Apple Final Cut Pro HD (4.5): New Features - Manual (Page 117)

Appendix High Definition Video Fundamentals 117
Interlaced and Progressive Scanning Methods
DVCPRO HD can record either interlaced or progressive scan images, depending on the
frame size and format.
• 1920 x 1080: Interlaced, also called 1080i
• 1280 x 720: Progressive, also called 720p
When choosing a scanning method, keep in mind the following:
• Progressive frame rates are compatible with computer monitors, eliminating
interlacing difficulties that motion graphics designers and special effects artists faced
for years.
• Interlaced CRTs are still the predominant television display throughout the world. All
major television systems (PAL, NTSC, and SECAM) are interlaced, as is the current
Japanese HDTV format Hi-Vision/Muse.
Native Image Dimensions
DVCPRO HD cameras capture two possible Common Image Format (CIF) image
dimensions:
• 1920 pixels x 1080 pixels
• 1280 pixels x 720 pixels
Or, here this is described using traditional analog terminology:
• 1080 lines, each sampled 1920 times
• 720 lines, each sampled 1280 times
Although a DVCPRO HD camera CCD (charge coupled device) captures full resolution
HD images, every two or three pixels are averaged together—a process known as
subsampling—so that less pixel information is recorded to tape.
Therefore, the native image dimensions of DVCPRO HD are:
• 1080 lines, each sampled 1280 times, or 1280 pixels x1080 pixels (60i)
• 1080 lines, each sampled 1440 times, or 1440 pixels x 1080 pixels (50i)
• 720 lines, each sampled 960 times, or 960 pixels x 720 pixels (720p)
The resulting subsampled pixels are sometimes called rectangular pixels, a concept
that often leads to some confusion.
1280 x 720
720 x 480
1280 x 1080
1920 x 1080
1440 x 1080
1920 x 1080
720p 480i, 480p 1080i60 1080i50
960 x 720
UP01022.Book Page 117 Tuesday, March 23, 2004 7:32 PM