DVCPro HD to NTSC

We are shooting a show in DVCPro HD with the Panasonic HDX 900.
1080 at either 59.94i or 24p. The final delivery to Nikalodean has to be standard NTSC on digibeta.
What is the proper way to shoot in HD capture and then convert to NTSC to output to Digibeta tape. (1080 to 720x486)


We will also have to make a PAL version for England. Can FCP convert this for us, and if so - is it easier or look better to convert from 24p to 25 or 60i to 25 for the PAL.

other than hiring Shane (which is a good idea if you can afford it) the process can be as easy or as difficult as you would like to make it.

the easiest route its to shoot, edit and master your show at its native DVCPRO HD resolution, and then create a letterboxed NTSC dub directly from the master ... most HD decks have the ability to output in SD simultaneously.

for best quality, take your HD master to a facilities house and have them make you a PAL SD copy using a Terranex or other high quality hardware standards convertor

One issue will be whether or not Nickelodeon will accept a letterboxed show. TOUGH getting them to allow that. If not, your DP will have to have 4:3 safe on the camera.


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If you work in 24p and master to D5, you can go out of the D5 as either NTSC or PAL. It's one of the big benefits of working 24p in PAL land.

excellent point ... you see? you get what you pay for!
most decks can output the SD "Squeezed" (Anamorphic), "Letterboxed", or "Edge Croppped" ... you would want the Edge Croppped output if they don't accept Letterboxed, in which case you would need to be sure the footage was shot and edited 4:3 safe.