglas Spotted Eagle's site at http://sundancemediagroup.com/media/...ed_HVR-Z1U.wmv

And one thing I did get right was the show "Lovespring International" on the Lifetime Channel. They used the Canon XL H1 for that one, see http://www.studiodaily.com/studiomon...ends/6788.html

Again, my apologies -- I don't watch these shows, and I didn't intend to confuse them. I did see the season finale of Lovespring and thought it actually had a halfway decent storyline. I'd like to see them get picked up again.

[Barry Green]

In standard-def these and other cameras are used all the time; there's DVXs all over Turner and MTV and places like that, and I believe I've seen Sony PD170s on HGTV. Comedy Central's "Travel Sick" is (or was) shot all on PD150s.

"Friday Night Lights" is using the HVX for some shots, and the Weather Channel uses 'em for storm coverage and features. "24" may be using JVC HD100s for rear-projection scenes for when they're shooting in cars.

I mean, they do get used for some things, but I don't think there's any network show with a budget that's using 1/3" camcorders as their primary origination format.

[Chris Hurd]

Well in addition to John telling us whether he had Discovery HD or just the Discovery Channel in mind, it would help to know if he's thinking about a series or a one-off.

[John Huling]

Chris
After being involved in more than 40 PBS, Discovery, TLC, CNN the list goes on, this project will be a one off. I worked for "Hollywood" back in the early 70's as a photographer. I have had producers ask when I was going to come out with something of my own. I guess it is better late than never. So I'm jumping in and have this project accepted as a one-off with future possibilties as they say. Chris I got so involved reading all your links for the last 2 hours I thought there would be a test! Great stuff. I have done some work with some of those guys and highly respect their opinions. Thanks for the great forum. I have referred a dozen or so people here already and they can't believe how good this site is. I told them so.

[David Kennett]

Somehow, I can't help thinking the broadcast requirements are somewhat misguided. When I get my car fixed, I'll go to the garage with the best mechanics. I can't ever remember seeing an ad that says "we use the best tools" A good mechanic will insure that his tools are adequate.

[Chris Hurd]

Well the broadcast requirements are certainly their own business. However, I'm pretty sure that as far as Discovery HD is concerned, their restrictions on HDV and the HVX, while intended to be the all-encompassing "blanket" variety, are probably enforceable in a real sense only so far as a series is concerned. As has been pointed out, for a one-off, how would anyone know what it was shot with, just by looking at the HDCAM master? Assuming it was produced well, of course, and that the cameras aren't actually in a shot somewhere.

John, thanks for the clarification that you're thinking about a one-off. But I'm still wondering if you were aiming specifically at Discovery HD, or just the garden-variety Discovery channel (you know, the one with the broader audience at the moment *ahem*).

[John Huling]

Chris
I got this deal with several different networks. Primarily Discovery Channel and 2 others. It is Smithsonian Museum and my work with nature and music. HD in the future would be nice at some future point.
You were right Chris. With one caveat...Many networks including Discovery are possibly rethinling or are going to rethink this new batch of cameras out. I spoke with a producer this morning and they ahve decided to revisit. I am sure it is something that will come out before I know anything :)

Thanks for all the great info...really helped me find out fast whay I needed to know.

[Stephen L. Noe]

Originally Posted by Chris Hurd

As has been pointed out, for a one-off, how would anyone know what it was shot with....

They wouldn't (and they don't). If you're delivering on the format they wish and the HDCam tape meets the spec (A/V) then it's a go...

[Nate Weaver]

My experience producing programs for broadcast outlets that have acquisition specs, is that spelling out their specs beforehand allows them to "get out" of airing something they don't want to, if they feel it doesn't look good enough.

Not once have I provided a master and then been asked what was it acquired on. But if they thought some part of it looked bad, I would absolutely expect to have to answer to why...and if part of it is the format, then I'm in trouble.

Anyway, I've always considered those requirements as a CYA measure on the part of the (client, customer, etc). Just something they selectively enforce, when it's in their interests to do so.

[John Huling]

Pretty much what I was told also. Chris has it right even though specs are there. It won't be turned away if it looks good and is delivered on the right medium. As of Wednesday that's what I was told by the producer

[Timofey Yuriev]

What channels are currently accepting HDV material?