btwien:

Once I have this QT.mov and I would like to make DVD's out of it, how would that go?
Quality is good enough for that?

If the file is just referencing your media, why wouldn't it be "good enough"?

In a nutshell,

Take your QTref into a 3rd party encoder, create a DVD compliant MPEG-2 file, bring that MPEG-2 file into your DVD authoring app.

btwien:

I need to convert my .wav to .ac3 for this, as you say right? Could I do this

You don't "need" to convert it, but I do for my own DVDs just to save space

For the encoding all around you can use Sorenson Squeeze, which you should already have as part of the MC package.  

Kenton.VanNatten:

btwien:

Once I have this QT.mov and I would like to make DVD's out of it, how would that go?
Quality is good enough for that?

..............In a nutshell,
Take your QTref into a 3rd party encoder, create a DVD compliant MPEG-2 file, bring that MPEG-2 file into your DVD authoring app..................................................For the encoding all around you can use Sorenson Squeeze, which you should already have as part of the MC package.  

Kenton,
Probably I am beginning to sound boring and annoying on this topic, but I must add yet again....

Why use Squeeze to create a compliant MPEG-2 file?
Answer: Because some authoring programmes need such a file to be able to load it. e.g. DVDLab does not have a built in encoder.

However the user who has Squeeze in the box also likely has AvidDVD.
Avid DVD has its own, very capable encoder built in.
Going through Squeeze to AvidDVD is adding a step that can introduce problems. There are settings and templates that can be chosen and modified........ all this not only gives a greater control and also a greater chance of messing things up. For newcomers this can be a problem.

AvidDVD can "import" the QTreference file from MC and transcode it correctly for burning to DVD without any steps between.

By the way this is NOT a rant, I am saying everything in a composed frame of mind.
Just wanted to counter balance the "take your QTref into a 3rd party encoder" advice.
In the end it is up to the user to make his/her own decision.

Regards,
Douglas

drbgaijin:

Just wanted to counter balance the "take your QTref into a 3rd party encoder" advice.
In the end it is up to the user to make his/her own decision.

You are absolutely right to suggest the alternatives.  As I always say, "there's more than one way to skin a cat."

I prefer to go through the 3rd party encoder because I feel that I have more control over my bitrates, frame sizes, etc than I would going direct into the DVD app.  

I also prefer to use Episode for the encoding, DVD StudioPro for the authoring and Toast for the actual burning.  

@ Douglas

I do not have AvidDVD in my package, but it sounds interesting. How expensive is it?

btwien:

I do not have AvidDVD

Where did you get your Media Composer?

@Kenton

I did get my Media Composer 2.8.4 Academic version at Videoguys.com. Why?
Should it be in there? Is it in there under a certain MC element?

I see a "send to >> Avid Studio" option under file...

btwien:

Academic version

Ah, that's why.  Academic version does not include any printed documentation or 3rd party apps.  

Too bad... so what is another option?

http://www.avid.com/products/Media-Composer-Software/suite.asp says otherwise... the last paragraph/last sentence.

interesting

Isn't that the option:

File > send to > Avid Studio > Encoding for AvidDVD by Sonic?

Any new thoughts on this? Just returned from a long weekend away....

Thanks for your input!

Any answers on this one? Further thoughts ??

Thanks for the input, appreciated!

I'm assuming you're asking about other options for encoding and burning to DVD in reference to your question above.  

Your options would be to a) purchase the retail version of Media Composer b) purchase the 3rd party apps on your own (I don't know if they qualify for academic discounts) c) look for other 3rd Party apps that will do the same tasks.

Sorry, I was not very clear with my question...

I posted the quote below awhile ago and am wondering if that gives any options in the "encoding and burning to DVD" battle ;-)

Isn't that the option:

File > send to > Avid Studio > Encoding for AvidDVD by Sonic?