CHICAGO HD WEDDING VIDEO
(HD) High Definition Wedding Videos FAQs
Reprinted from WeddingChannel.com:
The topic of technology often makes many a gal's eyes glaze over -- present company included – so with a little help from David Robin of Boulevard Video Productions, we'll cut to the chase and give you the vitals, explaining how they pertain to you and your soon-to-be-fabulous wedding video.
What
Is High Definition Anyway?
High Definition (HD) is the highest level of picture quality available,
offering increased image resolution and detail. With more than twice the
pixels (or lines) of resolution than Digital Video (DV) offers, Hi-Def
must be screened on a HDTV (High Definition TV) for viewers to appreciate
the difference in quality. High Definition Video (HDV) is shot at 1080
pixels, while Standard Definition uses 480 pixels.
Can
You Say That In English?
The easiest way to understand Hi-Def is to think of widescreen movies,
the inspiration for HDV in the first place. You're at the megaplex watching
a film on a widescreen, or rectangular-shaped screen. At home, if you
have a traditional standard television set, you're watching a movie or
show on a box, or square-shaped screen, therefore missing out on the extra
action that takes place on the sides (because it has been clipped or "letterboxed"
to fit the square shape). If you have a HDTV (the newer rectangular shaped
TV), often when you view shows or movies, they are letterboxed (clipped
with black on the sides) because they have not been shot in High Definition
Video yet. One reason why movies at the theater are so much more captivating
is because the screen occupies a greater field of view, especially peripherally,
making you feel like you are actually there, experiencing the action.
A
Little Perspective
While many shows are not yet shot in HD, they soon will be. In fact, by
2009, all analog transmissions of television will cease to operate in
the United States. Translation? If you don't have a digital or Hi-Def
TV (or at least a digital tuner), you won't be able to receive television
broadcasts. Times they are a changing (the last time a major change in
TV transmission standards took place was in the late 1950s, when color
was added).
The
Digital Dish
In a nutshell, anything preceding digital is considered analog, and there
are three main types of digital TV. The first is Standard Definition (good),
which offers basically the same resolution as the traditional analog system,
followed by Enhanced Definition (better), and the third, High Definition
(best). High Definition is quickly gaining acceptance and is the future
industry standard, with many wedding videographers now offering it as
an option alongside their Standard Definititon videos.
What
Are The Pros of High Definition Video?
Quite simply, clarity and detail. The resolution is outstanding and breathtaking,
like looking through a window. The average resolution for VHS is 240 pixels,
DVD is 430 pixels, Standard Television is 480 pixels, with HDTV surpassing
them all at 1080 pixels. It is the best.
What
Are The Cons of High Definition Video?
From a pure visual and aesthetic perspective, there are no cons. However,
the equipment is still relatively more expensive for studios and consumers
to acquire, even though it is becoming more and more affordable by the
day. But because of this extra cost, many videographers have not yet adopted
the new technology and do not yet know how to use the new equipment, as
the HD cameras are far more advanced so there is a slight learning curve
involved. Those who have, may not have mastered it yet. For instance,
if a videographer isn't that familiar with the technology yet, it can
be harder for him/her to shoot in low light, but with proper and good
lighting conditions, you can see significantly more detail from HD video
than is possible from Standard Definition. Also, weddings shot with HDV
cameras are normally distributed as traditional video on standard DVDs
at this time, since HD-DVDs and HD-DVD players are just now becoming available
(as of April 2006).
So
Why Should You Consider It?
Essentially, because you may be future-proofing your wedding video. Imagine
watching your parents' wedding video now. Do you even still have a VCR
to play a VHS tape? Just as this format has all but become obsolete, Standard
Definition might someday be as well. Those of us lucky enough to be getting
married right now have landed in this awkward in-between technology phase.
Many videography studios are starting to offer Hi-Def but many still aren't.
If you have your wedding video shot in Standard Definition, you won't
be able to take advantage of the higher resolution and detail, but a videographer
may be easier to find. Ultimately, the decision is yours – and now
that we’ve given you the skinny, you can make the best choice for
you.