Apple Motion 4 - Manual (Page 1406)

The different frame sizes, frame rates, and scanning methods serve different markets,
both domestically and internationally. For example, the availability of the 720p format is
a result of needing a lower-resolution format, so that current standard definition
programming can be blown up more easily. It is also seen as a format suitable for
programming that would not benefit from additional resolution, such as local news. For
broadcast, bandwidth is a critical issue, and the larger resolution of 1080 video takes up
valuable room on the broadcasting spectrum as well as on the available bandwidth of
cable and satellite services.
As you can see in the previous table, each high definition standard supports numerous
frame rates. These can be divided into two categories:
• Frame rates for film production and post-production
• Frame rates for broadcast video applications
Frame rates intended for broadcast video use can be interlaced, similar to standard
definition video on a television, or progressive like a computer display.
Video format Frame rate
A progressive frame rate intended for HD video transfer to film.
23.98 is rounded up from the actual frame rate of 23.976. This frame
rate is useful in post-production since it can be converted easily by
hardware to the interlaced 59.94 frame rate for video viewing
purposes. 23.98
A progressive frame rate intended for HD video transfer to film 24
Matches the frame rate of PAL video, used for broadcast. 25
Matches the frame rate of NTSC video, used for broadcast. Some
manufacturers that refer to a frame rate of 30 fps are actually
referring to 29.97 fps. 29.97
Doubles the frame rate of PAL, a high-quality frame rate used for
broadcast. 50
Doubles the frame rate of 29.97 video. It’s easier for broadcast
equipment to down-convert from 59.94 to 29.97 for purposes of
standard definition broadcasting. 59.94
Doubles the 30 fps (actually 29.97) frame rate corresponding to
NTSC video; a higher quality frame rate used for high definition
broadcast. 60
There are two options available for shooting high definition video:
• Sony’s HDCAM format supports 29.97i and 60i. Sony also has a 24p format.
• Panasonic’s high definition format, DVCPRO HD. Don’t confuse this format with DVCPRO
25 and DVCPRO 50, which are both standard definition formats. Panasonic also has a
24p format that offers variable speed using a variable frame rate technology.
1406 Appendix B Video and File Formats