Discovery have 3 tiers. Gold is the best and is HDCAM, HDCAM SR and is expected for drama and high end docs. Silver is next, normally HD Docs and Factual and is XDCAM HD, DVCPRO HD (Not HVX200) and Bronze includes HDV and HVX200 but you cannot use Bronze for more than 20% 0f the entire production.

If your trying to choose between the XL-H1 and EX3 purely on image quality then there is no contest. The H1 (which I have owned and did really like) is HDV and the extra 10Mb and VBR encoding make a massive difference, especially in post production. Also you can fit a far wider range of lenses to the EX3 thanks to the fact that the hand grip doesn't get in the way as it does on the H1 and the 1/2 inch sensors.

Hi Alister,
What are some models for the HDCAM, HDCAM SR & XDCAM HD, DVCPRO HD that i could look at in the Sony range.

Cheers
Simon

HDCAM SR is really very big boys toys. HDCAM is realistically priced as it is really the HD equivalent to Digibeta. Normal cameras would be 790/750/730. If editing would need a feeder for the editing system such as HDW1800 if you are going to lay back to tape, still big bucks! Makes the EX3/EX1 look attractive. I think real XDcam HD is a good and sensible way to go as you do not need a VT machine.

Usually the BBC commissions rather than buys in documentaries, so you'll have the budget to shoot on which ever format they require. It's a pretty tough business getting a commission, which, if you're a newcomer, can involve working with an established producer - yes, they're after material to put in as proposals. However, you'll need to have done something that demonstrates your talent (or be be a relative).

Currently, I'd say the BBC regards their HD channel as a flagship, so it's going for high end content. As they create more HD channels they'll be wanting more lower budget programming, however, by that time HDV will not be in the picture.

There's no problem with HDV or the EX1 on SD programmes. However, the Sony PDW 700 seems to be the minimum for BBC HD, although perhaps the Scarlet might pass next year.
http://www.sony.co.uk/res/attachment...3315636944.pdf

Alister, thanks for the info. Are these tiers for a European Discovery HD channel (if there is one)? If so, I am wondering if there are separate standards for the US version.

Alistar and crew,

Thanks for your experience. Sounds like I should realistically shoot for SD programming.

Discovery.ca is independant from Discovery US.

I am sure that the broadcasters have not thought about it yet. From the quality of some of the stuff they put out I am sure the EX1/EX3 will get used without a problem.
As someone else has posted, a few years down the line and they will be running anything they can get cheap as the viewers will have gone to surf the net for what they really want to see not what a jumped up commissioning editor thinks they should watch.

Unfortunately, there will always be a limitation on bandwidth on HD channels (especially if you want lower compression), so there will be a selection process.

The problem that internet distribution has to work out is how you realise a return on your investment in a production. The porn industry does it, but I suspect most people in the forum won't be using that particular model and really want higher production values. Although, I do know one businessman who used their selling techniques for his on-line business.