1.1 – The specification of the project is vital at the beginning so everyone is on the same page and there is no confusion on what is wanted. Depending on what the project is going to be used for and where it will be presented it will need to be created differently, for example a video for web and a video for cinema advertising would be made in very different ways.
1.2 – The assets for use need to be appropriate for the project, the assets could include 3D assets, audio, photos/images/vectors, videos, specialist plugins. Some of these assets are readily available to anyone, whereas elements such as specialist plugins may be more difficult to get access to. Any assets that is used needs to be legal, this could mean purchasing the rights to use a file such as buying stock materials online.
1.3 – The people using the assets would expect a legal, usable asset with the correct quality appropriate for the purpose, for example a jpeg file being used for a file that had transparent elements to be protected wouldn’t be correct.
2.1 – The resolution of an image is how many pixels/the shape of the pixels are to create the image you see, images with a higher resolution will be higher quality, the dimensions of the pixels would have an effect on the resolution, because the larger the size of the pixels, the lower the quality of the image. The higher the quality of the image, the larger the file size would be, if the file size were to be compressed then the above would be affected.
2.2 – Data transfer times are how long it takes to transfer the file from one source to another, the size of the file would be effect this, as if the file is larger it will take longer to transfer as there is more information. Items that affect file size are items such as length, moving image frame rate – how many frames per second (the more frames per second the higher the quality but the more information), also frame dimensions (whether the moving image is used for widescreen purposes, or standard 4:3 ratios. This would have an impact on the file size, as the physical size of the video would affect the file size. If the file size was compressed the above mentioned would be reduced in quality.
2.3 – Audio sampling is measured in hertz and audio sampling is the number of ‘snapshots’ of sound that are taken every second. The higher the sample rate, the truer to the original sound the clip will be. Bit depth is how wide of a range the sounds are captured at. With more information the sound will be higher quality but the file size would be larger. The higher the audio sampling rate and the higher the bit depth the larger the file, the larger the file, the more time it will take to transfer the file between devices.
2.4 – The constraints that might influence the product are purely decided by the desired final output. This could be cost/budget, quality, or purpose.
If the client requires a low cost video for web then the frame rate/resolution may be lower, however if the client wanted a video for cinema advertising then the product would need to have a higher resolution. Also how available the product needs to be would affect the data-transfer rate so that is another factor to be aware of.
3.1 – Scan images using a scanner or camera, import into Photoshop, crop and clear transparent areas if need to be preserved, save as a .png file using quality sliders to depict size and quality of file for purpose the image is required. It there is no transparent areas to preserve save as a .jpeg.
3.2 – Crop using marquee tool on Photoshop, edit using adjustments such as contrast, brightness, levels/curves, filters etc. To resize use the direct manipulation tool and if the quality needs to be preserved or the image needs to be changed a bit then convert the image into a smart object as this preserves the pixels. Smart objects cannot be directly edited themselves. If transparent elements need to be preserved then save as a .png file, if not save as a .jpeg using the sliders to control quality and compression size.
3.3 – The format in which the video is saved will relate to how the video is used. Also where, for North American broadcasts the format would be .NTST whereas for European broadcasts the format .pal would be used, this is because of the differences between the broadcasts in different countries and how they are set up. The video could be filmed in the correct format in which case it would be ready for the purpose, the other alternative is to insert it into a video editing programme such as after effects or premier pro, and save out in the appropriate format.
3.4 – There are many different programmes that have editing capabilities, my preference is premier pro as I believe for the purposed I need it provides the best functions and it allows me to work solely on many different elements such as audio and video channels and the different elements in them, by using the motion controls for different criteria such as opacity and speed. Using premier pro, I am able to insert items such as captions, subtitles, lower thirds and other digital elements over the main footage and save the footage in an appropriate format.
3.5 – Similar to video, the audio can either be recorded in the correct format or using a programme such as sound booth the file can be exported in the correct format.
3.6 – Using either premier pro or sound booth using the razor tool, cut out any unnecessary gaps in the sound clip, and then using the various tools, clear up the sound quality, sharpening the sound, clearing out background sounds that were picked up by mistake etc.
3.7 – When compressing digital assets, there are many factors to be wary of. The main one is the purpose. If a file needs to be widely available then the most important feature I would say would be a quick data-transfer rate. The main thing to focus on is the desired outcome, and to be realistic. With compression of a file there will always be a reduction in quality. What determines the level of quality is the final outcome and finding a balance with the client about whether to sacrifice some of the quality or the data-transfer rate.
student evidence log 2
Unit 28 Evidence Log
Unit 28. Prepare Assets for Use in Interactive Media Products
1. Understand contextual information relating to the preparation of a range of assets in different media formats
1.1
When making a media product is important to recognise the final delivery distribution method, as this will impact on many things. Firstly the final format has to be acknowledged, this could be for online use, DVD distribution, placed in to another external media product or distributed by other means. Each method will need a specific encoded format. If it is to be used on an online platform, the limitations of this platform need to be recognised. For example, file size, if it is to be streaming online, than it won't be a good idea to have it full HD as many internet connections may struggle to stream this. This is the same with video sharing websites such as Youtube or Vimeo, each would need a specific encode. If it is to be screened at an exhibition or event - the video needs to be encoded to work on the screen there as does the audio with the speaker set up. Also one must remember that the file format has to work with what the client uses/wants, if editing on a mac it is important to remember to encode for use on PC's too. If final delivery is to be on a single DVD then you have to ensure that the file size will allow this. There are so many ways of distribution, each requiring a very own encode, that it is important to recognise the distribution prior to commencing project.
1.2
A video could incorporate, pictures, graphics, animations and other video clips. It is important to identify the file type and sizes required to be used within the product. If there are graphics to be used then what pixel dimensions do you require, what file type (jpeg, tiff, png etc) - this will save time in production if this is laid out and obtained prior to beginning project. Also if you are bringing in secondary video from outside parties then it is important that it is of useful format to you, if your video is being made in HD and distributed at HD then any video you bring in should be of same standard. Audio is also important to remember. Audio quality is key to a production so you have to require the right format for that too (mp3/aiff/wav etc) and bit rate.
1.3
It is important that you establish the requirements that others need in a production. If you are creating just a small part of the product to be supplied to the production teams bigger project then you will need to understand their needs. Pixel dimensions, audio quality, format of asset etc.
2. Understand issues relating to the preparation and manipulation of assets
2.1
With images in media production, it is important to the get the technical specs right for the intended use/delivery. For use in other media products its good practice to keep the picture as high quality as possible instead of compressing it to jpeg, although this would keep file sizes to a minimum it also increases its limitations. Colour modes differ to between use in video and use in print - for video use it is always best to use RGB colour modes whereas print may often use the CMYK model. Print will also require a higher dpi resolution than that of web and most video.
2.2
Frame rates and pixel dimensions have a big effect on file sizes. Most videos in this country are produced at 25 frames per second (fps) however in places like the USA video is mostly done at 30fps. The more frames per second, the bigger the file size. This increases obviously when you have HD too. A 5 minute HD film at 25 fps will be much bigger in file size than a 5 minute SD 25fps film. PAL is the UK standard whereas NTSC is the American. When compressing a file, one can also choose how many frames to analyse as a sample, the bigger the sample - the bigger the file size will be but the better the quality. Pixel dimensions work exactly the same as pictures - the higher the resolution - the bigger the file size. Files with big file sizes do not make for efficient transfer, so it is good practice to compress a video to a smaller file size for transfer. However you will be limited by how much you can compress by what the format the client wants for delivery.
2.3
Like video, audio also has variable file details that effect quality and size of the files and these too can be altered and compressed. The higher the bit rate of an audio sample - the bigger the file size. The higher the sampling rate, the bigger the file size but the better the quality. For high quality audio a track may be of .aiff file type, but for transferring or sampling a track one may compress it to mp3 which is much smaller in file size. With video, the same applies to audio with transferring of files, the bigger the files the longer it will take to transfer, however the files are no where near as big.
2.4
File sizes and formats can lead to significant constraints with what you can do with them. For example if a picture is of low resolution, this limits how far you can manipulate the size as it will become pixellated if expanded to a higher resolution. Also a if a picture is a jpeg then this will hold you back as it will have a background colour, whereas if the image was a tiff or png with transparent background you have more options in the edit. The same applies to audio if you compressed audio to a single channel you remove the stereo qualities of it and the benefits that brings to your audio. If an animation is of SD and is to be placed in to a HD movie it will appear small and if expanded will then become pixellated and lose quality.
3. Be able to prepare assets using industry-standard software
3.1
Scanning images in to the computer can be useful. Although one has to make sure that they are saved as appropriate file types jpeg/pct/tiff/png/pdf etc. This can all be altered using photoshop too.
3.2
Cropping, editing and saving a file as a Jpeg for internet use :
Pictures can also be saved in different formats for print (PDF) or for use in animations (PNG/TIFF)
3.3
Importing digital video in to software and exporting film as a mov for DVD encoding:
3.4
Arranging clips on a timeline and using text/transitions and colour correction to edit them:
3.5
To import audio it is the same as importing video, but it is best to place in a separate audio folder so it is easy to navigate. This could be interview, atmosphere sound, foley sound etc.These can be saved as wav/aiff/mp3/wma.
3.6
Adjusting audio :
This can then be exported as part of the mov or as an independent audio file.
3.7
Saving file sizes is about balancing the file size and the quality you want to retain. The more a digital asset is compressed the smaller the file it will be but the less quality it will be too, this is true of audio, film, animation, picture or graphics. These file sizes are measured in MB (megabits).
1. Understand contextual information relating to the preparation of a range of assets in different media formats
1.1
When making a media product is important to recognise the final delivery distribution method, as this will impact on many things. Firstly the final format has to be acknowledged, this could be for online use, DVD distribution, placed in to another external media product or distributed by other means. Each method will need a specific encoded format. If it is to be used on an online platform, the limitations of this platform need to be recognised. For example, file size, if it is to be streaming online, than it won't be a good idea to have it full HD as many internet connections may struggle to stream this. This is the same with video sharing websites such as Youtube or Vimeo, each would need a specific encode. If it is to be screened at an exhibition or event - the video needs to be encoded to work on the screen there as does the audio with the speaker set up. Also one must remember that the file format has to work with what the client uses/wants, if editing on a mac it is important to remember to encode for use on PC's too. If final delivery is to be on a single DVD then you have to ensure that the file size will allow this. There are so many ways of distribution, each requiring a very own encode, that it is important to recognise the distribution prior to commencing project.
1.2
A video could incorporate, pictures, graphics, animations and other video clips. It is important to identify the file type and sizes required to be used within the product. If there are graphics to be used then what pixel dimensions do you require, what file type (jpeg, tiff, png etc) - this will save time in production if this is laid out and obtained prior to beginning project. Also if you are bringing in secondary video from outside parties then it is important that it is of useful format to you, if your video is being made in HD and distributed at HD then any video you bring in should be of same standard. Audio is also important to remember. Audio quality is key to a production so you have to require the right format for that too (mp3/aiff/wav etc) and bit rate.
1.3
It is important that you establish the requirements that others need in a production. If you are creating just a small part of the product to be supplied to the production teams bigger project then you will need to understand their needs. Pixel dimensions, audio quality, format of asset etc.
2. Understand issues relating to the preparation and manipulation of assets
2.1
With images in media production, it is important to the get the technical specs right for the intended use/delivery. For use in other media products its good practice to keep the picture as high quality as possible instead of compressing it to jpeg, although this would keep file sizes to a minimum it also increases its limitations. Colour modes differ to between use in video and use in print - for video use it is always best to use RGB colour modes whereas print may often use the CMYK model. Print will also require a higher dpi resolution than that of web and most video.
2.2
Frame rates and pixel dimensions have a big effect on file sizes. Most videos in this country are produced at 25 frames per second (fps) however in places like the USA video is mostly done at 30fps. The more frames per second, the bigger the file size. This increases obviously when you have HD too. A 5 minute HD film at 25 fps will be much bigger in file size than a 5 minute SD 25fps film. PAL is the UK standard whereas NTSC is the American. When compressing a file, one can also choose how many frames to analyse as a sample, the bigger the sample - the bigger the file size will be but the better the quality. Pixel dimensions work exactly the same as pictures - the higher the resolution - the bigger the file size. Files with big file sizes do not make for efficient transfer, so it is good practice to compress a video to a smaller file size for transfer. However you will be limited by how much you can compress by what the format the client wants for delivery.
2.3
Like video, audio also has variable file details that effect quality and size of the files and these too can be altered and compressed. The higher the bit rate of an audio sample - the bigger the file size. The higher the sampling rate, the bigger the file size but the better the quality. For high quality audio a track may be of .aiff file type, but for transferring or sampling a track one may compress it to mp3 which is much smaller in file size. With video, the same applies to audio with transferring of files, the bigger the files the longer it will take to transfer, however the files are no where near as big.
2.4
File sizes and formats can lead to significant constraints with what you can do with them. For example if a picture is of low resolution, this limits how far you can manipulate the size as it will become pixellated if expanded to a higher resolution. Also a if a picture is a jpeg then this will hold you back as it will have a background colour, whereas if the image was a tiff or png with transparent background you have more options in the edit. The same applies to audio if you compressed audio to a single channel you remove the stereo qualities of it and the benefits that brings to your audio. If an animation is of SD and is to be placed in to a HD movie it will appear small and if expanded will then become pixellated and lose quality.
3. Be able to prepare assets using industry-standard software
3.1
Scanning images in to the computer can be useful. Although one has to make sure that they are saved as appropriate file types jpeg/pct/tiff/png/pdf etc. This can all be altered using photoshop too.
3.2
Cropping, editing and saving a file as a Jpeg for internet use :
Pictures can also be saved in different formats for print (PDF) or for use in animations (PNG/TIFF)
3.3
Importing digital video in to software and exporting film as a mov for DVD encoding:
3.4
Arranging clips on a timeline and using text/transitions and colour correction to edit them:
3.5
To import audio it is the same as importing video, but it is best to place in a separate audio folder so it is easy to navigate. This could be interview, atmosphere sound, foley sound etc.These can be saved as wav/aiff/mp3/wma.
3.6
Adjusting audio :
This can then be exported as part of the mov or as an independent audio file.
3.7
Saving file sizes is about balancing the file size and the quality you want to retain. The more a digital asset is compressed the smaller the file it will be but the less quality it will be too, this is true of audio, film, animation, picture or graphics. These file sizes are measured in MB (megabits).
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.