I have a 5-yr-old system.  Avid Xpress DV 4.5.1 with QT 6.5, Sorenson Squeeze 3.5, and Sonic DVDit! 5.1.1.  I have only worked with aspect ratios of 4:3 in the past, but have since started using a JVC Everio camcorder with 16:9. 

I haven't noticed a huge loss in quality in the past, but since upgrading to my new camera, the loss is obvious.  The first issue I notice is the interlacing going on in QuickTime when exporting as a reference file (horizontal lines everywhere, especially in bright areas).  If I go directly to DVD using this file from QT, the objects appear blurred. 

If I use Squeeze, The picture worsens and becomes jumpy--especially with light sources (kinda gives you a headache).  I imagine this has something to do with the fact that I haven't upgraded from the version that came with Avid, and so I can't change the video output in Squeeze to 16:9.  I click the "Upgrade" button when the window pops up, but it leads me nowhere.

My goal is pretty simple: to get the video I edited to look the same on DVD as it did in Avid.  How is this possible if the Quicktime files (my only real option for export) are junk?  Can I still get a version of Squeeze that will work with my setup?

Much thanks,

Ty

Check your read me file for QT compatibility...

and you might try the free Sorenson download:

https://www.sorensonmedia.com/store/viewcart/

Squeeze is a stand alone, so it need not be "compatible" per se...

Thanks for the reply.  I just attempted installing the free trial version, but it won't continue without QT 7.  Of course, my version of Avid won't work with QT 7.  I have the correct version (6.5) currently, [Avid ReadMe: "Avid tested and approved the use of Apple QuickTime version 6.5 with Avid Xpress DV v4.5.1."].  Any other ideas?

I am afraid that you have simply run into the inevitable challenges involved in the fact that it isn't possible or feasible for older software to keep up with newer technologies. Avid Xpress DV has not been supported for some time...neither has Xpress Pro for that matter.

I know this isn't what you want to hear, but upgrading to Media Composer would solve the dilemma...

Bummer.

Do you know of another way for me to get my project out of Avid and onto DVD?  For instance, can I take my edited video from Avid to either Windows Movie Maker or CyberLink PowerProducer (came with the JVC camera) without exporting a QuickTime file?  I've tried using my own brainpower with no success. 

What does an upgrade to Media Composer cost?  I'm searching the possibilities according to what I need (I do mostly wedding videos, church-related media, and some music video gigs), and am considering Apple products.  Any outstanding reason to remain true to Avid and PC?

Lots of questions.  I appreciate your time and input.

Ty