Using iMovie to Make a DVD with Chapter Markers

All,
Can someone explain the shortcomings of the following workflow to create a simple DVD with chapter markers?
1. Create each "chapter" as a separate project in FCP X.
2. Export each project using "Export project as QuickTime movie using current settings".
3. Import each QT movie into iMovie and place them into a single timeline in the desired order.
4. Add chapter markers at the start of each clip.
5. Choose Share>iDVD from within iMovie.
6. Choose desired templates, etc. then burn the DVD.
I have used this workflow successfully but want to make the best quality DVD possible and am concerned that I am making compromises with this method.
Thanks for your help.
Peter

As long as you aren't "optimizing" the movie when importing into iMovie, I think you aren't doing anything to degrade quality prior to sharing with iDVD.
I've read on other threads that you can add chapter markers using garage band. you might give that a try, as it would let you use just one project and would save you time if you have a lot of chapters. Export the same way from FCPX (quicktime, use current project settings) but open in Garage Band instead. Place chapter markers, then share to iDVD.
but want to make the best quality DVD possible
You should know weak link in your workflow regarding quality is iDVD, because you have extremely little access the settings that actually control quality. iDVD might end up creating an excellent quality DVD, but without knowledge of bitrate and whether it is VBR multipass vs CBR, you can't be sure.
Unfortunately, there is really no low cost option I know of (other than iDVD) on the Mac for creating "the best quality DVD possible" that also gives you flexible authoring tools (e.g., templates, menus, etc).

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Hi
A. Do not Use - Share to iDVD - in any iMovie version at all !
B. Start a BRAND NEW iDVD project
C. in iMovie'08 to 11 - Share to Media Browser and as LARGE - NOT HD or other resolution as quality will be even worse
- in iMovie HD6 - just close it and from within iDVD import the iMovie movie project icon (with a Star on it)
- FinalCut - Export as QuickTime Movie - NO QUICKTIME CONVERSION - AT ALL !
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imovie 6 was originally designed to import DV video streams from tape via firewire. However, in practise it can do much more. Useful sources of information:
iMovie 6 Help:
http://manuals.info.apple.com/en/iMovie_HD_6_Getting_Started.pdf
from which this is excerpt:
iMovie HD can transfer, or import,
video in many video formats and from many different
types of camcorders, including DV camcorders (including those that support
widescreen) and high definition (HDV) camcorders. In most cases, iMovie HD can
automatically recognize and import the video you’re using, so you don’t have to pay
attention to video formats.
In this step, you will import your own video into your iMovie project. If you have a
camcorder with a FireWire connection, follow the instructions to connect your
camcorder and import the video using the capture controls in iMovie HD. If you have
another type of digital video device or have footage in a file on your computer, see the
instructions on page 13.
To import video from a camcorder:
1
Set the camcorder to VTR mode (some camcorders call this Play or VCR) and turn it on,
if necessary.
2
Connect your camcorder to your computer using a FireWire cable.
This MaciLife PDF is also good:
http://www.macilife.com/PDF/iMovie_HD_6_Chapter.pdf
There is also a video tutorial here (with links to others):
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=654013474999069361#
The excerpt I quoted from the Apple link is less informative than it could be. It also succesfully imports video from my Fuji FinePix S4500 (actually a digital still camera) via USB2, as well from my Sony video camera via firewire!
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Welcome to the Boards
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http://dvdstepbystep.com/fasttrackover.php
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Hi
Got problem with Chapters too - It was my own fault.
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Ladies and Gentlemen,
Please could you help me?
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Using iMovie to Make a DVD with Chapter Markers

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