STEP 1: Add markers in FCP HD
Strike the "M" key twice to add a marker to the timeline in FCP HD and open the "Edit Marker" dialog box. Click the Chapter and/or Compression buttons to define the Marker’s function. Chapter markers let viewers skip to specific points in the timeline. By putting compression markers at scene changes, you’ll end up with higher quality in the encoded video.
STEP 2: Export from FCP HD
In FCP HD, use the File/Export/Using Compressor pull-down menu to export the sequence to "Compressor." This automatically opens Compressor’s Batch Window. Export any additional FCP HD sequences at this time.
STEP 3: Compress your video
In the Batch Window in Compressor, use the pull-down menus to select the Compression Settings, Destination Folder, and Output Filename for the sequences. Submit the batch for processing.
STEP 4: Haul your assets into DVD Studio Pro
In DVD Studio Pro, use the File/Import/Asset pull-down menu to import the newly created DVD compliant video and audio assets from the Destination Folder, in the previous step, to the "Assets" panel in DVD Studio Pro.
STEP 5: Select a DVD Studio Pro template
Apply a template from the "Templates" tab in the palette by double clicking on it. Inspect the template: Does it fit your needs in terms of graphic style and basic structure? If not, customize it.
STEP 6: Customize the template
Add or subtract buttons to the main menu using the Edit/Duplicate pull-down menu or the Delete key. Replace the text placeholders with your own text.
STEP 7: Program the menus, buttons and tracks
Add video tracks using the Project/Add to Project/Track pull-down menu. Drag your video and audio assets to the video tracks. Now, when you select a menu, button, or track, use the Inspector window to program button targets, end behaviors for video tracks and all other behaviors. Designating a video track as the "Asset" for a button causes the button to have motion, rather than be static.
STEP 8: Simulate the disk performance
Select the "Simulate" icon from the toolbar. Use the software DVD controller to test the performance of all the buttons, menus and video tracks.
STEP 9: Burn your disc
When satisfied with the look and performance of your disc, press the "Burn" icon, insert a blank disc, and wait for your disc to format and burn. To burn additional copies of the same disc, select "Format."
YOUR GUIDE
David Leathers
Filmmaker/Musician
Eye Square Productions
David is a musician, filmmaker, technologist and writer. After moving to Los Angeles, he acquired extensive training in audio and video engineering, film and video production.
David Says Keep In Mind…
On a recent broadcast commercial project, shot in Sony XDCAM, my goal was to do everything the four spots required within the Apple Final Cut Pro Studio environment, with one exception: there was no immediate reason to use DVD Studio Pro. But once our client brought its ad committee into the process, we realized that the most efficient way to communicate our progress – and give the committee a chance to review cuts and share input – was to create quick DVDs using DVD Studio Pro’s installed templates.
The DVDs for each of the spots showcased the quality of our original footage, which would have been lost on VHS tape or as a Web stream. Plus, the discs impressed the client so much the company ordered additional custom DVDs to run in company showrooms and trade show booths. What started out as a communication tool became a deliverable and now draws additional income.
Eye Square Productions
Culver City, CA
ph. 310.837.6391
dl@eysq.com
Support Gear: Apple G5 Dual 2.7 GB, Apple Final Cut Pro Studio, Sony XDCAM, AJA Kona 2 video card, RME Fireface 800 Audio Interface