testing a pal dvd

[eugenes]

I plan on having a dvd-10 disc duplicated with an NTSC version of my video on one side and a PAL version on the other side. I am all set with the NTSC materials, but need some advice regarding the PAL version.

I had planned on sending it to a colleague in Africa, where he would test it on a PAL DVD/TV combo. Unfortunately, I will not have time to send it overseas before we need it mass replicated.

So, my question is . . .

1. Is there a way to test a PAL authored DVD without using PAL native equipment?
2. Using the workflow listed below, would it be inadvisable to mass replicate the disc without testing it on native PAL equipment.
3. Would it be best to consider burning just an NTSC disc since most PAL devices play NTSC fine, anyway.

Any other suggestions?

Here is my workflow, in case you need to know it.

1. The piece has been edited at 23.98. I will be using Graehme Natress's conversion filter to convert the movie into a 25 fps timeline.

2. Next, I will export it from fcp to compressor, and use the advanced format setting to set it to PAL.

3. Next, it will be imported into DVD Studio Pro and burnt using PAL settings.

Thanks in advance.

. . .

 

[VaricamLife]

If you want to do a true test, then you should do it on PAL equipment. That's really the only honest way to do it. You want your test equipment to take the place of your audience, so your test equipment should be as close to theirs as possible. That's just the best way to do a test. If the replication is going to be large and cost you a decent amount of money, then I would definitely not do it without properly testing it on PAL gear (otherwise you might be pissing way a lot of money for no reason).

The fact that PAL hardware will play NTSC is certainly something to think about. It would certainly be a heck of a lot easier on your end to go that route. However, with the Natress based workflow you describe I think you'll be in good shape to author a proper PAL disc.

Just out of curiousity, the people doing the replication, they can't provide a PAL DVD player to test it out on? I would think most replication facilities would keep such on hand (at least 1). I would kind of be skeptical of a place calling itself a DVD replication facility that doesn't own any PAL equipment. Sure it might be a rare order for them, but still if that's their business they should have their bases covered.

cheers.

 

[eugenes]

Thanks for the quick response. I will take your advice in seeking a replication company that has the ability to test PAL for me. I will be calling around today. If you have any recommendations, please send them.

Thanks again.