2k 23.976 to SD 29.97 output / conversion suggestions

[HD Hildebrand]

Hi there,

I have a Red project shot at 4k and mastered to a 23.976 Prores 2048 x 1024. I need to output this 2k project to SD 29.97 720x480. I would like to letterbox the 2048x1024 (2:1 ratio) within the 720x480.

My question is: What is the best way to down-convert and add 3:2 pulldown? Can one get better results by outputting directly through a Kona card to Dbeta? If so, can the Kona handle 2048x1024 or do I need to downconver to 1080 23.976 letteboxed first. If Kona can handle, can it also letterbox the 2:1 ratio within the 720x480?

Would FCP or cinetools be a good choice to add 3:2 pulldown and downres to 720x480?

Alternatively, could better results come out of After Effects instead of Kona. If so, what are the best settings regarding time sampling - for field render do I choose upper field or lower field first? For pulldown would wssww be a good choice? I assume converting to 29.97 without interlaced is not a good idea (cadence may be jittery for certain moves)?

Appreciate any wisdom on this.

Cheers,
Dale

 

[HD Hildebrand]

I realize I should select upper field, but any info on the rest would be greatly appreciated.

Oh wait, Upper for interlaced HD and lower for SD, right?

 

[David Battistella]

The Kona is one of the best downconverters you can find. The 2K material is progressive and all material to DBETA is interlaced. You do not need to worry about field order unless you are creating the downconvert to another codec.

David

 

[HD Hildebrand]

Hi David,

Meaning to touch base. Back in town. Schedule is crazy for the next few weeks though.

Thank you for the feedback. So you've done 2k out, through Kona to Dbeta? 2k is not an issue? Also, Kona will letterbox 2:1 image in 720x486?

If that it's good to go that route I save a lot of hours this weekend rendering out.

Cheers,
Dale

 

[HD Hildebrand]

The confusion with Kona and 2:1 (2048x1024) persists. In my my searches I read conflicting reports. Kona 3's specs say "Letterbox: image is reduced with black top and bottom added to image area with the aspect ratio preserved", yet others say you need to put 2048x1024 on a 1080 timeline. So the question is, does Kona only letterbox and 1080 frame or can it letterbox 2048x1024 into a SD 4:3 frame?

 

[Paul Nordin]

The confusion with Kona and 2:1 (2048x1024) persists. In my my searches I read conflicting reports. Kona 3's specs say "Letterbox: image is reduced with black top and bottom added to image area with the aspect ratio preserved", yet others say you need to put 2048x1024 on a 1080 timeline. So the question is, does Kona only letterbox and 1080 frame or can it letterbox 2048x1024 into a SD 4:3 frame?

Just curious why you don't use anamorphic instead of letterboxing. I thought most playback devices will properly read that flag, unsqueeze the image, and place the required top/bottom bars as needed?

 

[HD Hildebrand]

That is a very good question and an option for delivery. I will investigate. My concern are the specs I have from the broadcaster (I will call tomorrow for clarification), but delivery requirements state "4:3 or 16:9 anamorphic (shot 4:3) protected". My worry is that the sides may be clipped for 4:3. I definitely want to avoid that.

I have delivered letterbox many times to this broadcaster without issue, but anamorphic may be a good idea.

Also, re: 16:9 anamorphic, will the Kona letterbox the 2048x1024 (2:1) into 16x9?

 

[David Battistella]

Dale,

2K and 2048 are different frame sizes to the KONA. I might suggest that you place the 2K sequence inside a 720x486 (4x3) sequence. If you do this in FCP it will maintain the 2:1 aspect ratio and give you a letterboxed image (not a 16:9 letterbox though because 2:1 is a different ratio).

Putting 2:1 in 4:3 is different from putting 16:9 into 4:3. I have done both. The KONA 3 will do it on the fly but you have to set the control panel up to do this.

IE: Shooting 2:1 there is a slight letterbox in 1920x1080 file if you fit width.

David.