Mixing 16:9 with 4:3 on DVD
 

I want to make a dvd with 4:3 short films and one 16:9.

From my timeline in FCP 5.1.4 I export to Compressor to create the m2vs. For the 16:9 film, do I just choose the 16:9 option for the m2v, or do I choose the 4:3 and letterbox?

Do I need to create a second track in DVD SP (anything tricky to setup?) or can all be on same track?

best,
elmer

Elmer,

you need at least two tracks, because a single track can only be either 4:3 or 16:9. That is, unless you want to letterbox your 16:9 material into a 4:3 aspect ratio (which I guess you DON'T want to do, to achieve decent results on both 4:3 and 16:9 viewing devices).

If you want to mix the aspect ratio within a single feature, you can still use separate tracks and use the "End Jump" setting in DVDSP to link them. There may be a short break though as the DVD player switches from one track to the next.

Yes, that's exactly what you should do. And, as you create tracks in DVDSP, don't forget to set their aspect ratios accordingly.

- Martin