How to create a crystal clear image in "infinite white" space

[RevolutionOfTheMind]

I am new to video and have several questions on capture from a Sony HVR-A1J codec for flash. I have created a infinite white set and and am pretty happy with the results so far, but realize the leap I need to crystal clear is in my lack of understanding of frame size and codec. you can see an example at www.AdvancedMortgagePlanning.org on the home page,

My setup is:
Sony HVR_A1J
CMOS Chip
Premiere or Final Cut Pro and after effects
Exporting to Flash I would like the final size of the videos to be 720x480 and 480x360, however if they need to be different based on my setup I am open to anything that creates the best image.

Questions:
1. Should I shoot in HDV or DV? And what specifications should I use in my project setup to create the clearest output to the sizes above.
2. I have read my camera output is in NTSC does that mean I should be trending towards NTSC specifications?

Thanks

[filmboss80]

If you are shooting standard resolution 720x480, then the codec would be DV. If you want high-def, HDV video is based on the MPEG-2 codec. As for "crystal clear image," I'm uncertain exactly what you mean; a transparent matte or just a really sharp picture?

Also, are you editing on a PC or Mac? Final Cut Pro is exclusive to the Mac.

You are in the United States: stay with NTSC all the way. Period.

[MysticE]

FWIW the guy floating in all that white space looks weird.

[RevolutionOfTheMind]

Thanks for your reply,

I'm uncertain exactly what you mean; a transparent matte or just a really sharp picture? -
I would like a really sharp picture, from my source footage which is crystal clear to my compressed result there is a lot of fuzziness and jagged edges, I realize that this is a result of compression, but I feel as if I could achieve a better result if I could get a better workflow.

I have both a pc and a mac, FCP for the mac and Premiere on PC.

If I go HDV which is a 16:9 aspect ratio, and I want to go to flash player that is 480x360, what should I set the project ratio to in FCP or Premiere?

I am in the US so I will stay NTSC

[RevolutionOfTheMind]

While I appreciate your feedback, is there anything you would do to improve it? While weird may be truthful, it doesn't help someone new become better

[poisondeathray]

It might help if you gave more information

What do you mean by "fuzziness" or jagged edges? Is this from deinterlacing artifacts? antialiasing? What export settings did you use? Did you use enough bitrate etc....

It might help to post input & output samples if you can't describe your situation better...

[MysticE]

While I appreciate your feedback, is there anything you would do to improve it? While weird may be truthful, it doesn't help someone new become better

I'm no graphic artist, but as I said just too much white. When I look at your 'The Journey" page I could image something similar with your man talking in the frame where you have the bridge picture. Something to break up the white and some text to drive home your major points.

[RevolutionOfTheMind]

Just so you know I am the guy, this is sort of a one man band , I ma not a video producer, graphic aritist or web designer, however I have created everything you see, which has been an adventure, and I knwo all areas need huge improvement. However, I am limited by my knowledge and the learning curve to get the vision in my head onto your computer screen.

Regardless, I appreciate your suggestion and definitely plan to use more imagery in successive movies, this one was supposed to be just white.

Peace

[edDV]

FWIW shooting over flat white background is known as shooting "limbo" in the film/TV biz. If you Google "limbo" in compositing or artificial set context you may find some useful info. You can achieve the effect through stage lighting/camera exposure over a white cyc or through post compositing. For post processing the foreground is usually shot over Ultimatte green.

[RevolutionOfTheMind]

EDdv thank you so much for the examples and the tip, I have so found much helpful info looking of limbo instead of the other names I was searching. As always the problem is not just finding an answer, it is asking the right question.

Peace