3. Remember that new encoder patches are for testers. Use simple bitrate patches.
4. How can I make encoder hold better in low detailed scenes? Try tweaking bottom limit in AVCHD encoder. Use Patches for testers->AVCHD Encoder->Bitrate Settings and choose proper bottom setting patch. Remember that original bitrate patch already adjust this for you, but keeps bottom value conservative (less than 70% of bitrate setting). You can override this if you wish.
5. How to update firmware: a. Load GH2 1.0E firmware, see 1. how to get it. b. Check all necessary patches, Version increment must be always checked. c. Save firmware. Just change last digit to any number you want. d. Copy firmware to root of SD card. Fully charge you battery. Do not even attempt to use AC coupler! e. Power off your camera if it was on. f. Power on camera. After this press (not hold) green play button. g. You'll see hourglass and prompt to update. h. Press down arrow and after this Menu/set. i. Wait until upgrade will be completed.
6. How to privide reports in this topic? a. Use systematic approach (one-two changes at a time with careful thinking). b. Shift-Click on round button in PTool to save your particular settings. c. Paste here settings with detailed observation + MediaInfo screenshot + StreamAnalizer screenshot.
7. If anyone wants to share uncompressed video - you can use http://www.sendoid.com/ to instantly share very large files (download their Adobe Air client that work on any platform). Of course you need good connection as it uses p2p tech.
Thanks Vitaliy. Great to see so many more test options to use. And looking forward to seeing what high bitrate AVCHD 24p looks like for first time on the GH2 :)
So I ran some quick tests with the recommended settings(42mb and 35 mb) High and low. I also set the 720p GOP to 15 to match 1080i and set the 1080p one to 12 because it defaults to 13 even though it says the base value is 12.
All formats are showing higher bit rate averages and max bit rates now. However, 720p does not have B-frames with the setting1 = 3. Here are some screen shots.
I didn't think these were casual users? Anyway I can stop mentioning the settings. I didn't think changing the 720p GOP from 30 to 15 would be such a big deal.
Just to clarify. Are you saying I shouldn't test other GOPs or just not mention that I am testing them?
My understandig is that GH2 sensor output always is progressive, For FSH and FH are the 2 interlaced frames taken from same p-frame skipping every other or is it thru interlased where i-frames are taken from each (half) p-frame? If they are taken from same p-frame the result is kind of progresive. Someone know?
I am getting a weird blip in the first second and then everything evens out. Anyone else see this in stream parser? It also shows up in the first second of playback in the camera.
Now we are talking 40+ mb/sec 720p! The fact that the average bit rate is hitting the max bit rate indicates that the scene can go higher. Next stop 60 mb/sec.
It is stable for 40 mb/sec. I am trying 60 mb/sec now. The only issue is the low bit rate 1st second or less that Vitaliy mentioned. It manifests itself in the playback still image. However, that is not a big deal since it plays back so darn nicely.
I must say that high bit rate b-frameless 720p looks mighty good. Thanks Vitaliy!