Worst woes for a first time DVD producer (part 1): encoding

How much can you fit on a DVD?
DVD video quality is measured in terms of kbit/s. Since there is a finite number of bits you can store on a DVD, if the video is longer, you cannot store as many bits per second. In plain English, when creating DVD, keep in mind that for a DVD-5 will fit up to 90 minutes of DVD quality video. If you have more than 90 minutes of footage, consider doing a double DVD-5, one DVD-9 or editing down to 90 minutes. Otherwise you will be sacrificing the video quality.
To determine the optimal bit rate for the video, try the bit rate calculator at www.videohelp.com/calc.htm.


Bit Rates: is higher the better?
Let's say your video is only 15 minutes long, and you are thinking about encoding it at the maximum bit rate. Should you do it? The answer is NO. The maximum bit rate is not necessarily better. We suggest encoding at no higher than 8 megabits per second. Certain DVD players might not be able to handle videos that are encoded with too high of a bit rate. So higher is certainly not better.


Can encoding improve quality?
You want to make a collage of video clips on DVD from VHS tapes that were created from years ago, now you are onto encoding. Would the encoding improve the quality of the video? NO. Encoding is simply the process to convert the video to digital format. It does not improve the quality. So the fading and flickers that exist on the tapes will still be there on the DVD. The same goes for other formats.

DVD Movies on Mini

If you are somewhat familiar with the different DVD formats, you should have heard about mini DVDs. So why are we taking about it as the new standard? It is because you will (or already have) see them more than ever from now on.

Coming Soon: Movies on mini DVD
As most of you are aware, mini DVDs are often used for promotional materials such as movie trailers, short presentation, personal or company portfolios, marketing packages etc.

Gone are the days when movies are only on 5" regular size DVDs. Several major studios, including Warner Brothers, are releasing feature length videos on mini DVDs. The front runner in this new trend, Warner Brothers has 30 titles since its launch in December 2004, and is expected to have 100 titles on mini DVD by spring 2005.

The Scoop
The question you might have by now is how you would fit a movie on a mini DVD. Well, it will not fit on 1 mini DVD. It will most likely be 2 dual layer mini-DVDs. A mini DVD will fit up to half an hour of DVD quality video, while a dual layer will fit up to 60 mins of video. This is an average figure and the actual amount of content fit depends on the sound, video quality, complexity of menus, subtitles and languages.

Hardware
As far as the DVD players, a smaller version of portable DVD player is available for mini DVDs. Of course, they can also be played on regular set top players and computers. There are a few mini DVD players out in the market now - Samsung and Cyberhome to name a few. More is sure to come.

Videos on the go
Mini DVD is 3 inches in diameter. It is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, a shirt pocket or purse. The launch of movies on mini DVD will encourage consumers to take their videos on the go. DVDs are no longer only for home or office viewing, they can be taken on the road – a great companion to other portable devices.

As a DVD professional or producer, when it comes to producing new materials on DVD, consider the versatility of mini DVDs. Its lightweight and creative packaging options might give you an edge over your competitors.


Did you know?
The company LidRock, uses a mini CD/DVD with promotional videos to fit under a soda lid. It brings the latest music, movie and games to stadiums, movie theaters, restaurants etc.