iDVD

[Michael_Lieberman]

I'm working on a feature-length work right now and was wondering if iDVD could take a work shot in 24p normal without losing sync. I am using FCP 4 and outputting to Quicktime, and hopefully sending to iDVD if all works well. Is this recommended? Has anyone tested this method and does iDVD have compression within its program good enough for projection?

 

[kai]

Re: iDVD

iDVD is more designed for consumer level dvd production. This meaning, it doesn't have the features you'll most likely be wanting. It doesn't do 24p encoding. If you're just wanting to dump it out as a normal 29.97 quicktime file and create a simple dvd with it, then iDVD should suffice. You might check on the media length limit. I remember seeing somewhere it has a limit on how many minutes your media can be.

The best scenario however would be to use DVD Studio Pro.

 

[Michael_Lieberman]

Re: iDVD

Well, on a limited budget (i.e. nothing), iDVD might do the trick. I am editing on a 29.97 timeline in FCP 4 and as long as the sync remains alright (the plugin fixed the problem), I'm game. The only problem seems to be length...I'll see how long iDVD can hold each project (and will need a dual-layer burner as well, it seems).

Thanks, Kai.

 

[Pais]

Re: iDVD

Michael, be warned that iDVD's limit is about 90 minutes, last time I checked. It doesn't support any third party burners -- for that, you'll either have to wait until Apple sells dual-layer SuperDrives, or use another program (i.e. DVD Studio Pro, which is definitely not a no-budget piece of software).

 

[Michael_Lieberman]

Re: iDVD

In other words, an external burner will not suffice, as my Powebook only has a combo drive. Well, that certainly limits things. Is there a program which isn't $999 that can produce simple DVDs?

 

[TC]

Re: iDVD

If Apple hadn't pissed off Adobe you could get Encore.

 

[Prairieboy]

Re: iDVD

Actually there is a crack to get IDVD to work with external burners, this is one place to check it out. I have done it with my ibook and external Lacie and it works great,

http://wherewearebound.typepad.com/where_were_bound/2004/03/tip_for_burning.html

 

[Prairieboy]

Re: iDVD

Actually this explains it much better, good luck.

http://homepage.mac.com/geerlingguy/personal_site/mac_guide/pages/15-burn_idvd_other.html

 

[Pais]

Re: iDVD

Wow, I wasn't aware of this interesting hack.

However, the standard warning applies: as with all undocumented "features", I wouldn't rely on its operation for anything important. This feature could easily disappear in the next update, and you can bet it'll be when you need it most. Just a word of caution.

You might be interested in a product called "Dragon Burn" -- I'd seen it mentioned, but never used it, so here goes:

http://www.ntius.com/default.asp?p=dragonburn/dburn4_main