Advice

This question is geared more towards people who have made DVDs and such.

I've been through all the pre-planning and stuff for the editing of my movie and I'm torn on one issue now. I've been introduced to Final Cut Pro this last semester and it's awesome. Some things for my movie don't need the awesomeness of the FCP platform; I'll be alright with just Pinnacle or Vegas. However, some things for my film I can only do in FCP. Most of this stuff being clips that involve nice titles, ramping effects, etc. I'm completely comfortable with editing different segments on different platforms, but I want to know if this will effect me compiling my final project? This is where I don't have much experience and would like some input. Thanks.

Cant you just export your segments from FCP to avi once complete, then import in Vegas or whatever? Then save the overall thing as one file?

Shot in the dark, I dont know much but thats what I'd do.

Yes, I was thinking this, but I think that hinders quality of the video as well. I was thinking about exporting each edit to tape, and then upload all on one platform (Mac probably) as separate segments and then place all onto one timeline and make changes where needed.

Id export it all in the highest quality possible, although I dont think u shoot on hd? what I would do is export all the stuff as an hd file put it in vegas then export as one file.

or just edit the whole thing in final cut, y not?

Was gonna say what Matt said, do what you need to do in FCP and export it in high quality and finish it off with what other editing program you're using, or vice versa.

The most professional thing would be to edit everything with one program so that all the segments get the same unified outlook but if the stuff you're gonna edit with Vegas/Premiere isn't gonna be touched up by a lot of effects just go ahead with what Matt said.

edit: and I don't think you will lose and significant quality if you do so, but I can't be sure

Ben, what process did you go through to make the Rip/Off DVDs? I liked your end product, the DVD case and actual DVD covering.

All files must be converted to MPEG2 before burning onto a DVD, right?

I'm on MSN if you want to hit me up.

Sorry I'm at work atm so can't get on MSN, but I'll see how I can help you from here. I edited it in different projects on Premiere, one per segment, which I then put together into one final project. Then I guess I exported it as MPEG2, but that part I'm not too sure of right now, but then I just made the menus with Sony DVD Architect (actually it might be that I exported it as avi and then DVD Architect automatically converted it into MPEG2 when I let it finish the master disc). Then we took the master disc and went to a place that duplicates DVDs and they also printed the logos on to the discs and gave us the copies we ordered along with blank casings. The DVD cover sheet were just printed with my own printer.

edit: actually now that I think of it, I'm pretty sure that I exported it as avi and then DVD Architect converted it into MPEG2

My plan right now, although I still need to hear from Duran:

Edit whatever I want, on whatever I want. Export whatever I edit from either platform into the highest quality AVI, a MPEG2, as well as export it back onto tape. When all is edited, put everything on one timeline (most likely FCP) and make transitions to smooth everything out, so it doesn't appear that everything was edited piece by piece. Make master DVD using DVD Studio on a Mac.

Eh?

Sounds right. Try it with some dummy footage to test out what I said and what your thinking. Would only take like 10 mins then you'd have your answer. x

Sounds about right, can't see it going wrong. But I'd think that any DVD rendering software would convert it automatically into MPEG2, but that's just me shooting wild guesses, but that might be one bottle neck which might eat up some quality, so you might want to check that out, don't know..

I don't know which one is better quality avi or MPEG2 or any other fileformat for that matter, but go with the best and avoid any extra exports. Maybe someone else knows more about video file formats, vode?

Thanks Ben. I'm hoping I can find a local place to duplicate my DVDs.


Duran, vode, WEAK, anyone?

Just do it yourself, or buy a duplicator for about £100 then sell it off again.

Would it end up cheaper by doing it all myself? Buying cases, printing covers and DVD labels? Duplicator too?

Wanna see what Duran says, get online bitch!

Probably, everything costs a fortune round here but the disc price ended up being roughly 5.50€ per copy from that professional DVD shop we used plus the printing goods & ink I purchased myself. So yeah you'll save lots of money if you do it all yourself. But you'll save time and get it right the first time if you let someone else do it.

edit it all on final cut, dont be a bitch

This is your best option.

Finish the dvd on final cut.

Slavin = useless.

Thanks Dex.

but we said the exact same thing

Proves your retardation.

well basically said the same, final cut!! why wouldnt you just edit the whole thing on final cut??

I'd like to get Final Cut soon. Never used it.

I don't have access to FCP 24/7.

Sure someone has it.

I don't have a Mac. I know some PCs can run both operating systems, but mine isn't one. It will be alright. I edited a segment on my PC last night and it's all fine. I'll only need the Mac for DVD authoring and segments where I need super-awesome titles (intro and credits most likely) and over the top effects, which I don't use very often.

I find FCP just a more long winded Premiere. The kind of things I wanna do with it don't justify learning the over the top effects which I would never end up using.