This might be common knowledge, but I just figured it out on my own so...
If you export your video clip using the HD specs (1280x720) and upload it to Vimeo you will get a much larger view than if you use the SD widescreen suggestion. Of course, Vimeo thinks it is HD and labels it as such and it won't look quite as good as a real HD clip, but I think the larger size makes for a nicer presentation. What do you all think?
Anyone know why I shouldn't be doing this?? Is this old news?
Sneaky ;)
I suppose you could argue that potential viewers are not getting what they clicked for but I think that anything that improves the online quality is a plus
You be the judge. I've uploaded both versions, standard SD widescreen...
...and "fake HD".
I prefer the standard SD for the subtle shots - check out the compression artifacts in the sky during the sunrise time lapse. Fake HD looks fine for most colourful shots though.
I prefer the standard SD for the subtle shots - check out the compression artifacts in the sky during the sunrise time lapse. Fake HD looks fine for most colourful shots though.
Yes, that was one of the first defects that I noticed. Plus the whole thing looks a bit "soft". I'm still trying to decide which one I like better. I don't know if the drawback of the artifacts and the softness outweigh the benefits of the larger size for me. I have to watch both a few more times before I decide.
The fake HD is also not running smoothly on my work computer. Is it jumpy and hesitant for anyone else? That alone would be a good reason NOT to do this.
Hi Mike, interesting. Your 'SD' plays fine on a 6.5meg broadband connection (nice camera work), your 'HD' won't play smoothly at all on the same connection.
Quote from Vimeo:
But wait, it can't really be HD… can it?
Yes! It’s real, true, actual high definition. No tricks. Some other sites (we won’t name names) and even a few major media producers have been offering low resolution video as “HD” just because it’s slightly higher than the quality typically seen on video sharing web sites, hoping you won’t notice. Don’t be fooled, Vimeo HD is true 1280×720, up to 24fps.
End quote.
The data rate on Vimeo for SD is 1000 kbits/sec, the data rate for 'HD' is 3000 kbits/sec
I'm not defending Vimeo or agreeing to their statement, just an observation ;)
I always watch vimeo at full screen anyway with my chair tilted away from the desk.
Without having a side by side comparison my impression was that the HD was clearer but the SD smoother. I base it on the Lighthouse sign being sharper on HD and the water action shots being smoother on SD, but I am afraid it was too entertaining to really concentrate on quality. Liked the music, very atmospheric I believe you have used him before.
...I am afraid it was too entertaining to really concentrate on quality.
That's very nice of you to say!!
We video nuts can nitpick about artifacts and resolution all we want, but if those things don't distract from the viewing experience for most viewers, is it really that important to split hairs? I'm just thinking out loud at this point.
Can someone post the recomended export settings from adobe prem cs3 for vimeo.
SD footage in 16.9.
Thanks
Can someone post the recomended export settings from adobe prem cs3 for vimeo.SD footage in 16.9.
Thanks
Thanks, why i didnt look on vimeo first????? i dont know
Thanks again
Update:
I am no longer uploading widesceen SD video with the HD settings. I had to admit that after watching it a few more times, I didn't like the way it looked. I much prefer a crisper, although smaller, presentation for my videos.
No, but you need to output to 24fps to avoid "cogging" during pans, as Vimeo just drops the spare frame if you uplode a 25 fps clip.
I use TMPGenc 4 to produce the mp4 files from 1280x720 24fps HD rendered master files.
I set max video data rate to 3000kbs as this is as they say their max and 128k AAC audio.
They do a re render to their format - whatever it is, so your material always looks worse after they've finished. It looks shed loads better than rotten olde Youtube - mono and square at the best of times.
Your product looks like this when done:
Paul
Thanks Paul! Beautiful work on that video!