Preparing video file for TV broadcast. 720x576 16:9 problems. at DVinfo.net

Ben Parcell · April 17th, 2011, 07:32 AM

I have to submit a video in 720x576 .mov DV format for a UK Sky Digital TV music channel. But my video was shot in 16:9. Do I supply footage which appears squashed on my PC monitor for broadcast, and does the TV receiver stretch the image horizontally?

Thanks Ben

Gary Nattrass · April 17th, 2011, 12:34 PM

I would ask them for a delivery spec to be sure but squeeze (anamorphic) is the normal delivery mode for SD 16x9.

Ben Parcell · April 17th, 2011, 01:23 PM

that makes sense, thanks Gary. It was something that I couldn't find myself on google.

Andrew Smith · April 17th, 2011, 04:19 PM

Actually, you shouldn't have to do anything. 720x576 is the resolution on both 4:3 and 16:9 formats. The only difference is the aspect ratio of the display device that the video is being fed through to.

It's only when converting for those dumb ol' square pixel displays (such as a computer monitor) that things get interesting. :-)

Andrew

Bill Davis · April 17th, 2011, 07:10 PM

Oh that it was that simple.

I'm not sure about broadcast in the UK, but here in the US, the system of distribution is still kind of a mess.

The last time I delivered spots for broadcast, I took the time to prepare BOTH HD (full frame) and SD (Letterbox) versions for various stations. Then the client called and said he'd seen the spots run "center punched" on an SD outlet (the right and left sides had been hacked off at the station. We investigated, and sure enough, we discovered that when a local network affiliate sends their HD signal to their SD cable outlet, it's ALWAYS center-punched. No recourse, no way to stop it or prepare an alternate. It's just a control room pass-through with the new matte knocking out the sides.

So I hope your system works differently. Personally I'm going to pay a LOT more attention to the 4:3 protection grid on my next shoot. It SUCKS watching your well planned visual compositions get mangled in playback.

FWIW.

April 17th, 2011, 07:32 AM	#1
Ben Parcell Tourist Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: UK Posts: 2	Preparing video file for TV broadcast. 720x576 16:9 problems. I have to submit a video in 720x576 .mov DV format for a UK Sky Digital TV music channel. But my video was shot in 16:9. Do I supply footage which appears squashed on my PC monitor for broadcast, and does the TV receiver stretch the image horizontally? Thanks Ben Last edited by Ben Parcell; April 17th, 2011 at 07:42 AM. Reason: added region.

April 17th, 2011, 12:34 PM	#2
Gary Nattrass Trustee Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Cornsay Durham UK Posts: 1,992	Re: Preparing video file for TV broadcast. 720x576 16:9 problems. I would ask them for a delivery spec to be sure but squeeze (anamorphic) is the normal delivery mode for SD 16x9. __________________ Over 15 minutes in Broadcast Film and TV production: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1044352/

April 17th, 2011, 01:23 PM	#3
Ben Parcell Tourist Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: UK Posts: 2	Re: Preparing video file for TV broadcast. 720x576 16:9 problems. that makes sense, thanks Gary. It was something that I couldn't find myself on google.

April 17th, 2011, 04:19 PM	#4
Andrew Smith Equal Opportunity Offender Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Brisbane, Australia Posts: 3,065	Re: Preparing video file for TV broadcast. 720x576 16:9 problems. Actually, you shouldn't have to do anything. 720x576 is the resolution on both 4:3 and 16:9 formats. The only difference is the aspect ratio of the display device that the video is being fed through to. It's only when converting for those dumb ol' square pixel displays (such as a computer monitor) that things get interesting. :-) Andrew

April 17th, 2011, 07:10 PM	#5
Bill Davis Trustee Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Scottsdale, AZ 85260 Posts: 1,538	Re: Preparing video file for TV broadcast. 720x576 16:9 problems. Oh that it was that simple. I'm not sure about broadcast in the UK, but here in the US, the system of distribution is still kind of a mess. The last time I delivered spots for broadcast, I took the time to prepare BOTH HD (full frame) and SD (Letterbox) versions for various stations. Then the client called and said he'd seen the spots run "center punched" on an SD outlet (the right and left sides had been hacked off at the station. We investigated, and sure enough, we discovered that when a local network affiliate sends their HD signal to their SD cable outlet, it's ALWAYS center-punched. No recourse, no way to stop it or prepare an alternate. It's just a control room pass-through with the new matte knocking out the sides. So I hope your system works differently. Personally I'm going to pay a LOT more attention to the 4:3 protection grid on my next shoot. It SUCKS watching your well planned visual compositions get mangled in playback. FWIW. __________________ Classroom editing instructor? Check out www.starteditingnow.com Turnkey editor training content including licensed training footage for classroom use.