Sony acquisition and mastering format.

HDCAM is Sony’s high definition extension of Digital Betacam (SD) format. Due to variety of frame rates supported HDCAM camcorders may be used for cinema or video style shooting. HDCAM is a member of the CineAlta family.

Robust studio VTRs allow mastering in HDCAM format.

HDCAM works only in 1080 size in either interlaced or progressive mode. It provides the following frame rates: 23.98p, 24p, 25p, 30p as well as interlaced frame rates: 50i and 59.94i.

The format uses 3:1:1 color sampling and records 7:1 compressed 8 bit signal to tape at 135Mb/second. While these specifications are not the best on paper the image produced and recorded by HDCAM is quite good.

Prepare to spend more than a couple of bucks.

Video monitors have never been cheap but High Definition video monitors may put a dent on a budget. There are several options depending on what the intended use.

Renting a monitor with the camera package is a sensible option for production work. Listen for the advice of your DP and DIT.

LCD displays are a popular option because they are flat, lightweight and emit lots of light. A bright display helps when there is lots of ambient light. CRT displays offer the most color accuracy and could be crucial if you’re doing intricate color work on the set.

LCD displays are good for non-color-critical work such as offline editing. They are cheaper than their CRT counterparts and have a smaller footprint.

For finishing work, color correction and any other image critical work traditional CRT displays still offer advantages over LCD screens. CRTs have numerous disadvantages too, high cost of purchase and expensive maintenance are a few.

Professional acquisition (and mastering) format from Panasonic.

DVCPRO HD is a high definition extension of Panasonic’s DVCPRO standard definition format. The format is popular due to high quality camera systems available from Panasonic. Varicam cameras allow 24p (or 23.98p) acquisition for film style production.

Although the studio VTR is full featured and supports 8 channels of audio, DVCPRO HD is not a common mastering and delivery format.

DVCPRO HD records 720p and 1080i signals. It does not have the ability to record 1080 23.98p format which limits usability in projects intended for theatrical release.

Professional mastering format from Panasonic.

D5 is a common mastering format for high definition post production. D5 started of as a standard definition format and some older VTRs do not have high definition capabilities.

This robust format is popular for several reasons. The 4:2:2 color sampling, 10 bit recording and relatively mild compression ratio of 4:1 are convincing arguments. The format also supports 8 channels of audio allowing for 5.1 and stereo composite audio delivery.

D5 covers virtually all commonly used HD standards in both 720 and 1080 frame sizes.

Expensive, accurate and a dying breed.

CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) monitors have been around since the dawn of television. That’s a long time to perfect a technology. In many respects CRTs are still considered the best display devices around.

There are many things that go against CRTs. They are expensive to manufacture. They are very heavy and consume lots of energy. The light emitting phosphorous coating on the inside of the tube fades with time rendering monitor out of spec after years of use. The phosphorous also fades faster in the areas that are constantly lit up creating a burned ghost image.

Screen savers that incorporate random movement will protect your monitor from burnout.

With proper calibration and color profiling CRTs are extremely color accurate but will change over time and require frequent profiling/calibration. The accuracy alone is the biggest reason CRTs are still around although the monitor manufacturers are abandoning this technology.