1- High Definition (HD) versus Standard Definition (SD)

2- What Is High Definition Anyway?

2. a - Can You Say That In English?

2. b - A Little Perspective

2.c - What Are The Pros of High Definition Video?

2.d - What Are The Cons of High Definition Video?

2.e - So Why Should You Consider It?

3- What kind of equipment do you use?

4- How is the payment made?

High Definition or HD(16x9 aspect ratio)

Standard Definition or SD (4x3 aspect ratio)

Option 1: Stretch video to fit the entire screen.  Here, everything looks wider

Option 2: Fit the screen with the same aspect ratio. Not the full screen is used.

Option 3: Zoom video to fit the entire screen. Here, we have lost a lot of details.

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Taken from “Standard Definition vs. High Definition Wedding Videos” by David Robin at  the weddingchannel.com

2- 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.

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2. a - 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.

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2.b -  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.

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2.c -  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.

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2.d -  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. 

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2.e -  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.

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3 -  What kind of equipment do you use?.

We use the acclaimed Canon XH-A1 HDV camcorder. It is still ranked No 1 camcorder by CamcorderInfo.com

Attached to the XH-A1 is a Sennheiser XLR shotgun microphone capable of capturing crisp sound in any condition. During the ceremony we use movie-quality Lectrosonics wireless audio system.

In very low-light conditions, we use a 10 Watts (Not 60 or 120 Watts) camera light. We will not blind your guests. 

At all times, our XH-A1 is mounted either on a Bogen Manfrotto tripod with fluid head or the PAG Orbiter Camera Stabilizer System for professional stable video.

We always carry a Canon HV30 (backup camcorder) ranked No1 in 2008 by CamcorderInfo.com.

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4 -  How is the payment made?.

The total amount can be paid in three easy payments:

• 1/3 of the total is required to book us with a signed contract
• 1/3 is due the day of your wedding
• 1/3 is due when the DVDs are ready for pick up.

We accept cash, personal checks and credit cards through PayPal (3% of the total applies to PayPal transactions)

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5 -  How much time does it take to finish the video production?.

For DVDs Only packages between 3 and 4 weeks. For High Definition (Blu-ray) packages between 4 and 5 weeks.

Note: we must receive any music and/or pictures before the event or the day of the event at the latest to be able to deliver your videos within these timeframes

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6 -  How long is the final video?.

Even though video coverage may run for several hours, in the editing room we choose the best moments of the day and create a video production no longer than 2 hours.

Most weddings and sweet sixteen’s will  run between 90 and 120 minutes..

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7 -  How far can you travel without incurring into travel expenses?

We can travel up 50 miles to the farthest location without extra charge.

Additional fee of $75 for travel expenses up to 75 miles. And $150 for up to 100 miles.

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