D V D P P r o d u c t i o n P P r i m e r

If you have been considering a DVD project, we can help.

DVDs are changing the way to deliver your message. The disk's ability to store high quality pictures and CD quality audio will also allow the viewers to instantly go to any section of your video presentation. Truly interactive. We can answer your questions and show you how this new medium will forever change the way you reach your audience.

There are 7 basic phases in the production of DVD titles. While there are many excellent in-depth resources available on this topic, here is a basic primer of the typical DVD production flow.

1. Project Definition
The definition phase of the DVD production process includes outlining the program content, menu content, and navigation parameters of the project. The content to consider includes all video, audio, artwork, and text needed for both the program material and navigation menus. Program material source requirements are somewhat obvious as these are normally the project focus. However, there are other source needs to consider depending on the goals and complexity of the project. Those unfamiliar with the DVD format should be aware that it provides for both still and motion menus (requiring artwork, video, and audio sources) in addition to a number of subtitling and closed caption options (each requiring its own standardized text formats). Depending on the intended end-user experience, the navigation scheme may be anything from a simple narrative timeline to a more complex index or completely non-linear system. This flexibility in the DVD format allows the final product to be perfectly tailored for individual project needs, but places a greater demand on this planning stage. As such, the navigation scheme should be seen as a primary ingredient to be considered from the very start of the production process.

2. Content Acquisition
Expanding on the program material source requirements mentioned above, there are a number of considerations when gathering the sources for a project. Among these are the flexibility that the DVD format allows in user playback of audio and video. At this point in the process, all the intended playback parameters should be considered. Does this project involve a video program that was shot in multiple angles? Are there a number of audio streams for the video program, i.e. multiple language tracks, stereo and surround soundtracks, or dialogue and commentary tracks? Have the audio and video clips for motion menus and additional alternate program choices been compiled and edited for their intended use in the project?

Also, artwork for still menus and backgrounds needs to be addressed at this point. Images may need to be used in varied ways that require multiple versions. All text, including subtitles or closed-captioning, should also be gathered now. All the possible variants of the media assets should be accounted for in this step, and documented in a content inventory.

3. Flow Chart
This step of the production process entails generating a detailed flow chart of the finished DVD navigation structure. This step is equally important whether it is for a straightforward film project, a product catalog involving both still picture and related video presentations, or a documentary with intricately cross-referenced information. This is the stage where the user experience is fully realized and all desired DVD functions and source media needs are finalized. Since it is the blueprint of the project, the final flow chart also provides a comprehensive, detailed overview of the project source needs as well as its navigation structure. From this point on, the goal is to execute the design represented in the flow chart; all decisions regarding user experience and source media should have been made before proceeding.

4. Media Element Preparation and Encoding
Preparing proper sources for the encoding and authoring of a disc is the key to a streamlined production flow and a quality user experience.

When delivering audio and video assets, always use an original master or, if necessary, a duplicate in which preservation of master-level quality was understood to be critical. Also, attention to time code parameters (including proper format and signal integrity) is essential for both the encoding process and the synchronization of audio and video.

All required text, including subtitles or closed-captioning, should be proofed for spelling and accuracy. Once this part of the process is completed, it should then be formatted for its intended use in the title.

Once assembled, the assets are encoded into the file types required by the DVD specification for all discs, as well as any needed for specific project needs. Video must be in the MPEG-2 format and the available audio streams must contain either Dolby Digital or PCM audio information. Bear in mind that while these are required, DVD does offer a wide range of options in high resolution and multi channel audio.

All still artwork, whether for menus, photo galleries, or other applications, needs to be prepared. This includes all interactive button highlight artwork.

5. Authoring and Formatting
Authoring the disc is the process of writing the navigation system and menus in combination with the encoded program material in an authoring software package. Once the authoring is completed, this is formatted into a disc image which contains the final DVD control and program files. This image can be written to hard disc, DVD-R, or DLT tape, depending on whether it is to be used for testing, storage, or replication. (Bitrate Calculator)

6. Emulation and Quality Assurance
Emulation involves using software to play the disc image as though it were a finished DVD. This allows for testing of the project before any discs are written, to see if there are creative or technical issues that need to be addressed. Once emulation testing is complete, the image is written to physical discs, which are then tested on a variety of current hardware players and PC software players. Once again, any creative or technical issues uncovered are resolved.

7. Replication
Once the testing and quality assurance phase is complete and all final changes have been made to the project, the image is written to a DLT tape. This is the tape format replicators use to create the master from which the final DVDs will be produced. It is highly recommended that a check disc be ordered from the plant that is performing the replication. A check disc is a DVD made from the plant's master, virtually identical with the final product, allowing for the final step in the QA process. Once the check disc is approved, discs are pressed and shipped. Your project is complete.

If you have been considering a DVD project, we can help
For more information, simply call us at (800) 796-3683 or (925) 831-2406