High definition video gives me a headache. Every once in awhile, we receive HD footage to add to a standard definition video production OR a quick edit for a client’s website. HD video is great when you are watching television, but a pain when trying to edit simple Internet marketing video. This may sound funny coming from the owner of a video production company, so let me explain.
We just finished searching and locating a video supplier in Columbus, Ohio for a client who wants her presentation video recorded next week. During our search, something hit me like a ton of bricks. This story includes this painful realization which is happening more often.
The quality of high definition video is good because it provides a very detailed picture (a lot of dots; which is how I explain this when I speak to groups) on a high definition video system. However, high definition can cause a lot of problems and unnecessary expense for businesses:
•HD video files are huge! When you are working with a high definition video source, you need a lot of hard drive space to store and edit the HD video file. This can be a problem; especially with longer videos. Not only is storage a problem, but so is rendering and exporting (activity that can drive your editing bill through the roof). Bottom line, these large files take a lot of studio time to process for both Internet and DVD use.
•HD is overkill for Internet video. The reason being that most HD video requires a production company to convert the raw HD files for editing; adding an extra step before editing. So in addition to the size and time restrictions we now have monetary restrictions.
•HD complicates things. Another concern worth mentioning, that has to do with square and widescreen video, is the problem with aspect ratio (screen size). High def and standard def both have 16:9 and 4:3 aspect ratios. When a video production company receives video that is both 16:9 and 4:3, serious adjustments need to be made so both formats can be used in the final video production. You don’t need to add high definition video to this equation, as it will just increase the difficulty and price of the process.
•HD footage can be difficult for the consumer to view. As a production company, often times we have to download software in order to convert raw HD files for editing. Most HD camera manufacturers have software that has to be downloaded and used to convert their proprietary files before raw HD video can be used for editing in Final Cut Pro or Premiere Pro. To make matters worse, as a consumer, once you receive the HD files recorded on an HD camera, won’t be able to view the video. This is due to the file size and format, and more often than not, a consumer’s personal computer does not have the power to view the huge HD footage. This fact ties in with the last point:
•HD can be very costly. As a result of hidden costs, the price of an HD video can steadily creep up. Although you may pay a certain amount for the actual shoot, you could end up incurring extra studio costs that was not discussed previously. This may change in the future, but for now, it is unfortunately a big problem.
The company I spoke to in Columbus told me they shoot everything in HD. He then attempted to sell me on the quality of HD video, insisting on how good my client would look. Since I have experience with raw HD video, I asked if he could convert the file to a regular 16 X 9; standard definition video (since the file size would be more reasonable and it would be faster to edit in the studio).
His response: the cost for a 90 minute remote recording was $1600.00; however, the additional studio conversion was an extra $400.00.
Next, I spoke to Gene at Warman Productions http://www.warmanproductions.com/. He completely agreed with my HD concern and that it was overkill for this application.
Solution:
Gene offered to shoot with their HD camera, but instead of recording in HD, they would record using their HD camera on to a DV Cam tape (which is standard definition). That way, no HD files would need to be converted (via downloaded software). We would be able to view and easily work with this standard definition video in our system (Final Cut Pro and Premiere Pro).
oGene’s price for the same professional service: $600.00 TOTAL!
Sure, HD video looks great, but extra steps and tools, time and space, are necessary for use in the editing room.
Now, if you are producing a video and you plan to have it broadcast over the television or Blu Ray video, then consider high definition. If you are producing video to help grow your business and or entertain clients online, then stick to standard definition. The quality will not be compromised and the cost will be far less by avoiding HD video. However, always make sure that you spend a sufficient amount of time investigating different companies to find a plan and price that works best for you.
We just finished searching and locating a video supplier in Columbus, Ohio for a client who wants her presentation video recorded next week. During our search, something hit me like a ton of bricks. This story includes this painful realization which is happening more often.
The quality of high definition video is good because it provides a very detailed picture (a lot of dots; which is how I explain this when I speak to groups) on a high definition video system. However, high definition can cause a lot of problems and unnecessary expense for businesses:
•HD video files are huge! When you are working with a high definition video source, you need a lot of hard drive space to store and edit the HD video file. This can be a problem; especially with longer videos. Not only is storage a problem, but so is rendering and exporting (activity that can drive your editing bill through the roof). Bottom line, these large files take a lot of studio time to process for both Internet and DVD use.
•HD is overkill for Internet video. The reason being that most HD video requires a production company to convert the raw HD files for editing; adding an extra step before editing. So in addition to the size and time restrictions we now have monetary restrictions.
•HD complicates things. Another concern worth mentioning, that has to do with square and widescreen video, is the problem with aspect ratio (screen size). High def and standard def both have 16:9 and 4:3 aspect ratios. When a video production company receives video that is both 16:9 and 4:3, serious adjustments need to be made so both formats can be used in the final video production. You don’t need to add high definition video to this equation, as it will just increase the difficulty and price of the process.
•HD footage can be difficult for the consumer to view. As a production company, often times we have to download software in order to convert raw HD files for editing. Most HD camera manufacturers have software that has to be downloaded and used to convert their proprietary files before raw HD video can be used for editing in Final Cut Pro or Premiere Pro. To make matters worse, as a consumer, once you receive the HD files recorded on an HD camera, won’t be able to view the video. This is due to the file size and format, and more often than not, a consumer’s personal computer does not have the power to view the huge HD footage. This fact ties in with the last point:
•HD can be very costly. As a result of hidden costs, the price of an HD video can steadily creep up. Although you may pay a certain amount for the actual shoot, you could end up incurring extra studio costs that was not discussed previously. This may change in the future, but for now, it is unfortunately a big problem.
The company I spoke to in Columbus told me they shoot everything in HD. He then attempted to sell me on the quality of HD video, insisting on how good my client would look. Since I have experience with raw HD video, I asked if he could convert the file to a regular 16 X 9; standard definition video (since the file size would be more reasonable and it would be faster to edit in the studio).
His response: the cost for a 90 minute remote recording was $1600.00; however, the additional studio conversion was an extra $400.00.
Next, I spoke to Gene at Warman Productions http://www.warmanproductions.com/. He completely agreed with my HD concern and that it was overkill for this application.
Solution:
Gene offered to shoot with their HD camera, but instead of recording in HD, they would record using their HD camera on to a DV Cam tape (which is standard definition). That way, no HD files would need to be converted (via downloaded software). We would be able to view and easily work with this standard definition video in our system (Final Cut Pro and Premiere Pro).
oGene’s price for the same professional service: $600.00 TOTAL!
Sure, HD video looks great, but extra steps and tools, time and space, are necessary for use in the editing room.
Now, if you are producing a video and you plan to have it broadcast over the television or Blu Ray video, then consider high definition. If you are producing video to help grow your business and or entertain clients online, then stick to standard definition. The quality will not be compromised and the cost will be far less by avoiding HD video. However, always make sure that you spend a sufficient amount of time investigating different companies to find a plan and price that works best for you.
