Converting HD Files to Web Format
 

I've spent all afternoon trying to find the best way to export a video that was shot 720p24 and convert this file into the best format possible for the web.

I edited the project in the format it was shot in 1280x720, but when I went to convert the file, I used Quicktime conversion in FCP. I wanted to scale the image down as Youtube or Google will be doing that already, so I selected 320x280 (close enough) and it exported in the wrong aspect ratio. I tried selecting preserve the aspect ratio by using "LETTERBOX/CROP/FIT WITH DIMENSIONS." None of these worked. I exported the file and scaled the file down to a size I liked in the quicktime viewer. I exported the frame so I could retreive the aspect ratio size. The aspect size came to 418x235.

So I went back into FCP and exported the file as an uncompressed 10-bit quicktime format, imported the file into compressor and used the h.264 setting. I adjusted the standard settings and these are what I changed:

ENCODER:
Video settings, scale to best

FRAME CONTROL:
ON
Resize Filter: Best
Output Fields: Bottom First
Deinterlace: Best
Rate conversion: Best
Everything else the same

FILTERS:
Video tab: Check brightness and contrast: Bring contrast up to 4
(the color is lost some when exported through compressor, this helps)
Color tab: Preserve source

GEOMETRY:
Dimensions - Custom
Input scale you like, I chose 418x235
Pixel aspect: Default

The output of this file looks really nice, and the file size isn't too bad. It seems like a lot to go through and some may know a better way, (please share) but I'm always posting questions and I thought for a change I would share some maybe helpful information.

Take care!

here's my menu for a 720p/24 timeline- pretty quick and nice looking small file;

1. Select Quicktime conversion
2. Select Broadband HIGH or MEDIUM (Your choice)
3. Options - Video, select Custom and 480x270 (16:9)

will get you a 3-20 MB file depending on runtime that will look good on the web. hope this helps.

I just realized as I was watching the batch monitor, my way takes waaay too long. 30 minutes into it, the encoding was only at about 15% of a 4 minute clip. The original file size ended up being 8 gigs, big for being uncompressed.

Josh: You might want to check out this app:

http://www.dvcreators.net/knowledge/delivery/dvccast/


j i m