DVD Studio Pro: Special
Edition continues the tradition of introductory and intermediate
CallBox training DVDs directed at the video professional. This
particular instructional piece contains shortcuts, tricks, workflow,
and tips targeted at the beginning and intermediate DVD Studio
Pro user. The information embraces a wide range of subjects
from basic encoding strategies to creating "easter eggs"
in DVD SP. The author includes tutorial media and projects and
a patient narrative about tools, tips, and workflow. Each topic
includes basic and more advanced tips, a narrative on various
tools and their use, and alternative workflows. It is priced
at $59.95.
Although the DVD is decidedly targeted at the novice to intermediate
user, there is something here for virtually every level of DVD
SP user. The DVD is constructed to making DVD authoring more
efficient by examining tools in Final Cut Pro, Photoshop, and
Compressor that contribute to the over all polish of a finished
DVD.
The explanation of bit rate strategies
is "must view" for the novice DVD SP author. Learn
how poor encoding decisions will result in an unusable DVD; Kadner
dispels the notion that "more is better" when setting
maximum encode rates. A discussion of how VBR works, average
and maximum bit rate consequences, and other Compressor workflow
is provided. There is discussion of how to create loop points
for DVD SP menus in Final Cut Pro. Kadner also discusses creating
menu overlays in both Photoshop CS3, and earlier versions which
did not incorporate video menu presets.
The section on logic testing explains
how to quickly evaluate and test connections/jump actions between
menus, tracks and stories. An excellent tip on how to use keyboard
commands to quickly set jump actions in the graphic view is provided.
The author combines the narrative with video displaying the
workflow in DVD SP -- which enhances the learning process.
In the organization chapter, there are
tip on how to organize DVD projects in the Finder and your media
drive that will preserve that structure when importing those
assets into DVD Studio Pro. Practical advice is provided on
how to test your DVD before burning or sending to a duplicator
or replicator.
Over 35 minutes of instruction is provided.
There are 1.65 gigabytes of tutorial files included in a DVD
ROM folder.
Copyright ©2008 David
A. Saraceno
David
A. Saraceno is a motion graphics artist located in Spokane,
Washington. He has written for DV Magazine, AV Video, MacHome
Journal, and several state and national legal technology magazines.
David also moderates several forums on 2-pop.com,
and contributes as a Level IV as the Apple Professional Applications
Discussions.