I exported a one hour project from Prem 6.5 using the MPEG2 export option.I burned a DVD using MyDVD which came with the Sony burner and it worked OK, at a data rate of 6000 (Medium bit-rate PAL)- 4x burning.
Looking for a slightly better quality I tried High bit-rate PAL setting with MyDVD (8000).
The software tries to build the DVD files but stops with the message that the bit-rate is too high.
Can someone please comment on where the problem is likely to be. Should I be using other software to make a higher bit-rate DVD?
Have you noticed a significant quality difference if you do manage to make higher bit-rate DVDs?
I have DVDIt LE which came with Prem 6.5, but have not managed to get working with it yet - basically it seems only to offer the initial selections of NTSC/PAL and MPEG1/2 but then instead of ´Forward´I can only choose between Cancel and Back.
Is there a trick to getting through the first few steps of using DVDIt, having already produced the MPEG2?
JIMP
Try visit WWW.DVDHELP.COM
You might find some clues there.
Thanks for the tip. I found several items of interest - basically at present I am holding a copy of DVDIt! LE which came with Premiere 6.5 and a copy< of MyDVD v4 which came with the Sony burner. The DVD IT! did work after some fiddling.
Both of these products will use only PCM audio - even converting other (less bit-intensive audio formats) into PCM which limits the bit stream setting for video to reduce the probability of exceeding the practical limit of about 10MBps for the MPEG2 data stream.
DVD authoring software can be fairly expensive (must admit a MyDVD upgrade to v5 deluxe is only USD70) and some has quite critical reviews on the web.
The most recent Computer Video magazine has several useful comments on Premiere Encore and on the possibility of an upgrade from Ulead.
It would be useful to have any comments about current experiences and opinions on DVD authoring software : mid-range, 'amateur' products with good functionality, easy to use and not super expensive. Any experiences to share?
JIMP
I used DVDit SE and LE, did not like either product. The PE version gives stereo AC3 encoding to reduce the audio bitrate to a resonable level and allow 2-hour DVD
I like and am now using ReelDVD, also from Sonic, but it is a no-frills product that lets you get close to the metal so to speak. It also does Stereo AC3 endoding (but not 5.1). Note, with this product you create your menu/graphics using other products, like Photoshop. A bit of a learning curve (no wizards) but gives control over the project tahat was missing or cumbersom with DVDIt. There is a DEMO version (14 days) that you can D/L and try.
Encore may be an interesting product, good deals if you are a student. It amy require XP as does the new versions of Premiere.
[This message has been edited by dpalomaki (edited 28 November 2003).]
You might take a look here: http://www.mediachance.com/dvdlab/index.html
I switched from DVDit to DVDLab last year, and have had good success with it.
JR