Timeline in dvdsp

Hi.
Any way to get the time line in DVDSP to start at a number other than 00:00:00:00? I am having problems importing a .scc file, and cannot reencode the project.

Control - Click (or right click) the DVDSP timeline and select either "Zero Based Timecode" or "Asset Based Timecode".
Page 367 of the manual explains this.

Similar Messages

No chapter Markers showing up in DVDSP

Funny thing, I see my chapter markers in compressor in the PREVIEW WINDOW but, they dont show up on my timeline in DVDSP.
Never had this issue before.

Not sure why, but there back after turning off the compression markers.

DVDSP

I have exported my footage from FCP and imported the exported file into Assets in DVDSP. I have created my Menu with all the buttons I need, leaving several Chapter Markers without Buttons on the Menu. Simulator audio plays normally but the video remains stuck on the first frame. When I try to Burn to a blank DVD the disc is ejected and the Log shows at the bottom: "Track 1: Invalid Video Asset". I have deleted the DVDSP files and returned to FCP to re-export the footage but the same problem recurs each time. I have tried 'repairing permissions' and restarted my MacPro without success. I have created about eight DVDs on my new MacPro without this problem arising before. What on Earth is wrong ?
I would be very grateful indeed for any help. Thanks in anticipation. DL2
MacPro (High Spec) Mac OS X (10.4.8)

Hi Gary, Many thanks for your very speedy answer. I have never used Compressor but always wait for the background 'encoding' to complete before burning. With the MacPro this takes a surprisingly short time compared to 'all night' encoding with my G4 Mac. Background encoding after dragging the video and audio files into the Timeline of DVDSP has been the way that has worked OK with my previous DVD burnings.
I have checked for PAL and can confirm that the file in the MPEG Folder is "PAL_4000m2v.par".
I will definitely be following your advice re Build before burning (using Compressor) although, as mentioned, I have found encoding after dragging into the Timeline of DVDSP has worked before.
Now I have confirmed as above, I wonder if you may be able to think of other reasons for this problem. Very grateful to you, Gary, for your coming to my aid. DL2

DVDSP 3 Crashes importing m2v files

Hi, I´ve been trying to finish a project on DVDSP3 for 5 days now. Always the same problem. I´ve encoded a FCP rendered sequence to m2v file using compressor. The process was sucessful!. The thing is when I try to import the file into DVDSP using Palette crashes automatically. I started trying other ways of importing and the same thing over and over again. I´ve tried to open the file on Quicktime and works perfectly, the preview works fine on finder. Everything seems to be in order. But when dragging the file into the timeline the program crashes. Sometimes also crashes when I open the program. I´ve repaired the disk permissions, downloaded the proapp update and installed it again.... nothing. Tried also re-installing the DVDSP and nothing. I tried importing the m2v file as an asset and the file appears on the list but when dragging it to the timeline, guess what?: crashes again. Finally I took the FCP project and compressed it again, thought maybe the other file was corrupted. Everything was fine until I tried dragging the file to the timeline when DVDSP crashed again... sorry but i´m f@*ing tired of this. CAN ANYONE HELP!!!!!!!...
Like i said before it´s been my 5th day in a row and nothing seems to work... Any help will be great!
Sorry for the long text but I tried to explain my process in detail so proper help can be found...
Thanks in advance...
PS: have noticed that every topic with this kind of problem never got an answer...
very dissapointed with DVDSP... will not recommend to no-one...
Sorry for the bad english
Bye!
G5 Quad Core Mac OS X (10.4.4) 4 x 2.5 GHz PowerPC G5, 2.5 GB DDR2 SDRAM

Hi Sebakd, welcome to the discussions.
Download and install the proapplication support file from Apple...
http://www.apple.com/support/downloads/proapplicationsupport31macosx104.html
If that doesn't fix it, come back and let us know - there will be a simple reason for the issue.
In 9/10 cases the proapp support file fixes the problem, and in the vast majority of the posts citing this issue that fix is recommended in the replies for all to see.

DVDSP 4 Inserting 2 shots

I compressed a 55 minute piece in compressor 3 and burned a DVD through DVDSP4 and noticed that 2 vari-sped shots have bad interpolation. Being the perfectionist I want to just fix those 2 shots and just recompress those 2 shots and insert them into the timeline in DVDSP, can this be done? Or would I have to go back and recompress the whole thing from FCP?
Thanks
Rob W.

Once again, we figured it out...it's a long process but here's how you do it. You laydown your 55 minute piece and then trim the out to the point where you want to insert the new piece. Then insert the new piece. Then take your 55 minute clip and drop it in at the end of the new short inserted piece, then trim the in of the second 55 minute clip until it meets the insert and is in sync again.
For example let's use easy timecodes....Let's say the insert piece goes in at 00:30:00:00 for 1 second. You trim the out to 00:30:00:00 then insert your new piece, now the timeline goes to 00:30:01:00. Then take the 55 minute piece and drop it in at 00:30:01:00, now your timeline length is 01:25:01:00. Then trim the head of that clip to the place that would be in sync at the cut at 00:30:01:00, viola. It will ripple automatically on you.
Rob W.

Encoding Video for DVD?

I want to make a DVD that will play in home players, though I do not need to make a menu using DVD SP. Is there a way to encode video straight from FCP into a file that will play in a DVD player?
Thanks.

This is really a question for the DVDSP forum, but the sum of it is that you use Compressor to encode your video to MPEG2 and your audio to 2 channel Dolby, then import those two files into DVDSP as Assets and drop them into the Timeline in DVDSP.
That will be Track 1, so select the disc in the Outline and in the Inspector, and you should find a drop down menu to make Track 1 the First Play. That's basically it, but I usually do one or two other things.
One: If this is for a trade show, or even a client approval disc, I'll set the Jump To for Track 1 to be Track 1. That will cause it to loop until the user stops it.
Two: I'll create a simple menu with a single PLAY button in the center, and map that button to play Track 1. That way, if the client inadvertently drops out of the play loop and wants to get back into it, s/he can do it by hitting Menu on the remote and pressing Select.
More details on all of this are contained in your Fine Manual.

What's the proper workflow to combine multiple video types and turn them into one high quality DVD?

I'm trying to combine 1080i (29.97fps), 1080p (29.97fps), and 720p (24fps) video files into a single Premiere Pro project, and end up with a high quality DVD.
There are a few problems I can't solve:
1. There seems to be interlacing and clarity issues any time I export it to DVD dimensions (720x480), and on some TVs I'll get a bouncing motion on the 720p footage (slideshow). Yet everything seems to look perfect when I export it something like an HD MOV file.
2. If I use Final Cut X to make the DVD, I'll get audio popping and decent image quality. Yet if I use Encore, I'll get horrible interlacing, but good audio.
I don't have any training in video workflow let alone how to properly diagnose and solve problems that arise. So I need someone to lay out the proper workflow and settings from start to finish to get these three different types of footage to look great on a DVD using Premiere/Encore.
I've attached sample images showing the types of footage I'm using and the kind of problems I'm running into for reference.

By far the best way to get the quality of encoding is to use Compressor and not DVDSP. You can set Compressor up to do the AC3 (which DVDSP can't do). Alternatively, use a better encoder than Compressor, such as BitVice or MegaPEG.X... but remember that these do not do AC3 encoding.
Keep the encoded assets all in a single folder on your mac, then drag that folder into the DVDSP 'Assets' tab. This will import them all and keep them in the folder, which is a neater way of doing things. Select all of the clips within the folder (or simply select the folder itself) and drag them on to the track - they will go on in alphabetic or numeric order (whichever you have used as your names). If using numbers, remember to use '01', '02', etc otherwise clip ten, eleven, twelve and so on will follow clip one... clip two will come after clip 19.
Drop them all on a single track. You can then point a menu button at the track and all of the clips will play one after the other. If you want black in between then you will be better adding this in a NLE such as Final Cut, then exporting the entire sequence of clips as a single file. Alternatively, create a black .pict file the correct dimensions for the video format you are using and manually add it in between each clip on the timeline. Or, create a series of black .pict files and name them 011, 021, 031 and so on. Place them in your folder of clips with the MPEGs named 01, 02 and so on. When you select all and drop it onto your timeline within DVDSP a black clip will go in between each piece of footage (sequence will be 01, 011, 02, 021, 03, 031 ). This is probably the quickest way to do it. You can reuse the same black .pict files for every project like this and as long as you follow the same naming convention it will always work.
Like anything you want to automate, the first couple of times take longer to set up. After that it is a lot easier.

Drop Frame vs. Non Drop Frame Timecode in DVDSP3

The manual is rather spare in its discussion of the issue of timecode, but it does say that the first video asset determines whether the timecode in DVDSP is drop frame or non drop frame.
Question 1: Does this refer to the first video asset in the V1 track or the first video asset imported into the project?
Question 2: If video is encoded using Compressor prior to import into DVDSP, is the choice of drop frame or non drop frame set by Compressor, or does it automatically use the timecode inherent in the original video?
Question 3: Does the DVD spec require a particular timecode (or is either acceptable)? In other words, will DVDSP convert non drop frame video assets to drop frame (or vice versa) during the build process in order to conform to spec?
I am having timecode issues and I am trying to narrow down the culprit. It can be either FCP, Compressor or DVDSP, or some combination of the three. Since my timeline in DVDSP has a semicolon separator between the minute and second values, I am assuming DVDSP is operating using drop frame timecode.
How can I confirm the timecode of my video assets? Is there a way to get this information? I tried opening the video in QT and viewing properties but I could not find the info. QT does not seem to display frames so I cannot check the separator to see if it is a semicolon or not.
Thanks in advance for any and all help.
TN

How can I confirm the timecode of my video assets? Is
there a way to get this information? I tried opening
the video in QT and viewing properties but I could
not find the info. QT does not seem to display frames
so I cannot check the separator to see if it is a
semicolon or not.
Thanks in advance for any and all help.
In the browser in Final Cut it will tell you all the information regarding your video assets or clips.
DVDSP lets you pick what time code you want in encode window and will conform your clips accordingly.
May I ask what kind of timecode issues you are having?
Dual G5, iMac G5, PowerBook G4, IBook G4, G3, 604e Mac OS X (10.3.4)

How to import subtitles on 23.98fps video

Hi,
Usually, we do the 3:2 pulldown before encoding and we send a TCBI 29.97fps to the subtitling house so we can be sure that everything is in sync. But I read recently that's not the good workflow to keep the best picture quality.
I want to know what is the good format for subtitle if I've encoded my movie in 23.98fps. Does a .stl file with TC in 23.98fps could work even if the timeline in DVDSP is in 29.97? I'm afraid that it will get out of sync or the subtitle will always be too short.
I hope some of you have already tried that...
Thanks
Matt

Chances are, your STL file might work in the DVDSP track that's 23.98 fps. Import and check. To ensure that the sync is fine, I normally place a blank 1 frame subtitle at the first frame of the video and another blank 1 frame subtitle at the last frame. That way, after importing the STL in DVDSP, if the blank 1 frame subtitles lineup perfectly then the rest will be in sync.
If your STL doesn't work you will need to translate it from 29.97 fps to 23.98 fps.

Menu music volume level set?

anyone know how or if you can change the volume of the menu page music? I dropped in a piece as a menu asset. It sound a little soft. There is no metering in this program either. I'd like to be able to raise or lower the volume much as you can do in Final Cut with keyframe overlays in the timeline.
thx
DVDSP 4
Final cut suite 5.1.4

Hi David
You'll have to do this outside DVDSP then replace the old asset. DVDSP is not an editor..
Eric

Browser column question

I know that there is an "In" and "Out" column for each clip, but is there another way to have FCP automatically tell you if a clip is used in the timeline (like DVDSP does)? I have dozens of jpegs that I need to use and I want to be able to make sure I am using them all and not twice. Couldn't find anything in the manual.
Thanks.
Jonathan

No, there's way to do exactly what you want.
You can do a search for clips used in the Selected Sequences via a Find command, but that falls short of what you'd need (no way to track dupes, for example) and search results don't match back to the Browser.
Because of the way that FCP is built, I don't believe this is possible - as a hypthetical Used function would have multiple values (just think about how it would bloat every time you copy a sequence) and probably wouldn't have much benefit.

Linking files to one track

I've produced some commercials for a client, and exported them out of FCP using compressor. Made the client a DVD. Went well. Now he wants a DVD demo reel with all the commercials in catagories. In other words, one button for car commercials, one for golf courses, etc. Then on the button that says "car spots" He wants me to put all three spots back to back. When I add the other two spots to the timeline in DVDSP, I lose the video when it goes to the second spot. Audio continues, but no video. Is there a way to link all the separate MPEG files together, or do I have to go back and export a combined file in FCP with chapter markers?

Weclome to the Boards
You should be able to drag each video into the timeline and they should appear in order, sounds like something is amiss, are you sure you and bringing in files that have audio and video? If you have m2v and AC3 files just bring them in. If you have somee more details on what you are doing it may help find out where the issue is
As an aside, the project should be easy to do with stories.
Also download this, a Final Cut Project, DVD SP Project and the m2vs/AC3s I just put up to show you what I am trying to describe (sorry used Bars & Tones, so the sound is kind of annoying )
http://www.dvdstepbystep.com/ThreeVideos.dmg
And theen here for story info
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=4825091

Better quality DVD import

Hi,
I have some non-copyrighted home movies on DVD which I need to edit into my documentary project.
I'm trying to figure out how I could obtain the best image quality from these DVD's:
a. copy DVD from home DVD player to DVCAM tape via the S-Video input on my Sony DSR-11 deck. Then, log and capture into my Mac via Firewire from the DVCAM tape (which, I suppose, will become the new master).
b. import the Video_TS files on the DVD via software like DVDxDV or Cinematize
I would imagine both are viable options, but would choice A or choice B provide better image quality than the other?
Thanks for your help/advice!

I'm not kidding.
The hardware conversion by a good DV/Analog device
converted back to DV can look better than a software
conversion through DVDxDV or MPEG streamclip. Give it
a try - don't accept the our word on all this stuff.
The quality of the conversion through software
depends on the file, motion artifacts and a host of
other factors. Sometimes, the A/D converter will
smooth these out and you end up with a much better
looking file than you have a right to ...
Going up to 8bit from home made DVD's is a case of
GIGO. The closer you stay to the DVD format, the less
degredation likely. BEST case would be to cut in the
m2v format sections from the DVD into the timeline in
DVDSP.
Have fun.
x
Thanks--
I will try it both ways and try my best to compare. I need to edit lots and lots of this footage into a documentary, so would have to do it in FCP...
Your noting of the varying quality of software conversion (depending on the file, etc) is exactly what I was wondering about. So, yes, I will try it both ways!

What setting in compressor allows QT to start right away

I am unsure which setting allows a QT vid to start playing as it is being downloaded by the viewer. I have one video that is doing this and one tha isnt. what did i do different?
thanks

By far the best way to get the quality of encoding is to use Compressor and not DVDSP. You can set Compressor up to do the AC3 (which DVDSP can't do). Alternatively, use a better encoder than Compressor, such as BitVice or MegaPEG.X... but remember that these do not do AC3 encoding.
Keep the encoded assets all in a single folder on your mac, then drag that folder into the DVDSP 'Assets' tab. This will import them all and keep them in the folder, which is a neater way of doing things. Select all of the clips within the folder (or simply select the folder itself) and drag them on to the track - they will go on in alphabetic or numeric order (whichever you have used as your names). If using numbers, remember to use '01', '02', etc otherwise clip ten, eleven, twelve and so on will follow clip one... clip two will come after clip 19.
Drop them all on a single track. You can then point a menu button at the track and all of the clips will play one after the other. If you want black in between then you will be better adding this in a NLE such as Final Cut, then exporting the entire sequence of clips as a single file. Alternatively, create a black .pict file the correct dimensions for the video format you are using and manually add it in between each clip on the timeline. Or, create a series of black .pict files and name them 011, 021, 031 and so on. Place them in your folder of clips with the MPEGs named 01, 02 and so on. When you select all and drop it onto your timeline within DVDSP a black clip will go in between each piece of footage (sequence will be 01, 011, 02, 021, 03, 031 ). This is probably the quickest way to do it. You can reuse the same black .pict files for every project like this and as long as you follow the same naming convention it will always work.
Like anything you want to automate, the first couple of times take longer to set up. After that it is a lot easier.

Video Different Length Than Audio

Hi
I created a reference file in FCP and encoded through compressor. For some reason, the video length is a few frames longer than the audio. This is confusing my timeline in DVDSP.
Does anyone know what I'm doing wrong?
Thanks

I am shooting and capturing in DV-CAM, editing in Final Cut 5, and exporting using Compressor for DVD. I'm not doing any sample rate conversions or changes in frame rate.
The interesting thing was, after I investigated further, on some of the clips, Final Cut and DVD Studio Pro saw the compressed MPEG-2 video as being different lengths. Also, even though the audio and video showed as being up to 1 second different in length in DSP (on a 24-min. clip), when I put both on a timeline, they reconciled within a frame. There must be some kind of imbedded time code that is keeping them in sync.

Timeline in dvdsp

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