Friday, 30 January 2015

What is High Definition Broadcasting?

John Woodbridge. (2012). Tips: Make-up for HD. Available:http://www.bbc.co.uk/academy/production/article/art20130702112136285. Last accessed 30th Jan 2015.
Mosey, R. (2012). Tv to Stream 24 Channels for Digital Olympics. Available: http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/legacy/rogermosey/2012/04/since_the_start_of_our.html. Last accessed 30th Jan 2015.
West, D. (2008). Confirmed: ITV HD is Freesat Exclusive. Available: http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/digitaltv/a95312/confirmed-itv-hd-is-freesat-exclusive.html. Last accessed 30th Jan 2015.

HDTV generally comes in 2 formats:
1080p (1920x1080p) 2.07mp per frame / 1080i (1920x1080i) 2.07 mp per frame
720p (1280 x 720p) 0.92mp per frame
P = progressive seam 
I = interlaced 

History of HD in the UK
BBC initially began the HDTV process as a trial for broadcasting companies such as Sky and Virgin media, this trial was broadcast between 15:00 and midnight throughout the week. Successful trials then led to BBC1 HD begin launched at 19:00 on the 3rd November 2010 which meant popular television shows such as Eastenders could be enjoyed at a greater quality to those who possessed TV boxes from companies such as Virgin or Sky. During the summer of 2012 BBC operated 24 HD channels for the purpose of the London Olympics which were available for Sky, Virgin and for Freeview and Satellite. On July 16th 2013 the BBC announced five new HD channels for release in early 2014, these included BBC 3, BBC 4, CBBC, CBeebies. 
ITV arguably lead the BBC's steps into HD broadcasting by launching a new HD service on Freesat on 7th June 2008, however this could only be accessed by red button customers. On 12th March 2010 a full time ITV1 HD service began discussion and then was finally launched on 2nd April 2010 at 6:00am. ITV2 HD followed launching 7th October 2010.

So How Does This Affect Makeup Artists?
"To much makeup can appear really obvious in HD" - John Woodbridge 
Skin preparation is key to makeup application therefore cleansing, toning, moisturising and skin hydration really make the difference to how the makeup appears on camera. Conventional makeup can appear ashy, grey and highly visible on the camera and therefore isn't appropriate for HD, as a result alternative makeup techniques were created. 
One of these distinct cosmetic advantages is the development of airbrushing which compared to conventionally makeup works far more effectively. Micronized pigments that are far less detectable to the camera lense are used within the machine and a mini compressor expels compressed air mixed with the pigments to create the airbrush. The final look is much more lightweight than traditional makeup but gives an illusion of flawless skin without lines and unblended areas. In addition airbrushing makeup lasts significantly longer on the skin with less need for touchups and highlights, contours and blush can also be applied using the same method. Airbrushing is an essential makeup device for any makeup artist wanting to create a true flawless finish that appears natural on the skin in front of a HD camera. 
One problem that faces makeup artists when dealing with HD is that of setting the makeup. Traditional setting powders don't work well for airbrushing or HD and can make the skin look dull and ashy on camera, therefore HD setting powder was created to remove the skin from the skin without distorting the look of the makeup. 

One key piece of information for any makeup artist applying makeup for HD film/tv is that problems not visible to the naked eye become very apparent on camera. To get around this always ask to see your makeup through the lense before taking shots, use airbrushing techniques and refine the way you examine your makeup before putting your client in front of the lense. 

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