In this time of constant change and exponential technological advancement, variously compressed data formats seem to be the only true form of video that's going to survive the ages; in other words, the External Hard Drive. It’s the natural conclusion of all finished projects regardless of the format they start in (although we would recommend storing backup mastered projects on videotape if you're worried about HD integrity - HDV 1080i / miniDV format is a tremendous way to store things).
While DVD's will undoubtedly be with us over the next decade or so, there are many factors that can go into consistent playability. It's advisable to have a computer formatted version of your Edit Master or at least a DATA Disc of your project. This will maintain its’ components in a stable yet flexible digital format.
One way to look at it, is that each new format usually involves more pixels being added to the viewing screen henceforth a deeper and more accurate image. So a Standard Def. NTSC image at 720 X 480 is going to require less data storage than an HD image that is recorded at 1440 X 1080i HDV resolution. But it will also be lacking in the image definition that the HD Camera records. It’s noticeable but not distracting by any means when mixing and matching formats in the editing process. Essentially, the bigger the project is, the more data space you will need to maintain it’s integrity (especially if being recorded in High Definition only). You may want to be prepared to purchase an external Hard Drive if your project is requiring more than 6 hours of raw Hi Def footage.
At the same time, these advancements in both camera & computer technology have allowed for greater online possibilities that utilize High Definition components in various Social Media browsers (YouTube, facebook,myspace). If you already have a You Tube, vimeo or other online profile that you regularly use, we can customize your project to utilize your browser viewing capabilities.
