Thumbs up for "Output to DVD" feature

[kwshaw1]

I've made my share of complaints over the years so I figured I'd just say I'm pleased with the basic functionality of the Output to DVD feature in Edius 4.54. It's not very advanced but it is usable, and I just have one question: will it work if the source file has AC3 audio without converting that to something else? Also, anyone have any tips on getting the most out of this tool? Oops, I guess that's two questions...

[STORMDAVE]

I use it alot now for quick DVD deliveries...its very nice! Just wish the AC3 encoder was capable of all bit rates, but that's about it...

As for the questions:

1) No, it cannot use your old AC3 files. It will re-encode to AC3 again.

2) To get the most out of it, you can make your own templates, etc...and always make sure you don't pass the highest bitrates so it will be playable on all devices. Also try to use 8x for burning, as I still seem to have problems with DVD's burnt at 16x...some customers complain that it skips.

[kwshaw1]

No, it cannot use your old AC3 files. It will re-encode to AC3 again.

Does it encode to AC3 audio, or does it default to PCM? Is there a way to control that when going directly to DVD?

[STORMDAVE]

It supports AC3, but not all the datarates...example: there is no 224kb, but 256kb should compensate for that.

It uses AC3 by default, but you can use LPCM or MP2 audio (AC3 is preferred of course).

Just make sure not to exceed 8000kb for combined audio and video, for example. LPCM is about 1,500 while AC3 is much lower.

Just hit on "Settings" on the main screen, and uncheck "Auto" and then start unchecking video and audio so you can select the proper data rates/formats for your audio and video. There is no 2pass VBR unfortunately, so that task is left to ProCoder.

[kwshaw1]

Just hit on "Settings" on the main screen, and uncheck "Auto" and then start unchecking video and audio so you can select the proper data rates/formats for your audio and video.

Cool, thanks! Nice to finally have Edius support AC3 audio so we can make professional DVDs -- now how about Blu-ray support... :-)

[Bassman]

I too like this feature.

I do wish Grass Valley would embrace custom presets in this module and PCE.

The DVD module defaults to auto bit rates (which are too high) and menu structure.

Having some custom presets on the first screen would allow us to have a couple of scenarios saved for convenience and trust that setting is not missed.

Most often I just want to burn a DVD without a menu, so I need to go though every screen and reconfigure everything.

Also, I too have noticed some skipping at chapter points, so I am afraid to use this option for really important work.

[STORMDAVE]

Just try to stay below 8000mbps and you'll be ok. This is for combined video & audio...

Use 7.5+256kb AC3 if you want to be really safe and if your timeline is short.

[storyp24]

This is a little off topic but I just finished a project for the Nashville film festival and was told the DVD skipped and was tried on several machines. They got it to run through once OK and saved to tape. I created the DVD using ProCoder3, mpeg2-dvd-ntsc(mastering quality). I created the DVD using EncoreCS3
I was concerned it was my DVD media or the burner but after reading this post I wonder if I need to adjust other settings in PC3.

[STORMDAVE]

This is a little off topic but I just finished a project for the Nashville film festival and was told the DVD skipped and was tried on several machines. They got it to run through once OK and saved to tape. I created the DVD using ProCoder3, mpeg2-dvd-ntsc(mastering quality). I created the DVD using EncoreCS3
I was concerned it was my DVD media or the burner but after reading this post I wonder if I need to adjust other settings in PC3.

You could ask this in the PC forum, but anyways, the skipping will occur because of a few factors:

- Bad media
- High combined bitrate (audio+video)
- improper settings when using the presets in PC3.

What bitrate did you use for video? If you used PCM audio with the default PC NTSC DVD preset (I have Procoder2, I assume it's the same for PC3) is 6,000...if you left that alone and then used PCM, which is about 1,500, you have a default bitrate of 7,500...which is ok. You should keep below 8,000 for burnt discs.

[Ingwe]

There is one problem with the DVD App , when you make chapter pionts they do not work , if you try to change they still do not work, this has been confirmed, other than that bug the quatly and speed is very good. For me ,I would like to have the chapter pionts working and do not always have the time or want to have to go to Encore or PPro2 to author out.
just my 2cents

[harveylexton]

Chapter points

I would like to see moving chapter points also would like to add music to the page of chapter points

[STORMDAVE]

Are you guys sure chapter points don't work? Markers on the timeline turn into chapter points.

I will check again.

[antonsvideo]

Are you guys sure chapter points don't work? Markers on the timeline turn into chapter points.

I will check again.

but the chapters may not take you where you expect

[STORMDAVE]

but the chapters may not take you where you expect

How far away? Because this is understandable as chapter markers have to be on I frames...it might be 15 frames apart of where you first put it...is this what you mean?

[antonsvideo]

some users were reporting chapters being out by minutes

try it on a longer project