Is it a little softer or is it just me?
 

So, I captured the footage for my latest short film shot with my JVC HD250u 30p in it's native format. I find that the most trouble free for capture. I then convert it with HDLink to edit in a Aspect HD 5 project. I like the workflow. So far never a glitch, no crashes (knock on wood).

But I noticed something while peviewing the footage. The Cineform files seem somewhat softer, just a little, than the HDV file. I was taken a back by this. It's not supposed to be softer. How can this be?

So I theorize. Is it a graphics card thing? Did I do something wrong like forget a setting? Or is it just me?

I'm running a AMD 64 x2 machine with 2 gigs of ram and a Nvidea GeForce 7300 video card connected via DVI to a 22in ViewSonic LCD.

Don't get me wrong. It's not bad. It's subtle, noticable in scenes with fine detail.

Just curious if anyone else has noticed this.

Thanks...

Long the clips in AE do confirm the sharpness. M2T has DCT ringing that has an artificial sharpening effect which we fix, also the 4:2:0 has the chroma blockiness that we smooth out to 4:2:2, producing a smoothly for natural image. Also make sure your Aspect HD v5 has the "Disable preview playback" checked, for full quality out to your 22" LCD.

That makes a lot of sense, David. The smoothing of the HDV blockiness must be what I'm seeing.

And taking it into AE was the perfect advice! I should have thought of that! That's the first time I've taken the time to compare footage in AE and I got to tell you, I'm finally completely satisfied with my Aspect HD purchase. Awesome!

Thanks a lot...

After Effects keep everyone honest -- it is the best way to compare footage at the pixel level.

I didn't realise that After Effects is a good preview software. Is there any other software (especially media players that play VLC) that shows the footage for what it is?

Thx for the info. I did actually suspect a bit of softness but thought it could be just placebo (eventually I forgotten about it till this thread came up)

now I wouldnt say that.....but get your point