Jitter problem after burning DVD from avi or mpeg2 that was exported from original timeline edit

Question

When burning a DVD directly from the timeline in Elements 7, there is usually no problem, however, when first exporting it to an .avi or .mpeg2 file, and then putting that new file back into the timeline, and then burning that new file to a DVD, there is jitter or "strobing" when the subject in the video moves (when playing the DVD).
It's not an install, or re-install issue, because before I started with this new computer, the exact same thing happened with the last computer I was using.
Thanks.

Answer 1

Les,
I do not know the newer Pinnacle Studio products, but going back to 8 and 9, through 9.4.3, the workflow was based on DV-AVI, just like PrE is. Pinnacle might have changed over to MPEG-2 in later versions, but I just do not know, as I have not seen a version, since Studio 10 hit was such a disaster.
One of the problems when working from DVD-Video material is that it has already been compressed to MPEG-2, loosing a good bit of data, and also converting the material to GOP (Group of Pictures), so that individual Frames are not present any longer. This precludes Frame-accurate editing, unless that compressed material is converted to all I-frame. See this ARTICLE for some background on GOP. Then, upon Burn to Disk, that I-frame material is once more compressed (again) to MPEG-2 and GOP for use in a VOB container. This WILL cause degradation of the image, most noticeable where there is motion, either subject, or camera motion. Some NLE's offer what is referred to as "Smart Rendering." This can help in some areas. For portions of the footage, where no changes have been made, beyond just cuts, the material will NOT be Transcoded again to MPEG-2, but will be used, as-is. Note: add a Transition, or a Title, or a PiP, or any Effect, and that footage WILL be Transcoded, so the Smart Rendering aspect will be moot. Sony's Vegas has been recommended for Smart Rendering, but I have never used it. This might be worth investigating. Also, if Pinnacle Studio is working fine, you might want to consider using that program. I have 5 different NLE's on my workstation, and use each for specialized situations, though the vast majority of my editing is done in PrPro.
Regarding the existing DVD-Videos, much depends of the source. PrE can Import and work with 100% DVD-compliant (very important) VOB's. Unfortunately, most DVR's do not create 100% DVD-compliant discs. This is most often manifested in the first VOB, which will contain any Menus and navigation. This ARTICLE will give you some background on VOB's, which are Video Object "containers."
As you point out, there can be issues with the resulting MPEG-2, as it will span part of VOB 1, and then all remaining VOB's. With 100% DVD-compliant VOB's, there will be a perfect flow in the MPEG-2 that spans the multiple VOB's. When the VOB's are not 100% DVD-compliant, issues can arise.
Considering your DVR, it is likely that ripping is going to be the best workflow, as that will strip out the other material in the first VOB and should then gather the data for the spanned MPEG-2. The ultimate rip will be to a DV-AVI Type II file w/ 48KHz 16-bit PCM/WAV Audio. This is an older FAQ Entry from the Encore Forum, on ripping, but might have some useful tips. Note: this was for getting material from a DVD-Video for authoring to a new DVD in Encore, and not editing.
For non-commercial DVD-Video editing, I will use an A-D bridge and my DVD deck, and capture to DV-AVI Type II w/ 48KHz 16-bit PCM/WAV Audio, and Import the resulting files into PrPro/PrE. This is exactly the same workflow that I use, with analog material, like VHS.
Also note that PrPro, a US$900 program did not get VOB Importing until CS4.2 (current version), while PrE has had it for some time now. Also, PrPro is a DV-AVI-based, I-frame, program, just like PrE, so no "Smart Rendering" there either. Same exact issues exist in "big-brother," PrPro.
Most of all, good luck,
Hunt