On Sun, 30 Dec 2001 20:09:23 -0500, Rick Matthews wrote:
>Neuman - Ruether wrote:
>> On Fri, 28 Dec 2001 12:14:43 GMT, "kenobi"
>> wrote:

>> >Considering shooting my next short using progressive scan mode of an XL1.
>> >What are the real benefits of shooting this way? The Cannon site says
>> >"increased vertical resolution, and less aliasing", this may be true but it
>> >also incures a slight stutter look. If my final product is to be viewed
>> >mainly on TV and I output it to video, will the progressive mode have been
>> >of any use as its being viewed on an interlaced tv?

>> The "increased vertical resolution" applies only to stills
>> taken as frame-grabs during moments of motion - the
>> resolution is actually somewhat reduced for motion-video
>> for both static moments and during motion (as you have
>> noticed).

>Not true. It is also helpful if you are viewing video on an
>HDTV in progressive scan mode. Such TV's have much higher
>vertical resolution when in progressive scan mode.

As I understand it, the Canon does reduce resolution in the
process of making full-frame-rate PS-mode video - therefore
using it in that mode does reduce resolution for both the
common interlaced display and for the uncommon PS-mode
display (except during motion, for the latter). Viewed
interlaced (standard for most viewers), the video resolution
with motion is also reduced when shot in PS-mode...

>> PS-mode, in my opinion, does little but degrade
>> TV-viewed motion-video - though some hold the opinion that,
>> since it better simulates a failing of film, it better
>> simulates the look of film, a "virtue" I find difficult to
>> appreciate...;-) This is video - shoot it in a way that
>> optimizes its advantages (one of which is smooth and sharp
>> rendition of motion-subjects); shoot non-PS-mode for best
>> *video* results...

>If you are viewing on an HDTV in progressive scan mode,
>then *interlaced source* degrades resolution. It makes
>for zig-zag edges on moving subjects.

But HDTV PS-mode is not yet the common mode for viewing...

>You need to have progressive scan starting material in
>order to take advantagevof progressive scan display.

Yes, of course - but by the time we are displaying
on HDTV commonly (which, BTW, may end up interlaced
when standards are finally settled...), I trust we
will have suitable high-resolution inexpensive
camcorders to shoot with. Shooting PS-mode now on
current gear (and taking the quality hit when the
output is viewed on most TVs) just to suit the
display characteristics of a tiny minority of TVs
makes little sense...