DVD* Compressionist
DVD* Compressionists work in companies that are at the forefront of DVD technology. These can be stand-alone DVD facilities, Post Production or Replication Houses. They are responsible for controlling and evaluating source materials; encoding video and audio elements for DVD; and file based media products. They also provide advice, guidance and practical knowledge and ability.
What is the job?
DVD Compressionists encode and verify video and audio materials to Project Specifications, using relevant facilities and systems, as directed by Producers and Senior Authors or Technical Producers, working to specified Encoding Procedures. They must be familiar with a variety of encoding equipment, software and have knowledge of the emerging technologies for use in DVD, HD, telephony, video games and multimedia. They will often repeat an encoding process several times to maximise the quality of the image while controlling the size of the specific file that is produced.
Where necessary, they provide advice using their knowledge of file sizes, management and compression techniques during Project Specification meetings. They liaise closely with Production team members about current and future projects. They carry out initial quality checks on all assets for each project, and evaluate subsequent Quality Control (QC) reports on compression related issues.
Compressionists ensure that all Encoding and Asset Evaluation Reports are completed accurately, and filed appropriately, after each encoding or transcoding job. They also document, file and report any other related project information to relevant Producers or Project Managers, and promptly and accurately document and file all information relating to specific Encoding and Machine Room operations. They ensure that all work is saved and backed up in accordance with relevant procedures.
They may also carry out authoring duties such as Multiplexes and DVD-R writing where appropriate, and as directed by a Senior Author or Producer. DVD Compressionists must be aware of developing technologies and prepare reports for relevant senior personnel about possible new directions and systems for their work.
Typical career routes
DVD Compressionists may begin their careers as VT Ops or they may have an applied maths or physics background. They will have gained valuable knowledge and experience of the production process.
Essential knowledge and skills
DVD Compressionists must have considerable videotape experience, and in depth knowledge of: NTSC and PAL systems; frame rates and resolution; SDI, Component and Composite signals. They must understand the properties and requirements of both analogue and digital production. They need a good IT knowledge and understanding of file format, sizes, storage, management and handling. They should have some experience of DVD or video QC, and practical experience of encoding and compression techniques.
Key Skills include:
- advanced Computer and IT skills;
- good understanding of final delivery formats, transcoding, and file management (including file sizes);
- excellent oral and written communication skills;
- awareness of developing technologies;
- ability to motivate self and others;
- ability to work alone;
- a high level of organisational skills and rigorous structured approach to projects;
- precise attention to detail, capable of dealing with repetitive tasks;
- initiative and problem solving skills;
- ability to work effectively under pressure;
- effective team working skills;
- diplomacy and sensitivity when working with clients;
- knowledge of the requirements of the relevant Health and Safety legislation and procedures.
Training and qualifications
Although no specific educational or training qualifications are required for this role, relevant technical degrees or equivalent qualifications, e.g., Foundation Degree in Broadcast Operations and Production, or a Higher Education qualification in Broadcast Post Production, etc., may be useful. A thorough understanding of DVD production processes is essential.
Where to go for more information
Skillset is the Sector Skills Council for Creative Media. The first sources of information for all jobs in the industry are the National Occupational Standards. Browse Skillset's website for links to our network of training partners, information about training and access to the comprehensive Skillset/BFI course database. Finally, Skillset Careers is UK's only specialist media careers advice service; for detailed media careers information and advice, visit www.skillset.org/careers.
Websites
- UK Screen Association is the trade body for Post Production;
- BECTU, the trade union represents Post Production personnel;
- BKSTS (The Moving Image Society) publishes Image Technology;
- Ravensbourne College of Design and Communication
Publications
- Broadcast, weekly newspaper for the UK TV and Radio industry;
- Televisual, monthly business magazine for the broadcast industry;
- How Video Works - Weynand & Weise - ISBN 0-240-80614-X
- Nonlinear Editing Basics - Steven Browne - ISBN 0-240-80282-9
- Video Editing and Post Production - Gary H Anderson - ISBN 0-240-80337-X
- Digital Editing with Final Cut Pro 4 - Mamer &Wallace - ISBN 0-941188-91-4
- Digital Nonlinear Editing - Thomas Ohanian - ISBN 0-240-80225-X
- Editing Digital Film - Jaime Fowler - ISBN 0-240-80470-8
All books available from: http://www.focalpress.com/
Glossary
Linear : Editing in formats where it is not possible to move sections around within edited material, e.g., VHS, u-matic or BETA, etc.
Non-Linear : Editing in formats where it is possible to move sections around within edited material, e.g., film, AVID, Edit Pro, etc.
Multiplexes: Encoding information from two or more data sources into a single channel
Encoding: Process of taking media, often stored on tape or other files, and transferring it to a computer file. This file has to be the best possible quality for the specific file size required for the project.
*DVD means here: Standard DVD, HD DVD, Blu-ray and associated formats
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DVD Compressionist - Post Production
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