Apple Final Cut Pro 7 - Manual (Page 1914)

Compared to MPEG-1 and MPEG-2, MPEG-4 video compression (known as MPEG-4 Part
2) provides superior quality at low bit rates. However, MPEG-4 supports high-resolution
video as well. For example, Sony HDCAM SR uses a form of MPEG-4 compression.
MPEG-4 Part 3 defines and enhances AAC audio originally defined in MPEG-2 Part 7. Most
applications today use the terms AAC audio and MPEG-4 audio interchangeably.
MPEG-4 Part 10, or H.264
MPEG-4 Part 10 defines a high-quality video compression algorithm called Advanced Video
Coding (AVC). This is more commonly referred to as H.264. H.264 video compression works
similarly to MPEG-1 and MPEG-2 encoding but adds many additional features to decrease
data rate while maintaining quality. Compared to MPEG-1 and MPEG-2, H.264 compression
and decompression require significant processing overhead, so this format may tax older
computer systems.
Video Formats Supported by Final Cut Pro
Final Cut Pro supports any video format that uses an installed QuickTime codec. QuickTime
natively supports codecs used by a number of video devices, such as DV, DVCPRO 50,
DVCPRO HD, HDV, and IMX devices. With these formats, the distinction between file
format and tape format is blurred, and transferring from tape to hard disk or other media
is essentially a file transfer, allowing you to edit footage natively. For more information,
see Professional Formats and Workflows, available in Final Cut Pro Help.
When you work with videotape formats such as Digital Betacam, D-5, Betacam SP, and
so on, you need a third-party video interface to connect to the SDI or analog component
video connectors on the deck. In this case, the video interface must convert the incoming
or outgoing video signal to or from a QuickTime codec. Many video interfaces come with
codecs for high-quality compressed and uncompressed editing.
DV Formats
You can easily capture and output any DV-format video via the FireWire port on your
computer. Video, audio, timecode, and device control data are all transferred via a single
FireWire cable. FireWire (also referred to as IEEE 1394 or i.LINK) is a high-speed technology
for connecting and transmitting data to and from various external devices, such as video
and audio interfaces, hard disks, and digital cameras. FireWire is supported by many
professional and consumer-level DV camcorders and decks.
Recorded bit rate
Compression
ratio Color sample
ratio
Maker Digital format
25 Mbps 5:1 4:1:1
4:2:0 (PAL)
Multiple
manufacturers DV (25)
25 Mbps 5:1 4:1:1
4:2:0 (PAL)
Sony DVCAM
1914 Appendix B Video Formats