2009

For more information about using Compressor to do high-quality format conversion, see
“Format Conversion When Finishing Mixed-Format Sequences.” Also see the
Distributed Processing Setup Guide, available in Compressor Help and Apple Qmaster Help,
for more information about setting up an Apple Qmaster distributed processing system.
Perform format conversion using dedicated hardware
If your time is limited and you need a real-time conversion of a long-form program, it
may be more efficient to use hardware to do the necessary format conversion.
There are many options. Some video capture cards, including those from AJA and
Blackmagic, are capable of doing downconversion and upconversion in real time as a
program is output to tape. Another solution is to use a dedicated video processor, such
as those offered by Teranex and Snell & Wilcox. Dedicated video processors use a variety
of advanced processing techniques to create a high-quality result.
It’s important to do a bit of research to determine the best solution for the type of format
conversion you need. Some video processors that do excellent SD-to-HD conversion may
not be the best choice for doing NTSC-to-PAL conversion. In addition, some broadcasters
require that you use specific hardware for a particular type of conversion. Make sure to
inquire about your distributor’s requirements in advance, or contact the post-production
facility that will be doing the output to tape for more information about what’s best for
you.
Subtitling and Closed Captioning
Broadcasters and distributors often have specific requirements about including closed
captions and subtitles with a program that you’re delivering for broadcast, for DVD
replication, or for archiving.
In the U.S., closed captioning for broadcast is mandated by the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC). If you’re delivering tape masters for broadcast, closed captioning may
be an important consideration. Subtitles are usually provided as a convenience, although
translation to a country’s native language may be required for film festival or theatrical
exhibition and will certainly enhance your ability to find theatrical or DVD distribution
there.
For more information, see:
• “Handling Closed Captioning”
• “Handling Subtitles”
100 Chapter 6 Mastering