Betacam and 1080-i???

[greenvette]

I noticed on a website that houses footage, that the "Source" of the footage of several videos is Betacam SP but the "Master" is listed as "1080-i". How is this possible? Betacam SP shoots at 340 horizontal lines of resolution. Was it shot with a Betacam SP and then somehow upconverted to 1080-i???

Also, why do I still see Betacams being used by pros? I've seen side-by-side comparisons of Sony Betacam and a Sony FX-1 and the FX-1 blows it away.

[betasx]

Welcome to the argument greenvette!

Yes betacam sp is the old stadby for which video became an adult finally BUT, those days are long gone.

I'll answer the later question first:

The reason most pros use betacam SP is simple, their clients aren't asking for more. I've been using a betasx (the later digital version) for almost 5 years now even though I have tried to change my companies format. I also own a HV20 and must admit that even though the HV20 is shooting HD 1080 when it comes down to overall performance the beta SX kicks its butt. Notice I said SX not SP I barely use SP we have a backup and it does suck and yes ANY hd camera compared to that old beast would be better. Upgrading cost money, freelancers (myself partially included) are terrible at spending money on new technology not being asked for by the people that pay us. Why do you think I bought an HV20 and not a red or hvx! I think HD is HD you get what you pay for but a trained photog and an HV20 out perform a novice with a HVX or Red.

Now for the first question:

Thats messed up and should not be written that way. I can't fully comment on that unless I saw the websites method of getting footage out. Maybe its a 1080HD master that can be dubbed to beta sp which seems to be the format for every TV production known to man. (For those about to start up a format war I don't mean that literally, chill out)

Eric

[markone]

BetaSP, although an older analog format can still produce an amazing first generation picture, a top of the line 2/3" 3 CCD Sony camera with a broadcast lens was the main stay of the broadcast world for almost 20 years.. is it the best format, no.. but the color reproduction and the texture of clean analog SD video still looks good to my eyes.

We still, on occasion use stock footage from our library originated on BetaSP, up-convert it to 720p and cut it into various productions... I'm glad we're all digital now, and shoot HD but most broadcasters in the US still prefer to get dubs in SD on BetaCam SP... the installed base is huge, and as far as compatibility goes.. even the cable company in DoucheBag, Iowa can play it..

Mark Carey
www.markoneHD.com

[bytehoven]

Mark...

What is your method of up-converting Beta SP for HD edit integration?

RJ
...

[markone]

Bytehoven, we utilize Red Giant's Magic Bullet InstantHD pro, works quite well, it's a plug in for After Effects, real easy to use, quite the render hog though and the results are really overall acceptable. I would reccomend it.

Mark Carey
www.markoneHd.com