5

Preface About High Definition and Broadcast Formats 9
1080p24
1080p24 is sometimes simply referred to as 24p and is considered by some to be the
most flexible frame rate choice because it is possible to transfer to NTSC video, PAL
video, and—perhaps most important—film. Choose this format if you plan to transfer
your finished video to film, or if you are trying to emulate a film look on your final
video. This format is similar to 720p24, but with much higher resolution.
Pros
 Individual still frames in this format are very high quality because of the high resolution.
 Can be easily converted to other frame rates compatible with NTSC video, PAL video,
and film (24 fps frame rate allows direct transfer to film).
 Progressive scanning eliminates interlacing artifacts.
 When pulldown is removed, 1080p24 has a potentially lower data rate than other
1080-line formats.
Cons
 Some 1080p24 modes require pulldown removal and insertion, complicating
timecocde and media management.
 Requires a telecine pulldown process when transferring to NTSC.
 Requires a frame rate increase when transferring to PAL. This slightly alters the
audio rate.
 The low frame rate requires slow camera motion to avoid stuttering jumps from
frame to frame.
720p60
This format is smaller than 1920 x 1080, but the smaller image dimensions decrease
the per-frame data rate. This means the frame rate can be doubled compared to
1080i formats without significantly increasing the data rate.
Pros
 Yields the highest frame rate possible for a high definition format.
 Individual still frames in this format have no motion artifacts (such as flickering lines)
because 720p is progressively scanned.
 Captures and displays quick action and fast camera moves smoothly.
 The 59.94 fps video frame rate is compatible with NTSC video.
Cons
 720p has a smaller image size than 1920 x 1080 (though it is still higher resolution
than standard definition video).