HD video technologies explained

The rise of digital technology has changed a lot of things, from the way we do business to the way we take in entertainment. One industry that is currently experiencing some of the greatest effects of these changes is video. In 2003, Silver Oaks shot its first high–definition video project which aired nationally on PBS. Four years later, the battle between Blu-Ray and HD DVD has reached a critical point in the distribution arena while numbers like 1080i, 1080p and 720p are frequently being used to describe new home theater systems. With so much emphasis on technical terms, it can be difficult to decide what production method is best for you. However, once you know the strengths and benefits that each one can offer, what will and won’t work gradually becomes more clear.

High-definition, hi-def and HDTV typically refer to home video using resolutions of 1280 x 720 pixels or 1920 x 1080 pixels, which is where the terms 720 and 1080 originate. The p and i stand for progressive and interlaced respectively; progressive meaning that an image scan will redraw all the video lines (a frame) in each screen refresh, and interlaced meaning that a scan redraws every other line (a field) in one refresh and the remaining lines in a second refresh. Progressive encoding is usually performed at 60 frames per second unless it is specified otherwise, while interlaced encoding is 50 fields, or 25 frames, per second. If that seems like a lot to comprehend, think of it like this: 720p is better for video with fast action such as sports, since the higher frame rate helps smooth any quick motion on the screen. On the other hand, 1080i offers more detail, which is better for movies that are full of scenic images and elaborate movements.

Another important part of the hi-def equation is how the video material will be distributed. Standard DVDs do not have the storage capacity to support high-definition contents, thus Blu-ray and HD DVD discs have been introduced into the market. The question now has become not how to store HD content, but which format will win out. The biggest difference between Blu-ray and HD DVD is the amount of data that each one can hold. Dual-layered, a single HD DVD disc is capable of carrying videos of up to 30 GB while a Blu-ray disc can carry up to 50 GB. Currently, players that can read both types of discs are pricey and rare, so betting on the wrong format could prove to be costly in the future.

There are many other subtle differences in these technologies as well, so the best advice is to do your homework before investing in any of them. Regardless of what you choose – 1080i, 720p, Blu-ray or HD DVD – having a company like Silver Oaks produce your video in high-definition will provide an overall sharper, cleaner and more pleasurable viewing experience for you and your audience.