For the technically minded and those that are interested, here is an insight into some of the technology that we utilise.
As all our video and audio recording equipment captures to solid state media (i.e. memory cards) we now have a completely tapeless workflow. Our key cameras capture to two cards in parallel as a precaution against any problem that occur with card errors. Fortunately this is very rare as we use only the very best quality cards with high read/write data rates, e.g. the SanDisk ‘Extreme’ series. As soon as we return from recording the data is transferred to a PC hard drive and then a further copy is copied to external hard-drive as a back-up. Audio from our sound recorders is captured in 16-bit 48kHz format and this is treated in the same way.
Our main editing suite uses Adobe Premiere Pro which can ingest the video and audio media files directly. Each individual clip is examined and trimmed and then edited on to the timeline using appropriate filters and effects along the way. Making use of stills that we have taken we use the ‘Ken Burns’ effect to display them on the timeline. We also add opening titles, establishing shots, a montage and concluding credits. The client’s choice of music is carefully blended with the video. The audio from the cameras and separate audio recorders is processed and carefully balanced to produce the final output required to encode the Dolby Digital sound to accompany the video. If required we can also then then edit a highlight cut – a shorter version of the video which is produced as a DVD and also encoded using H263 to MP4 format at 360p and 720p resolutions suitable for use on the web and for mobile devices. Two audio tracks are provided with the highlights cut, one with your chosen music and one with ‘royalty-free’ music which can be used on the web – e.g. facebook or youtube
Once all the editing is complete the video is transcoded to MPEG2 for DVD and H263 codec for Blu-ray discs. The data-rate is carefully chosen here to obtain the optimum video and audio quality which will fit onto the disc. The DVD and Blu-ray menus are designed and the disc structure and operation is correctly verified for the video. The discs are then published.
Next, a design is produced for printing on the face of the DVD and for the library cases.
With the final discs packaged in a contemporary presentation case and copies in the custom library cases, the MCPS copyright certificate and PPL holographic stickers are included before final delivery to the client.
Any other questions? Please enquire.
