Q: Best TV Resolution For Slideshow Pictures

[sukoto]

I am currently scanning my old slides. I am scanning at a very high resolution, and therefore have large files created.

Before I make a vCD, can someone tell me to what size (pixel resolution) I should reduce these pictures? I imagine my TV (non HDTV) can only display a max resolution anyways, but I have no idea what it is...

Thanks for any help!

[Cornucopia]

You said you're going to end up as VCD right? That means still picture (slideshow) resolution of 704 x 480(NTSC)/576(PAL).

My recommendation:
Scan using at least 2x your final size requirements. I have found through experience that 2x or greater gives you a smoother final picture than if scanned at 1x or similar.

Example--
Picture = 5" x 3" glossy photograph
Scan at 600dpi = 3000 x 1800 pixels
Resize to (equivalent of 4:3 TV window) = 720 x 432
Pad with Black to letterbox out to 540, so = 720 x 540
Anamorphicly resize (only vertically) > 480, so = 720 x 480
Crop 8 pixels off each side, so = 704 x 480

HTH,

Scott

[sukoto]

Thanks for your reply. Would it make a difference if I made a sVCD? If sVCD is better for stills, maybe I should consider it... Any recommendations (I would like to run a slideshow on the tv of my digital pics). Would sVCD be better than VCD?

[Nelson37]

No difference in still picture resolution between VCD and SVCD.

Note that if transitions are used, still picture specs go out the window and you are making a standard movie, subject to max resolution of each format.

[edDV]

How are you scanning your slides?

You might want to review this thread discussing the isssue for HDTV slideshow.

Conclusion was typical consumer flatbed scanners are only good for 300dpi and maybe 600dpi at best over the center of the scan.

Pro scanning for production is also discussed.

https://www.videohelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=275741&highlight=subpixel

[sukoto]

I am scanning using a real slide scanner (not flatbed, but rather a Minolta Dimage Scan Dual IV).

For creating a basic slideshow (no transitions), can I just make a data CD, or do I have to use special software? If software, are there any good free ones?

[edDV]

I am scanning using a real slide scanner (not flatbed, but rather a Minolta Dimage Scan Dual IV).

For creating a basic slideshow (no transitions), can I just make a data CD, or do I have to use special software? If software, are there any good free ones?

A simple data CD can be read by many PC slide show programs and certain DVD players with internal Jpg slideshow programs. Many of the DVD players limit pictures to 99 or 999/folder some only work from the root. You need to match your CD format to the DVD player. 99 pictures in the root would be the most universal.

The PC or DVD player will downscale a Jpg on the fly or upscale a small still. If you don't intend to use zoom effects, 720x480 (with 10% border*) seems adequate. If that results in aspect ratio problems try 640x480 square pixel 4:3. Or go a bit large with future HDTV in mind (~1920x1080 wide or 1440x1080 square pixel 4:3 or some multiple larger)

* Expect a TV to crop at least 10%.

PS: If you are distributing this slideshow to others, I'd include a PC slide show app on the disk. For DVD player playback you can't assume the end user will have a DVD player with Jpg slideshow modes. In that case you would author a VCD, SVCD or DVD slideshow.

[MOVIEGEEK]

I save my photos at 768x576/72dpi,that way I can use them for PAL or NTSC projects or burning them raw on a CD to view on tv.As was mentioned most DVD players support raw JPEG on a CD but a slideshow app(Nero Vision Express,Ulead DVD PictureShow,etc) is preferable.
BTW..do your photo editing in .PNG then when your done save as .JPG

[edDV]

I save my photos at 768x576/72dpi,that way I can use them for PAL or NTSC projects or burning them raw on a CD to view on tv.

72dpi is a print concept. Pixels are pixels for TV.

Some 4:3 square pixel sizes.

640x480 (NTSC centric)
768x576 (PAL centric)
1440x1080 (4:3 HDTV centric)
1920x1080 (16:9 wide screen HDTV centric)

Some non-square pixel sizes (CCIR-601 based, 4:3 or 16:9)

720x480 (NTSC centric)
720x576 (PAL centric)

It's great that HDTV is getting back to square pixels and finally similar raster sizes for NTSC and PAL.

[MOVIEGEEK]

"72dpi is a print concept. Pixels are pixels for TV."

I know but it was recommended on Adobe's website and I'm a creature of habit.



"It's great that HDTV is getting back to square pixels and similar raster sizes for NTSC and PAL."

I agree...I hate rectangles. :P