From .avi file to .m2t file: bad quality.

[Ulisse]

Hi, I have an interesting and precious documentary about a colombian ethic group and some years ago I have edited it. I have saved it as .avi file (4:3). Now I'd like to convert that file to .m2t (16:9). I have just made a try but I am very unsatisfied. That original .avi file has a good image quality but after having converted it, in addition to image cutting (on top and bottom) I have now gotten and I see a deteriorate image quality.
I guessed that something of the sort would happen but I would never have thought it so palpable.
Is there some trick to improve that image? What could I do precisely?
Thanks for your help.

[Khoi Pham]

Don't do true 16X9, because if you do it has to zoom in to fill the side and that is why you get bad quality, put a 16x9 graphic or the same clip but blur it and stretch it out to fill the side on the bottom layer and leave the top clip alone, just like the way they do it in ESPN, this is the only way to retain good quality that conform to 16X9.

[Ulisse]

put a 16x9 graphic or the same clip but blur it and stretch it out to fill the side on the bottom layer and leave the top clip alone, just like the way they do it in ESPN, this is the only way to retain good quality that conform to 16X9.

I think you are giving me a very useful suggestion but I don't understand very fine.
I hope to find the right way. ;)
thanks

[pjsssss]

Copy the same 4:3 clip and place it under (or over) the original clip. One bottom clip, use Layout Preset to Fit Width. Add Blur

The 4:3 copy should now be setting over the new 16:9 blurred copy

[Ulisse]

stretch it out to fill the side on the bottom layer and leave the top clip alone, just like the way they do it in ESPN, this is the only way to retain good quality that conform to 16X9.

But have I do save as .m2t file or .avi file?
Could you explain better please?

[Ulisse]

Copy the same 4:3 clip and place it under (or over) the original clip. One bottom clip, use Layout Preset to Fit Width. Add Blur

The 4:3 copy should now be setting over the new 16:9 blurred copy

I have just done a test: if I put a clip 4:3 on the timeline and put another clip (the same) on the bottom (with blur and Layout Preset 16:9), I see two superimposed clips (images). Perhaps do I make some errors?

[pjsssss]

That is what it should be. It is known as "wings" in the broadcast world.

You are basically just putting something else in for hte black. You are not going to be able to scale your 4:3 footage without loosing a lot of resolutions. So in most cases it is best to leave the 4:3 footage as is.

[Khoi Pham]

I have just done a test: if I put a clip 4:3 on the timeline and put another clip (the same) on the bottom (with blur and Layout Preset 16:9), I see two superimposed clips (images). Perhaps do I make some errors?

Yes you should see your normal clip and then on the left and right side is the blur clip, or you can put graphic there instead of a blur clip, this is the only way if you don't want to loose any quality.

[Ulisse]

Yes you should see your normal clip and then on the left and right side is the blur clip, or you can put graphic there instead of a blur clip, this is the only way if you don't want to loose any quality.

1) I don't understand that method at all. Why do I have to see two superimposed clips? ON TV also I will see two superimposed clips. I'm sorry but I like to see a more deteriorate image quality. ;)

2) What do you means with "graphic clip"?

3) Do I have to export as .avi or .m2t file?

Perhaps with Red Giant or some other software will I get an enough good result?

thanks

[pjsssss]

Here is a very short clip to show the effect.

[pjsssss]

You can put anything you like on the sides (wings), just the regular 4:3 clip stays the same.

[Ulisse]

Here is a very short clip to show the effect.

Your clip looks very nice ... but this method for a documentary is extremely scanty. This is my opinion. Perhaps there is a software (Boris?) that can improve the image quality.
thanks for your availability.

[Khoi Pham]

Look here http://www.vimeo.com/9167041
and maybe you can understand it better, because your clip is standard and it is not wide enough for a widescreen resolution, and so it would look better if you have another blur clip to fill the edges or you will see black.
Use a 16X9 project, put a clip on V1 and V2, now blur the clip on V1 and go into layout tool and click on fit width, now render it to whatever format you want to save or output.
If you don't understand this maybe somebody can explain it to you better.

Didn't know that Pat already put one up, you can try other software and see if it will have better scaling but I doubt it, if it is there would be no need for 16x9 camera.

[pjsssss]

I see it in documentaries all the time.

[Ulisse]

Look here http://www.vimeo.com/9167041
If you don't understand this maybe somebody can explain it to you better.

Again .... now I have understood fine that method. It is a good option for some short clips but not for 1 hour documentary. I think to use an external software is better.
Thanks