Down convert 16:9 to 4:3

This is my second question so I'm using my self imposed allotment for the month. Now that I have spent more money that I wanted to on new hdv cameras I now find I need to be able to down convert 16:9 1080i footage to SD 4:3 for a local public television station so they don't looked stretched, etc. when they are broadcast.

What is the simplest (best?) way to get this accomplished using fcp suite 6.04.

1. Should I drag the clips into a 720 X 480 sequence and then qt export it using these settings ---or ---use compressor, which I have to admit I know very little about but am certainly willing to learn if it's the better way togo.

Many thanks, Pete

You can use QuickTime Pro.

Export from FCP in Apple ProRes 422 HQ (interlaced).

Cropped:

Export "Movie to QuickTime Movie" with options:

Apple ProRes 422 (HQ)
Quality: High
Interlaced: (your camera's field preference)
Dimensions: 720x480 (640x480)

Uncropped: (let them crop it at the station)

Open exported movie in QT Pro.

Export "Movie to QuickTime Movie" with options:

Apple ProRes 422 (HQ)
Quality: High
Interlaced: (your camera's field preference)
NTSC 720x486 16:9

You should be able to lay either of these off to NTSC without a problem.

HTH,
Larry "Lawrence" Jordan
HDFilmtools.com

Thanks Larry. I'll give this a try.