MiniDV to Premier to DVD-R - Thoughts and Process

[AmeliaK]

Just wondering what process your guys use to convert create a DVD from MiniDV source.

I just did my first one, but not sure if I went about it the best possible way.

I did the following:

1. Capture Video via firewire in AVI
2. Use Adobe Premier to Edit the Movie
3. Output to MiniDV AVI format to my HD (15min of video ended up being a 3.6GB file!!) I though 98SE only supported 2GB?
4. Used Ulead Movie Factory 2002SE to Author and convert the file (came with my Pioneer A06).

Any thought and advise would be much appreciated.

Kind Regards
Amelia

[Trust_No_1]

I believe Win98SE supports file sizes up to 4GB.

What you did is ok but bear in mind, Adobe Premiere 6.5 has a built in MPEG encoder. So you can eleviate the step of exporting to DV AVI format. You can export an MPEG-2 DVD compliant file directly from the timeline. Then use DVD authoring software to create a DVD.

1) Capture via firewire
2) Edit in Premiere 6.5
3) Export Premiere timeline to MPEG-2 DVD format
4) Use DVD authoring software

I assume that you do have the latest version of Premiere and that Moviefactory accepts MPEG-2 files.

Good luck!

[dcsos]

Do yourself a favor, unless you alread know and love moviefactory
TRY a more pro package like
1. DVD LAB
2. TMPG Author
3. Sonic Foundry DVD ARCHITECT
4. Adobe's forthcoming companion product

You might junk up your good work using the ulead product.. Its capable of good results, but only with careful workarounds to prevent it from
RE TRANSCODING your input material

and that first post was correct in the flow..I'm just talking about #4

[dds]

I do it exactly like what Trust_No_1 said. Premiere makes it so easy to push out to DVD.

As a side note, I went to my local Videographer Assoc. Meeting last month and there was a gentleman from Adobe there to show off Adobe Encore (DVD Authoring program). If you use all Adobe products like me, this is a must buy. Hits the streets REAL soon (summer 2003) for $549.00. What I liked the best is that you can create EVERYTHING! Menu, Titles, Buttons, etc. and you have total control over it all. Line up your buttons where you wants them, add motion to the menu, multi-language, Surround sound, blah, blah, blah. You can go to Adobe web site and read the .pdf to get familiar with it. Looks like Adobe did it again!!!

B.T.W., I just found the web site 2 days ago, and I love it! Great job guys (and gals)!

[AmeliaK]

Thanks, I am using Premier 6.0, I will upgrade and try out 6.5 and give it a go. I guess its good to know I am kinda on the right track.

I downloaded DVD LAB, but haven't had a chance to try it yet . . . Its only got a few days left!!! I guess I shouldn't have installed until I was ready to try it out.

Adobe Encore sounds great, but I am guessing you are Talking $549USD. In light of the price I think I will initially go with DVDLab.

Thanks a Lot guys, your guidance has been much appreciated.

Best Regards
Amelia