Megalomedia offers a full range of DVD solutions from authoring to videotape transfer and archival. We can manage all aspects of DVD content creation, from concept, scripting, production, editing to the final DVD burn. With years of experience in television production and post production, we bring a unique combination of creativity and video engineering skills to the table.

 

Authoring

When creating unique DVD content the path to get there is authoring. Authoring is simply means to program. Special software is used to create higher degrees of interactivity than videotape to DVD transfer. In other words, this is the route to pursue when sophisticated menu interfaces and higher levels of interactivity are required. For instance, if you want to add and interactive button within a video or have different selectable audio tracks, this will need to be programmed. We will be happy to discuss these option in more detail.

 

Factors That Effect DVD Quality

DVDs provide superior technical quality. The quality of the DVD depends on two factors. First the bit rate of the DVD determines the final quality of the disc and its capacity. Second, the analog interface between the tape machines and the recorder is a very important factor.

A DVD with a bit rate of 6 Mbits/sec or higher will yield the highest quality. At this rate a DVD-R 4.7GB disc will typically hold about 60 – 90 minutes. These rates will vary depending on the type of encoding. The best way to work is to use a recorder that incorporates variable bit technology also know as VBR. This system adjusts the bit rate depending on the complexity of the material. The advantage of VBR is the most efficient compression and maximizes a DVDs storage. The bit rate can be adjusted depending on the material. For example, VHS material can get away with lower bit rates because the picture quality to begin with is lower. On the other hand, if the source is Betacam then it’s best to use the highest bit rate possible. A 4.7Gb DVD-R can hold as much as 2 hrs of content. The trade off is quality.

The analog side of DVD recording is as important as the bit rate. How the tape machine is connected to the DVD recorder can play a big factor in the final quality of the DVD. For instance, if the source is Betacam, then the machine should be connected to the DVD recorder via a component connection. Component, also know as YUV is the highest quality analog signal. Down from there is S-Video; also know as Y/C. S-Video is found on S-VHS machines and many other formats including Betacam. The lowest quality is composite. This is the one cable video input/output found on almost all tape machines. VHS, 3/4” U-matic and 1” are composite formats. The key is to use the best analog connection possible to the DVD recorder.