DVD Production
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.
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, 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.
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