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DVD Studio Pro Formats
I am preparing to author a DVD using DVDSP (for the first time), and the videos are being edited elsewhere. They need to know what format to send me the masters in.
One person has suggested one of the following:
HDcam tape, 25fps
Quicktime file, uncompressed, 25fps, 1920×1080 on HDD
Quicktime file, H.264, 25fps, 1920×1080 on HDD / DVD / download
MPEG4 file, 25fps, 1920×1080 on HDD / DVD / downloadThe other people have offered to send me the master on an HD Cam SR tape, but someone else mentioned Apple Pro Res 4:2:2 HD on hard disc….
What would be the best format to receive the videos in, so that I can begin the authoring? I’m quite new to this program so any advice is much appreciated!
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14 Replies
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Hmm, if I understood you right, you are mainly asked to make a DVD from that material?
So, I would suggest to ask them for an Apple ProRes HQ File.
This you can encode then in Compressor into a Hi-Q MPEG File for the DVD.Make sure you encode the file for the DVD in Compressor, not in FCP – the result of Compressor is much better.
Sascha
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Thanks Sascha. Yes, I am creating a DVD from that material. It’s actually two separate videos from two separate people, but both will go on the same DVD.
So, just to clarify, I shouldn’t go with any of the other options I was given for the first video, but instead ask them for an Apple ProRes HQ File also? And are there any other specs I need to give them for that type of file?
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Well, the other option contain also an MP4 – no good for a master. Also a version on Tape – does not help you either. Any Uncompressed format will help you best – and apple ProRes in Hi Quality does a very good job.
The question from which application they will render you this file out? Do they work with FCP as well?
Then it’s no problem. Also After Effects has the option for Apple ProRes files. About other Apps I do not know.Sascha
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And if you encode in Compressor, apply the “Best Quality 90min” Settings. Make sure, in the Audio Section in the Inspector window to adjust the “Dialog Normalization” to -31dBFS and the “Preprocessing” / “Compression Preset” to None, otherwise the encoded sound will be quiet low on the Volume.
Sascha
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I know that one of the videos is being edited on Avid…they don’t use FCP. I’m not sure about the other one. If they are both on Avid though, then what would be the best solution in this case?
Would this be an option?:
Quicktime file, uncompressed, 25fps, 1920×1080 on HDD (as was one of the options given to me). -
Yes, but also check with them about the Apple proRes option.
I do not know Avid very well, but likely they will have in the newer versions an option to export to ProRes as well. If not, an Uncompressed 8Bit or 10Bit format will be fine. The animation Codec also always worked great for me.Greetings,
Sascha
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Ok great, thanks for your help Sascha!
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Most welcome!
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Avid has their own compressed intermediate/mastering codec called DNxHD. It’s very similar to ProRes in quality and bit rate. You can read more or download the free Quicktime codec at the linked page.
Walter Soyka
Principal & Designer at Keen Live
Motion Graphics, Widescreen Events, Presentation Design, and Consulting
RenderBreak Blog – What I’m thinking when my workstation’s thinking
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Great, thanks for the info Walter – will let them know!
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