HD-SD Export settings for MPEG2-DVD now that I’ve got the bug sorted

[Jeff Pulera]

Hi Bec,

After choosing “MPEG-2 DVD” as the Format, there are really only two Presets to look at – “PAL Widescreen High Quality”, or the “Progressive” version of that. So choose according to whether the source video and sequence are Interlaced or Progressive (1080i or 1080p).

What is the duration of your project? This will determine the bitrate required. Too low and you are losing quality by leaving empty space on the DVD, too high and results will not fit the DVD and Encore will be forced to transcode again, so you want to get this close to optimal.

You can search the web for “bitrate calculator” and there are plenty that you can just punch your numbers into online (nothing to download or install). I use a formula of 560/minutes = bitrate and I round the result down a touch for safety margin. I don’t know if results are accurate for PAL though due to frame rate difference? I use NTSC.

Besides the data rate, the only other change to defaults is to check the box at the bottom that says “Maximum Render Quality”, as this improves the downscaling quality (resizing).

It is normal, and preferable, to get two files, the .m2v video and .wav audio (PCM). In CS6, under Audio tab, you also have the option for “Dolby Digital”. Leave Multiplexing set to NONE.

In Encore, choose File > Import As > Timeline and multi-select both of your clips and they come in together. If using .wav, encore will transcode that to Dolby AC-3, and if you already made an .ac3 out of AME then it just leaves it alone. Either way is fine, transcode is very quick for audio.

If you had created any DVD chapter marks in Premiere, these will also carry over to Encore when using Import As > Timeline.

I have no experience with converting PAL to NTSC. I’m thinking it might be preferable to use 24p versus 29.97 for the frame rate change from 25, but someone else will need to share the best recommendation for that process.

Hope this is helpful

Jeff Pulera
Safe Harbor Computers

[Bec Mills]

Hi Jeff,

Thank you so much for you detailed reply. It has been very helpful.

I have been exploring the various options with export with high definition footage. it appears CS6 has various leaks and unfortunately its too unreliable for the work that i would like to be doing with it. I am both a mac and pc user and have subsequently decided to encode with AME and do my menu’s with DVD Studio Pro. the CS6 version of Encore still has issues with aspect ratio (after some years now), I thought this may have been resolved- but its is still not.

Thanks for your time. I will be using both PAL and NTSC conversions and plan to continue to use APP for editing..its a whizz bnag set up- however need to opt for other software for final production. Cheers

[Ann Bens]

my sequence settings are 1440x 1080 25 fps (I shot in 1280 x 1080)-

This is not right. No wonder you have aspect problems with Encore.

I shoot 1440×1080 and 1920×1080, export to dvd and have not seen one single aspect ‘bug’ in Encore 6

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Adobe Certified Expert Premiere Pro CS6
Adobe Community Professional

[Bec Mills]

Hi Ann,

Thanks very much for you’re reply! I have corrected all my settings- (i believe it comes down to camera type settings Im using Nikon D7000)… I am pretty new to Adobe, and I am aware that i have a lot of learning to do. Finally got to the bottom of aspect ratio issues: the 1920 x 1080 23.97 fps video i have is now staying as 1920 x 1080 and not configuring to 1440x 1080 25fps.

had to make a brand new sequence (copied it) with adjusted/customised presets etc)- when i copy sequence though, i lost all my transitions (video and audio)..is this a typical thing that happens?
Im used to working with FCP and this doesn’t happen normally.

Anyhow. I am pursuing with Encore; will post again soon if i have any issues with aspect ratio in there (with the aspect issue sorted).

I did have a bug in my Cs6, as i wasn’t getting any drop down menu’s and wasn’t able to update. I had to re-install which solved this issue.

[Bec Mills]

Hi Jeff,

The total duration of my film is 121 mins…any idea off the top off your head what Bit rate I should choose? Im not so could with the calculations, would appreciate any feedback..

Shot in 1920 x 1080 23.97fps (NTSC)…so i’m currently looking to export in MPEG 2 DVD to suit-

[Jeff Pulera]

Hi Bec,

4.5 will work for bitrate. You’ll likely want to do VBR, and choose Min and Max numbers…I usually do CBR so not sure what to tell you for VBR…maybe 2 – 4.5 – 8

Jeff Pulera
Safe Harbor Computers