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Avid codec change and iDVD
I’ve recently updated to MC 4.0.3 on a Mac OS 10.5.7 and Nitris DX. In the past, when I’ve wanted to create a DVD, I’ve exported a QT reference clip using the Avid DV25 codec with a display ratio of 720×480 and RGB color space. I would import that file into iDVD and then create a DVD.
Since I’ve updated to MC 4, the QT reference has changed to 720×486 which (in my experience) is not compatible with iDVD. The DVDs created add small blk lines to the top and bottom of the screen and add jagged horizontal lines where there’s a lot of movement, almost as if it was field reversed. I’ve tried creating a QT using the animation codec with the 720×480 settings and iDVD doesn’t like it either.
Since, I haven’t changed anything in my iDVD set-up (and I’ve tried starting from scratch in iDVD and got the same problem), I’m thinking it could be the new AVid codec. My project is set-up with the standard 30iNTSC settings and I’m not mixing frame rates. In fact, I usually edit with the 2:1 codec and then do a video mixdown and create a new timeline for exporting to iDVD…that way I know everything is 720×480…at least it used to be that way (in the past if you had 2 different resolutions i.e. DV25 and 2:1 in a timeline, AVid would always take the larger display ratio on a ref export).
It seems to me Avid changed the DV25 411 codec…I’m hoping I’m wrong but, I can’t create a DVD anymore with iDVD to save my life. Even a QT Animation codec set-up at 720×480 doesn’t work (and that’s not AVid..at least i think it’s not). All of these settings worked fine before I upgraded to MC 4.0.3. Has anyone else run into this problem? I’m hoping it’s just a user error but any help would be appreciated.
Thanks
Keith -
7 Replies
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It seems weird that iDVD won’t import full sized SD NTSC video.
Your Avid projects have never been 720X480, even if capturing DV.
Can you just export quicktimes at 720X480?
Or just use Avid DVDit and keep everything 720X486.
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Not in front of a system now, but there should be a check box in the export dialog about whether to use the Avid DV codec or not. If you deselect, it will use the standard size QT Codec built into Quicktime, which will iDVD will probably like better.
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Thanks Grin –
Interesting…Until I’ve update to MC 4.0.3, using Avid DV25 has been the only way I’ve been able to export a sequence as a QT reference clip at 720 x 480 that would work in iDVD. Any clip that’s 720×486 doesn’t and won’t work with iDVD. I know it sounds crazy, but that’s been my experience.I’ve tried exporting a QT clip with the Animation codec at 720×480 and it didn’t work…I had the same issues with iDVD. I also tried an Animation codec at 640×480 and it had other problems, mainly the loss of resolution…which would be obvious but it didn’t have the jitter issues.
I know iDVD is more of a consumer product and the fact that I’ve never been able to use 720×486 files in that app. may just be the writing on the wall. It just seems odd that I didn’t even update QT or the Mac OS for the latest version of Avid and now I can’t create DVDs…and I make DVDs for every project I work on.
Is Avid DVDit from Sonic? I took a quick look on Avid site and couldn’t find it. From what I remember it only worked on PCs. Or have they updated it for Macintosh? Please correct me if I’m wrong. I’d look at any app that would allow me to create simple DVDs at 720×486.
Thanks
Keith -
Thanks for the suggestion.
I tried deselecting that box on export and I still had no luck with iDVD.Does anyone know if there’s a difference between EXPORT and SEND TO in Avid? Or are they just two ways to do the same thing? I’ve always used export unless I’m going back to an HDV deck with a HDV edit.
Keith
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i was reading the release notes and found these two issues:
Bug Number: UDevC00049124. Currently, export settings allow a 720×486 size when you
export Avid DV, which creates a field alignment issue. Make sure that you set the export
settings correctly for 720 x 480 for DV exports. Currently, QuickTime must do a resize from
486 lines down to 480 and you receive an odd interpolation. (Even if you specify 720×486,
the Quicktime file displays 720×480.)➤ Bug Number: UdevC00054456. In NTSC, QuickTime Same as Source and QuickTime
Reference clips containing DV material can sometimes show visual distortions when burned
to DVD from Avid DVD. This is because the DV portions are resized from the DV raster
size 720×480 up to the standard NTSC raster size 720×486.
Workaround: When exporting the QuickTime Same as Source or Quicktime Reference
clips, choose “Use Avid DV.”FYI I’m going to double check these setting tomorrow…the “odd interpolation” may be the problem.
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SD NTSC when working 2:1 is a 720 x 486 format. DV may have the ability to do 720×480 which is why you’re seeing the difference.
Transcode a small piece to DV and see if anything changes.
Michael
Michael Phillips
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I found a work-a-round to make things work in iDVD.
Export all codec types out of Avid as QT reference clips. If your source was recorded at DV25, make sure your Display Aspect Ratio is “Native Dimensions” and do NOT use the Avid DV Codec on export, just use QuickTime Reference. The exported clips will be 720×486.
Open the exported reference clip in Quicktime Pro and under the clips Properties, change the clips Scaled Size to 720×480. Save the clip with it’s new properties. If there are small black bars on top and bottom of the clip, the export from Avid wasn’t done correctly and it won’t work. The entire raster should have an image.
Import the clip in iDVD and it’ll work.
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