Optimal settings to export from FCP to DVD

Xerolux

Xerolux

Member
Hello everyone.
I need some guidance on settings from an FCP project to DVD Pro (Using FCP 7).
I'm working with up to a two hour movie from 720p/60i content and some projects at 24p (but not in the same project). Audio is stereo AC-3, one language.
I'm finding that either using Compressor or exporting Qucktime, then importing as an asset yield nearly the same results. Extreme contrasts are "pixelating"
On their edges. Most obvious with motion.
I'd like to use single layer DVD discs and should be able to do so without having to crank down the bitrate to fit for a two hour movie, right?
What are the best settings to output from FCP to DVD Pro?
Movies are all in 16:9.
Any ideas what the "jaggies" are caused from?
Cam: Panasonic Hvx200a
Hd: FireStore 250
CPU: iMac i5 Quad Core
RAID: GDrive G Safe 1TB via FireWire 800
 
Any ideas what the "jaggies" are caused from?
Click to expand...

They are there because it is not possible to make a high quality DVD with 2 hrs content on a single layer disc.
Average bitrate in your compressor setting for 120 min. can be max 4.7Mbit/s (or 4.8 depending on the other assets in your dvd) {audio is at 192k AC-3}
Anything less than 5.5Mbit/s will generally not yield good results with compressor...
I suggest you use a dual layer dvd, or distribute the content on 2 single layerDVDs...

Note: If you insist on single layer, turn on the 'frame control' option in the compressor setting you are using.It does make a difference.
 
Thank you very much for the response. I'm re-rendering from FCP into h.264 and then importing it as an asset into DVD Studio. Going to build it on a dual-layer disc since I want good quality and it is a long format program (wedding). Going to Compressor and selecting the 120min preset didn't yield what I was looking for and the attempt failed twice without reason.
Everyone here on this site has been awesome, even after a noob like me just realize he posted in the wrong section, I still get help in a professional manner. It feels great to be a part of this forum.
 
Xerolux said:
Thank you very much for the response. I'm re-rendering from FCP into h.264 and then importing it as an asset into DVD Studio.
Click to expand...

Absolutely the wrong way to do it.

You are heavily compressing the original footage to h.264, and then compressing a second time to m2v. Why?

Always export self contained. Never compress to a delivery codec, and then use DVD SP to compress a second time to a delivery codec.
 
David is right, no need to work with h264...

Going to build it on a dual-layer disc since I want good quality and it is a long format program (wedding)
Click to expand...

Having been there before, i suggest you use 2 single disc instead of a dual layer. It is not as easy to build a proper dual layer disc, and compatability problems(with dvd players) are much higher than single layer discs. And if you are using printable discs, cost is higher too...
 
Thank you both. Understood about the compression, re-compression and I mis-typed. I meant to type Apple ProRes 422, not h.264. I was a bit frazzled at the time. . . However, I'll keep it the same as the original codec out of FCP and convert to MPEG2 in DVD Studio. I'd have to re-edit and build up a second disc for a 2 disc delivery. The client wants one disc so, it'll go to dual-layer, unless compatibility with moden Blu-ray Disc/DVD players is too great. I am very fortunate to be able to try out many different players to test out the compatibility. The client is always right. Thank you, again.
 
Verbatim DataLifePlus DVD+R DL is the most reliable brand when it comes to dual layers, good luck.
 
Well,

I exported via Compressor through the "Best" 120 minute codec and then built the DVD at 5.0MB/sec with very good results. Even blown up to 100", the image looked great via an OPPO BDP-93 over HDMI scaled to 1080p into a Runco LS-5 projector. Thank you about the recommendation on the media to use.
 
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