TV distribution at DVinfo.net

Robert Bobson · November 24th, 2005, 07:41 AM

Has anyone here distributed a TV commercial to a television station via MPEG2 on a data DVD?

My local station won't accept video this way. Are they just behind the times, or isn't this a common distribution method??

Richard Alvarez · November 24th, 2005, 08:10 AM

I've never seen a commercial station accept Mpeg2 as a broadcast copy. (Doesn't mean it doesn't happen, I've just never seen it) Most want BetaSP dubs, or DVCam. Some might take Mini DV (but I doubt it)

ALways find out the stations preferred format, and while you're at it, make sure you find out their pre-roll preferences. There can be a bit of difference there between stations.

Robert Bobson · November 24th, 2005, 08:46 AM

I don't get it...

It seems like the station should be able to load the MPEG2 file onto their eithernet and and then just transfer it onto their server.

It seems so much easier than having to set up/cue up video tapes ~ and never a chance of tape wrinkles or dropouts.

And there wouldn't be any additional equipment needed.

Ed Smith · November 24th, 2005, 09:25 AM

Hi Robert,

The thing is that their servers might not be running MPEG2 IBP. Some stations will be running in DV format (which codec????), MPEG2 I-Frame, MJPEG, Uncompressed, HD etc etc. Therefore producing it to BETAcam or DV tape etc solves the problem. Unless of course you know what their video servers excepts. Some stations still run from tape deck...

Cheers,

Ken Plotin · November 25th, 2005, 12:34 PM

Robert,
Cable companies that air from servers generally do their own compression to MPEG2. That's the case here in the LA area. Some cable providers will accept an .avi video file as a data file on CD or DVD media. The good news is that Beta SP masters may no longer be needed. HOWEVER: you must prepare the comercial/video file to proper digital specs (no setup, etc.).
It's always best to check the tech requirements of the company in your area.
Hope this helps.
Ken

Robert Bobson · November 26th, 2005, 06:08 AM

thanks to all for your input ~ I'll check it out.

November 24th, 2005, 07:41 AM	#1
Robert Bobson Major Player Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Bay City, Michigan Posts: 585	TV distribution Has anyone here distributed a TV commercial to a television station via MPEG2 on a data DVD? My local station won't accept video this way. Are they just behind the times, or isn't this a common distribution method??

November 24th, 2005, 09:25 AM	#4
Ed Smith Wrangler Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Hampshire, England Posts: 1,545	Hi Robert, The thing is that their servers might not be running MPEG2 IBP. Some stations will be running in DV format (which codec????), MPEG2 I-Frame, MJPEG, Uncompressed, HD etc etc. Therefore producing it to BETAcam or DV tape etc solves the problem. Unless of course you know what their video servers excepts. Some stations still run from tape deck... Cheers, __________________ Ed Smith Hampshire, UK Good things come to those who wait My Skiing web www.Frostytour.co.uk For quick answers Search dvinfo.net \| The best in the business: dvinfo.net Sponsors

November 24th, 2005, 08:10 AM	#2
Richard Alvarez Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: San Mateo, CA Posts: 3,840	I've never seen a commercial station accept Mpeg2 as a broadcast copy. (Doesn't mean it doesn't happen, I've just never seen it) Most want BetaSP dubs, or DVCam. Some might take Mini DV (but I doubt it) ALways find out the stations preferred format, and while you're at it, make sure you find out their pre-roll preferences. There can be a bit of difference there between stations.

November 24th, 2005, 08:46 AM	#3
Robert Bobson Major Player Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Bay City, Michigan Posts: 585	I don't get it... It seems like the station should be able to load the MPEG2 file onto their eithernet and and then just transfer it onto their server. It seems so much easier than having to set up/cue up video tapes ~ and never a chance of tape wrinkles or dropouts. And there wouldn't be any additional equipment needed.

November 25th, 2005, 12:34 PM	#5
Ken Plotin Major Player Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 254	Robert, Cable companies that air from servers generally do their own compression to MPEG2. That's the case here in the LA area. Some cable providers will accept an .avi video file as a data file on CD or DVD media. The good news is that Beta SP masters may no longer be needed. HOWEVER: you must prepare the comercial/video file to proper digital specs (no setup, etc.). It's always best to check the tech requirements of the company in your area. Hope this helps. Ken

November 26th, 2005, 06:08 AM	#6
Robert Bobson Major Player Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Bay City, Michigan Posts: 585	thanks to all for your input ~ I'll check it out.