Articles

Attendees will learn how to optimize quality for their target playback platforms while conforming to the requirements of their chosen streaming technology. The session starts with an overview of H.264-specific encoding parameters, especially profiles and levels, and a discussion of details like B-frame interval and CABAC/CAVLC. It then examines the platform-specific requirements of producing for Flash and QuickTime distribution.

Presentation teaches how to optimize quality for your target playback platforms while conforming to the requirements of their chosen streaming technology. The session starts with an overview of H.264-specific encoding parameters, especially profiles and levels, and a discussion of details like B-frame interval and CABAC/CAVLC. It then examines the platform-specific requirements of producing for Flash and QuickTime distribution.

In stark contrast to earlier generations of AVCHD camcorders, by design and feature set, the AG-HMC150 is the first camcorder targeted squarely at the professional market. This is the first AVCHD camcorder that I’ve tested that looks, feels, and works like a truly professional camcorder. During the camcorder’s month-long stay, I filmed an informal concert at a local dinner theater …

Panasonic’s AG-HPX170 delivers groundbreaking new usability features in several key areas, along with excellent color and relatively noise-free video. While the lack of a tape drive makes the camcorder about 20 percent lighter than the popular AG-HVX200 that precedes it, the HPX170 thereby limits you to P2 storage. This is fine for ENG, indie films, and other similar productions, but …

A 45 minute presentation comparing VP6, VC1 and H.264

Few people can resist uploading videos to YouTube, whether as a simple way to share their work with friends or to launch a production upon the unsuspecting world. The traditional downside, however, has been video quality that ranged from fair to, frankly, poor. However, YouTube recently launched a new option that encodes some videos to both standard and high-quality parameters. …

If you’re considering buying a new affordable HD camcorder, you should have at least three formats in mind: tried-and-true HDV, up-and-coming AVCHD, and the ever-more-affordable DVCPRO HD. By a stroke of good fortune, I have three such camcorders in hand right now, and I thought it would be a good time to discuss their relative merits. Specifically, I’ve got the …

I’ve been a user exclusively of tape-based cameras since the analog days. So, beyond the implications of the AVCHD format, I was intrigued by the opportunity to test Panasonic‘s AG-HSC1U, because it stores all video and still images on SDHC cards. A 4GB card is included with the camera. You can find the camcorder online for well less than $2,000, …

Once you’ve chosen a codec, you have to choose an encoding tool. In this column, I’ll outline the codec-specific and automation-related questions you should ask before using or buying an encoding tool, and then describe the three level

One of the more intriguing rumors to come out of Streaming Media East was that Microsoft was going to add H.264 playback to Silverlight and/or the Windows Media Player. The idea made so much sense that it was instantly believable, but