Ideal Export Settings for Projection

[LeeHarlem]

Hey Everyone,

A client is going to project a video I made for them, and I'm curious what the current thinking is regarding ideal export settings. The only information re: the projection is that it will be a 6 x 8 foot screen (120 inches).

My video was shot with a mix of 1920x1080 and 4k downscaled to 1080, if that matters. I guess I'm not sure if I should use the H.264 codec of if PRORESS 422 makes more sense. The computer playing the file will most likely be a small laptop like a Macbook Air.

Thanks for any advice!

[R Neil Haugen · Accepted solution]

H.264 being by nature long-GOP, playback tends to be a bit easier with an intraframe codec like the ProRes, Cineform, or DNxHD/R.

Although ... 1080 H.264 shouldn't be much of an issue, of course. I'd still go with the ProRes or Cineform, personally. Larger file, but ... I trust them better ...

Neil

[LeeHarlem]

Thanks Neil, that's super helpful. One question: the processing power of the computer doesn't matter? I know PRORES is the "better" codec, but I've heard that very large prores files can sometimes trip up slower computers...is that true? Or not really a factor?

[R Neil Haugen]

The high-bit 4:4:4 ProRes supposedly can trip up some computers, though I've not worked with much of it, and only on a decent desktop rig.

4k high frame-rate long-GOP (H.264) can often playback decently in a standard "player", but might have issues depending on the computer and player. 1080 normally does ok.

An 8-bit 4:2:2 ProRes or Cineform or DNxHD/R will play back smooth ... period. Larger files but far easier on the CPU.

Neil