Using MPEG Append

Preparation

Encode

Encode each of the MPEG files that you will append. You can change parameters that affect the quality of the encoding, but not the fundamental characteristics. For example, you can change the bit rate, but you cannot mix 16x9 MPEGs with 4x3 MPEGs

Rename

To be recognized by DVD SP (and MPEG Append) multi-segment files must follow strict naming rules. The first file should have no suffix (.m2v) or number (.00) appended. Each additional file should the name of the first, followed by a period and a number between 1 and 99.

As of version 0.9b5, these requirements have been relaxed. Any filename will now be processed, regardless of suffix or lack of one. In addition, the first file may be designated with either '.0' or '.00'.

For example, if the first file name was "DogCatcher.m2v", then rename it to "DogCatcher". The next file will be "DogCatcher.01", the next "DogCatcher.02" and so on. No more than 100 files can be appended at one time. It is also possible to use names of the form "DogCatcher.1" and "DogCatcher.2", but the expected ordering will not be maintained in Finder list views when the number of files exceeds 10.

Append

Drag the first file onto the MPEG Append application. You will be asked where to save the output file(s). You can use the pop-up to select either one large file or files the same size as input.

You can also select what type of timecode is used in the output file from a pop-up at the bottom of the Save As dialog. Choose Drop Frame (default), Non-drop Frame or the style of the first file to be appended.

If you need to synchronize the timecode of the video with some external value (for the placement of markers from a tape reference, for example), you can reset the initial timecode. Check the box and enter a new starting timecode for the files you will append.

Author

When the append operation is complete, MPEG Append will quit. If you already have a DVD Studio Project set up, just drag the first output file to the Assets folder.

In addition to the MPEG file, MPEG Append creates two additional text files, a log file and a DVD SP project description. Both start with the name of the first file, with either the suffix '.log' or '.dsc'.

The '.log. file shows the timecodes within the file where each segment was added. If you were doing scene encoding, you can use these values to add markers.

The '.dsc' file contains a textual description of a simple DVD project based on the files you appended together. To open this simple project, close any existing projects in DVD Studio Pro. This will enable the 'Load Description…' item in the file menu.

Select it and navigate to the appropriate '.dsc' file. Open it. The resulting project will contain the single MPEG asset, with aspect ration and TV system type settings appropriate to its content. The MPEG file will be set as the startup action and markers will be set at the beginning of each of the segments that you appended.