How to get the best from your DVD's?

[bananadude]

Are there guides anywhere on how to get the optimum quality from DVD's when you create them? I don't have any trouble creating DVD's, and regularly use Vegas, Adobe Encore etc. to create projects, but I do wonder if I'm getting the best quality I can. I see some DVD's that look pretty shoddy, and others that look much better. There is obviously a knack to it, although I know the source material is the biggest factor. Problem is with so many programmes out there, I guess there will always be a mixed bag in terms of quality and different ways to achieve the results you want. Any resources/guides relating to Vegas and Encore would be useful though. Thanks...

[guns1inger]

I have never found anything that specifically addresses quality issues beyond the basics

1. Source is king. Start with shoddy source and you are on the back foot to begin with

2. Be realistic with running times. Even DV source needs a good bitrate. Keep the running times to 70 minutes or less where possible.

3. Learn the art of colour correction and manipulation. A lot of footage, especially footage shot indoors or in less than optimal lighting, looks dull and flat. Learn how to correct contrast, black levels and colour correct to make the footage pop and have depth. Even subtle corrections (and most should be subtle) can enhance the look substantially.