Authoring DVD-9 with Encore

[sky captain]

I have a client with a 2 hour movie, maybe longer.

I know I can author for dual layer with Encore. I'm wondering, can a single MPEG-2 get broken up over the two layers? Would I have to make sure the entire movie is less than 4.3 gigs, break it up into two MPG's, or would Encore somehow translate the one file across the layer change?

I'm just mulling this over now. I haven't tried to read the instructions yet.

[pstedman]

You can have the main movie last more than 2hrs. Encore will make the layer break between chapters.

One piece of advice I've read here is to make sure and set the disc type to 8.5GB DL at the very start of your project before you import any assets. If you change in the middle of authoring it can screw with Encore.

I've authored a number of DL discs with Encore and I use the following method:
1. Author disc in Encore
2. Build DVD image
3. Use DVD Decrypter or ImgBurn to burn the disc.

I use another app to burn the disc as I've had a few issues with burning straight from Encore. Also, DVD Decrpter or ImgBurn allows you to set the book type on your DL discs to DVD-ROM which helps increase compatibility.

If you read around the forums you'll learn that burning DL discs can be a hit or miss proposition.

[sky captain]

Thanks for the tips!

When doing single layer discs, I have noticed outputing the data as a "folder" with all the vob files gives an even better result than an image file. Then I burn the disc using Nero.

My goal is to have something to send to a DVD replicator. I'm not sure if they'll want two DVD-5's or one DVD-9.

It's good that Encore will make the break between chapters. Actually, I think I get a choice on where it will occur (?).