Rendering interlaced when using Avid Codecs

[Multipasser]

For many clients I need to provide Avid quicktimes.

Sometimes they need interlaced version but here is the catch.

For AE to render interlaced you need to set the field orders in the Render settings.

If you don't, you are rendering progressive. But the Avid DNxHD codec has a 1080i version.

So that codec basicly creates fields! Even if you are rendering progressive.

How does it work when you turn on the fields in Rendersettings? Dont they cancel out?

I would think turning on Fields in renders settings and rendering to Avid 1080 progressive, is the most correct way?

So how do you render proper fields?

Leaving progressive + Avid 1080i codec?

Setting fields + Avid 1080i codec?

Setting fields + Avid 1080p codec?

[Martin_Ritter]

It's been a while I've done this, but as far as I know, you need to set fields and render to i-Codec.

*Martin

[Wim_Schalley · Accepted solution]

Hi,

The internal labeling of the Avid codec in the file is different from the actual content of that file. You can render interlaced or progressive and put it in a DNxHDi codec. And vice versa. It's just a label. However, some clients require interlaced codecs exclusively, regardless if the content is progressive or interlaced because their broadcast system demands it.

When my graphics are to be used over interlaced content (news, sports), I always use interlaced rendering in a DNxHDi codec (or any other codec my client wants). If  my graphics are used over progressive content (film, commercials), I render progressively and put it in a DNxHDp codec (or any other codec my client wants).

Most important is to do a test run for each new project or new client to straighten these details out.

Regards, Wim

[Rick Gerard]

Always request exact specifications for delivery from your clients. The only time you don't look like a professional is when you deliver the wrong thing because you didn't ask. Be very specific. When HD broadcasting was in its infancy I had about 2 pages of different standards for different broadcasters and they covered everything from frame size, pixel aspect ratio, and interlacing to color levels. My current list is only about a half dozen different formats and only one of them is interlaced so things are a lot simpler. Just getting the codec and the field order correct is only about 1/4 of the battle. There are also standards for sound, color depth, color levels, black levels, and even timing. Make sure you have the complete list.