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DVD Output Quality
I have tried every different setting I can come up with in FC and Compressor and cannot create an SD DVD that looks reasonable. The quality is just terrible considering the original source. I am hopeful someone can scan this flow and point me in the right direction.
Original Source: Canon HF-M31, 1920-1080, 30fps in AVCHD format
I use Log & Transfer to ingest and convert to Apple ProRes 422HQ. The timeline settings appear as such:
I then export using Quicktime Conversion using these settings:
I then process that QT file through Compressor using these settings:
From beautiful original footage, I end up with what equates to 2nd generation-looking VHS.
FYI: I tried exporting from FC a stand-alone QT file with original source settings. Then used the Compressor settings above. But the output result was even worse.
Thank you in advance for any advise/direction!
Mark Fanjoy
Wherever I am…I’m lost!
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11 Replies
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Try skipping the QT conversion. Instead, just compress to MPEG-2 directly from the ProRes HQ sequence. Theory also states that you should send directly from FCP to Compressor an UN rendered sequence. Saves a generational loss of those clips. Also…
If your sequence is shorter than say around an hour. Change the Compression quality setting to be a CBR (Constant bit rate) at around 7 MBits.. Renders faster, and doesn’t ever lower that bit rate.
Jerry
Apple Certified Trainer, Producer, Writer, Director Editor, Gun for Hire and other things. I ski. My Blog: https://blogs.creativecow.net/Jerry-Hofmann
Current DVD:
https://store.creativecow.net/p/81/jerry_hofmanns_final_cut_system_setup8-Core 3.0 Intel Mac Pro, Dual 2 gig G5, AJA Kona SD, AJA Kona 2, Huge Systems Array UL3D, AJA Io HD, 17″ MBP, Matrox MXO2 with MAX – Cinema Displays I have a 22″ that I paid 4k for still working. G4 with Kona SD card, and SCSI card.
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The main thing you appear to be doing wrong is you are using QuickTime CONVERSION.
You never use this for DVDs. . . . . it’s mainly for internet videos.
In FCP select File>Export>QuickTime MOVIE.
Leave everything in the default settings and click Save.
Drop the resulting file into Compressor, select an appropriate DVD preset together with the Dolby Digital audio one and click submit.
When encoded, drop these 2 files into DVD Studio Pro and burn.
Result . . . . . perfect DVD.
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In Compressor I would, ideally, suggest making your own preset as Jerry suggests.
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Thanks, gentlemen. Ian, I did EXACTLY that, but my compression from FC version actually looked better. Go figure.
Jerry, I may need a little more detail to understand your language…
Try skipping the QT conversion. Instead, just compress to MPEG-2 directly from the ProRes HQ sequence.
Are you saying do what Ian described and output a standalone QT file with existing timeline settings, then take that file to Compressor?
Mark Fanjoy
Wherever I am…I’m lost!
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You must be doing something wrong somewhere (that you have not mentioned) as what I described will always produce excellent results. It’s the standard method.
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Ya, turn on Frame Control in Compressor too.
Chris Tompkins
Video Atlanta LLC -
Doesn’t turning on frame controls merely unlock those settings? What setting would you change once they are unlocked?
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[Larry Asbell] “Doesn’t turning on frame controls merely unlock those settings?”
No, it actually turns on several automatic features of Frame Controls. Check it out in the manual sometime, it makes for an interesting read.
David Roth Weiss
Director/Editor/Colorist
David Weiss Productions, Inc.
Los Angeles
https://www.drwfilms.comPOST-PRODUCTION WITHOUT THE USUAL INSANITY ™
A forum host of Creative COW’s Business & Marketing and Apple Final Cut Pro forums. Formerly host of the Apple Final Cut Basics, Indie Film & Documentary, and Film History & Appreciations forums.
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Here’s some tutorial help on settings and audio.
https://www.kenstone.net/fcp_homepage/compressor2_custom_presets.html
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It’s pretty easy… just select the sequence, then choose file/send to/compressor. Use any of the DVD best quality presets, then change the quality settings to be CBR (constant bit rate), and 7 mpbs as the data rate. Leave the audio settings alone.
Jerry
Apple Certified Trainer, Producer, Writer, Director Editor, Gun for Hire and other things. I ski. My Blog: https://blogs.creativecow.net/Jerry-Hofmann
Current DVD:
https://store.creativecow.net/p/81/jerry_hofmanns_final_cut_system_setup8-Core 3.0 Intel Mac Pro, Dual 2 gig G5, AJA Kona SD, AJA Kona 2, Huge Systems Array UL3D, AJA Io HD, 17″ MBP, Matrox MXO2 with MAX – Cinema Displays I have a 22″ that I paid 4k for still working. G4 with Kona SD card, and SCSI card.
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