Best format for quality

[vortigern]

I have a client who insist on the final production in wmv format. What is the general opinion in how much quality is lost when after finishing a project in SD HQ files the result is then converted to 720 wmv format. I understand the finished item is shown on a big screen when used. They have seen a first cut and run it on a big screen and are obviously happy but surely they are losing quality.

[THoff]

Why would you lose quality when going from SD to HD (assuming an appropriate bitrate and the Complex profile)? The biggest problem I see is that upscaling of SD to HD cannot fill in missing detail, which is something that will be quite obvious on a large screen.

[Bassman]

Maybe some more information about how the footage was shot and edited - SD or HD...

WMV seems to change the color/contrast a bit from my experience.

What are your playback options? In other words, what files can the big screen projector place play?

[vortigern]

I think I did not state correctly the format. The material was all shot in DVCAM standard definition and remained that way throughout. It was only at the very end when the final production was finished that the STD def file was exported into STD wmv format. I have no idea about the equipment used to show the files but as Power point was mentioned it will probably be run from a laptop onto a screen. Standard business conference manner i.e. speaker in front and screen behind. It just seemed to me the client will lose quality in expressing the need for wmv files. As it is his nickel then I do not mind but it seems a shame to lose quality in that way, if indeed that is what is happening with the final transfer.

[VideoOpp]

What were you planning to give the client? Digital tape will of course look the best, but not too many people have decks. IMHO, there is not much difference in quality between a WMV video encoded at a high bitrate than a DVD. Try an export (or "Print to File" or F11), to WMV at 720 x 480 at 8000 bitrate, at 100% quality, using VBR 2Pass.

This will give the client a file that will play in the powerpoint and can even distribute in the PowerPoint, without having to worry much about missing codecs.

Give your client enough time to test it out. Depending on the design of their powerpoint, they may actually want the video to be smaller than the 720x480.

[vortigern]

Thanks for the information I was in error it would seem about wmv files. I shall certainly suggest those changes for the next (if any) project I am asked to do.

[Bassman]

I agree. In some instances, the ability to positively play the file back is more imprtant that overall quality. Whenever Powerpoint is involved, Windows Media is the best choice. It will work. Also, folks are not going to be looking for the utmost of video quality inside of a Powerpoint slideshow. So WMV will overshoot the quality needs as long as the bitrate is high enough. But make sure you test on the client's computer as they might not have a smooth playback experience if the bitrate is too high for their system.