On The Threshold On The Threshold High definition television production capability is now available in Atlanta. Threshold Productions, Inc. is the first production company in the Southeast to take delivery of the new Sony HDW-700 HDCAM camcorder. This HDTV camera and on-board vtr has six times the resolution of any previous video camera package, delivering stunning pictures to the new widescreen digital television displays that are just arriving this month in consumer showrooms nationwide. The camera looks and operates like the familiar Sony model DVW-700 Digital Betacam one piece camcorders, thus allowing videographers to immediately feel comfortable with the unit. However, the 16:9 wide-screen framing is more familiar to cinematographers shooting for theatrical production. The teleproduction division of Threshold Productions, Peachtree Post, has purchased the Sony HDW-500 HDCAM high definition vtr to begin migration to full HD post capability targeted for availability in the first quarter of 1999.

Currently, projects can be shot in 16:9 widescreen to protect for the future, and edited in one of three ways for delivery of programs today. Off-line edit decisions are made using standard Avid Media Composers. Then, conforms in on-line are accomplished by sourcing from a HDTV vtr, but down-converting the material and mastering to Digital Betacam for either standard 4:3 distribution, using the Pan and Scan option on the vtr to optimize framing, or in widescreen letterbox mode. A third option is to conform in full widescreen 16:9 since both BetaSP and Digital Betacam vtrs, and almost all video projectors can handle that format. Footage shot in HD and then down-converted to Digital Betacam looks better than shooting a Digital Betacam original due to the 2 million pixel CCD of the HDCAM. In addition, the HD image is so sharp it needs no artificial detail enhancement when recorded on a HD vtr. When transferring or editing to Digibeta, enhancement can be dialed in to suit the preference of the client.

With standard video, videographers are locked into whatever enhancement level they set in the camera as it records to tape. The cost to rent the HDCAM camcorder is several hundred dollars more per day than a standard digital camcorder, but it is a small percentage of the cost for being on location with a Director, DP, and crew of audio, lighting, and grip personnel, not to mention on-camera talent, studio, or location rental, props, etc. With HD production, the final program will have a much longer shelf life, not to mention much greater impact with viewers due to the fantastic level of detail and incredible color reproduction.

Threshold Production is also relocating to 2270 DeFoor Hills Road, Atlanta, GA 30309. They are directly across the street from the PC&E stages.