Mixing 16:9 with 4:3 on DVD

[Elmer Lang]

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

[Martin Pauly]

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.

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

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