Here is a technical tip for future episodes.

I would recommend using a frame size where both width and height is divisible by 16 (mod16). That is because in MPEG compression, the frame is divided into macroblocks of 16×16 pixels. Read more about that here: http://tinyurl.com/6prh83 and here: http://tinyurl.com/5vby6x

The height “405″ which is not divisible by 16 (http://www.google.com/search?q=405%2516), is what makes the 1px green line appear at the bottom of the frame.

By using mod16 frame sizes, not only will you get rid of the 1px green line, but you will get better quality and more efficient compression (and decoding).

Try one of these resolutions, for 16:9 aspect ratio (square pixels):
1280 x 720
1024 x 576
768 x 432
512 x 288

You can find these optimal resolutions programmatically by using modulo operation.

“In computing, the modulo operation finds the remainder of division of one number by another.”

If the reminder of both width % 16 and height % 16 is 0, then you are good to go.

To calculate the optimal video bitrate, I would recommend having a look at Robert Reinhardt’s bitrate calculator (just remember to set the codec to H.264): http://www.adobe.com/devnet/flash/apps/flv_bitrate_calculator/

I take exception with your comment that I “distorted” what John had to say. He, and in fact all of the people I interview, get final approval of their segment(s) before they go up on the site. As a point of fact, Mr. Leonetti was very pleased with the finished “cut”.

If you don’t like the style of the piece, that’s one thing. Everyone is entitled to their opinion and I encourage all intelligent and constructive feedback. On the other hand, I appreciate you taking a moment to choose your words more carefully before impugning our work.

Thanks,
Larry Jordan
HDFilmtools.com