Sound all over the place

[Gra]

Hi Guys
I'm using MF 4 SE to author my MediaStudioPro 8 files. I'm having a couple of problems on one project.

Normally I have just an introductory video and 1 other but this time my project is one avi file set to play as the introductory video, 1 home made video background (avi) and my own audio, there are then three other files as the DVD's 'main event'. 1 is AVI the others are Mpeg. Clip playback is set to return to menu. The project settings are:

MPEG files
24 Bits, 720 x 576, 25 fps
(DVD-PAL), 4:3
Video data rate: Variable (Max. 7000 kbps)
Audio data rate: 256 kbps
Dolby Digital Audio, 48 KHz, 2/0(L,R)

In the full MF preview before burning they all play fine and when I go into burn I check normalise audio. When I played the output DVD the audio on 2 files is almost non-existant, while the others played fine. I had saved that file and retried. When I reopened it all the layout had changed (even the video and backgrounds had dropped off) and I had to reformat. When I got to the burn window this time I unchecked 'normalise'. The second output played all the audio but one of the videos stuttered towards the end of its playback (it wasn't totally unacceptable, but it just irratating and it undermined the overall impression).

Does normalise audio cause problems and best left alone and why would a saved file open with the format all over the show? Am I doing something wrong?

[sjj1805]

I am a bit puzzled as to why you are sending avi files from MediaStudio to MovieFactory. Obviously your intended final output is a DVD Video otherwise you wouldn't be using MovieFactory.

What you need to do is create MPEG2 files from MediaStudio pro and then use those rendered MPEG2 files in MovieFactory. MediaStudio is the more powerful program and you should let that one do all the hard work.

You current practice of sending an avi file to MovieFactory means that your video is being rendered twice rather than the less time consuming and also less prone to degradation option of rendering once.

Please view:
Suggested workflow for video creation by sjj1805

[Gra]

Hi Steve

Thanks for the advice. Since I've had MSP I've always output to AVI as I thought it was better quality (the disc I was making this time was a new avi along with some older VS8 movies I had output in MPEG). I'm outputting now following your advice.

I've set my settings to my MSP DV 1 project settings (e.g. lower field first) but I'm not sure about the compression. I used the PAL DVD Template but should I make it sepcifically MPEG 2 now? Both PAL DVD and MPEG 2 give a variable 8000 video rate but should I change that as as the MF setting is Variable Max. 7000 kbps - or maybe change the MF setting upwards???

From your wider experience, when I import to MF, is it a good idea to check the boxes 'Create Index File for MPEG Seeking performance' and 'NTSC Safe Color'? (apols if last question is more MF related)

[sjj1805]

The PAL DVD preset is a DVD compliant MPEG2.
You can also make your own customized output settings, I tend to use the presets from DVD Workshop 2 as a guide, or you can use a bit rate calculator.

What bit rate settings should I use?

[Gra]

Hi Steve
Thanks, that's helped a lot. Is checking 'Create File Indes' and PAL Safe color a good idea? I couldn't see any reference in your excellent link.

[snoops]

I check normalise audio. When I played the output DVD the audio on 2 files is almost non-existant

There is at least one spot in the audio that is very loud (pop, bang, touching the microphone, etc.) and MF has normalized the audio... lowering the volume of the entire track to adjust that noise. MF does not change portions of the track.

The second output played all the audio but one of the videos stuttered towards the end of its playback

Make sure to try the DVD in real DVD player, in case you're just using your PC. Your PC will be doing other things while playing a DVD, especially if you're connected to the Internet.

Create Index File for MPEG Seeking performance'

This is just for MF itself, to provide better response in its previews. It should have nothing to do with the final output. The index file is not on a DVD.

NTSC Safe Color

That should be NTSC/PAL Safe Color or PAL Safe Color. Normally I recommend enabling this option to make sure any menu images are rendered within the reduced color value range of TV. This should not change the appearance of your DV material, which should already be compliant... unless your video editor has rendered effects and titles outside this range because this setting was not enabled in the editor too.

(I'm currently busy with other things and am on the road... sorry if I don't follow up if the thread continues)

[Gra]

Many thanks for your comments, Henry. It's very helpful.