Final Cut Express Output Question

Hello...
I've just started working with Final Cut Express 4. I imported my DV 4:3 ratio footage using the DV-NTSC setup. I put together some basic material and wanted to test the output quality. I exported as a Quicktime Video. This gave me a resolution or 720 x 480. When played in Quicktime at the actual size the video is very crisp. However, when I increase the size of the playback window the video quality decreases and just looks horrible.
Ultimately, I need to export my final movie to a DVD to be played on a "normal" television, "non-widescreen", with a 4:3 ratio. When I do make the final DVD in iDVD will the footage be poor video quality, or is there some other settings I should choose to have a higher quality video be produced?
I just don't want create this major project and have all the settings wrong for final output.
Thank you in advance for any and all help.
~ Jarrod

When played in Quicktime at the actual size the video is very crisp. However, when I increase the size of the playback window the video quality decreases and just looks horrible
What did you expect? That's what happens when you stretch video larger than it's native resolution. It should display fine on any standard TV.
-DH

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https://wu20hg.blu.livefilestore.com/y1pNUoJrOOSdf-4NJq3OjEIyrt38TEU64-Pid2LRNbw kG9grywxFV1qA2NshK8uSxl6eiTlYiq4uNbG86CJRUantQ/FinalCutExpressTim1.tiff
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Hi(Bonjour)!
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I shoot and edit in HDV with FCE HD without problem, but there are some points that need clarification.
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Hi
The Multi Camera function in FCP is very time saving. And there are other functions
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DVD-Studio Pro
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Hello All,
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I have got the HV20 but cannot comment in depth on how good it is as I have only shot about 5 minutes of footage!
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http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/Canon-HV20-Camcorder-Review.htm#
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Hello;
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You only need the serial number.
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MacBook Mac OS X (10.4.8)

Thanks, that seems to be the problem. Not very satisfactory though.
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I am looking into purchasing FCE because iMovie doesn't meet my needs.
I am currently using Pinnacle Studio to make music highlight videos.
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I also use effects like "old film" scratches and sepia tones or B&W.
Does it sound like Final Cut Express will help me????
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I recently bought final cut express and have suffered getting a good quality SD DVD out through the workflow from my cannon XHA1.
On screen its fine but when i author through imovie to DVD the quality is poor.
So reading the various threads it would seem that i need to use Pro res and the ingress codec... But cant find this option in express ?
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Use either of these techniques to get good quality DVDs from AIC.
1. Edit your HDV/AIC in the timeline. Then create a new DV-PAL (NTSC) Anamorphic sequence. Copy your edited HDV/AIC to the new sequence. Do not alter anything. Render the sequence ..... this will take a long time - up to twice the length of the project. Then File>Export>QuickTime Movie (Not Self-contained).
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I have seen a comment on the Apple store website for Final Cut Express saying that FCE cannot import 1940 1080/ 60i/24p/30p frame rates, converting them to a degraded 1440 1080 14p instead!
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Hi Ian, thanks for getting involved with my potential fiasco to help me out! I have just been on ebay and saw a british person selling a vixia camera, so I messaged him to ask about this issue, and this is what he has replied:
"A good question! You are quite right, UK frame rates are 25p and 50i. This used to be an issue with analogue cameras with NTSC vs PAL, but with HD, it is no detriment at all, in fact it is an advantage. Firstly, it means you get more frames per second, so you get less blurring with fast moving objects and have more raw material to work with; secondly, HD TV's will automatically recognise the format and play the footage with no issue; finally, if you do need to output at 25p or 50i, any decent editing package will convert the frame rate. A quick bit of maths shows that a long GOP under 25/50 is 0.6s long, whereas under 30/60, it is only 0.5s. I import the clips into the PC, edit them, render into a single file, then use Nero 9 (the only software currently able to do this) to create an AVCHD folder back on the camera, so that the finished film can be played out in glorious full HD using the HDMI port. Hope this helps! "
I'm not really clear on what he is saying with regards to showing the footage... can only play it via the camera? Means cannot burn DVD? Uploading to Facebook not an issue?
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