HDTV - Why use it?

The higher resolution of HDTV (as much as 5 times more picture data than PAL) naturally means a great looking picture, but given that HDTV has not yet penetrated into the European market, you may wonder what would be the advantage of using it over film or standard video, well here's why :-

 A) Acquisition - HDTV is cheaper
  1) Lowered cost of stock: exposed film cannot be reused, tape can be re-recorded;
  2) No Lab costs: film needs processing, tape doesn't;
  3) Cameras are lighter, more transportable and more manageable;
  4) Lowered lighting costs, since HDTV cameras have higher light sensitivity than film;
  5) Lowered crew and transportation costs, as a result of (3);
  6) Takes can be reviewed immediately without the need for a video-assist;
  7) There is no need for a telecine system.

 B) Post Production - HDTV offers better quality
  1) Keying actors from blue- or green-screen will be of better quality and need less time spent achieving the desired result (especially with fine detail such as hair);
  2) Most effects, especially distortion effects such as morphs, will be of much better quality;
  3) There is no visible grain interfering with effects;
  4) All material is immediately available, without having to wait for a telecine transfer.

 C) Distribution - HDTV is more efficient
  1) A 24 frames/s progressive master can easily be converted to PAL or NTSC, as well as other HDTV formats, making multi-versioning a simpler process;
  2) Copies of commercials destined for cinema viewing can be directly transferred to film from the HDTV master, and will be of extremely high quality compared to a transfer from PAL;
  3) The original shot material is the Digital Master, so there is no need to store numerous film reels.