IDVD vs DVD Pro

I posted this question on FCX forum but maybe its more appropriate here.
I bought FCX for $99, upgraded to FCX HD for $99 because it came with Soundtrack and then spent another $99 to upgrade to Soundtrack Pro. Because I own Soundtrack Pro it looks to me like I can get Final Cut Pro 5.1 for $199.
The only thing I really want from FCP is DVD Pro. I've worked with iDVD5 previously and was disappointed with the results (most notably noisy video during a dissolve). I've got a project in FCX HD I'm almost finished with and will be ready to make a DVD, actually several, and want it to look topnotch - and am wondering whether DVD Pro would give me $199 better results. Any thoughts? Thanks.

Not sure if I want to get bogged down with another hurdle. But getting FCP Studio for just another $199 is pretty difficult to resist.
At some point you really should give into the temptation if you feel there is even a remote chance to use any of those things.
As to your current project and deadlines, perhaps it does make sense to outsource it/have someone author it for you this time if the timeline is something you need to meet.

Similar Messages

  • Quality differences between iDVD and DVD Pro

    Are there any differences in viewing quality between using iDVD or DVD pro?
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    Thanks for answers.
    Robert

    What I need to know if it is a dramatic different in quality that I should use DVD Pro instead of iDVD.
    If you want a DRAMATIC improvement in quality, shoot sharp, high quality content like Hollywood (usually on film) and have it compressed by high quality hardware encoders.
    There is a good reason Hollywood DVDs look better than iDVD/DVD Studio Pro DVDs.
    F Shippey

  • IDVD and DVD Studio Pro hang and crash since 10.5.6 update

    Seems like there are a lot of problems since this 10.5.6 update... I came here b/c of a prob with iDVD and DVD Studio Pro not working anymore. Was just trying to "Share/Export" an iMovie project to iDVD (and then tried again with DVD Studio Pro) and the program just hung and crashed and also wouldn't let me Restart or Shutdown very easily either. What gives?

    nmctech,
    Have you tried to reset the SMU/PRAM?
    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1436?viewlocale=en_US
    Chris
    Message was edited by: 2point5

  • Is there is a way to export the themes from iDVD to DVD Studio Pro?

    OK...so here's what I'm trying to find out: is there is a way to export the themes from iDVD to DVD Studio Pro? Or can I build the project in DVDSTPRO and import it to iDVD to build and burn?
    I've read several threads here and haven't come across my specific question. If I missed it, please copy me a link. Otherwise, I'd like to use the templates/themes in iDVD with my FCP project.
    I was thinking about importing the project from FCP to iDVD. Then, I thought about the markers etc....
    So, if anyone had an idea, tip or link, I'm all for it!
    Thanks!
    ron

    Importing iDVD Projects and Themes
    DVD Studio Pro 4 can import projects from iDVD 3 and iDVD 4. You can import an iDVD theme by using the theme in a project within iDVD and importing the project into DVD Studio Pro. When creating the project within iDVD, you do not need to use the final assets or make a complete project.
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    To import an iDVD project or archived project into DVD Studio Pro:
    1 Do one of the following:
    • Choose File > Open.
    • Press Command-O.
    2 Locate and select the iDVD project or iDVD 4 archive project in the Open dialog, then click Open.
    DVD Studio Pro imports the iDVD project.
    About the iDVD Project Import
    When DVD Studio Pro imports an iDVD 3 or iDVD 4 project or iDVD 4 archive project, it has standard locations it looks for to find the assets and themes used in the project. This is especially important if the project uses custom themes.
    The standard locations that DVD Studio Pro uses are (in this order):
    • iDVD project bundle: This is the file created when you save the project.
    • [user]/Library/iDVD/Favorites: This folder is located in your home folder.
    • [root]/Library/iDVD/Favorites: This folder is located at the root of your disk.
    • /Network/Library/iDVD/Favorites: This folder is on a network system specifically
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    • iDVD application bundle: This is the iDVD application file that contains the default theme elements.
    Note: When you create an archive project in iDVD 4, you can choose to include the themes and encoded files. For the best portability, you should include both options. This results in a larger archive file, but ensures you can take the file to any DVD Studio Pro system and import it without missing assets. If you do not choose to include the themes and encoded files in the archive file, those assets must be available in one of the standard locations.
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    Important: To ensure all iDVD menu elements import correctly into DVD Studio Pro, you must navigate to each chapter index menu within iDVD before saving the project. This is also true for any menus you add to your iDVD project by clicking the Folder button.
    Issues With Importing iDVD Projects
    There are some issues to be aware of when you import iDVD projects:
    • If you import an iDVD project with DVD-ROM content, DVD Studio Pro does not update the settings in the Disc Inspector’s General tab to reflect the DVD-ROM content. You must manually select the DVD-ROM layout and choose the folder to include.
    • When you create a slideshow in iDVD, you can add arrow buttons to each still to provide viewers with an additional method of jumping to the previous and next stills. These arrow buttons are not imported when you import an iDVD project into DVD Studio Pro. The viewer must use the Previous and Next buttons on the DVD player’s remote control to jump between stills.
    • The button highlights used in iDVD may look different when imported into DVD Studio Pro. In most cases, the text in the buttons is set to be included in the highlight. Additionally, buttons that use an underline in iDVD will not have an underline when imported into DVD Studio Pro.
    • When you import an iDVD project, you may find that the button that is highlighted by default on some menus changes. During the project import, DVD Studio Pro numbers the buttons on each menu and highlights button 1 by default. You can assign any button on a menu to be the default button in the Menu tab in the Menu Inspector.
    • If you import an iDVD project that contains a drop zone configured as a slideshow and has multiple slides assigned to it, DVD Studio Pro only shows the slideshow’s first slide in the drop zone.
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  • Getting Chapters from IDVD to DVD Studio Pro

    I have a video that must be paused after chapter segments by user and have found that I need to use DVD studio pro which I purchased today with no knowledge of how it works. Post just today explains that.
    I built an entire movie with transitions, audio and chapters iniDVD and Now I would like to get those chapter markers into DVD studio pro. Do i have to first export to Final Cut and then export to DVD Studio.
    I have made a quicktime movie that when viewed in Quicktime shows all the chapters(31 in all).
    Is there a better way to do this than manually find each time points and adding markers in dvd pro?
    Secondly, once i get those markers in DVD studio, can i create a pause and next function as one whole movie or do they need to be separate items(term).
    Thansk for any guidance.

    If you added Chapter Markers in Final Cut Pro, then you are all set. In FCP, Export a QuickTime Movie and when the dialog box opens make sure your Markers are set to "DVD Studio Pro Markers".
    If you added Chapter Markers in iDVD, then you are out of luck. You have to do it all over again. You could add Chapter Markers in DVD SP, but I recommend doing it in FCP.

  • Thoughts on BEST COMPRESSION for use with iDVD and DVD Studio Pro...

    Hi all...
    I'm having an issue with some visual artifacts that are present after burning a dvd using either idvd or dvd studio pro.
    My sequence containts footage (h.264) and photographs with titles. The photos (w/moves) look great, very crisp. So do the titles.
    However, the video looks awful. Pans and tilts creating streaking, so does any action with the frame.
    I don't see this streaking while viewing in the qt window or when previewing the dvd...
    I'm exporting as a qt reference using the dv/dvc pro setting, when I check the dvd on an ntsc monitor, the image is very streaky.
    Any ideas?
    Thanks,
    Mark

    Are you using FCP?? Then I see why you said QT reference movie... which is the best way. Being more descriptive about your setting when posting a question will return more helpful answers. (editing tool, source materials, machine spec...etc) You said that your footage was h264 and you posted your question in iMovie forum so I couldn't have guessed FCP and DV...
    If your sequence is DV on FCP I can't think of anything else but QT reference movie route. I don't understand why your video won't show interlacing in QT player or DVD preview, but perhaps they force deinterlacing for preview, who knows.
    You said your DVD looks 'very streaky' on ntsc tv. Is it to the point that it looks unnatural? Is overall motion jerky? If so, perhaps the field order had been messed with and changed. But I'm not quite sure about the exact nature of your problem. Visual problem in a subjective verbal description can be hard to communicate

  • IDVD and DVD Studio Pro

    Is there a way to import a theme from iDVD into DVD Studio Pro? I want to use a theme on iDVD called Revolution, but in iDVD it only has one drop zone for pictures. I have seen this theme used with multiple pictures so there has to be a way to do it. I was wondering if you can somehow get that template into DVD Studio Pro for more customization options.

    Importing iDVD Projects and Themes:
    DVD Studio Pro 4 can import projects from iDVD 3 and iDVD 4. You can import an iDVD theme by using the theme in a project within iDVD and importing the project into DVD Studio Pro. When creating the project within iDVD, you do not need to use the final assets or make a complete project.
    Note: DVD Studio Pro will not import projects from iDVD 1, iDVD 2, and iDVD 5.
    In general, iDVD needs to be installed on the same system as DVD Studio Pro. An exception is if you import an iDVD 4 archive project.
    To import an iDVD project or archived project into DVD Studio Pro:
    1 Do one of the following:
    • Choose File > Open.
    • Press Command-O.
    2 Locate and select the iDVD project or iDVD 4 archive project in the Open dialog, then click Open.
    DVD Studio Pro imports the iDVD project.
    About the iDVD Project Import:
    When DVD Studio Pro imports an iDVD 3 or iDVD 4 project or iDVD 4 archive project, it has standard locations it looks for to find the assets and themes used in the project. This is especially important if the project uses custom themes.
    The standard locations that DVD Studio Pro uses are (in this order):
    • iDVD project bundle: This is the file created when you save the project.
    • [user]/Library/iDVD/Favorites: This folder is located in your home folder.
    • [root]/Library/iDVD/Favorites: This folder is located at the root of your disk.
    • /Network/Library/iDVD/Favorites: This folder is on a network system specifically configured by your system administrator for this purpose. (This is not the same as having a server networked into your computer.)
    • iDVD application bundle: This is the iDVD application file that contains the default theme elements.
    Note: When you create an archive project in iDVD 4, you can choose to include the themes and encoded files. For the best portability, you should include both options. This results in a larger archive file, but ensures you can take the file to any DVD Studio Pro system and import it without missing assets. If you do not choose to include the themes and encoded files in the archive file, those assets must be available in one of the standard locations. If your project will have automatically-created chapter index (scene selection) menus based on markers embedded in the video, it can be easier to create these within iDVD prior to importing the project into DVD Studio Pro. This ensures the chapter index menus use the selected theme’s background and include arrow buttons to navigate between the menus.
    Important: To ensure all iDVD menu elements import correctly into DVD Studio Pro, you must navigate to each chapter index menu within iDVD before saving the project. This is also true for any menus you add to your iDVD project by clicking the Folder button.
    Issues With Importing iDVD Projects:
    There are some issues to be aware of when you import iDVD projects:
    • If you import an iDVD project with DVD-ROM content, DVD Studio Pro does not update the settings in the Disc Inspector’s General tab to reflect the DVD-ROM content. You must manually select the DVD-ROM layout and choose the folder to include.
    • When you create a slideshow in iDVD, you can add arrow buttons to each still to provide viewers with an additional method of jumping to the previous and next stills. These arrow buttons are not imported when you import an iDVD project into DVD Studio Pro. The viewer must use the Previous and Next buttons on the DVD player’s remote control to jump between stills.
    • The button highlights used in iDVD may look different when imported into
    DVD Studio Pro. In most cases, the text in the buttons is set to be included in the highlight. Additionally, buttons that use an underline in iDVD will not have an underline when imported into DVD Studio Pro.
    • When you import an iDVD project, you may find that the button that is highlighted by default on some menus changes. During the project import, DVD Studio Pro numbers the buttons on each menu and highlights button 1 by default. You can assign any button on a menu to be the default button in the Menu tab in the Menu Inspector.
    • If you import an iDVD project that contains a drop zone configured as a slideshow and has multiple slides assigned to it, DVD Studio Pro only shows the slideshow’s first slide in the drop zone.
    Source: +DVD Studio Pro user manual.+

  • Best Encode for QT for DVD Pro

    I want to know the highest form of QT file for using as a final product in DVD Pro. I do not use HD, but want to create the best look possible, not sure in all the export options, if there is one to choose for the best resolution.

    File/export/QuickTime Movie... then use "current settings" and include audio and video. It needn't be "Self Contained" if you're going to encode it on the same computer that the original media is stored... This is the cleanest way to export a movie for encoding. Any other option recompresses the video and it can only look worse. The "Self contained" option is just as good quality wise, but its a lot larger file because it actually contains the media. The "non" self contained movie is a reference movie... smaller, and references the original media files so it's not transportable to another computer, where the "self contained" movies are transportable and will play on any computer.
    Open that file in DVD SP, iDVD or Compressor for the encode.
    In reality if you're using DVD SP to author the DVD, the very best encode is done directly from FCP to Compressor... file/export/Using Compressor.
    Welcome to the forum Greasdon!
    Jerry

  • DVD PRO burning a dvd without a menu after compressing from fcp7

    I editing my project using FCP7 then compressed it using best quality DVD 90 min in Compressor and now I am try to burn dvd's using DVD PRO. I am trying to make a dvd with no menu-I just want to be able to hit play and have the dvd play without any graphics on a menu in the beginning. I am trying to import using DVD PRO does not work. I have also tried to export using Compressor-does not work. I keep getting a warning box popping up that says there is trouble in the files or not a compatible file from compressor. I do not understand how that could be since I compressed it using compressor-do not get it. Thanks.

    DVDs use an MPEG-2 codec, so regardless of which codec FCP uses to compress the Quicktime file, it will end up as MPEG-2 when you burn to DVD. So as long as the video preview plays in iDVD, you should be fine just using the "Best Quality" setting.
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    Hope this helps.

  • DVD Pro

    I bought FCX for $99, upgraded to FCX HD for I think $99 because it came with Soundtrack and then spent another $99 for Soundtrack Pro. Because I own Soundtrack Pro it looks to me like I can get Final Cut Pro 5.1 for $199.
    The only thing I really want from FCP is DVD Pro. I've worked with iDVD previously and was disappointed with the results (most notably noisy video during a dissolve). I've got a project in FCX HD I'm almost finished with and will be ready to make a DVD, actually several, and want it to look topnotch - and am wondering whether DVD Pro would give me $199 better results. Any thoughts? Thanks.

    Hi Peter,
    Great to hear that your dissolve effects are looking good!
    Using keyframes & the opacity controls is actually quite easy. Just last night I did it for an extended ~1 min fade in at the beginning of a movie; took about 30 secs to do, and that's cause I was fooling around. If you want to explore further what I meant by overlapping the clips, let me know and I'll explain.
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    The reference movie only contains pointers to your FCE project file and all your clips & render files; as long as they are on the same machine you only need a reference movie.
    A self-contained movie contains actual video, which FCE has to create from all your original clips & edits; that's why exporting a self-contained movie takes so long ... and it will be ~13GB per hour. Some people also believe there is a small degradation in quality too but I haven't observed it myself. Anyway, it's an unnecessary & time consuming step when you have FCE and iDVD on the same machine.

  • Create basic DVD using DVD Pro

    I am new to DVD Pro...
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    Paul

    Thanks very much Nick,
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    Paul

  • Starting up with DVD PRO STUDIO, HELP for beginner

    Can anybody describe a fast and easy way to create better DVD for DVD player from a FCP projet ? I don't like the poor quality produce from iDVD and I have NEVER use DVD PRO STUDIO. When I burn DVD-R disc in iDVD, most of the time they freeze and don't play properly in friends DVD players.Is there a step by step for begginer ? From FCP to COMPRESSOR, if I have to go thru it, to DVD PRO and to my home DVD player. Nothing fancy, just fast and easy.
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    Jean
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    Best way is to start reading the posts in this forum
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    Then come here with questions.
    There are several threads below on creating the best looking DVDs.
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    loading assets in stills (granted they are big files) is beyond painful
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    ... loading assets in stills (granted they are big files)
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    Hi, I am new to using a MAC and also to Final Cut Studio so if this question has been asked before or seems obvious then I offer my apologies.
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