Best Save Format

[Lee.NC]

What is the best format to use for capture from a camorder to view on a TV
connected to a media center with HDMI? I am using a Sony SR60 recording with
standard display. I don't care about filling the screen on my wide screen tv
but just want the best picture quality. I have been using the "best playback
for viewing on a computer" and the quality is not bad but just wonder if
there is a better format to use.

 

[Adam Casada]

It is likely that the "best quality for playback on my computer
(recommended)" option truly is the best - I assume, based on the line under
"File size" that says "The movie file size will vary bsed on the content of
the published movie," that MSWMM will determine the quality of your video
and match the output file accordingly; however, if you want to be sure, then
you need to know what the resolution of your camera is. If it is
standard-definition, then use "Windows Media DVD Quality (3.0 Mbps)" or
"Windows Media DVD Widescreen Quality (3.0 Mbps)" if your camera is
widescreen. If your camera shoots in HD, then use "Windows Media HD 720p
(5.9 Mbps)." The "Windows Media HD 1080p (7.8 Mbps)" is even better quality,
but your camera's videos probably aren't that high definition, unless you
have a professional model. But if you are including still pictures, then
that may be a good option, as they are much higher resolution.

Be sure to note that the higher resolution options use more disk space.

- Adam

 

[Adam Casada]

I just realized that the info I wrote a few minutes ago is only accurate for
the Vista version of Movie Maker. So disregard it if you're using the XP
version.

For the XP version, the highest quality option, as I recall, is called
something like "high quality video (2.1 Mbps)." However, if your camera is
HD, you still won't be getting the best quality. If it is HD, can you
describe in detail how the video is getting from your camera to your TV?
There is probably a better way to do so without compromising quality.

- Adam

 

[Adam Casada]

I just realized that the info I wrote a few minutes ago is only accurate for
the Vista version of Movie Maker. So disregard it if you're using the XP
version.

For the XP version, the highest quality option, as I recall, is called
something like "high quality video (2.1 Mbps)." However, if your camera is
HD, you still won't be getting the best quality. If it is HD, can you
describe in detail how the video is getting from your camera to your TV?
There is probably a better way to do so without compromising quality.

- Adam

 

[DeniBear]

This wasn't my post, but it kind of addresses a problem I'm having... I think
you may have hit upon the answer to my problem... I recorded my vacation
videos in HD and when I got home, I converted them to WMV format to be able
to play with them in Windows Movie Maker. However, when I published the
project using "Windows Media DVD Widescreen Quality (3.0 Mbps)", I lost a LOT
of the quality of the HD recordings. I see in your answer to Lee that you are
suggesting that he publish using "Windows Media HD 720p (5.9 Mbps)" and I
think this may be what I need... but this is not an option in my version of
MM.

I am posting from work (shame on me!) and my laptop is at home. I didn't
realize there were different versions of MM, so now I think maybe I need a
different version. What I'm hoping to accomplish from this post is that
someone can tell me what version I need - and, perhaps more importantly -
where I can get it.

I actually thought I was losing quality because of converting from .avi to
..wmv, so I'll be really happy if it's just a matter of how I'm publishing,
because that means I can take all the movies I've already edited and just
republish them in a different version. )

Thanks for any help anyone can give!

Denise

 

[PapaJohn]

It's about the profile used to save a movie, not the version of Movie
Maker.... see my website's Saving Movies > Custom WMV Profiles.