Editing with AVC1 clips

[Mick Mearman]

After several attempts to get a smooth output to DVD from avc1 clips shot on cheap standard definition cameras eg Samsung, I have found a way that works, the first thing to note is that Edius says these clips are progressive (I'm not sure that they are?) also that when you put them on the timeline the audio cuts before the video which means you need to trim back the end of a clip to avoid audio drop out between clips (there may be a way round this?)
This is the method I've used:
Open a progressive project, import clips to the bin, then in detail view change them all to 16.9 aspect (if that is how it was shot), edit your clips, then make a HQ file, start a new 50i project top field first, import the HQ file, change the properties of the HQ clip from progressive to bottom field first then burn to DVD for smooth playback.
Mick

[antonsvideo]

DVD uses top field first

[Mick Mearman]

Hello Anton, I set the project to output as top field first, but the only way I could get a smooth playback was to set the HQ clip on the timeline to bottom field first, if I set the clip to top field first or leave it at progressive the results are the same ie jerky playback, I don't understand it either, it maybe that Edius thinks the video is progressive and I don't think it is because it doesn't look like it when I play it from the camera. I've got another friend with one of these Samsung cameras and when he gives me his card Edius says it's 59fps which is USA but it doesn't say progressive?
Mick

[GrassValley_SL]

Maybe the files are not progressive to coming from the camera?

[Jerry]

Is there a way that you could upload a small clip so we can test it?
There are many free upload sites.
You could use http://www.sendspace.com to upload up to 2gb.

[Mick Mearman]

OK Jerry here it is:

http://www.sendspace.com/file/5a37m3

Mick

[Jerry]

Ok Mick, Here is a screen shot from Media Info:

Media Info 1.png

It shows that the file is progressive at a frame rate of 25 and an aspect ratio of 5:4.
Is 5:4 a PAL normal aspect ratio? It is more narrow than 4:3. If I set the project settings to 1:1 it fills the screen.

I made a 720x576 25P project setting:
I was able to play the file with no problem. I did notice ripples in the clip at the point of the bridge. I then changed the field order to lower and the ripples went bye bye and it still played perfectly.
In any settings, physical playback is perfect. It is the camera movement that gives the jerky impression on my system.

Some of the 'stutter' that you call it, is a lot in the camera movement. When you zoom out at the bridge- playback, at least visually, smooths out.
Try these project settings and let me know what it does.
PAL Project settings.png