I'm new to DVDs, how do I get started?
DVD authoring is still a relatively new subject. We've all experienced a DVD movie with it's menus and special features; While you may be familiar with audio production techniques, DVD content at first appears complex and daunting. Thanks to entry level DVD software from companies like apple and Ulead this is no longer the case.
A DVD master is made up of three components. MPEG encoded video, encoded audio and a menu system that allows the user to navigate the DVD. Raw edited video footage is converted from DV to MPEG using an encoder that compresses the images and separates the audio for encoding. These encoded files are then imported into an authoring program which attaches the menu system to the video streams. Most Authoring programs include an encoder in them to aid in simplifying the content creation. Special features, alternative audio tracks and many other effects can be added at this point. Once the DVD has been designed, the authoring program will either output a DVD-/+R or DLT master. This master should be ready for production and most likely could be previewed on your home DVD player.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I just send you a video tape to make into a DVD?
Unfortunately no. Video tapes, AVI files or MPG streams are not themselves sufficient for a DVD master. If you are uncomfortable with mastering your own DVD you may wish to hire a studio to produce one for you.
Can I use a DVD Recordable disc for a master?
Definitely. While DLT (digital linear tape) was once the only way to send in a master, a DVD recordable disc can now be used. Two things to note though. Make sure your DVD master has been outputed using a compliant DVD authoring program. Check your softwares documentation for details. Secondly make sure to burn your master at 1x speed on the highest quality media you can afford. This is not a place to try and save money! We recommend Verbatim or Teac archive quality discs.
Can I convert a PAL DVD to NTSC?
PAL (a television standard used in europe) can be converted to NTSC (the north american standard) using a process know as transcoding. If you've licensed a DVD from europe, you'll most likely need to re-author it for north american distribution. While transcoding can be preformed using a PAL DVD as a source, the resulting master will be a 2nd generation copy and may contain artifacts (similar in nature to the video quality loss copying a VHS tape produces). We recommend you procure the original video source masters and have them encoded to NTSC instead.
Are DVDs Expensive to Author?
Like audio mastering, you get what you pay for. With hard work and a home computer you can create a professional looking DVD. However if you're planning on selling over 5000 units of your project, we recommend spending some money and having a professional studio encode your job.
Useful Links
Sonic
PC based DVD authoring software developers.
Ulead
Variety of DVD authoring software packages for the PC.
Apple DVD Studio
MAC based professional DVD authoring software. Highly recommended by us for authoring your DVD.