FCP export aspect ratio issue at DVinfo.net

Matthew Whitney · June 1st, 2008, 07:44 PM

I'm having some trouble using 'Export Quicktime Movie'. To start at the beginning, I'm trying to create a DVD with chapters on it in iDVD. I've marked the chapters in the sequence but can't get them to export unless I use the 'export quicktime movie' option.

The footage is DV PAL but when I export using DV PAL as my codec it looks lousy. So, to get a better quality export, I've been changing my sequence settings to 'Apple intermediate codec' which gives me a good quality video. However, when I import this into iDVD the aspect ratio is slightly off, creating black bars at the sides of the image, even though in FCP it plays back at the right ratio.

I've tried adding the chapters in Quicktime having exported via 'Quicktime Conversion', successfully, but iDVD doesn't recognise them.

So, the real thing I need help with is: How can I get the correct aspect ratio in iDVD using a codec that gives me a good quality video.

I've been going through the forums for a while now - if there's a thread that can help feel free to point me in the right direction! Beginning to pull my hair out, and need to deliver the DVD tomorrow.

Any suggestions?

Ryan Mueller · June 1st, 2008, 08:16 PM

My biggest question to you here is: you have FCP but yet you are still using IDVD to compile your DVD? Why not just export using compressor, pull it into DVD Studio Pro, place your chapter markers, hit build, and call it a day?

Matthew Whitney · June 1st, 2008, 08:26 PM

I'm still getting to grips with the software, and didn't fancy taking on two new programmes this evening! So I was hoping this would be an easier solution... I had a look at compressor and DVDSP earlier but thought I'd try to keep it simple. Perhaps I'll have another stab at it now.

June 1st, 2008, 07:44 PM	#1
Matthew Whitney New Boot Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Nottingham, UK Posts: 7	FCP export aspect ratio issue I'm having some trouble using 'Export Quicktime Movie'. To start at the beginning, I'm trying to create a DVD with chapters on it in iDVD. I've marked the chapters in the sequence but can't get them to export unless I use the 'export quicktime movie' option. The footage is DV PAL but when I export using DV PAL as my codec it looks lousy. So, to get a better quality export, I've been changing my sequence settings to 'Apple intermediate codec' which gives me a good quality video. However, when I import this into iDVD the aspect ratio is slightly off, creating black bars at the sides of the image, even though in FCP it plays back at the right ratio. I've tried adding the chapters in Quicktime having exported via 'Quicktime Conversion', successfully, but iDVD doesn't recognise them. So, the real thing I need help with is: How can I get the correct aspect ratio in iDVD using a codec that gives me a good quality video. I've been going through the forums for a while now - if there's a thread that can help feel free to point me in the right direction! Beginning to pull my hair out, and need to deliver the DVD tomorrow. Any suggestions?

June 1st, 2008, 08:16 PM	#2
Ryan Mueller Major Player Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Highlands Ranch, CO Posts: 336	My biggest question to you here is: you have FCP but yet you are still using IDVD to compile your DVD? Why not just export using compressor, pull it into DVD Studio Pro, place your chapter markers, hit build, and call it a day?

June 1st, 2008, 08:26 PM	#3
Matthew Whitney New Boot Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Nottingham, UK Posts: 7	I'm still getting to grips with the software, and didn't fancy taking on two new programmes this evening! So I was hoping this would be an easier solution... I had a look at compressor and DVDSP earlier but thought I'd try to keep it simple. Perhaps I'll have another stab at it now.