DVD authoring questions

[Beach Bum]

Major-

Amazing program! Though I am new to it, I use it to Author DVD’s. Couple of questions I can’t figure out.

How do I know when to use dvd mpeg2enc vs dvd ffmpeg?
With the calculator should I be hitting one of the buttons when it’s defaults green at 4000kbit?
How do I enable the “5 sec test clip” button? It’s greyed out.
Is there a way to add chapters when converting from a QT movie?
For letter box movies How do I know to use 1.85, 16:9 or DVD 16:9?
Under options should I be clicking any of the ffmpeg options? Are they helpful for DVD’s?

-Tim

[Case]

For letter box movies How do I know to use 1.85, 16:9 or DVD 16:9?

For encoding to DVD, use Autosize "DVD" for 4:3 movies and "DVD 16:9" for widescreen movies. The 'DVD' part will ensure the valid video size of 720x480 (NTSC) or 720x576 (PAL) and the 'DVD 16:9' will also set the proper aspect ratio for playback.

Under options should I be clicking any of the ffmpeg options? Are they helpful for DVD’s?

The options will lengthen the encoding process, but may improve the quality. The website lists what each option does. I wouldn't try to use 'only I-frames' or 'qpel' for DVD encoding, but the others can be used as you see fit.

[Case]

How do I know when to use dvd mpeg2enc vs dvd ffmpeg?

Either one will do. If you encounted problems with one, you can try the other. ffmpeg is pretty fast, mpeg2enc has some cool options.

With the calculator should I be hitting one of the buttons when it’s defaults green at 4000kbit?

No need to, most of the times. Read up on the bitrate calculator on the website.

How do I enable the “5 sec test clip” button? It’s greyed out.

It's not available for this type of conversion.

Is there a way to add chapters when converting from a QT movie?

Not in ffmpegX. But you could use Toast, Sizzle, DVD Studio Pro, CaptyDVD and/or Metahoot.
https://forum.videohelp.com/viewtopic.php?t=291912
https://forum.videohelp.com/viewtopic.php?t=290646