Export Project to Highest DVD Quality

Question

Dn2000 Author

Level 1

9 points

Export Project to Highest DVD Quality

I couldn't find anything from searching through the forum posts...so I apologize if this has already been addressed.

I'm fairly new to FCPX, though I've learned a LOT of stuff in the last 6 months. However, I'm not sure how to export to DVD using the best possible resolution/format. I'm looking for recommendations from the community that have a lot of experience with the software. I've recorded content in 1080p, but the DVD seems to be pretty "grainy" to me (exporting at 720x480 / 29.97 fps). My content could be anywhere from 1-2 hours long and I understand that this could require me to use 2 DVD's...which is fine.

Anyone have recommended export configurations?

Also, would I need any additional apple software to use in conjunction with FCPX?

Thanks!

Final Cut Pro X, OS X El Capitan (10.11.4)

Posted on May 2, 2016 3:45 PM

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Answer 1

Russ H

Level 7

22,432 points

May 2, 2016 4:27 PM in response to Dn2000

FCP will automatically select the bit rate that will allow the video to fit on the disk. If you use a dual layer disk you may get better results. But remember that if you're working with HD or higher, the quality will definitely degrade when compressed to SD MPEG2. Alternatively, consider Blu Ray for much better quality.

Good luck.

Russ

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Answer 2

Dn2000 Author

Level 1

9 points

May 2, 2016 4:27 PM in response to Russ H

Thanks for your quick response. And, in hindsight, your answer seems to be pretty obvious. I should have realized that this was the case.

So, here's an ignorant question. Do most DVD players support dual layer? I'm trying to make DVDs of a musical production for those that participate and want to make sure they would be able to watch them with whatever equipment they have. Would you recommend any additional software to make these DVDs more presentable?

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Answer 3

Alchroma

Level 7

23,918 points

May 2, 2016 4:44 PM in response to Dn2000

How did you create the DVD that appears blurry?

BTW: Not all players are dual layer capable.

Al

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Answer 4

Dn2000 Author

Level 1

9 points

May 2, 2016 4:52 PM in response to Alchroma

I used the Apple DVD player that I purchased with my Mac. I've been considering purchasing a drive that can burn bluray. Is the a particular drive that anyone recommends?

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Answer 5

Alchroma

Level 7

23,918 points

May 2, 2016 9:52 PM in response to Dn2000

Dn2000 wrote:

I used the Apple DVD player that I purchased with my Mac. I've been considering purchasing a drive that can burn bluray. Is the a particular drive that anyone recommends?

I have one of these external burners and it works OK:

http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/optical-drives/blu-ray/

Regards the burning of your blurry DVD, was it burned using the FCP X direct method or some other authoring app?

Al

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Answer 6

Dn2000 Author

Level 1

9 points

Nov 2, 2016 4:03 PM in response to Russ H

It's been a while, but time and more questions...

I've seen many comments online regarding Apple's "Compressor" software and that many people recommend exporting a master file (higher quality) and then burning it to a DVD (in this case a Dual Layer DVD). Are there any recommendations for compression settings that might yield the best video quality results available to a Dual Layer DVD?

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