Below is an extensive list of questions and answers about our process when creating a DVD. Please be sure to read through this whole document, and understand both what we do, and what needs to be done, before sending your tapes or files to us. If, after reading this, you still haven't questions, please feel free to give a call, and we'll help you organize and prepare your data step-by-step.
EquipmentWhat kind of equipment do you use to create my DVD?
At DVDHawaii, we only use cutting-edge, industry-standard Apple Power Macintosh computers. Our DVD workstation is a new-model G4733 Processor, one of the fastest Macs on the market today. We author our DVD's with the new Pioneer DVR-A03 DVD-R/RW drive, the first such drive widely available to the public. To capture our footage, we use a Sony WV-DR7 dual DV/VHS deck, a high-quality deck that provides professional video capture and output quality. In terms of software, we author all our DVD's using Apple's iDVD and DVD Studio Pro applications, and use Final Cut Pro and Adobe Photoshop to create the graphic elements. We also using Terran's Cleaner 5 to provide encoding and media conversion services.
What videotape formats do you support?
At this time, we can accept videotapes in MiniDV, MiniDVCAM, DV, DVCAM, VHS, S-VHS & 8mm formats. We can also accept Betacam SP, Digital-8, and 3/4" at a reasonable additional fee. Other higher end formats, such as HDCAM, Digibeta, or D1 will require an additional rental fee due to the high cost of the equipment.
Do you work with PAL footage?
Not at this time. If there is enough demand, we will consider PAL support.
Will you accept digital files?
Yes. You may provide us with your footage in QuickTime format. The files should be compressed using a generic software codec, such as Animation, or a DV stream. If you use a hardware codec (such as on a Media 100) we will not be able to read the file. And although not required, it is preferred that you provide both audio and video as separate files, if at all possible.
Do you support 16:9 video?
We most certainly do. Please let us know in advance if you will be providing 16:9 footage.
Do you support surround sound?
Yes we do. When taking advantage of our advanced DVD authoring package, your project is always mastered in AC-3 Dolby Digital (unless you specify otherwise). If you provide us with the files necessary for a 5.1 Surround Sound audio track, we can encode those files into a full-surround sound experience. If your footage is mono or stereo, it will still be encoded as an AC-3 2-channel track, with Pro-Logic Surround encoding, if preferred.
Do you do surround sound mixing?
No, we don't do Surround Sound mixing. For a 5.1 Surround sound audio track, you must provide the appropriate channels as separate files. Feel free to call and ask for tips on file preparation for 5.1 AC-3 encoding.
What format is my DVD mastered to?
All DVD services we provide include a single DVD-R output, include the case and labels.
Can I have multiple copies made?
Yes. We can provide additional DVD-R copies at an additional cost on a sliding scale. Please see our rate card for prices.
Do you provide masters suitable for replication?
Unfortunately, not at this time. Masters suitable for replication are typically provided on DVD-R for authoring or on DLT Type III tape. Currently our equipment only handles DVD-R for General usage. So while we can create as many DVD-R's of your project as you like, we can not provide a glass master for replication. With DVD-R starting to take hold in the marketplace, please check with your post-production facility, as they might now be able to mass duplicate a DVD using a DVD-R for General master. Also, we do plan on adding a DLT drive in the near future.
Can you output dual-layer format DVD's?
No. While we can create dual-layer DVD project files, DVD-R drive can not handle dual-layer mastering. When we add our DLT drive in the near future we will be able to output dual-layer project onto a master tape suitable for replication at a pressing plant. Also keep in mind that, depending on bit-rate and source quality, we can fit more than 3 hours of footage on a single-layer DVD-R, so you might not actually need a dual-layer project.
What is the turnaround for completing DVD projects?
For those customers taking advantage of our basic DVD authoring package, which hope to go from start to finished DVD-R in about 2 weeks. Advanced DVD projects may take slightly longer. Should you require a fast turnaround for your project, we do offer a rush service, with a one-week turnaround.
What do I need to do to prepare my videotape?
1. To ensure that you get the highest quality transfer, please send us your final master tape. If this isn't possible, try to send a tape that is as close to the master as possible. The more generations away from the master tape, the worse the transfer will be.
2. Color Bars. Your tape should have color bars at the head so that we can properly calibrate the incoming signal.
3. Audio Tone. A 1kHz tone at the head of your tape, usually during the color bars, will ensure a clean transfer of the soundtrack with no distortion.
4. EDL's. If you're transferring footage based on an EDL, please contact us for specific requirements.
What do I need to do to prepare my digital files?
1. Any digital video files should be provided in QuickTime or AVI format. Please do not compress these files with a hardware codec. Uncompressed, or MJPEG compression set to the highest quality is preferred. We cannot work from a file that relies on hardware compression.
2. Digital audio files should be provided in AIFF, WAV or MPEG format. If you're outputting to DVD, please keep in mind that the sample rate MUST be 48 KHz, not 44.1 KHz. We can provide sample rate conversion at an additional charge.
PLEASE NOTE: if you're providing a videotape, you do not need to send digital audio files - we'll use the soundtrack on your tape. This information is provided for people who would like to supply their footage and audio digitally.
What do I need to do to prepare my graphics files?
1. If your DVD has customer-supplied menus, please send the menu layout in Photoshop PSD format, one file for each menu. Please make sure that the background image is the menu background. Buttons and highlight/clicked states should be in their own layers.
2. All graphic files should be 720x480 pixels, and fall within the NTSC gamut. You can check this in Photoshop.
PLEASE NOTE: If your files do not arrive with proper formatting we will make changes and adjustments as necessary. Keep in mind that the further away from standard your files are in, the worse the conversation will look when transferred to DVD.
How is the compression level determined?
All DVD's go through a process called "Bit Budgeting" Unlike non-linear editing systems, which use motion JPEG or similar compression, DVD has very limited bandwidth. The maximum data throughput of a DVD drive is about 15Mbps [megabits/second]. In reality, most DVD's are around 8 Mbps. This is significantly less data than the 4-8 MB/sec of most computer based editing systems. As a result, the compression level is determined by the length of the program. The longer your program, the more compression will need to be used.
Do you use fixed or variable bit rate encoding?
We use Variable Bit Rate (VBR) encoding, with a user-selectable target, in all our DVD authoring packages.