Re: Best format for DVD

by **websurfer** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 9:53 am

Currently using Premiere Pro CS3 and would like to know what format is best for DVD distribution? Quicktime, H.264, Mpeg 4, etc.?

More specifically, would like to have this DVD play on the widest number of computers and DVD players.

Any suggestions?

Additionally, the original source files were brought into Premiere Pro CS3 as avi files.

I understand that I can export the video to Encore and Encore allows for both DVD and Blue ray disc creation. Yet, if you use this option does this allow for high quality viewing and at same allow the DVD to play on the widest number of computers and DVD players?

websurfer

by **Chuck Engels** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 10:15 am

When you author a DVD with Encore you get a industry standard and compliant DVD.
It burns in MPEG2 format just like the Hollywood DVDs as far as format goes.
Hollywood has some additional software and hardware they use to make the DVDs more compatible but you can get close with todays burning technology.

The thing you have to worry about most is the type of DVD you use and the speed you burn at.
Do no use cheap DVDs, use only + or - R (preferably -R) and burn at 8x or slower (the slower the better).

by **websurfer** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 10:48 am

Hi Chuck,

Thanks for the quick follow up.

I use Verbatim DVD -R.

As far as burn speed goes, I would imagine you can set the burn speed through Encore. Am I correct on this?

Websurfer

by **Chuck Engels** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 11:14 am

Yes, Encore will let you set the burn speed, and Verbatim -R are the only DVDs I ever use

by **websurfer** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 11:53 am

Hi Chuck,

Additionally, when you go to File--Export--Export to Encore there is a pop up menu that has the following sections: Disc and Encoding Settings.

In the Encoding Settings of the pop up menu there is a button titled Settings.

Should I adjust these Settings to accomplish my objective or is it best to leave it at the default preset of NTSC Medium Quality?

If I do need to adjust the settings, what would be the best to accomplish my task?

Websurfer

by **Chuck Engels** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 12:27 pm

Do not use the Export to Encore option, export a DV-AVI file and import that into an Encore project.
I have heard and seen terrible results from using the Export to Encore option

by **websurfer** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 1:07 pm

Hi Chuck,

Thanks for the valuable info. You've saved me a lot of headaches.

Just to recap:

In Premiere Pro CS3 go to File--Export--Movie.

From the Export Movie pop up menu where it says Save In go to down to where it says Summary. This is where I will leave everything as follows:

Export
Video and audio
Entire Sequence

Filetype
Microsoft DV AVI

Video Settings
Compressor: DV NTSC
Frame size: 720h 480v (0.900)
Frame rate: 29.97 frames/second
Pixel Aspect Ratio: D1/DV NTSC (0.9)
Fields: Lower Field First

Audio Settings
Compressor: Uncompressed
Sample rate: 48000 samples/second
Channels: Stereo
Sample type: 16-bit

Correct?

In essence forget about configuring for Quick Time since this is going to DVD, right?

And this will accomplish the objective of satisfying the widest number of computers that have a DVD player and TV DVD players, right?

Websurfer

by **Chuck Engels** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 2:22 pm

Yes, yes and yes