File format question

[RonnieMartin]

I am working on 10 Racing TV shows and my producer just called and wanted to know what file format I wanted for the commercials. I had assumed they would be tape based but the commercials will come via E-mail.

What would be the best universal file format for me to request for 30 second spots. The project setting is 1920x1080i and the final output will be 720x486 16x9 SD tape for the TV stations. Blu Ray, and DVD for archive and distribution.

Thanks

Ronnie

[pjsssss]

I can't imagine that you are going to get the type resolution you would like via email.

[RonnieMartin]

I can't either.... Since this is my first time to do a TV show everything is new and a problem.... I thought they would be tape.

Thanks Pat... It was good to see you at NAB....

Ronnie

[RonnieMartin]

I just got an update from my producer... He said that the files would be up loaded to an FTP site for me to download. Now that sounds better. They still want to know what file format to up load.
The blind leading the blind here....

Ronnie

[pjsssss]

That sounds better. Ask your choices. Any lossless format is best. You can always go avi. I find that a lot of time when producers ask this they are only asking if you want .avi or .mov.

[johnsirb]

Ronnie, Dont know if this will help but here are the posted HD specs for commercials from Time Warner in Ohio.

I was actually surprised to see them list a bit rate for both SD and HD of 15 Mbps and even more surprised to find they use Procoder to convert for their insertion systems.

MPEG-2 files or QuickTime ( mov, H.264) files are the ONLY files accepted.


Format 720p (1280x720)
Vertical Lines 720
Scan Type Progressive
Frame Rate 29.97


Format 1080i (1920x1080)
Vertical Lines 1080
Scan Type Interlaced
Frame Rate 29.97

Sampling Rate: 48KHz
Average Audio Level: 0 dBfs
Aspect Ratio: 16:9
Video Bit Rate: 15Mbps or higher



***just to add, I've seen similar specs from DG systems who is a major electronic delivery service for commercial spots for a large percentage of broadcast stations.

[RonnieMartin]

Thanks John: the TV stations that I am involved with are still broadcasting SD.

I only wish that they were all in HD.... that will come in the future I am sure.

I have ten 30 second spots in my first program and so far only received one commercial and it is in Mpeg2.

Thanks

Ronnie

[johnsirb]

Ronnie, is it going to look letterbox on the air correct?

I would have them send you the files in HD if they can and then your spots will have the same aspect ratio when you send it out at 720x480.

Also MPEG-2 ( or QT for that matter) is fine for the format

[pjsssss]

Mpeg2 is fine as that is likely what they will be broadcasting.

[RonnieMartin]

Thanks again guys... you were right on the money. I just received two more commercial spots and they are all Mpeg 2. These local stations are asking for mini DV. I was really surprised when I talked with one of the station managers and found out that they are not broadcasting in HD with any of their local programs. It sure would be nice not to have to mail a tape to them.

One more question.... with the help of my friends on the forum I have learned a lot from this project and I have one more (probably a lot more) question with regard to closed captioning. If some of the stations that are airing the program have the ability to use a mpeg 2 file from my SD timeline (720x486) will that strip the CC as it does when exporting to tape via fire wire? I have worked out the work flow for CC and edius with the caption company and it requires that I export via SVHS or component for the original tape to the TV station which will lose one generation.

So the question is will exporting the time line to mpeg2 with the CC added strip off the CC?

Thanks so much guys for all your help.... without it I would have lost this opportunity..

Ronnie

[pjsssss]

Anything that might be in the timeline that would require a render upon export (even a dissolve) will strip the closed captioning. So for all practical purposes you should probably follow your same workflow.