Ok maybe Ill check it out. Thanks guys

Hold on for a while! I think an other authoring suite will not solve your problem! You will have to understand what your progs do with your files. You have a QT-Reference file. It's just 1,9MB because it only reffers to the media in your "OMFI Mediafiles"/"Avid Media Files" folder. You can test it by renaming your mediafiles folder (temporarily, and Avid has to be closed!!!!) and try to playback the QT-Ref. Won't work. OK, so QT-Ref is NOT a movie file, but a quicktime-file with lots of information where the original media is. (STOP: have you renamed the mediafiles folder to it's original name? Be prepared that maybe you'll have to re-export the QT-Ref. It could be that the file gets confused when we mess around in such a manner  )

Now we throw the QT-Ref in an encoder, such as squeeze. Or directly in AvidDVD. In AvidDVD go to File -> Project Settings. There is a tab "SD Transcoding". There you can specify how high the bitrate for video and audio shall be. With a total length of over an hour you'll have to go somewhere like "CBR" & "4500kbps". Audio is PCM if you haven't set up the wedding in Dolby Surround . You could have better results with variable bitrates (VBR), but then you'll have to do a bit of testing (we want to put it on a single layer 4.7GB-DVD, right?). Because the bitrate determines how big your MPEG/VOB files will get!

The Squeeze-way: throw QT-Ref in. I'd choose the MPEG2_[PAL/NTSC]_16x9_Lg setting as a start. Doubleclick on the settings in the batchlist. Check all the settings. It should look something like that:

"Format constraints: DVD (MPEG2)" "Stream Type: Elementary"

Audio:

"Codec: MPEG Layer 2 Audio" "Data Rate: 224 Kbps" "Sample Size: 16" "Sample Rate: 48000" "Channels: Stereo"

Fine. Video:

"Codec: MPEG-2 Video" "Method: 1-Pass CBR" "Data Rate: 4500 Kbps" (=same as in AvidDVD: You'll have to test it. 1h40min is long, if the file gets to big with 4500 Kbps choose a smaller bandwidth or try VBR) "Frame Size: [PAL: 720w 576h] [NTSC: 720w 480h]" "Display Aspect Ratio Policy: Unconstrained" "Frame Rate: [PAL: 25] [NTSC: 29.97]"

Squeeze it!

I don't say Encore isn't powerfull, in fact it is, but it will not solve your problems with badly encoded files.

 

hope that helps, let me know if it worked! g_f 

general_failure:

I don't say Encore isn't powerfull, in fact it is, but it will not solve your problems with badly encoded files.

And that's the truth!  In fact, although I use Encore, I still compress with Squeeze.  I feel that I have more direct control over the process that way,

general_failure:

I don't say Encore isn't powerfull, in fact it is, but it will not solve your problems with badly encoded files.

Where does this post suggest badly encoded files? The original post says Avid DVD throws up a (typically Sonic) error message like File does not appear to be compatible with current Avid DVD preferences. Then happily reencodes the "non compliant" 2.2GB file to a massive 6.4GB file that wont fit on a single layer DVD.  Very smart

 

Why not throw up a usefull message like File has Open GOP's.  Error not serious (unless you want accurate chapters) do you want to continue? Instead we have to dig through all Avid DVD's preferences. Set them so they are happy with the files we want to import (in this case Sorenson DVD small) yet still author compliant DVD's. How many of us have or need that sort of detailed knowledge??

AndrewAction:

Where does this post suggest badly encoded files?

Exactly here:

ppl:

the question is why when I try to import it into avid dvd 6.0 do I get a  message saying "one or more file(s) you are importing appear not to be DVD compliant and may require transcoding to your current prefference settings."

It seems to be not, as you say, incomptible with current AvidDVD preferences but rather not DVD compliant.

I don't think it helps users to tell 'em: get a more expensive tool. I'd rather try to get it done with what I have.

Sadly I am still waiting for a reply from ppl if it worked as I described.

AndrewAction:

Instead we have to dig through all Avid DVD's preferences. Set them so they are happy with the files we want to import (in this case Sorenson DVD small) yet still author compliant DVD's. How many of us have or need that sort of detailed knowledge??

I think DVD-authoring has become so normal to us because of consumer apps like nero etc. that we sometimes don't want to accept that DVD-authoring is a craft on its own. Search for "DVD specs" on the web and you'll have a good time reading for the next few days.

I don't know by mind if every VBR is DVD compliant but I know that a lot of mistakes or errors can be avoided when using CBR. We haven't talked of field probs yet, anyone? I had totally different output once when going thru' different encoders w/ basically the same settings...and that's just the video part, fun starts when you create your own menus with subpictures for selected menu items, short clips as transitions etc.

What I want to say is: Yes, DVD-authoring is extensive. But hey, we'll get this done, right? And my to-do-list is just my proposal how I would have done it.

 

greetz, g_f 

 

general_failure:

require transcoding to your current prefference settings

Depends how you read computer speak!  CSA2A  Appear not to be  "based on your current Avid DVD preferences" DVD compliant, As I said typical useless error message. Especially when the program then APPEARS to think it is doing you a favour by transcoding to a file that wont fit on a single layer DVD.

I would be willing to bet that if you change some of your, very limited settings, options in Avid DVD it would import the file with no error message.

general_failure:

Search for "DVD specs" on the web and you'll have a good time reading for the next few days.

Having authored several DVD's a week for the last 8 years and had less than a handfull of regets I can assure you I have read most of those several times over.

general_failure:

And my to-do-list is just my proposal how I would have done it.

And a very valid method. But it is just one of many that work properly.

AndrewAction:

Having authored...

Sorry, didn't mean to offend you, it's late and I need a nap I guess. I just wanted to point out that authoring is a craft on its own.

 

good night, g_f

doublepost

Gentlemen,
I have watched this thread with interest, but hoped you would find some answers without my appearance......

I am not replying to anyone in particular. You all have bits and pieces of the puzzle.

Here are some bits and pieces which may help you understand AvidDVD. (My experience goes back more than 4 years with Sonic DVDitPro.... later DVDitProHD)

1. Sonic is choosy about the files it can accept as DVD or Blu-Ray compliant.
There is a sticky on Sonic/Roxio's Support Page Forums.
I have tried the settings mentioned there and had mixed results.

When the message pops up - just go ahead as if nothing happened.

It will mean that some or all of the files you are importing will be transcoded at some point.

This irritates some people and they try and find out how to make compliant files.
In extreme cases I know of users who have transcoded a file all night in order to get it to be accepted by DVDit.
In my case I prefer to skip ALL intermediate transcoding, whether it be Squeeze, Procoder etc. etc. or not.

Let DVDit take care of the transcoding. (NB. Certain formats may require some sort of conversion before going to DVDit. I have only experience with HDV files, later mixed down before wxporting as a QT reference file.)

Why are the files getting bigger and bigger as you progress through DVDit?

Well I am not sure but I have a wild idea. It is only at the final stage of the authoring -  when you go to the "Burn as..." menu that you have to decide if you want a DVD or a Blu-Ray output.
Until you get to that point I think that DVDit is working at the highest possible resolution..... so that it already has the files ready for Blu-Ray final output.... and if you choose DVD it will downconvert them to the correct resolution. (Both DVD and Blu-Ray resolutions are set in the Preferences menu)
It would be rather stupid to for DVDit to downconvert to a DVD resolution when it was importing the file... and then try and upres it again, if you chose Blu-Ray in the final step.
So I think it is keeping your QT file at the same resolution as it is in MC, until the final step.

Sonic Support has never been good, in my opinion. Except for 1 person who knew his stuff and would reply to questions sent in to the Tech Support (Sonic/Roxio forums have very little support - if any - from the staff).
Unforunately that person no longer works for them!

So to summarise the most important point: What works for me, and has worked for more than 4 years, is to import your sequence from your NLE directly into DVDit. No middle steps.
From MC the best way is via a QT-reference file. From Avid Liquid the best way is through a Fuse of the timeline.
I have used Procoder and Squeeze to see if I could find a better way - and I couldn't find one!

Oh! one final point. There is some confusion about the meaning of the word "Authoring".
Taking a file from your NLE and burning it onto a DVD does not warrant the description of "Authoring".
Authoring means that you will constuct a system of chapters/chapter points/menues etc. etc. so that you are "authoring" your files into a more "readable" user friendly interface.

Good luck to you all in the world of authoring..................

Regards,
Douglas

Douglas is quite correct. What DVDit does, it does well. While I have had sucess with TmpGe, it can be hit or miss, and usually a waste of useful time.

I am quite a fusspot regarding image quality, and have concluded that while standalone encoders may give more options, the end result does not justify the effort.

drbgaijin:

When the message pops up - just go ahead as if nothing happened.

Hi Douglas. This was essentially the first answer the original poster received and his second post indicated it worked. Apart from asking why Sonic has such weird behavior (the spark for the rest of the posts) we have not seen them since.

Glad DVDit works for you. I am biased and have hated DVDit's stupid error messages and lack of support since the very first DVDit. So I upgraded that to DVDit pro and found out that was just as bad.  Reel DVD was an improvement but it's UI was guaranteed to have you pulling your hair out.

Did you ever have any success with that PAL Blu-Ray?

 

Hello Andrew,

I only came into the thread to try and explain why I think DVDit acts like it does, with the files getting bigger.

The messages about non-compliant files can be turned off I think.

Under Preferences/ File control you have 3 choices:

1. Import and attempt to transcode non-compliant files at burn-time

2. Don't import non-compliant files

3. Always ask me what to do.

3 is the default setting. Choose 1 instead and I don't think you will see the messages again.

I have not been able to play your PAL Blu-ray on a Blu-Ray player yet.
I can watch it on a computer..... but I really want to see it on a full-HD screen.
The whole programme was "riveting" and although it isn't about one of my big interests - it was so well edited that I just could not stop watching!!

Regards,
Douglas

 

drbgaijin:

I really want to see it on a full-HD screen.

I couldddddd send you my useless PAL Sony BluRay player   Thanks for the kind words!!!

 

drbgaijin:

to try and explain why I think DVDit acts like it does,

It takes a brave man to try and explain the inexplicable.  

As the posters original file was somewhere around 1.5 hours long (from memory) I think all Avid DVD did was re encoded the original 2500kbs (approx) file into a 7500kbs to 8000kbs file. (just guessing at the bitrates before anyone feels the need to calculate it exactly and point out how wrong I am.  )

 

 

drbgaijin:

Gentlemen,
I have watched this thread with interest, but hoped you would find some answers without my appearance......

1. Sonic is choosy about the files it can accept as DVD or Blu-Ray compliant.
There is a sticky on Sonic/Roxio's Support Page Forums.
I have tried the settings mentioned there and had mixed results.

When the message pops up - just go ahead as if nothing happened.

It will mean that some or all of the files you are importing will be transcoded at some point.

This irritates some people and they try and find out how to make compliant files.
In extreme cases I know of users who have transcoded a file all night in order to get it to be accepted by DVDit.
In my case I prefer to skip ALL intermediate transcoding, whether it be Squeeze, Procoder etc. etc. or not.

Let DVDit take care of the transcoding. (NB. Certain formats may require some sort of conversion before going to DVDit. I have only experience with HDV files, later mixed down before wxporting as a QT reference file.)

So to summarise the most important point: What works for me, and has worked for more than 4 years, is to import your sequence from your NLE directly into DVDit. No middle steps.
From MC the best way is via a QT-reference file. From Avid Liquid the best way is through a Fuse of the timeline.
I have used Procoder and Squeeze to see if I could find a better way - and I couldn't find one!

I did refer to your well written tutorials in my first post Douglas, just to study and evaluate for the OP I think.

Using external decoders for creating ready made files is the next step in a long learning curve and, as Douglas says, it isn´t needed in most cases.

So, study the tutorials, make some easy test projects for yourselffor at a start, remembering that your first multi linked and multi paged dvd project not might be the very first terrific and fantastic project that you never created, easy steps from the beginning is the first rule.

Okay, I've done a test project with my squeeze workflow as described:

AvidDVD doesn't like the *.m2a mpeg2-audiofile squeeze threw out, I forgot to mention that. But wait: from our QT-Ref export we still have the according *.wav. Threw that into AvidDVD. Since WAV is not DVD compliant (sorry, couldn't resist) AvidDVD converts the WAV into something we have set up in the File -> Project Settings -> SD Transcoding tab. Video (*.m2v) keeps being untouched, because it's fine for use as a videostream on a Video-DVD, I think. No errormessage poped up (haven't changed anything like

drbgaijin:

1. Import and attempt to transcode non-compliant files at burn-time

2. Don't import non-compliant files

3. Always ask me what to do.

 

3 is the default setting. Choose 1 instead and I don't think you will see the messages again.

So I think that workflow should work for anyone!?

drbgaijin:

In my case I prefer to skip ALL intermediate transcoding, whether it be Squeeze, Procoder etc. etc. or not.

Let DVDit take care of the transcoding.

That was the first way I described. Easier this could be achieved by not exporting at all, but do a "send to...", I think you, drbgaijin, have described this workflow in a tutorial too?! 

mjolnarn:

Using external decoders for creating ready made files is the next step in a long learning curve and, as Douglas says, it isn´t needed in most cases.

Hm, in most cases you want to give your customer a preview version, say an MPG1 or small WMV or something like that. Given that it's good to know your encoding software and it's strengths and weaknesses.

AndrewAction:

I think all Avid DVD did was re encoded the original 2500kbs (approx) file into a 7500kbs to 8000kbs file. (just guessing at the bitrates before anyone feels the need to calculate it exactly and point out how wrong I am.  )

Yes, it wanted to reencode to the given settings set up in "File -> Project Settings -> SD Transcoding". But WHY? Because AvidDVD wasn't happy with the MPG2. That was the problem we were asked to solve. I think we found several ways to go ahead, now it's on ppl, the OP here, to choose one and tell us if he's happy again!

keep it up, it's good to have active discussions about things like that! greetz to you all, g_f