HD footage and PP CS4 outing to SD DVD

[Doug Puckett]

I have my timeline filled with .m2t files and Im gonna end up with a standard def dvd in the end.

Should I export it to a regular .avi file and let Encore render it to SD or is there a better way??

thanks

Doug

[Bluesproggit]

I haven't stepped into CS4 yet, but with CS3 there was an option to export to Encore - I would start with that.

[RatVega]

As you know, I totally don't do PP but in the general sense, the preferred workflow is to export the highest quality clip you can in its native format then downconvert in the compression phase. The old "highest quality for as long as possible" approach.

[WindyHillsVideo]

M2T files have already used MPEG2 compression to store your data. It's been too long since I've used Adobe's compression engine. But I do KNOW you want to avoid decompressing your data again. I think using "Export to Encore" should allow you to output the video on your time line with it's inherent native quality. And once in Encore, you can downscale your video from HD frame to SD.

There should be a step-by-step how-to on how to scale down HDV to SD in Encore on the Adobe website. Look in the support area for CS4. Isn't this called doing a 'center cut'?? (Google is your friend) There's more than one way to do what you want. You might have to try a few passes to see which method results in better looking output. Job one is to avoid tossing away more data when you scale it. And if you have BIG/LONG time line(s) you are working with, it might also be advisable to quickly create a new sequence and toss 2-5 minutes of content in it to 'tinker' with your settings and experiment a little. See what LOOKS best and then use those settings to create the actual output. Keep a pencil and scratchpad handy and toke notes so you can remember the secret recipe when you discover it.

Michael