I am new to the world of DVD authoring and DV original. I am on a Mac-based Xpress Pro.
My show was shot in DV 16:9.
I export a QT (again 16:9) and import it into iDVD, also 16:9. My perfectly proportioned titles squeeze and all the cowboys get skinny. I know it's in the QT...
I have experimented with every export setting combination.
The QT looks right and I bring it into iDVD.
The result I get is a pillerboxed anamorphic image in the 16:9 iDVD window...


I tried squeezing it back down with a matte on a 4:3 field, but the client does not want a floating letterbox with very little vertical frame size, and they prefer cut off on the sides if they can fill the frame top to bottom..
I see other posts with related issues; but different scenarios, so, sorry if you all are tired of this topic.
The piece is short and I am not worried about file size.
I just bought my own Avid and did not cave in to FCP. But my director is saying "Well, my iMovie was so much better... and easier." and I need a good answer fast.
Any friend out there who can walk me through this? I would Fed-x cold Champagne... it's in the fridge,...

Sounds like the director would have the same issue-  I think IDVD is the problem, it makes the 16x9 into 4x3 animorphicly.   DVD Studio Pro most likely would not have this issue.

Check the DVD Studio Pro specs page to see if 16x9 authoiring is supported, then see about a copy for yourself, it will be worth the investment..

JDS

I know Encore isn't liked by all (and has some issues with QT on some setups in its current version 2.0...) but with Encore 2, I am able to set the 16:9 flag.  My workflow:

• Export QT file, no Avid DVD codec, not reference (big file!)
• Bring across to my authoring PC and import into Encore
• Set 16:9 flag
• use my favorite compression mix
• burn disk

Results are smooth and I've never had any problems with the disks and quality of the vision.  I gave up on Avid DVD as its menu systems were driving me nuts and the extra step through Sorenson + the interlacing issues made me look for another solution.  I am not sure what Studio ships with now so maybe its worth looking at an Avid DVD solution again...?

I second JDS - iDVD is probably the problem here. Encore has a free trial version for download if you want to have a look at it.

(edit) reading your post again - not sure if Encore comes in Mac flavor, don't think it does...)

Export QT ref from avid.

 

Open QT ref in QT pro.

 

Save as QT ref

 

Bring into idvd

 

Bobs your uncle