Chapter 10

DVD PRODUCTION SERVICES & TOOLS

This chapter provides a brief summary of production services and tools that are available to help you complete a DVD project. While I have used many of the tools and services listed here, I am not recommending one specific tool or service provider over another. Every DVD production tool or service has its own unique strengths and weaknesses so it is impossible to recommend a single product or service that is right for everyone.

Audio Encoding Tools

This section covers products to encode audio into one or more of the formats supported by the DVD-Video specification. Audio formats that can be used in DVD-Video titles include Linear PCM, Dolby Digital, DTS, MPEG and SDDS. Each vendor that offers audio encoding tools is listed, along with the specific audio encoding products that they offer.

Digital Vision

Digital Vision’s BitPack Multichannel Audio Encoding Workstation is designed for DVD premastering and other applications such as audio archiving. It provides a complete audio solution supporting Dolby Digital, MPEG and PCM formats. Encoding can be done from multichannel audio tape recorders or from digital files. Integrated machine control allows automatic frame accurate encoding and playback. A Windows user interface enables project management including project information exchange with BitPack Video Workstations to speed up operation. The workstation is based on a rack mounted Windows NT, Pentium III PC with a 9 pin RS-232 machine control interface for deck control. For more information contact:

Dolby Labs

The Dolby Labs DP569 is the industry standard for Dolby Digital multichannel audio encoding systems. It supports encoded bit rates from 56 to 640 kbps and channel configurations from mono to 5.1-channel surround sound. The DP569 was designed for digital TV, cable, and disc authoring applications, including automated broadcast installations and mastering for DVD and other recorded media. The DP569 provides three pairs of AES-3 digital audio inputs and a single AES-3 output. A separate AES-3 input may be used for a clock reference signal. The suggested retail price of the DP569 is $5,000. For more information contact:

Kind of Loud Technologies

Kind of Loud Technologies has two audio encoding tools that can be used for DVD production. Their SmartCode Pro products work with DigiDesign ProTools systems to provide software encoding of surround sound audio. SmartCode Pro is available in two versions to accommodate the two most widely used surround formats: Dolby Digital^TM and DTS^TM. Both versions of SmartCode Pro are AudioSuite software programs that allow Pro Tools users to preview their 5.1 surround mixes in real time 5.1, then encode and decode the mix to create a 6-channel surround master. Both SmartCode Pro tools only work on Macintosh computers with Pro Tools LE or TDM version 5.0 or higher software. SmartCode Pro Dolby has a suggested retail price of $795, while Smart Code Pro DTS has an SRP of $1,495. For more information contact:

Microboards

In conjunction with Minnetonka Audio the Microboards M.A.S.S 5.1 system provides all of the software and hardware necessary to make DVD Audio discs. An optional sub module allows them to be published to the DVD Video format, making them playable in most consumer-type DVD Video players already flooding the market. The primary features of the M.A.S.S. 5.1 system include:

•   Audio Mixing: The MASS 5.1 mixing software can be used to create professional Surround Sound audio files that can be authored into DVD Audio discs, or used in any Surround Sound application.

•   Fully customizable Surround Mixers

•   Automatic 5.1 bussing

•   Fully automated Surround Panning for every channel

•   Midi time code generation

•   Automatic 6 track master creation to hard disk

•   User adjusted Surround Sound Panning Algorithm

•   True Center / Virtual Center Blend Control

•   Per Channel Subbass Crossover with user defined parameter

•   Author: The MASS 5.1 authoring software can be used to premaster and create DVD Audio Discs using DVD R media.

•   Creates DVD Audio compliant discs from your Audio_TS directories or from an image file

•   Records DVD ROMS using UDF structures

•   Masters to DLT tape using the DCA 2.0 specification,

•   Verifies audio data ensuring accurate disc geometry

•   Creates global, images for replication

•   Supports Windows 95 / 98 / NT / 2000

•   Includes Audio_TS directories for testing

•   Record: The M.A.S.S. 5.1 system can use a Pioneer S201 DVD R Recorder to burn professional DVD R discs.

•   Features - 4.7 Gb Capacity SCSI II interface, Half Height, external desktop configuration

•   Disc at Once or Incremental recording, DVD R media compatible with all DVD playback devices

The M.A.S.S 5.1 system has a suggested retail price of $8,995, including the Pioneer DVR-S201 drive. For more information contact:

Minnetonka Audio

Minnetonka Audio has two audio encoding products that can be used in DVD production. SurCode for Dolby Digital encodes 5.1 Surround Sound or stereo files into Dolby Digital (.ac3) files. The tool accepts up to 6 .wav or .AIFF input files, provides stereo mix down for auditioning Surround sound files prior to encoding, and supports all Dolby encoding options. SurCode for DTS encodes 5.1 Surround Sound or stereo files into DTS (.dts or .cpt) files. The tool accepts 6 .wav or .AIFF input files, provides stereo mix down for auditioning surround sound files prior to encoding, and supports all DTS encoding options. Both SurCode for Dolby Digital and SurCode for DTS are software encoders that run on Windows systems. SurCode for Dolby Digital has a suggested retail price of $995 for a full 5.1 channel version, and $599 for a stereo version. SurCode for DTS has a suggested retail price of $1,995. For more information contact:

Sonic Solutions

SonicStudio HD is an advanced audio editing and CD premastering system that supports CD, DVD-Audio, audio for DVD-Video, and EMD mastering. SonicStudio HD systems offer up to eight channels of 24-bit 96kHz audio, or four channels of 24-bit 192 kHz audio, and supports both DVD-Audio and Audio for DVD-Video publishing with Sonic OneClick DVD or Sonic’s advanced DVD-Audio authoring technology. SonicStudio HD requires a Power Macintosh G3, G4, or dual-processor G4 system, with Mac OS 9.04 operating system software. SonicStudio HD requires a minimum of 128Mb of internal CPU memory with 256 MB or more preferred. For the Sonic DVD-Audio Workstation (HD-2100) and Sonic DVD AV Workstation (HD-2200), a minimum of 256 Mb RAM is required, with 384 Mb recommended. For more information contact:

Spruce Technologies

The Spruce ACXpress 5100 is an add-on PCI card that provides real time 5.1 channel Dolby Digital encoding. The ACXpress 5100 can work as a stand-alone encoder, or as part of an integrated DVD authoring system when combined with other Spruce products. For more information contact:

Zapex

Zapex’s has two audio encoding products that can be used in DVD production. The ZP-100 (2 channel) and the ZP-100 (5.1 channel) Dolby Digital audio encoders are full sized PCI boards providing real-time capture and encoding for DVD and HDTV applications. Both ZP-100 cards provide frame accurate deck control and start/stop control. An integrated “Playback Tool” provides a sound peak wave display, region save and bitstream analysis for Dolby Digital (AC-3), MPEG Audio Layer2, and Linear PCM streams. For more information contact:

DVD Authoring Services

There are hundreds, if not thousands, of companies who provide DVD production and authoring services. Most of these companies are DVD authoring service bureaus, who provide a complete line of services designed to create finished DVD titles ready for production. This section provides basic information on approximately 100 companies that offer DVD production services, along with contact information you will need to learn more about them.

Abbey Road Interactive

Abbey Road Interactive is a full service DVD production facility dedicated to the new media needs of the entertainment industry — from DVD to enhanced CD and web. Abbey Road Interactive offers services in each step of the DVD production process, from interactive and graphic design, encoding, and DVD authoring. Working in conjunction with Abbey Road Studios they also offer audio restoration, surround sound remixing and faux surround production. Abbey Road Interactive accepts all popular video and audio formats, although they prefer to work from Digital Beta source. DVD authoring equipment includes Scenarist SGI, Scenarist NT 2.5, Sonic DVD Creator, and Spruce DVD Maestro systems. Abbey Road Interactive has completed more than 200 DVD projects to date. For more information contact:

Alpha DVD

Alpha DVD is a full service DVD production facility specializing in the development of consumer DVD-Video, DVD-ROM and WebDVD titles. Alpha DVD generally works on projects where they receive a royalty on sales of the DVD title to the public. Input video and audio formats supported include Digital Beta, Beta-SP, DA88, QuickTime and AVI. DVD authoring equipment includes Spruce MPX3000 video encoder, and Sonic Scenarist NT systems. Alpha DVD has completed more than 200 DVD-Video, DVD-ROM and WebDVD projects to date. For more information contact:

Aludra

Aludra is a full service DVD authoring company providing DVD based solutions to address various business opportunities such as creating Training Programs, Product Catalogues, Sales Presentations, Kiosks, Video Documentaries and Films. Aludra also possess expertise in CD Duplication and Replication thereby providing various Digital Solutions under one roof. Input video and audio formats supported include DV, Mini DV, DAT, CD, DVD, Umatic, VHS, SVHS, 1 Inch, BetaSP, and Digital Beta. DVD authoring equipment includes Pinnacle MiroDC 1000 and Avid Express systems. Aludra has completed more than 10 DVD projects to date. For more information contact:

Angel DVD Scandinavia

Angel DVD Scandinavia is a full service DVD production facility owned by Angel Facility House, a division of Angel Films. The company was formed spring 1999 to provide a one-stop DVD solution for distributors and film production companies. Input video and audio formats supported include Digital Beta, BetaSP, DVCam, DA88, DAT, OMF, WAV and QuickTime. Both PAL and NTSC video formats are supported. DVD Authoring equipment includes Sonic DVDCreator, and Spruce DVDMaestro systems. Angel DVD Scandinavia has completed more than 200 DVD projects to date. For more information contact:

Animation Dynamics, Inc.

Animation Dynamics is a full service DVD production facility providing consultation, menu design and production, DVD Video, Hybrid DVD, DVD-ROM, MPEG 1, and MPEG 2 encoding services. Input video and audio formats supported include Digital Beta, Beta SP, and DV. DVD authoring equipment includes Astarte DVD Director, Media Press video encoding and DPS reality encoding systems. Animation Dynamics has completed more than 40 DVD projects to date. For more information contact:

asv multimedia

asv multimedia is a German company that specializes in high quality MPEG encoding and DVD authoring. All input video and audio formats are supported. DVD authoring equipment includes Astarte DVD Director and Apple DVD Studio Pro. asv multimedia has completed numerous DVD-Video, DVD-ROM, Mini-DVD and SVCD projects to date. For more information contact:

BCD Associates

BCD is full service DVD production facility offering MPEG-2 video encoding, AC-3 audio encoding, program design, graphics design, animation design, authoring, premastering, and short-run duplication services. Input video and audio formats supported include BetaSP, DV, Laserdisc, VHS, and AVI files. DVD authoring equipment includes MTC DVDMotion R7 systems. BCD Associates has completed more than 20 DVD projects to date. For more information contact:

Beretta Designs

Beretta Designs specializes in the design and development of static and motion menus for DVD titles. Menus are developed using Macintosh computers running Aftereffects, Photoshop, and Illustrator. Input video and audio formats supported include Digital Beta, BetaSP, QuickTime, AVI, Wave, and AIFF. Beretta Designs does not provide any DVD authoring services, so they don’t have any in-house DVD authoring equipment. Beretta Designs has developed menus for over 50 DVD projects to date. For more information contact:

Blue City Digital

Blue City Digital is a full service DVD production facility serving the video and audio postproduction community as well as corporate electronic media users. They offer DVD-Video, DVD-ROM, eDVD, DVD-Audio, audio postproduction for DVD, location music recording, mastering for compact disc and DVD and audio restoration. Blue City Digital specializes in serving independent producers and extending the capabilities of video post facilities and recording studios. Input video and audio formats supported include Digital Beta, BetaSP, DVCam, DAT, and DA-88. DVD authoring equipment includes Sonic Solutions Creator with SonicStudioHD. Blue City Digital has completed more than 20 DVD projects to date, primarily in the kiosk and trade show markets. For more information contact:

BroadcastDVD

BroadcastDVD is a leading developer of web connected DVD titles. Founders James Volk and Scott Epstein began producing original content for DVD in 1997 with the SHORT cinema journal series. They were among the first to use multiple angles, motion menus, web enhancements and 360-degree video in DVD titles. In 1998 with the formation of BroadcastDVD, they branched out into Corporate DVD title development. BroadcastDVD is a full service DVD production facility offering concept development, production, post-production, menu design, authoring and encoding services. Input video and audio formats supported include Digital Beta, BetaSP, Mini DV, and DA88. DVD authoring equipment includes Sonic DVDCreator systems. BroadcastDVD has completed more than 50 DVD-Video and WebDVD projects to date. For more information contact:

California DVD

California DVD is a full service DVD Authoring and Post Production facility offering uncompressed Non-Linear Video Editing, Motion Graphics Design, 5.1 Surround Sound Mixing/Mastering, DVD Authoring and Encoding to Corporate, Government, Educational, and Entertainment sectors. Input video and audio formats supported include Digital Beta, BetaSP, DVCPRO, DVCam, MiniDV, S-VHS, Hi-8, QuickTime, AVI, DA-88, DAT, .WAV, and.AIFF. DVD authoring equipment includes Spruce DVD Maestro, Spruce MPX3000 video encoder and Dolby Digital ACX5100 audio encoder systems. California DVD has completed over 150 DVD projects to date. For more information contact:

Cine-Magnetics

Cine-Magnetics provides complete DVD authoring & compression services, In house art & graphics development, Video on Demand (VOD), Video Streaming Services, DVD replication, DVD custom packaging & distribution services, inbound 800# order capturing and ecommerce integration. Input video and audio formats supported include Beta SP, Beta SX, Digital Beta, D-2, DA-88, and DAT. DVD authoring equipment includes Sonic Solutions DVD “3100” Creator Workstations, Digital Vision DVNR 500, Minerva Compressionist, Media 100 suite, BTS MNR-10 noise reduction unit, and Pioneer DVD-R writers. DVD and MPEG compliance testing is performed using MProbe and DVD Surveyor. Cine-Magnetics has completed approximately 100 theatrical, educational, corporate, and special interest DVD titles to date. For more information contact:

Cinram POP DVD Center

Cinram/POP DVD Center is a full service compression, authoring, design and post-production facility located in Santa Monica, California. Services include DVD design, premastering, video and audio encoding, static and dynamic menu design, formatting, layout and testing. Input video and audio formats supported include D1, Digital Betacam, and Betacam SP (NTSC and PAL formats). DVD authoring equipment includes Scenarist NT 2.5, Scenarist SGI, and Spruce Maestro systems. Cinram/POP DVD Center has completed more than 300 DVD projects to date. For more information contact:

ComChoice

ComChoice offers several DVD authoring services including BizChoice DVD, a business card sized DVD with storage capability of 280 Mbytes that utilizes the full spectrum of DVD capabilities, and ShowChoice DVD, a full size DVD featuring auto-looping which allows content to play continuously for trade shows, demonstrations, presentations, etc. Video and audio input formats supported include PAL, NTSC, Dolby AC 35.1, Stereo, Digital Beta, and Beta SP. DVD authoring equipment includes Sonic Solutions and Toshiba systems. ComChoice has completed over 200 DVD projects to date. For more information contact:

COTOC AB

COTOC AB provides DVD authoring, video compression, editing, compositing, 3D, VFx, and graphics services. All Digital formats and BetaSP video formats are supported. DVD authoring equipment includes Sonic Solutions DVDCreator systems. COTOC AB has completed over 20 DVD projects to date. For more information please contact:

Crush Digital

Crush Digital is a full service DVD Authoring facility providing a complete range of DVD services for DVD-Video, DVD-Audio and Corporate DVD solutions. Services include video and audio compression in MPEG-2 and streaming formats, surround sound 5.1 mixing, static and dynamic menu design, interactive ROM design and programming, project management and consulting, and authoring and premastering for both DVD-Video and DVD-Audio formats. All major Video and Audio formats are accepted. DVD authoring equipment includes Scenarist NT 2.0, Sonic DVD-Creator, Sonic HD Audio, Panasonic DVD-Audio System, Sony Encoder (DVA-V1100), Minerva Encoder, Dolby Digital and Meridian Audio Compression systems. Crush Digital Video has completed over 750 DVD projects to date. For more information contact:

CruSh Interactive

CruSh Interactive provides turnkey DVD authoring services catering to the corporate market. Additional services include video editing, MPEG encoding, animation, broadcast graphics and menu design. Input video and audio formats supported include Digital Beta, BetaSP, DVCam, DV, and S-Video. DVD authoring equipment includes a Sonic DVD Creator v2.1.2 system with 16· 9 and Dolby 5.1 Support. CruSh Interactive has completed over 100 DVD projects to date. For more information contact:

Cubist Post & Effects

Cubist Post & Effects is a Philadelphia-based digital project studio offering a full range of DVD services including: title planning, encoding, authoring, pre-mastering, static and motion menu design. They have developed web-enabled DVD-Video titles, custom DVD-ROM applications and multimedia kiosks. Cubist has developed DVDconnect^TM, a web-enabled DVD interface. Cubist Post & Effects is focused on creating highly interactive DVD solutions for the corporate, museum, advertising, and educational markets. Input video and audio formats supported include Digital Beta, BetaSP, DA88, DVCAM, DVCPRO, and Mini DV. DVD authoring equipment includes Sonic DVD Creator systems. Cubist Post & Effects has completed more than 25 DVD projects to date. For more information contact:

CVC, A Time Warner Entertainment Company

CVC, a corporate cousin of Warner Bros., offers digital video compression and authoring services for DVD, Video On Demand, and Streaming Media for the Internet. The facility acts as the digital video distribution center for clients such as Warner Home Video, Fox Home Video International, MGM Home Video, The WB Television Network, and Time Warner Cable. Notable DVD titles produced by CVC include The Matrix, Casablanca, Gone With The Wind, Titanic, The Green Mile, Unforgiven, and The Perfect Storm. Input video and audio formats supported include DCT, Digital Beta, Beta SP, D-1, DA88, DAT, DVD-RAM, DVD-R, CD-R, Jazz and Zip. DVD authoring equipment includes encoding and authoring systems co-developed by CVC and Toshiba Corporation. Similar systems are used by CVC’s authoring affiliate companies, which include ComChoice Corporation (Gardena, CA), Mercury Entertainment (Singapore), Videolar (Brazil), and Planet Optical Disc (Dubai, UAE). CVC has completed over 2,500 DVD projects to date. For more information contact:

Designlab Systems

Designlab Systems provide video graphics development and video compression products and services for the broadcast, blue chip corporate, communications, and professional multimedia markets, and also the emerging convergence of the Internet & Television. Services include video compression and authoring for DVD, VideoCD, and CD/DVD-ROM, manufacturers of streaming video for the Internet, and broadband hosting for private/secure VOD in interactive MPEG-4 format. Video and audio input formats supported include Digital Betacam and Betacam SP, with other options arranged as required. DVD authoring tools includes Spruce DVD-Maestro systems. Designlab Systems has completed over 20 Feature Film DVD-Video projects for major Hollywood studio clients, and over 50 Corporate DVD projects to date. For more information contact:

DGP

DGP is a full service DVD authoring facility. Their services include; an experienced & creative interactive design team for stunning moving menus, Avid uncompressed editing, Discreet graphics (Flint & Smoke), 3D & animation, VBR MPEG2 encoding for maximum quality compression, Dolby digital 5.1 surround sound, DVD-audio, Multi camera angle options, web links & DVD-ROM content including games, mastering & replication, full proofing, QC and verification services. Input video and audio formats supported include Digital Beta, BetaSP and DA88. DVD Authoring equipment includes Sonic Solutions DVD Creator systems. DGP has completed over 100 DVD-Video, DVD-ROM and WebDVD projects to date. For more information contact:

Digidisc

Digidisc offers a variety of DVD authoring and MPEG compression services. Additional services include DVD replication for DVD-5, DVD-9, and DVD-10. Conversion of “General” DVD’s from DVD Studio Pro or DVDit!, to “Authoring” format for replication. They also offer high quality MPEG-1 encoding for VCD, Internet, CD-i, SVCD, and Macromedia Director, DVD menu graphics design using Adobe Photoshop. Uncompressed video editing (Digital Beta on-line or Avid Symphony) services are also available. Digidisc has proprietary software to convert DVD content to streaming QuickTime, Windows Media, and Real Networks. Input video and audio formats supported include Digital Betacam, Betacam SP, One inch, D-2, DA88, DAT, DVCAM, DVCPRO, mini-DV, “SP, SVHS, Hi-8, VHS, Digital 8, 8mm. DVD authoring equipment includes Spruce DVD Maestro, Spruce real time MPEG-2 and AC-3 encoder, Pioneer DVRS 201 recorder and Quantum DLT 4000 tape drive. Digidisc has completed over 100 DVD projects to date for corporate, entertainment and kiosk applications. For more information contact:

Digital Farm

Digital Farm is a full service DVD production facility offering project consultation, title design/storyboarding, scripting/shooting (film or video), video editing/sound editing, 2D/3D animation and special effects, graphic/menu design (motion and static), video and audio encoding, authoring, formatting, output to DVD-R or DLT, and DVD replication management. Input video and audio formats supported include Digital Beta, BetaSP, QuickTime, AIFF, S-VHS and VHS. DVD authoring equipment includes Sonic DVDCreator and Apple DVD Studio Pro systems. Digital Farm has completed more than 100 DVD projects to date for clients such as Nickelodeon, HBO Family, Philip Morris, and Atom Films. For more information contact:

Digital Images GmbH

Digital Images is one of the largest digital production centers in Europe, and one of the first companies to be founded specifically for DVD production services. Their services include high-end DVD mastering for home entertainment and marketing communication, digital filing, non-linear editing, image and sound restoration, and digital high-end imaging technology (HDTV). Input video and audio formats supported include Digital Betacam, BetaSP, D1, DVCAM, MiniDV, DVCPRO 25/50, SonyHD HDCAM, VoodooHD, 1” Type B, 1” Type C (PAL/NTSC), CD, Cord (16,17,35 mm), DAT, DTRS/DA88, and Senkel (1/2, 1/4). DVD authoring equipment includes Spruce DVD Maestro, Sonic Scenarist Professional, Sonic Solutions DVD Creator, BitPack Video Encoder, BitPackHD Encoder, and Sonic DVD Creator Encoder systems. Digital Images GmbH has completed more than 300 DVD projects to date. For more information contact:

digital Outpost

digital OutPost offers a full range of services for DVD production including, Digital Betacam video production, serial digital post-production, graphics and motion menu design, sound design, encoding, authoring and mastering. digital OutPost has been encoding video since 1991 for clients such as Warner Bros, DreamWorks, Nissan, Disney and Sun Microsystems. Video and audio input formats supported include D-1, Digital Betacam, BetaSP, DV, 3/4” Umatic, S-VHS, QuickTime, DAT, DA-88, and ProTools. DVD authoring equipment includes a variety of systems from Sonic Solutions, Spruce, Sonic and Apple. Digital Outpost has completed more than 350 DVD-Video and DVD-ROM projects to date. For more information contact:

Digital Video Compression Corporation (DVCC)

Digital Video Compression Corporation (DVCC) is a full service DVD production facility offering MPEG2 Video Compression, DVD authoring for simple and complex titles including multi-angle and multi-story authoring, quality control, emulation and disc testing, and static/dynamic menu design. Input video and audio formats supported include D5, D1, Digital Beta, DAT, DA88, DLT, Jazz and CD-R. DVD authoring equipment includes Panasonic authoring systems, as well as Panasonic video and audio encoders. DVCC has completed more than 1,000 DVD projects to date. For more information contact:

Digital Video Masters

Digital Video Masters is a full service DVD authoring facility in operation for the past five years. Their services include DVD authoring, video and audio encoding, static and dynamic menu creation, and support for DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, DVD-ROM and WebDVD formats. All DVD projects undergo a thorough quality-control process and discounts and generous credit terms are available for new customers. Input video and audio formats supported include Digital Beta, BetaSP, DVCam, Laserdisc, VHS, D2, DAT, and DA88. Conversion services are provided for any video or audio formats not directly supported. DVD Authoring equipment includes Sonic Scenarist (SGI), and Sonic DVD-Creator systems. Digital Video Masters has completed more than 400 DVD projects to date. For more information contact:

Digital Video Services (DVS)

Digital Video Services (DVS) is a video, CD, DVD, and web service bureau offering development, duplication, and distribution services. Established in 1993, DVS has worked with interactive CD, DVD, and web technologies since their inception. Input video and audio formats supported include Digital Beta, Betacam SP, Betacam, DVCPro, DVCAM, MiniDV, DVD, Laserdisc, 1”c, 3/4”SP, Hi8mm, S-VHS, R-Dat, and CD-Audio. DVD authoring equipment includes Minerva Publisher 300 Encoder, Sonic SD-2000 Encoder, Scenarist NT Professional, Sonic DVD Creator, and Sonic AutoDVD systems. DVS has completed over 60 DVD projects to date. For more information contact:

Directorsite

Directorsite is a full service DVD authoring facility specializing in innovative high quality DVD disks for both major film studios and corporate clients. Input video and audio formats supported include HD-5, HD-6, D1, Digital Betacam, Betacam SP, DA-88, DAT, MiniDV, DV-CAM, 3/4 Umatic, and VHS. DVD Authoring equipment includes a Sony MPEG encoder, Spruce Maestro DVD authoring & encoding system, and a Sonic DVD authoring & encoding system. Directorsite has completed over 500 DVD-Video and DVD-ROM projects to date. For more information contact:

Dockhouse Film & Television AB

Dockhouse is a full service production company specializing in corporate films, based in Sweden. Their DVD facilities were initially included in the business as a media for distribution, but now are used to add new dimensions to most of their productions. Typical DVD projects include standard films with traditional menus, language and sound options, to synchronized multi plasma displays at international automotive exhibitions. Input video and audio formats supported include Digital Beta and BetaSP. DVD authoring equipment includes Spruce MPX 3000 video and audio encoder and Spruce DVDMaestro systems. Dockhouse has completed more than 40 DVD projects to date. For more information contact:

DownStream Digital

DownStream Digital is a full service DVD production facility offering encoding, authoring, design, fulfillment services. All input video and audio formats are supported including film. DVD authoring equipment includes Sonic Scenarist SGI, and Apple DVD Studio Pro. Down-Stream Digital has completed more than 700 DVD-Video and more than 500 DVD-ROM projects to date. For more information contact:

DVD Labs

DVD Labs is a full-service DVD creation facility, offering encoding, mastering, authoring and replication services. They place special emphasis on feature film and state-of-the-art multimedia presentations for corporate, government and institutional installations. Additional services include WebDVD integration, custom DVD-ROM applications, high-end audio services, interactive title planning, award-winning art direction, and professional project management. Input video and audio formats supported include D1, Digital Beta, BetaSP, DA98HR, GENEX, Sonic Solutions, ProTools and SADIE file formats, AC3 and DTS, (up to 192Khz). DVD authoring equipment includes Scenarist NT and Sonic DVD Creator, Sony DVA V700 Video Encoder, Sonic SD200 Video Encoder, Dolby DP569 AC3 Encoder, MLP Encoder, and DTS Encoding systems. DVD Labs has completed over 1,000 DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, DVD-ROM and WebDVD projects to date. For more information please contact:

DVD Master

DVD Master is a full service DVD production facility offering DVD-Video and DVD-ROM title development. DVD Master serves the museum, corporate, presentation, educational and entertainment markets. Notable credits include DVD titles for the J. Paul Getty Museum, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art’s, National Aquarium of Baltimore, Drexel University, and many others. Input video and audio formats supported include Digital Betacam, BetaSP, DVCPRO25, DVCAM, 3/4’ Umatic, Mini-DV, DA88, sequential Targa & Tiff on hard drives or DLT. DVD authoring equipment includes Scenarist Pro NT, and Minerva Impression systems. DVD Master has completed more than 200 DVD-Video, DVD-ROM and WebDVD projects to date. For more information contact:

DVD Power

DVD Power is worldwide digital media publishing company with headquarters in Auckland, New Zealand, offering one of Asia Pacific’s most well-rounded and experienced team of DVD authoring professionals. DVD Power specializes in providing both regional and worldwide solutions for consumer, educational, government and corporate digital DVD publishing solutions for both small and large clients. Input video and audio formats supported include D1, D2, Digital Beta, BetaSP, CD, DA88, and ProTools files. DVD authoring equipment includes Sonic Scenarist NT Professional, Spruce DVDMaestro, and Spruce MPX3000 video encoding systems. DVD Power and its affiliates have completed more than 500 DVD projects to date. For more information contact:

DVD Recording Center

DVD Recording Center, a division of Questa Interactive Group, is a full service DVD authoring company capable of implementing all DVD-Video features including Laserdisc emulated DVD, line 21 closed captions, subtitles, Dolby AC3, DTS, MPEG and PCM, 16:9, Pan & Scan, web-enable coding. MPEG encoding is done with a patented proprietary system with options for video clean up, conversion to progressive, inverse telecine, dropout repair, sync tear repair, film dust/scratch removal, etc. Direct transfer & matching to/from laser videodisc. DVD Recording Center has in-house computer graphic designers for motion menu compositing. DVD playback hardware, players & touchscreen systems are also available. DVD authoring equipment includes Scenarist Professional and proprietary video encoding technology. Input video tape formats supported include D1, Digital Beta, D2, 1”C, DVCAM, Hi8, DVCPro, MiniDV, M2, 3/4Umatic, S-VHS, and VHS. DVD Recording Center has completed over 1,000 DVD projects to date. For more information contact:

DVD Technologies

DVD Technologies is one of the premiere DVD Authoring facilities in Australia. DVD Technologies was designed from the ground up to meet the growing needs of digital technology in the fields of entertainment, publishing and business. A leader in the industry, DVD Technologies was formed in 1997, as the first company created specifically to service the DVD community. DVD Technologies was the first independent facility in existence to create a DVD product for corporate use. Input video and audio formats supported include Digital Beta

BetaSP, and DA98. DVD authoring equipment includes Sonic Solutions DVD Creator, Sonic Scenarist NT 2.5, Minerva Compressionist C250, Dolby DP569 Encoder, Dolby Dp567 Encoder, and Sony Professional Video Encoder systems. DVD Technologies has completed more than 250 DVD-Video, DVD-ROM and WebDVD projects to date. For more information contact:

DVD Transfer.com

DVDTransfer.com offers professional encoding, authoring, and replication services for corporate, museum, and entertainment industries. From simple authoring for tradeshows to complex authoring including motion menus, multiple camera angles, multiple language tracks, and AC-3 Audio for feature films. Prices are available online. In-house DVD-Authoring systems include Spruce DVD Maestro. Input videotape formats supported include Digital Betacam, Beta SP, DVCPro, DVCam, D-1, D-2, MiniDV, SVHS, VHS and PAL BetaSP. DVD Transfer.com has completed hundreds of DVD projects to date. For more information contact:

EagleVision

EagleVision is a full service DVD authoring, design and production company catering to the entertainment, arts, documentary, educational, and corporate markets. Typical DVD projects include documentary and independent films, concert and performing arts programs, classic and special interest titles, trade show presentations, interactive presentations and corporate training and information kiosks. EagleVision offers project management services, verification of all incoming assets, graphics and menu creation and creative services, constant and variable bit rate MPEG 2 encoding, DVD project authoring, emulation and DVD-R Quality Control, 3.95GB and 4.7GB DVD-R check discs, DLT production and coordination, and verification and testing of check discs from glass master. Input video and audio formats supported include Digital Beta, BetaSP, DA88, R-DAT, VHS, S-VHS, ” and other formats on request. DVD authoring equipment includes Spruce DVD Maestro, Heuris software encoder, and DigiDesign ProTools 5.1. EagleVision has completed over 60 DVD projects to date. For more information contact:

EDR/Beachwood Studios

EDR/Beachwood Studios is a full service DVD production facility offering original music and sound design, video production, sound stage, uncompressed Avid/Unity and Smoke editing, graphic design, motion menu development, CBR and VBR MPEG-2 encoding, transcoding from QuickTime, DVD-Video authoring, hybrid/Director authoring, cDVD development, and WebDVD development. Input video and audio formats supported include Digital Betacam, Beta SP, D2, DVC-Pro, 1”, Hi8, S-VHS, VHS, DA-88/98, and DAT. DVD authoring equipment includes Sonic Solutions DVD Creator systems. EDR/Beachwood Studios has completed more than 60 DVD projects to date. For more information contact:

Electric Switch Limited

Electric Switch is a full service DVD production facility offering design, video compression, audio compression, and DVD authoring services for corporate and entertainment clients. Input video and audio formats supported include Digital Bets, D1, DA88, and DAT. DVD authoring equipment includes Scenarist NT 2.0, and Panasonic DVDAuthor systems. Electric Switch has completed more than 200 DVD-Video, DVD-ROM and WebDVD projects to date. For more information contact:

EMA Multimedia, Inc.

EMA Multimedia is a full-service interactive design and production company that produces interactive campaigns, designs, content and products. Having emerged as a leading entertainment design studio soon after its launch in 1992, EMA has worked with every major Hollywood studio in interactive new media, especially for major motion picture DVD products. EMA’s clients include Disney, HBO, Paramount, Sony, Universal and Warner Bros. EMA’s DVD services include compression, authoring and replication services, DVD Video and ROM “Special Feature” development incorporating proprietary technology from InterActual Technologies and content development solutions from BroadcastDVD. In association with Chicago-based HyperLOCK Technologies, Inc., EMA also develops and markets HyperDVD(TM)-enabled DVD titles, adding an online component to clients’ DVD titles and positioning EMA as the premier provider of secure DVD hybrids. For more information contact:

Escape Lab

Escape Lab is a full service DVD production facility offering video production and post-production, filming, editing, sound mixing and special effects services. They develop DVD titles for entertainment industry (film, video) as well as for internal and/or external corporate communications. Input video and audio formats supported include Digital Beta, BetaSP, BetaSX, IMX, DV, DVCAM, VHS, S-VHS in both NTSC and PAL standards. DVD Authoring equipment includes Scenarist NT 2.5, and Sony DVA-V700 MPEG-2 encoder. Escape Lab was launched on the 25 April 2001 and are currently working on a number of DVD projects. For more information contact:

Evideo

Evideo provides DVD authoring, encoding, web-enablement, and video streaming services, as well as DVD training. Training classes on Sonic Creator, Sonic Fusion, and Apple DVD Studio Pro are provided at their sister company, Video Symphony. DVD equipment rental services are provided for Sonic authoring and encoding systems, both at their facility and for portable systems. Ancillary services include Avid editing, editing bays & rentals, menu graphics, ProTools audio editing & mixing. Input video and audio formats supported include Digital Beta, BetaSP, DV, SVHS, Hi8, 3/4”, D2, and most audio formats. DVD authoring equipment includes Sonic Creator, Sonic Fusion, and Apple DVD Studio Pro systems. EVideo has completed more than 20 DVD projects to date. For more information contact:

EXILOG

EXILOG is a full service DVD authoring facility offering specializing in films and documentaries about tourism and wildlife, which may or may not already be on videocassette. EXILOG creates a complete bonus environment, adding an arborescence of original menus, interviews of actors, film directors or specialists of the subject, animated photo albums, varied relevant documentation, trailers, film clips, quizzes. All elements can be gathered from a variety of sources or made from scratch by EXILOG. EXILOG has their own recording studio where they compose music clips and edit films in partnership with LANCOSME MULTIMEDIA. Their production crew is mobile, and can film supplementary shots with a professional digital video camera. Input video and audio formats supported include HI 8 mm, PAL BVU, PAL BETACAM SP, PAL DV – DVCAM, PAL DVC Pro 25 and all other format upon special request. DVD authoring equipment includes Sonic DVD Fusion systems. EXILOG has completed more than 20 DVD projects to date. For more information contact:

FATdisc

FATdisc is a full service DVD authoring facility providing a wide variety of services including: preproduction planning and consultation, asset preparation and management, interactive menu design for static and motion menus, digital video encoding, DVD authoring and premastering, porting of CD-ROM titles to DVD-ROM and DVD-Hybrid formats, WebDVD site integration, CD-ROM title development and new media authoring with MPEG-1 or MPEG-2. Input video and audio formats supported include HD, D1, D2, Digital Beta, BetaSP, DVCAM, DVPRO, MiniDV, DA88, and DAT. DVD authoring equipment includes Sonic Scenarist SGI, Sonic Solutions DVD Creator, Apple DVD Studio Pro, Minerva Compressionist, and Heuris MPEG Power Pro systems. FATDisc has completed more than 50 DVD projects to date. For more information contact:

Forest New Media Services

Forest New Media Services offers high quality compression and Internet media services for DVD, cDVD, eDVD, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, QuickTime, AVI, Windows Media, Wave, MP3, as well as HTML and JavaScript coding and other internet solutions. Video input formats include 3/4”, 1”, BetaSP, Digital Beta, D2, and D5. Audio input formats include DAT, DA88 and 1/4”. Computer file formats are also accepted for video and audio data. DVD authoring equipment includes Sonic DVDCreator, Pioneer DVR-S201 DVD-R writers and Pioneer DVD-V7400 Players. Forest New Media Services has completed hundreds of DVD and new media projects over the past four years. For more information contact:

Full Circle Studios

Full Circle Studios is a multimedia production company offering DVD authoring and production services. FCS provides all services related to DVD, including (but not limited to) script-writing, video & audio production, menu & graphic design, and 2D & 3D animation. DVD projects can be output to DVD-R or DLT tape for mass replication. FCS can also directly incorporate DVD with other media formats, such as PowerPoint and the Internet. Combining these applications with the visual quality, access speed, and durability of DVD provides clients with enhanced multimedia experiences for entertainment, corporate, training, or educational purposes. Their preferred video and audio input format is Betacam SP. Shorter video materials and separate audio materials may be provided in digital form (QuickTime, AIFF, etc.) Materials can be provided on a number of other analog or digital formats, which will be transferred either to Betacam SP for encoding, or to a digital format for transcoding. In-house DVD authoring equipment includes Sonic DVD Creator systems. Full Circle Studios has completed more than 20 corporate DVD projects to date for clients such as Lojocano Inc., City of Niagara Falls, N.Y., Ronco Communications and Electronics, Inc, Electrical Contractors Foundation, St. John’s Lutheran Church, Buffalo City Mission, and Syracuse University. For more information contact:

Future Disc Systems

Future Disc Systems provides surround sound editing and mastering, surround sound reproving (2 channel to 6 channel), Dolby Digital audio encoding, and MLP audio encoding. Additional services include MPEG-2 and MPEG-1 video encoding, DVD-Video & DVD-Audio navigation design and authoring, web-enabled & hybrid DVD authoring, menu graphics design, audio & video & still file conversion, sample rate conversion, noise removal and restoration. Video and audio input formats supported include Digital Betacam, DLT tape, DA-88, DVD-ROM, HR-45 24 bit DAT, Masterlink, 1/2” Analog tape, 1630/U-matic, Exabyte, Jazz drive, Zip drive, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, and DAT. DVD authoring equipment includes Sonic Solutions DVD-Creator system, a Sonic Solutions SD-2000 Variable Bit Rate MPEG Encoder, a Dolby DP569 encoder, and a Dolby DP562 decoder. Future Disc Systems has completed more than 20 DVD-Video and DVD-Audio projects to date. For more information contact:

Gnome Digital Media

Gnome Digital Media is a full service DVD production offering DVD authoring, video compression, and DVD production services. They specialize in creating innovative DVDs that push the envelope of the DVD specification. Input video and audio formats supported include Digital Beta, BetaSP, DA88 and DAT. DVD authoring tools include Sonic DVDCreator, Sonic DVDFusion, and Apple DVD Studio Pro systems. Gnome Digital Media has completed more than 100 DVD projects to date. For more information contact:

GTN

GTN is a digital full service post production, visual effects, new media, and distribution company, with the capability to master new material and repurpose legacy material for release through standard tape, high definition, electronic file and interactive disc formats. GTN New Media services include complete development of DVD-Video, DVD-ROM, WebDVD, standard and mini CD-ROM formats. Encoding services include MPEG-2 Variable Bit Rate and Constant Bit Rate, MPEG-1, JPEG, AVI, QuickTime and Real/Windows Media for the Internet. Input video and audio formats supported include Digital Betacam, D1, D2, D5, HD-D5, DV, mini-DV, Betacam SP, 1”, DA88, DAT, and CD. DVD authoring equipment includes Sonic Solution DVD-Creator and Digital Vision Noise Reducer systems. GTN has completed over 750 DVD-Video, DVD-ROM and WebDVD projects to date. For more information contact:

Hammer & Pixel

Hammer & Pixel is a full service post-production facility specializing in Green Screen Shooting, Stereo Videography, Microvideography, animation, show openings, as well as multi-thread authoring for DVD and specialized graphics and EFX for DVD authoring and interactivity, and Multi-synchronized DVD playback for special venue. Input video and audio formats supported include SDI, Digital Betacam, Betacam, DV, specialized Hi-Res digital imaging. DVD Authoring equipment includes Sonic DVD Creator, Quantel HAL graphic support, Mac/PC based graphics/FX systems, motion control, and virtual reality systems. Hammer & Pixel has completed more than 150 DVD projects to date. For more information contact:

HAVE, Inc.

HAVE is a full service DVD production company offering services, from expert assistance in pre-project planning, to audio/video asset preparation, to finished, packaging design; DVD replication and order fulfillment services. Input video and audio formats supported include D-2, 1” Type C, Digital Beta, Beta SP, MII, 3/4” SP, 3/4”, S-VHS, Stereo Hi-Fi VHS, 8MM, Hi8, DVC-Pro, DVCAM, Mini DV, R-DAT, CD-R, 1/4” and Open Reel. DVD authoring equipment includes Spruce DVDMaestro systems. HAVE has completed more than more than 20 DVD projects for corporations, trainers, and special interest video producers. For more information contact:

HDMG

HDMG is a full service DVD authoring facility offering a variety of services including DVD authoring, static and motion menu creation, subpicture streams, interactive programming, WebDVD and DVD on CD development. Input video and audio formats supported include Digital Beta, D5, Betacam SP, DV, DVCPro, DA88, 1”, 3/4”, and Hi8. DVD authoring equipment includes full featured Sonic DVD-Creator systems. HDMG has completed more than 40 DVD titles to date. For more information contact:

Henninger Interactive Media

Henninger Interactive Media is an award winning DVD authoring services provider. DVD Services include telecine transfer, menu design, DVD-Video, DVD-ROM, DVD-Audio and WebDVD authoring, surround audio mixing, video compression, and project management. Subtitling, captioning, and foreign translation services are also offered. Input video formats supported include Film, Hi-Def, D1, Digital Beta, 1”, ” Umatic, VHS, S-VHS, 8mm Videotape, Betacam, Betacam SP, D2, DVC Pro, DV Cam, and Mini DV. Non-digital sources are bumped or transferred to a digital source prior to MPEG encoding. PAL sources are also supported. Input audio formats supported include DAT and DA-88 and many computer formats such as .wav, .aiff, .bwav, and .sdII. In-house DVD authoring equipment includes Sonic DVD Encoder, DTS Encoder, Sonic DVD-Audio Encoder, Sonic DVD Creator and Spruce DVD Maestro systems. Located in one of the top ten video post-production houses in the United States, Henninger Interactive Media has been in the DVD business for three years, and has completed over 200 DVD projects for museums, corporate clients, producers, and film distributors. For more information contact:

Ibis Multimedia

Ibis Multimedia is a full service DVD production facility specializing in the creation of DVD titles for the display of information to the public. Past projects have included kiosk, touchscreen interfaces, bar code readers and other innovative control devices. All video and audio input formats are supported. DVD authoring equipment includes Optibase MovieMaker 200 video encoder and Scenarist NT Professional authoring systems. Ibis Multimedia has completed over 200 DVD projects to date. For more information contact:

IBT Media

IBT Media provides custom DVD production services for corporate marketing, training, and informational DVD programs, including encoding, authoring, graphic development, and disc replication. They accept input video in the Avid, Beta SP, Digital Beta, Beta SX, Beta IMX, Beta oxide, D-2, 3/4”, S-VHS, and VHS formats. DVD authoring equipment includes Spruce DVD Maestro systems. IBT Media has completed over 50 DVD projects to date. For more information contact:

Imagesource

Imagesource is a full service DVD authoring company that specializes in both corporate and entertainment titles. Input video and audio formats supported include BetaSP, Digital Beta, D-2, VHS, 3/4 inch Umatic. DVD authoring equipment includes Spruce DVD Maestro systems. Imagesource has completed more than 50 DVD projects to date. For more information contact:

Island Post & Graphics

Island Post & Graphics is a full-service production and post-production facility located in Honolulu, Hawaii. Their facility includes 4 edit suites, including an Accom Affinity, Avid XL 1000, Apple Final Cut Pro, and traditional online composite BetaCam playback and record. Input video and audio formats supported include Digital Betacam, Betacam SP, DVCam, DVCPro, MiniDV, VHS, DAT, and Audio CD. DVD authoring equipment includes Sonic DVD-Creator, Apple DVD Studio Pro. Island Post & Graphics has completed over 10 DVD projects to date. For more information contact:

JamSync

JamSync has developed proprietary techniques to up mix stereo audio assets to 5.1 channels. They can repurpose existing stereo audio to 5.1 channel surround sound. JamSync’s audio mastering and encoding services include optimization and enhancement of audio for stereo and multi-channel DVD audio tracks, as well as complete audio post production services for mixing and sound design. For more information contact:

Javanni Digital Video

Javanni Digital Video is a full service DVD production company offering custom graphics and animation production to intense interactive menu mapping, and digital MPEG2 encoding. Services also include VideoCD and Digital Business Card services. Javanni Digital Video supports all professional NTSC and PAL tape formats. DVD authoring equipment includes a Galaquest MPEG Encoder and Sonic Solutions DVD authoring systems. Over 200 DVD projects have been completed to date including work for Paramount Pictures and Dolby Laboratories. For more information contact:

Jumby Bay Studios

Jumby Bay Studios is a full service DVD production company located in St. Louis, Missouri. Their 20,000 square foot facility houses a full-service video production company and a postproduction company. They offer creative concepting, scripting, storyboarding, flow-charting, location and studio shooting, set design and building, video and audio editing, DVD authoring and burning, and video tape duplication. Input video and audio formats supported include Digital Beta, BetaSP, DV, mini DV, 1 inch, 3/4 inch, VHS, DAT, 1/4 inch and most common audio file formats. DVD authoring equipment includes Spruce DVD Maestro systems. Jumby Bay Studios has completed more than 50 DVD projects to date. For more information contact:

LaserPacific Media Corporation

LaserPacific Media Corporation offers comprehensive post-production services to the motion picture, television and digital media industries. The company is a leading provider of advanced high definition services to the entertainment industry, and opened the world’s first digital high definition facility in March of 1998. LaserPacific opened Hollywood’s first MPEG compression facility in 1991, encoded the first DVD-ROM title, and helped Philips create some of the first DVD-Video titles ever seen. Some LaserPacific digital media firsts became industry standards: Artisan’s Truth or Dare featured the first animated menus seen in a DVD for a feature film, Terminator 2 pioneered the use of dual layer technology, and New Line’s Lost In Space offered web connectivity to DVD users for the first time. Input video and audio formats supported include D1, Digital Beta, Beta SP, PCM-800/DA-88, DAT and all high definition formats. DVD authoring equipment includes Sonic Scenarist with in-house developed software support tools. Laserpacific Media Corporation has completed more than 500 DVD-Video, DVD-ROM and WebDVD projects to date. For more information contact:

M Works Mastering

M Works Mastering is a full service DVD production facility offering DVD-Video, DVDAudio and WebDVD development services. Services include audio sweetening, video and audio encoding, and DVD authoring. Input video and audio formats supported include Digital Beta, Beta-SP, DA-88, DA-98HR, and all AIFF and WAV File Formats. DVD authoring equipment includes Sonic DVD Creator and SONY-1100A Video encoding systems. M Works Mastering has completed more than 30 DVD projects to date. For more information contact:

Mares Multimedia

Mares Multimedia is a full service DVD production facility specializing in video encoding, authoring, pre-mastering and menu creation. Additional services include creation of graphics for still and motion menus, design for disc packaging, digital audio creation services, 5.1 surround mixing and mastering, WebDVD development, and cDVD development. Input video and audio formats supported include Beta SP, D1, DV, S-VHS, DA-88, DAT, Pro tools sessions. DVD authoring equipment includes Sonic DVD creator systems. Mares Multimedia has completed more than 20 DVD projects to date. For more information contact:

Masterdisk

Masterdisk is a full-service DVD production facility. Their services include DVD-Video, DVD- Audio and DVD-ROM production, 5.1 mastering, and creation, DTS and AC-3 encoding, MPEG-1 and MPEG-2 compression, high-end motion graphics, and DVD authoring. Input video and audio formats supported include Digital Beta, Betacam SP, mini-DV, D-1, D-2, DVCAM, DAT, DA-88, Genex, Sonic Solutions Files, and Pro Tools Files. DVD authoring equipment includes Scenarist NT 2.0 and Sonic DVD-Creator systems. Masterdisk has completed more than 100 DVD-Video titles and over 25 DVD-ROM titles to date. For more information contact:

Matinée Sound & Vision

Matinée Sound and Vision is a full service media agency offering video digitization, Avid Video Editing, audio editing, music composition, sound for games and entertainment (including our own commercially available Sound FX CD), translation, foreign language versions, animations, web sites, e-commerce, database integration, DVD and CD-ROM development. Matinée offers complete DVD production services, taking projects from concept, through design and programming, to duplication of the finished master. Input video and audio formats supported include Digital Betacam, Betacam SP, Mini DV, ” U-Matic, Tascam TRS (DA98), and DAT. DVD authoring equipment includes Sonic Solutions DVD Creator, Digital Vision BitPack, Avid Xpress Elite, Soundscape, and Logic Audio systems. Matinée Sound and Vision has completed more than 20 DVD projects to date. For more information contact:

Media Galleries, Inc.

Media Galleries, Inc. is one of the first authoring and DVD production studios in the United States. Their DVD production facility opened in 1997, and they specialize in Region Code 2 PAL format as well as complex presentation titles. Clients include C-Cube, NASA, San Jose Tech Museum, VISION Films, and Kit Parker Films. Input video and audio formats supported include Digital Beta, Beta SP PAL and NTSC, DV CAM Pal and NTSC, 3/4, and DA-88. DVD authoring equipment includes Spruce DVD Maestro, Apple DVD Studio Pro, Media 100 with MPEG II and SDI option, Zapex, Wired video encoders, and Dolby 5.1 encoding systems. Media Galleries, Inc, has completed more than 100 DVD projects to date. For more information contact:

Media Tech

Media Tech is a full service DVD authoring facility with over 3 years of experience. Services include full video & film production, post-production, compression and authoring, audio, graphic and print design services. Media Tech has a 10,000 square foot studio, with Beta SP, 16mm and 35mm film capabilities. Input video formats include Digital Beta, BetaSP and ” Umatic. DVD authoring tools include Sonic Solutions DVD-Creator. Media Tech has completed over 300 DVD projects to date. For more information contact:

MEP Medienhaus GmbH

MEP medienhaus GmbH is a full service DVD authoring facility that provides DVD preproduction and mastering, Avid Composer based video editing, Pro Tools for sound editing, Maja for 3D productions, and in-house designers and programmers for WebDVD productions. Supported video and audio formats include Digital Beta, DA 88 and all other digital formats. DVD Authoring equipment includes Sonic Scenarist NT 2.0 systems, and Optibase Encoders. MEP Medienhaus GmbH has completed more than 100 DVD projects to date. For more information contact:

Metropolis DVD

Metropolis DVD is the interactive studio of the Metropolis Group, offering a fully integrated DVD encoding, authoring, and design service. They produce a full range of DVD formats (video, audio, ROM) plus many complementary services such as 5.1 mixing and mastering, web design, video editing and ROM authoring, comprehensive project management and consultancy services. Input video and audio formats supported include Digital Beta, Beta SP, DA88, DAT and Genex. DVD authoring equipment includes Sonic DVD Creator and Spruce DVD Maestro systems. Metropolis DVD has completed more than 50 DVD projects to date. For more information contact:

Mirage Video Productions

Mirage Video Productions offers a complete range of DVD authoring services. Final output can be created on DLT tape for replication, or to DVD-R for small quantities. Additional services include full video productions services including non-linear digital editing, After Effects motion graphics and Director interactive presentation development. They also offer MPEG-2 digitizing from any format, MPEG-1 digitizing and VideoCD or SVCD authoring. Input video formats supported include Digital Beta, BetaSP, DVCAM, DV, SVHS, Hi8 and VHS. DVD authoring equipment includes Spruce Virtuoso and Canopus Amber MPEG-2 encoder. Mirage Video Productions has completed more than 10 DVD projects to date. For more information contact:

msm Mastering Studio Muenchen

msm Mastering Studio Muenchen is a full service DVD production facility offering DVD authoring, mastering, audio restoration, and replication services. Input video and audio formats supported include Digital Beta, Beta SP, and DA88. DVD authoring equipment includes Sonic DVD-Creator systems. msm Mastering Studio Muenchen has completed more than 250 DVD projects to date. For more information contact:

OASIS DVD

Oasis Post is one of the first full service DVD production facilities in Australia. Their services include design, video and audio encoding, authoring, formatting and layout of DVD-Video, DVD-ROM and DVD-Audio titles. They support all NTSC and PAL video and audio input formats. DVD authoring equipment includes Sonic Solutions DVD Creator systems. OASIS DVD has completed more than 50 DVD-Video, DVD-ROM, WebDVD and DVD-Audio projects to date. For more information contact:

Phaebus Communications Group

Phaebus Communications Group is a full DVD production company offering services from concept through replication. Their multimedia, graphics, video facilities, broadcast production and post-production divisions are all used to achieve dynamic cross platform discs. Services include design of the disc navigation, design and creation of still and moving graphics, editing of source material where necessary, broadcast transfers and standards conversion to enable titles to be authored in NTSC or PAL, digital video noise reduction and scratch removal where required. All video and audio formats are supported. DVD authoring equipment includes Sonic Solutions DVD Creator systems. For more information contact:

Provac Disc Media

Provac Disc Media is a full sevice DVD production facility offering authoring, encoding, mastering and replication services. Provac owns and operates the only DVD facility in Canada that replicated DVD-5, DVD-9 and DVD-10 format discs. Input video and audio formats supported include Digital Beta, BetaSP and DA88. DVD Authoring equipment includes Sonic Solutions and Sony systems. Provac has completed more than 200 DVD projects to date. For more information contact:

RGB Productions

RGB Productions offers DVD authoring for retail distribution, commercial, industrial, and trade show use as well as for home video archiving. They produce hybrid DVD-Video, DVDROM, WebDVD, and DVDonCD titles. Input video and audio formats supported include DVCam, DVC Pro, Mini-DV, BetaCam SP, D-2, 1” Type C, 3/4” Umatic, SVHS and Hi-8. DVD authoring equipment includes Spruce Technologies DVD Maestro systems. RGB Productions has completed more than 30 DVD projects to date. For more information contact:

RISE Int’l.

RISE is a full service DVD production facility, with a digital beta studio featuring a virtual set, non-linear editing, digital audio, animation, and graphics capabilities. RISE also has inhouse programming capabilities for DVD-ROM, CD-ROM and web applications. RISE has produced DVD Video in both PAL & NTSC with features like 8 audio tracks with 8 subtitles, and 4 multi-camera angle shots. Input video and audio formats supported include Digital Beta, Beta SP, DVC Pro, DV Cam, DA88, DAT audio, and Audio CD. DVD authoring equipment includes several Sonic DVD-Creator systems. RISE has completed more than 100 DVD titles to date for corporate, education and government clients. For more information contact:

Scream DVD

ScreamDVD is a full service DVD production facility offering video and audio encoding, authoring, static, and dynamic 2D and 3D menu creation, formatting and layout. Input video and audio formats supported include D-1, Digital Beta, Beta, 1”, D-2, DV, MiniDV, Hi-8, VHS, DA-88, and DAT. DVD authoring equipment includes Sonic DVD Creator systems. Scream DVD has completed more than 200 DVD projects to date. For more information contact:

Skyline Interactive

Skyline Interactive is a full service DVD production company providing custom design, authoring, encoding and replication services for kiosks, trade shows, marketing, and educational titles. Chris Ammen, Director of Technology at Skyline Interactive, has over 30 years experience in Post Production and Multimedia. Having created titles on Laserdisc, CD-i and VideoCD, Chris Ammen brings his creativity and experience to all of Skyline Interactive’s DVD projects. Skyline Interactive can handle projects as simple as tradeshow loops to complex projects requiring unique user interfaces such as touch-screen, barcode or web browsers. Input video and audio formats supported include Digital Betacam, D2, Betacam SP, DV Cam, DV, Type C-1”, Umatic 3/4”, SVHS. DVD authoring equipment includes Minerva Compressionist 255 with SDI, pre-processing, 16:9, VBR and ITC options and Sonic Solutions DVD Creator systems. Skyline Interactive has completed more than 75 DVD projects to date. For more information contact:

Sony Digital Authoring Services

Sony Digital Authoring Services, a unit of Sony Disc Manufacturing, provides content preparation services for audio, video and multimedia content holders, including project planning, bit budgeting, asset capture, graphic interface design, authoring, emulation and formatting for CD, DVD, broadcast, or the web. For more information contact:

Sony DVD Center Europe GmbH

Located within the Sony DADC replication facility, Sony DVD Center Europe GmbH (Sony DCE) is the first Sony DVD authoring facility in Europe and offers a complete DVD solution to clients. Services of the new facility include Audio & Video compression, DVD authoring, menu design and content development. In addition, Sony DCE will offer integration of Internet and web links, e-commerce convergence and other multimedia hybrid applications. Input video and audio formats supported include D1, Digital Beta, BetaSP, DV, MiniDV, D2, PCM-800/DA-88, DA-98HR, and DASH-3324. DVD authoring equipment includes Sony Authoring and Video encoding, and Digital Vision Noise Reduction systems. Sony DADC Center Europe has completed more than 300 DVD projects to date. For more information contact:

Stone Studio Productions, Inc.

Stone Studio Productions specializes in interactive marketing for trade-shows and sales presentations. Utilizing Director and Flash, they integrate DVD video into presentations that can be distributed on CD-ROM. They also can create full feature DVD projects for training, sales, and marketing purposes. Input video and audio formats supported include BetaSP, DV, DVCAM, DAT, ADAT, CD, AIF, and WAV. DVD authoring equipment includes Spruce Technologies’ DVD Conductor systems. Stone Studio Productions has completed over 20 DVD project to date. For more information contact:

Stream AV

Stream AV is a full service DVD authoring facility based in Melbourne Australia. Their services include high quality MPEG II encoding, DVD-Video authoring, 2D and 3D static and motion menu design, audio preparation including 5.1 recording, mixing and mastering, and audio encoding in the Dolby Digital, DTS and MPEG formats. Input video and audio formats supported include Digital Betacam, Betacam SP, MiniDV, VHS, DA88/98, and most computer formats such as SDII, AIFF, mp3, .wav, and MPEG. DVD authoring equipment includes Sonic DVD Creator, Snell & Wilcox CPP-100 MPEG pre-processor, and DigiDesign Pro Tools systems. Stream AV has completed more than 40 DVD projects to date. For more information contact:

Svzyqy Media Works, Inc.

Syzygy Media Works, Inc. is a full service DVD production facility offering services to corporate clients, and independent filmmakers. They also provide on-site training at their customer’s facilities. Services include production, post-production, encoding, authoring, and mastering. Input video and audio formats supported include BetaSP, DVCAM, SVHS, VHS, DVCPro, 16 mm, DV audio, DAT, Mini Disc, and Audio CD. DVD authoring equipment includes Sonic Solutions Authoring, Mediapress encoding, and Apple DVD Studio Pro systems. Syzygy Media Works, Inc. has completed more than 10 DVD projects to date. For more information contact:

The Machine Room, Ltd.

The Machine Room is a full service DVD-VIDEO production facility offering pre-mastering, encoding, authoring and emulation services. They have produced a wide variety of projects including corporate, feature films, ad agency titles and broadcast programming. Input video and audio formats supported include D1, D2, D3, D5, Digital Betacam, Betacam SP, Beta SX, DVCPro, DVCam, Mini DV, DA88, DAT, and graphics and subtitles from external suppliers in all standard formats. DVD authoring equipment includes Spruce DVD Maestro, Dolby Digital (AC-3) encoding and Sony MPEG video encoding systems. The Machine Room has completed over 100 DVD projects to date. For more information contact:

The Pavement

The Pavement is a full service DVD production facility whose services include audio mixing and conforming for music and film, non-linear video editing and compositing, 2D, and 3D animation for static and motion menus, and traditional graphic design for packaging artwork and other forms of print design. Audio compression services include Dolby Digital, DTS, LPCM, MPEG and MLP. Video compression services include MPEG-1, MPEG-2, QuickTime and AVI for video. The Pavement develops DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, and WebDVD titles, as also provides web design and production services. CD and DVD-ROM programming services are provided using traditional tools like Director & Visual Basic. Input video and audio formats supported include Digital Beta, BetaSP, DA-88, and DAT. DVD authoring equipment includes Sonic Scenarist NT Professional, Sonic ReelDVD, Spruce DVDMaestro and Spruce Pre-Mastering systems. The Pavement has completed over 300 DVD projects to date. For more information contact:

The Wizard.be

The Wizard.be is a full service DVD production facility offering consulting, project management, dynamic AV-archiving, studio, post-production, translation, subtitling, encoding, authoring, and replication services. They specialize in developing entertainment, corporate and educational DVD titles. Input video and audio formats supported include all PAL and NTSC formats, DA88, DAT, JAZ, ZIP, DVD-RAM, and DLT. DVD authoring equipment includes Spruce MPX3000 encoding and DVD Maestro systems. The Wizard.be has completed more than 100 DVD projects to date. For more information contact:

US DVD

US DVD is a full service DVD production facility specializing in MPEG-2 encoding, authoring, mastering, and replication. Services include Dolby 5.1 surround encoding, multiple angle support, multiple language subtitles, multiple audio languages, closed caption, scripting, and karaoke. Input video and audio formats supported include BetaSP, Digital Betacam, DVCAM, DVC Pro, Mini-DV, and PCM 800 Digital Audio Player/Recorder. Other consumer formats such as VHS, S-VHS, 8 mm, Hi-8, ” Umatic are also supported. DVD authoring equipment includes Spruce DVDMaestro systems. US DVD has completed more than 40 DVD projects to date. For more information contact:

Valkieser Solutions

Valkieser Solutions is a full service DVD developer specializing in both the corporate and entertainment markets. Corporate clients include Sony Europe, Philips, Mitsubishi, and Ahold. Entertainment clients include Warner Home Video, Buena Vista, and RCV Home Entertainment. Their services include DVD authoring, video compression, Dolby Digital 5.1 post production, high end video, film & commercial post production, camera facilities, satellite broadcasting, streaming video & broadband internet, and content management systems. Input video and audio formats supported include Digital Beta, BetaSP, DA88 and DA98. DVD authoring equipment includes Sonic Scenarist NT and Sonic Solutions DVD-Creator systems. Valkieser Solutions has completed over 20 DVD projects to date. For more information contact:

Video Transfer

Video Transfer Inc. is a full service DVD production company staffed with a team of producers, graphic designers, DVD compresionists, and multimedia authors. They can handle everything from Pre-production to replication including graphic design and packaging. Video and audio input format supported include D1, D2, D3, D5, Digital Betacam, DVCPRO, DV, DV-CAM, Digital-S, Digital 8, Beta SP, Betacam, MII, 1”, S-VHS, W-VHS, VHS, ”, Hi-8, and 8mm. DVD authoring equipment includes Sonic Solutions Creator systems. Video Transfer Inc. has produced over 75 DVD-Video features and over 700 total DVD projects to date. For more information contact:

Visible Light Digital

Visible Light DIGITAL offers a full range of multimedia, DVD-Video, and DVD-ROM authoring services. Enhanced by in-house post-production capabilities, Visible Light DIGITAL repurposes existing material into new interactive media titles suitable for education, training, promotional and entertainment. Visible Light DIGITAL also specializes in the creation of DVD-Video hybrids using their OnStage DVD technology. OnStage DVD enabled titles support enhanced features, such as web connectivity (WebDVD) and installation-free operation, when played in a compatible PC. Input video and audio formats supported include BetaSP, DV, DVCAM, SVHS, VHS, QuickTime, and AVI. DVD Authoring equipment includes Scenarist NT Professional 2.0 systems. Visible Light Digital has completed over 50 DVD projects to date. For more information contact:

Vision Wise Inc

Vision Wise is a full service DVD production facility serving a wide range of entertainment, corporate, and institutional customers. Input video and audio formats supported include Digital Beta, BetaSP, D2, DVCAM, DVCPRO, 1” Type C, and DA88. DVD Authoring equipment includes Sonic Scenarist NT authoring systems with Sony and Optibase MPEG-2 video encoders. Vision Wise has completed over 500 DVD projects to date. For more information contact:

Visom Diqital

Visom Digital provides turnkey DVD Authoring in both the NTSC and PAL formats. Their services include fully interactive static and dynamic menu creation, subtitling, language dubbing, 5.1 mixing for AC-3, DTS and DVD-Audio (96Khz/192Khz), full sound restoration, and audio pre-mastering. Visom Digital also specializes in the nationalization of international titles for Brazil. In addition to authoring services, Visom Digital also provides sales, importation, commissioning, training, technical support and maintenance of Sonic Solutions DVD Authoring Systems. Video and audio formats supported include Sony Digital and SP Beta video formats, NTSC and PAL (SP). Tascam DA-88, Genex-8500, ADAT - XT, Studer 24Tk 2” Machines, Euphonix R-1 Multitrack machines, Tascam MX 24242 Hard Disk 24 Tk machines, WAV, SounDesigner and AIFF files, DLT, Exabyte and DVD-R formats. DVD authoring equipment includes Sonic Solutions DVD Creator Systems with DVD-Audio capability, CEDAR, Sonic NoNoise and Spectral Design Audio Cube for Sound Restoration and Pre-mastering, Euphonix CS-2000 and Sony DMX-R100 surround mixing consoles. Visom Digital has completed over 300 DVD titles to date, including 12 DVD-ROM titles, more than 100 corporate titles and more than 200 movie titles, among them Caetano Veloso “Prenda Minha”, Brazil’s Best Selling DVD Title (80,000 copies) and first DTS title in Latin America. For more information contact:

Westport Media Resources

Westport Media Resources is a full service DVD authoring facility specializing in both feature films and corporate projects. Their services include menu design, video and audio encoding, web connectivity, and project management. Westport Media Resources is a small boutique shop that prefers to work with independent filmmakers, often on a participation basis. Each DVD project must meet the same rigorous Quality Control requirements as a major Hollywood release. Input video and audio formats supported include Digital Beta and Beta SP, with other formats supported based on as needed basis. DVD authoring equipment includes DVD-Composer video encoder, Dolby DP561B audio encoder and Sonic Scenarist SGI systems. Westport Media Resources has completed over 40 DVD projects to date. For more information contact:

Zomax

Zomax is a global leader in software production and distribution services, offering a complete solution to publishers and content developers for DVD-Video, DVD-ROM, and multimedia products. Zomax has a full service DVD authoring facility located at their replication plant. Input video and audio formats supported include Digital Beta, Beta-SP, Hi-8, S-VHS, DAT, DA-88, DV-Cam, DLT and DVD-R. DVD authoring equipment includes Sonic DVD-Creator, Sonic DVD-Fusion, Sonic Studio, Daiken Scenarist SGI, Daiken ROM Family Formatter, Interra Surveyor, Media 100 NLE, Digital Vision DVNR-1000, and Apple DVD Studio PRO systems. Zomax has completed over 200 DVD projects to date. For more information contact:

DVD Authoring Tools & Systems

Apple

Apple offers two DVD authoring tools, iDVD for the consumer market and DVD Studio Pro for the professional market.

iDVD

Currently iDVD is sold only with Mac G4 systems that include the new Apple DVD-R SuperDrive. The iDVD graphical users interface is surprisingly simple. Apple has distilled the process of creating a DVD title down to five easy steps, (1) Select a Theme, (2) Create and fill Media Folders, (3) Create and fill Slide Shows, (4) Preview the Disc, and (5) Burn a DVD-R.

IDVD uses “Themes” to create a common look and feel for the DVD title. Approximately 20 predefined Themes come standard with iDVD, and you can create custom Themes as well. A Theme consists of a background image, a specific font style, color and size, and a specific button shape and size. Buttons are used to launch the playback of video clips or slideshows, or to branch to Folders.

“Folders” are used by iDVD as containers for media elements, and to organize the presentation of the content on the DVD disc. A Folder can hold additional Folders or individual media elements. IDVD Folders can have up to six buttons each, and there can be no more than 99 media elements used in the title. IDVD automatically arranges the buttons in each Folder, and creates the Left, Right, Up and Down navigation commands as well. Each Folder can use the common project Theme, have it’s own unique Theme, or use different background image if required. The DVD Menu key is automatically programmed to take the user up one level in the Folder structure, and the DVD Title key is programmed to take the user to the top-level Folder.

“Slideshows” are collection of still images that are presented in a linear fashion. Individual images can be displayed for a fixed amount of time, or indefinitely waiting for a user action. Previous (<<) and Next (>>) buttons are automatically created on each still image by iDVD to allow the viewer to navigate through the slideshow in a sequential fashion.

Adding video clips or photographs to a title is a simple process of selecting them in the Apple Finder and dropping them into the appropriate iDVD Folder. IDVD only accepts QuickTime video, so if you have files in any other format you will have to convert them to QuickTime before using them. Buttons are created in the order that the elements are dropped in, but you can change a button’s position by clicking on it and dragging it to a different position on the screen. When video clips or slide shows are associated with a button, you can select which frame of video, or still image to use as a thumbnail image on the button.

IDVD has a Preview Mode that allows you to check your work at any time during the title creation process. Pressing the Preview Button brings up a small remote control, shown in Figure 2, that allows you to navigate through the title. Video clips, slideshows and folders are displayed just as they will be on the final disc image. The quality of the video clips may be different in Preview Mode than it is on the final disc, since the Preview Mode displays the uncompressed media elements, rather than the MPEG-2 encoded versions used on a DVD disc.

The last step of the DVD creation process is Burn DVD. During this step all of the Quick-Time video files used on the title are converted into the MPEG-2 format using an integrated software MPEG-2 encoder. IDVD can only create constant bit rate MPEG-2 video streams, and can fit about one hours worth of video on a DVD disc. There is a disc capacity indicator on the bottom of the iDVD users interface that displays the total time used on the disc, or total time left. IDVD can’t be used to create a “DVD on CD” disc or store a DVD disc image on the hard drive; it only can store the final disc image on a DVD-R disc. IDVD uses “DVD-R for General” media, which can be purchased directly from Apple for $10 each. For more information contact:

DVD Studio Pro

DVD Studio Pro user’s interface includes a variety of different display areas and windows, which are all individually configurable. The Graphical View shows a flowchart like display of the DVD project. The Property Inspector is used to set properties related to specific assets or media elements used in the project. The Project View window shows all of the assets that can be used in the project. There are also various Editors, Matrix Views, Troubleshooting Windows and a Preview Mode display.

DVD Studio Pro’s workflow is similar to most corporate or professional DVD authoring tools. Video, audio, and graphics assets are brought into the Project View area in a variety of formats. MPEG video files can be directly imported, and DVD Studio Pro includes a software MPEG compression utility to convert QuickTime video clips into the MPEG format. Audio can be imported in the PCM, Dolby Digital and MPEG formats. DVD Studio Pro includes a feature called A.Pack, which allows AIFF, SoundDesigner II, WAV or QuickTime audio streams to be converted to into the Dolby Digital format. DVD Studio Pro does not support the DTS audio format. Menu graphics must be created in Adobe Photoshop, with unique layers assigned to the background and button images.

Once all the media assets are brought into the Project View area, they are combined to create elements such as menus, slide shows or traditional video tracks. Creating an element is a simple process of dragging an asset from the Project View area into the Graphical View area. Related assets are then dropped on top of the first element. Video tracks can include up to 9 video camera angles, 8 multichannel audio tracks, and 32 subpicture streams, so it is possible to create sophisticated DVD titles using DVD Studio Pro. Scene access points can be added to video tracks once they have been created in the Graphical View area. Only 99 video or slide show tracks can be used in a single project since DVD Studio Pro stores each of these elements in their own Video Title Set (VTS).

Adobe Photoshop files are dropped into the Graphical View area to create menus. Both static and dynamic menus can be created, and the tool supports multiple aspect ratio menus (4:3 and 16:9). There are several different ways to implement menus in DVD-Studio Pro. If the PhotoShop file has full color background and button graphics, then the menu is implemented as an “auto-activate” menu where multiple copies of the menu are stored for each combination of selected and activated buttons. If the PhotoShop file includes a full color background and a four-color highlight overlay, then the menu is implemented as a traditional DVD menu where the highlight information is displayed when a button is selected or activated. If only a background graphic is included in the PhotoShop file then the menu is implemented as a traditional DVD menu where the color of the button area on the screen is changed to indicate the selected or activated button states. DVD Studio Pro automatically assigns the Left, Right, Up and Down button navigation commands when each button is created. These assignments can be manually overridden if necessary.

Links between tracks, slideshows and menus are defined by setting properties in the Property Inspector. For each track, specific actions can be assigned for the Next, Previous, Title, Menu, Return and Enter buttons on the DVD player remote control. DVD Studio Pro provides access to SPRM and GPRM registers, along with a scripting language to create scripts that can be executed before or after a track is played. Only 8 GPRM registers can be used, but the scripting language provides support for all of the commands defined by the DVD-Video specification.

DVD Studio Pro includes a Preview Mode to review individual media elements, or the entire project. This is an excellent tool for checking the project before starting to build a disc image. Once the project has been created, and previewed, the next step is to build the disc image, and if desired output it to either DVD-R or DLT tape. The disc image build process is executed faster than real time using DVD Studio Pro, and with the 2X writing speed of the Apple SuperDrive it took about an hour to build a full 4.7 GByte disc image and write it to a DVD-R. DVD Studio Pro supports single or dual layer disc images, Macrovision Analog Copy Protection, Content Scrambling System, and Region Coding, features normally found only on professional authoring tools.

DVD Studio Pro is a full featured, yet inexpensive professional DVD authoring tool. When combined with an off-the-shelf Apple iDVD system, DVD Studio Pro can be used as a stand-alone professional DVD authoring system, with a price tag of less than $5,000. DVD Studio Pro could be improved by adding support for DTS audio, although most DVD developers will not use this capability. Expert DVD authors may find it difficult to implement very complex DVD-Video titles using DVD Studio Pro due to the support for only 8 GRPM registers, and only 99 unique video tracks.

DVD Studio Pro has a suggested retail price of $1,000 and requires a Mac PowerPC G4 system with Apple AGP graphics card, 128 Mbytes RAM, 10 Gbytes available hard drive space, Mac OS 9.0.4 or 9.1, QuickTime Pro 4.1 or later, Apple DVD Player 2.3 or later, and Adobe Photoshop 4.0 or later. For more information contact:

Authoringware

Authoringware offers several DVD authoring tools, both as stand-alone products or for OEM bundle deals. All of their tools work on Windows 98/ME/NT/2K platforms and require a DirectShow compatible hardware or software DVD decoder.

DVD Quick Builder accepts MPEG-2 video, WAV, AIFF, AC-3, and MPEG1, Layer 2 audio files and can be used to generate a valid DVD-Video disc image. Projects are limited to 2 menus, 2 titles, up to 99 chapters for each title, up to 36 buttons on each menu, and up to 8 audio streams and audio languages. DVD Quick Builder has a suggested retail price of $299.

DVD Wise accepts MPEG-2 video, WAV, AIFF, AC-3, and MPEG1, Layer 2 audio files and can be used to generate a valid DVD-Video disc image. Projects can include 99 menus, 99 titles, up to 99 chapters for each title, up to 36 buttons on each menu, up to 8 subtitles for each title, and up to 8 audio streams and audio languages. DVD Quick Builder has a suggested retail price of $2,250. For more information contact:

Avid

Available on select Dell Precision and IBM IntelliStation workstations, Avid Xpress DV offers professional video editing with the ability to output content to the web, CDs, DVDs, in presentations, and to DV tape. Major features of Avid Xpress DV include professional DV editing, effects, audio, titling, graphics, composition and interoperability, and web and DVD publishing in the same application. More than 80 built-in digital video effects are included. A copy of Sonic Solutions DVDIt! LE authoring software is included for DVD authoring. For more information contact:

Blossom Technologies

Blossom Technologies offers several DVD authoring products. All of their products are designed to work on Windows systems.

DaViD Suite LE can be used to create simple DVD-Video titles. It includes an MPEG 2 encoder/decoder PCI card, a DVD Emulator PCI Card, video/audio capture software and a simple DVD authoring tool. David Suite LE has a suggested retail price of $3,995.

DaViD Suite can be used to create moderately complex DVD-Video titles. It includes an MPEG 2 encoder/decoder PCI card, a DVD Emulator PCI Card, video/audio capture software and a copy of the Sonic ReelDVD authoring software. David Suite has a suggested retail price of $6,995.

DaViD Suite Station LE is a turnkey workstation for creating simple DVD-Video titles. It includes a dual Intel PIII processor workstation running Windows NT 4.0, hard drive storage for up to 6 hours of video, an MPEG 2 encoder/decoder PCI card, a DVD Emulator PCI Card, video/audio capture software and a simple DVD authoring tool. David Suite Station LE has a suggested retail price of $9,995.

DaViD SUITE STATION is a turnkey workstation for creating moderately completed DVD-Video titles. It includes a dual Intel PIII processor workstation running Windows NT 4.0, hard drive storage for up to 6 hours of video, an MPEG 2 encoder/decoder PCI card, a DVD Emulator PCI Card, video/audio capture software and a copy of the Sonic ReelDVD authoring software. David Suite Station has a suggested retail price of $12,995.

DaViD Pro is a turnkey workstation for creating advanced DVD-Video titles. It includes a dual Intel PIII processor workstation running Windows NT 4.0, hard drive storage for up to 6 hours of video, an MPEG 2 encoder/decoder PCI card, a DVD Emulator PCI Card, video/audio capture software and a copy of the Sonic Scenarist NT authoring software. David Suite Station has a suggested retail price of $27,995. For more information contact:

Canopus

Amber for DVD combines the real-time MPEG encoding capabilities of Amber, with the DVD authoring capabilities of Spruce DVDVirtuoso authoring software. The Amber hardware encodes MPEG-1 and MPEG-2 video in real time using constant or variable bit rates. Spruce’s DVDVirtuoso software supports NTSC and PAL, 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratios, 48 KHz PCM 16-bit, AC-3 2-channel, and MPEG1 (Layer I and II) audio. Up to 99 chapter points can be defined in each video segment. DVDVirtuoso has a built-in subtitle generator, built-in menu editor, and provides real-time preview and navigation simulation.

The Amber encoder is a single PCI board that provides MPEG2 video and audio capture up to 15 Mb/s, with a simultaneous high quality VGA video overlay and analog video output. Real time encoding of MPEG-2 D1, Half-D1, and MPEG-1 formats is supported, as well as MPEG Layer I and II audio encoding. Amber provides S-Video and composite video inputs and outputs. Amber for DVD requires a Windows NT 4.0 system with 400 MHz Pentium II CPU, and 128 Mbytes of system RAM. Amber for DVD has a suggested retail price of $2,995. For more information contact:

DV Studio

DV Studio has two products that can be used to product DVD-Video titles. Apollo Expert Plus is a real time hardware MPEG-2 encoder that includes a DVD authoring tool for generating simple DVD-Video titles. The encoder provides constant or variable bit rate real time MPEG-2 encoding & decoding at bit rates from 2 to 25 Mbps. The DVD authoring tool can accept MPEG video, PCM MPEG-1 or Dolby Digital audio files. Limitations of the authoring tool include a single level of menus, and a maximum of 8 audio files.

Apollo d2d is a software MPEG transcoder that includes the same DVD authoring tool as Apollo Expert Plus. Apollo d2d is designed for systems that have DV capture and editing software using IEEE 1394 FireWire interfaces. For more information contact:

Intec

INTEC, INC., a Japanese company who developed the “Video-CD Writing Tool” has also developed DVDAuthorQUICK, a Windows NT based DVD authoring tool. DVD AuthorQUICK masks the complexity of the DVD-Video specification behind a simple interface to streamline the authoring process and reduce production time. DVDAuthorQUICK has a volume structure offering quick video & audio asset assembly utilizing a browse & select action for easy DVD authoring. MPEG-2 video, Dolby Digital & PCM audio elements can be quickly assembled into DVD-Video titles for business presentations, corporate training, kiosks, music videos, karaoke & movies. DVDAuthorQUICK provides robust functionality that facilitates high productivity because the software is easy-to-learn, making it quick-to-author. Multiple angle & motion menus are supported in the Pro version. DVDAuthorQUICK supports both the PAL and NTSC formats. Creating a DVD-Video title with menus, submenus, chapters, subtitles & automatic button linking in only a few hours is possible with DVDAuthorQUICK. DVDAuthorQUICK’s build process creates the DVD-Video disc image for output to either DVD-R or DLT. DVDAuthorQUICK is available in three versions with increased functionality at each level.

•   DVDAuthorQUICK Pro (Suggested Retail Price of $7,900)

•   DVDAuthorQUICK Desktop (Suggested Retail Price of $2,500)

•   DV Author (Suggested Retail Price of $399)

For more information contact:

Matrox

The Matrox RT2000 is a real-time video editing card that include a copy of Sonic Solutions DVDit! for authoring of simple DVD-Video titles. Major features of the RT2000 board include real-time editing with two video layers plus a graphics layer, native DV and MPEG-2 editing, analog and digital video input/outputs including Y/C, composite, and IEEE-1394 FireWire, and MPEG-2 output for DVD and CD authoring. A variety of software products are bundled with the RT2000 product including Adobe Premiere, Inscriber TitleExpress, Pixélan Video SpiceRack Lite, Sonic Foundry ACID Music, Sonic DVDit! LE, and Ulead Cool 3D. The suggested retail price for the RT2000 product is $1,099. For more information contact:

Panasonic

The Panasonic LQ-VD2000S is a compact, highly integrated system designed for authoring DVD-Video, DVD-ROM and Hybrid DVD discs. All functions required for DVD authoring have been integrated into a single Windows NT based personal computer. The system includes four items of hardware, the host computer, a video encoder board, and audio encoder board, and a decoder board.

There are six different primary user interfaces. The Project Manager allows you to launch all DVD authoring applications, backup and restore projects or make copies of projects. The Reelset Editor allows you to set global parameters for video, audio and subtitles within a project, and define the start and stop timecodes for controlling the video and audio encoders. DA Author is the program where menus, buttons and navigation commands are defined for a DVD title, including support for parental levels, seamless branching, and single or dual layer disc definitions. The A/V Encode tool provides automatic variable bit rate MPEG-2 video and Dolby Digital audio compression from source tape. The Disc Image Creator program generates the final DVD disc image, providing support for DVD-Video, DVD-ROM and Hybrid DVD disc layouts. The Output Disc Image program is used to output the final disc image to DLT or DVD-R.

The LQ-VD2000S has a suggested retail price of $120,000 which includes the host computer, video encoder, audio encoder, decoder card and the LQ-VD3000 emulator. For more information contact:

Pinnacle

The Pinnacle DVD2000 is videotape, CD-ROM, DVD, and Internet video delivery production system. It combines frame accurate dual stream MPEG-2 video editing and a complete DVD authoring solution. The DVD2000 encodes directly in the DVD format and can edit or immediately author the video. DVD2000 features DV and Component Video inputs and outputs, and includes copies of Adobe Premiere 6.0, Title Deko, Pinnacle Impression 2.0 DVD authoring software, Hollywood FX Bronze and Alpha Magic, Pipeline ProVTR, Smart Sound Quicktracks and Total Training Introduction to Premiere 6.0.

For DVD authoring the Pinnacle DVD2000 system uses the Pinnacle Impression 2.0 software, which was developed by Minerva Systems and recently purchased by Pinnacle. Impression 2.0 has lots of great features, including support for multiple camera angles, multiple audio tracks, subpicture streams, and static and motion menus. Impression’s graphical user interface is clean and intuitive. It consists of three major areas, the Timeline, Library, and Monitor areas. Media elements such as MPEG-2 video files, PCM or AC-3 audio files, and still images are imported into the Library where they can then be dragged and dropped onto the timeline. The Timeline is where you organize the media elements and control how each element will be displayed in the final DVD title. The Monitor area allows you to preview the elements on the Timeline in real time.

Developing a DVD title with Impression is a rather simple eight-step process. (1) Import the video and audio assets into the Library. (2) Drag and Drop the assets from the Library to the Timeline. (3) Using the Timeline define chapter points within the video clips. (4) Import menu graphics into the Library, drag them onto the Timeline and then define individual menu buttons. (5) Link menu buttons to specific media assets on the Timeline. (6) Create any required control links on the Timeline. (7) Use the Monitor area to preview the title in real time to make sure it is correct. (8) Build a DVD disc image and output it to a DVD-R or DLT.

Another neat feature is the way you create DVD Menus graphics.

Impression can import Adobe Photoshop files that have unique layers defined for each section of a menu graphic. The first layer is the background graphic, and subsequent layers are used for defining the DVD overlay palette, menu buttons, and highlights for those buttons. Once you get used to creating DVD menus in this Photoshop format you will wish that all DVD authoring tools had this feature.

There are some areas of the DVD specification that Impression does not support, such as access to the general-purpose registers (GRPM), region coding, or CSS content protection.

The DVD2000 requires a 400 MHz Pentium II system with one free 32 bit PCI slot, 64 MByte RAM, 500 MByte free hard disk space for system files, a 4 GByte SCSI video hard disk, a 16-bit display adapter with DirectDraw drivers, a CD-ROM drive, and sound board. DVD2000 can work under the Windows 98, Windows 2000, or Windows NT 4.0 operating systems. The suggested retail price for DVD2000 is $3,499, including the Impression software. A copy of Impression 2.0 can be purchased separately for $999. For more information contact:

Pioneer

Pioneer’s DVDesigner is a design tool, rather than a DVD authoring tool. DVDesigner is intended for producers and content owners who want to put their content on DVD. Designing the title using DVDesigner allows them to get a good idea of how the final product will look and feel, before starting the DVD authoring process.

There are four basic work areas of the DVDesigner Graphical Users Interface (GUI); Properties Dialogs, Layout, MenuMaker, and Simulation. Properties Dialogs are areas where you enter values for various DVD-Video parameters.

The Layout section is the main work area for DVDesigner. This is where you define the various titles, chapters, multiple video angles and decision points that are required for your DVD-Video title.

DVDesigner allows you to associate a thumbnail image, in JPEG or GIF format, with each unique Title, Chapter or Scene. This makes it easy to keep track of each element since you can use a frame from the real video clip as your thumbnail. If you right click on any of the items in the Layout section a drop down menu is displayed that allows you to insert, add, collapse/expand, edit properties, simulate and add a decision associated with the item. A left click on an item in the Layout section allows you to insert cell level commands.

The MenuMaker section of DVDesigner allows you to create mock-ups of the various menus in your DVD-Video title. You can import a background image as well as a Subpicture overlay image and then create the various interactive buttons. You can enter the up, down, left and right navigation commands for each button, as well as specify the colors used for the overlay graphic.

The Simulation section of DVDesigner allows you to preview the logical flow of the Titles, Chapters and Scenes defined in the Layout section as well as the navigation commands selected in MenuMaker. It is important to note that DVDesigner does not use the real media elements that are required for the final DVD-video title; it simply uses a still image, in JPEG or GIF format, to represent each unique media element.

When you finish creating a detailed project storyboard, and assign the appropriate navigation actions and commands you are ready to export the project. Sonic Solutions and Spruce Technologies have announced support for DVDesigner. Once you define all the media elements in your title, and fill in a few basic parameters like the length of each video clip and the average bit rate for MPEG compression, DVDesigner will tell you how much disc space is used.

DVDesigner is an excellent tool for producers and content owners who want to participate directly in the process of creating a DVD-Video title. DVDesigner is easy to use, works on just about any computer platform, and can be used to accurately storyboard the vast majority of DVD-Video titles being published today. Used correctly DVDesigner should save money by allowing the DVD Authoring facilities to concentrate on the actual implementation of a DVD title, rather than hold the hands of a producer or content owner through the definition stage of a project.

Pioneer provides DVDesigner to developers at no charge. To get a copy of DVDesigner you need to send a letter to Pioneer with the following information:

•   Name

•   Company/Organization Name

•   Address

•   E-Mail Address

•   Company web site URL

•   Telephone number

•   Fax number

•   Description of your companies business.

•   Description of projects DVDesigner may be used on.

The letter should be sent to Pioneer New Media Technologies, Attn: DVDesigner(TM), 2265 E. 220th Street, Long Beach, CA 90810. You should receive your free copy of DVDe-signer with two weeks of Pioneer’s receipt of your letter.

Pixel Tools

SimpleDVD is a software utility that encodes an AVI video/audio file into DVD single chapter files that play on a PC DVD player or, when written to a DVD disc, play on a set-top DVD. The program generates disc images or files that will play on a DVD enabled PC, either from the hard disk or CD. Copies made on a standard PC CDR writer will play on any DVD compliant PC, simplifying wide scale distribution. SimpleDVD offers single button operation to convert AVI to DVD. It outputs VOB files, a DVD disc simulation, or DVD multiplexed files, and interfaces with all cameras, frame grabbers, video editors, and animator tools that generate AVI video. Minimum system requirements are a Pentium II MMX 266 MHz CPU with 128 MB RAM, a 4 GB hard drive and the Windows 95, 98, 2000 or NT operating systems. SimpleDVD has a suggested retail price of $495. For more information contact:

SmartDisk Corporation

In January 2001 SmartDisk Corporation acquired the DVD authoring products developed by Multimedia Technology Center (MTC). The MTC DVDMotion and tools are now being sold and serviced by SmartDisk. All of the DVDMotion tools are designed for use on Windows 98, NT4, 2000 and ME systems.

DVDMotion CE is a DVD-Video authoring tool used for simple DVD-Video titles. It is designed for people who want to experiment with the DVD-Video format but only need simple non-interactive or single menu interactive titles. DVDMotion CE is now as shareware from SmartDisk’s web site where you can download a fully operational copy of DVDMotion CE and try it out. The download version provides 15 days of free use, and the cost to upgrade to an unlimited version is $95. DVDMotion CE titles are limited to one video angle, one chapter per video clip, 60 video clips, one audio track per video, and one menu.

DVDMotion SE is designed for the corporate and prosumer DVD-Video developer. It is designed to support the needs of MIS, presentations, training and education departments of corporations, as well as small businesses or individuals who produce wedding, graduation, anniversary, family albums and other similar consumer DVD-Video applications. DVDMotion SE has a suggested retail price of $395. DVDMotion SE titles are limited to one video angle, 99 chapters per video clip, 99 video clips per title, 2 audio tracks per video clip, and unlimited menus. DVDMotion SE supports linear PCM, MPEG and Dolby Digital audio.

DVDMotion Pro is designed for high-end corporate DVD-Video developers working on movie, business, kiosk, industrial, education, and training titles. DVDMotion Pro has a suggested retail price of $895. DVDMotion Pro titles can have one video angle, 99 video clips with 99 chapters each, 8 audio tracks, 32 subpicture streams per, and unlimited menus. DVDMotion Pro supports linear PCM, MPEG and Dolby Digital audio. For more information contact:

Sonic Solutions

With its recent acquistion of Daikin’s products, Sonic Solutions is the undisputed leader in consumer, corporate and professional DVD authoring tools. Sonic has a DVD authoring tool in just about every price range ($100 to $50,000+), as well as for almost every computer platform (Mac, SGI, & Windows). For more information on any Sonic product contact:

AutoDVD

AutoDVD is a DVD production tool for post-production facilities that want a simple process of producing a DVD-Video title from a video source. Its major features include:

•   One-step user interface

•   Automated operation, Video to final DVD

•   MPEG-2 VBR and CBR video encoding

•   Dolby-Certified Dolby Digital encoding

•   Direct DVD-R recording

•   UDF ISO 9660 volume formatting

•   16:9 aspect ratio support

AutoDVD requires a Power Macintosh G3 system with 512 MB Memory, a 2 GB hard disk for system files and a 18 GB hard disk for content files, a 24-bit color graphics card with at least 1024 x 768 pixel resolution, DVD-ROM drive and Mac OS 9.0 or later.

DVD Creator

Sonic DVD Creator is designed for professional DVD production environments where quality and productivity are important. DVD Creator is Sonic’s most advanced authoring system supporting all aspects of the DVD-Video specification. DVD Creator’s major features include:

•   Up to 99 Video Title Sets

•   Up to 32 Subpicture Streams

•   Up to 9 Camera Angles

•   Up to 8 Audio Tracks

•   Single Layer (DVD-5) and Dual Layer (DVD-9) support

•   4:3 and 16:9 Aspect Ratio Support

•   Region Code, Analog Copy Protection and Digital Copy Protection (CSS) support.

•   Parental Block support

•   PCM, MPEG, Dolby Digital and DTS audio support

•   Dolby Digital 2.0 and 5.1 channel software encoder

•   MPEG-2 software encoder

•   Output to DVD-R and DLT

DVD-Video titles are created using a Þve-step process using Sonic DVD Creator:

1.   Open the authoring template. Sonic DVD Creator use custom templates for each project. Similar projects can use the same template, resulting in a more efficient use of time on the authoring system

2.   Define encoding parameters. Specific video and audio encoding parameter are added to the template. Start and stop time code locations and encoding parameters for the source material is entered in this step. The AutoSonic option for DVD Creator will automatically manage the video encoder to capture content and encode into MPEG-2 video and Dolby Digital audio.

3.   Build menus. Create menus by dragging PhotoShop files, or TIFF bitmaps, into the DVD Creator Menu Editor.

4.   Check the title. Check your title using the integrated Proof function, which allows you to view your title just as the viewer would see it on a DVD-Video player.

5.   Write the title. Write the final project out to DVD-R or DLT. With Direct-to-DVD formatting, a full-length movie can be written to DVD-R, without storing a disc image on the hard drive, saving system resources and development time.

DVD Creator requires a Power Macintosh G3 system with at least 384 MB Memory, a 2GB hard disk for system files, an 18GB hard disk for content files, a 24-bit color graphics adaptor with at least 1024 x 768 pixel resolution, a DVD-ROM drive, and Mac OS 8.6 or later.

DVDit!

Sonic Solutions DVDit! is the fastest selling DVD authoring tool on the market today. Since its introduction in May 2000 over 150,000 copies of DVDit! have been shipped, giving DVDit! the largest installed base of any DVD authoring tool. There are three different versions of DVDit!. DVDit! Limited Edition (LE) is available as a bundled product from several vendors, such as Matrox, NEC, Sony, Sigma Designs and others. DVDit! Standard Edition (SE) is available as an upgrade to the LE version, as a stand-alone product, or as a bundle with Avid and Media 100 products. DVDit! Professional Edition (PE) was announced at the NAB 2000 conference and is now shipping.

DVDit! has a clean, attractive, and functional users interface that allows authors to quickly develop simple DVD titles. When you launch DVDit! an introduction screen called the “Project Planner” asks a few simple questions about the DVD title to be created or edited, such as the required video format (NTSC or PAL). The main interface for DVDit! consists of just three areas, the “Palette Window”, the “Video Monitor”, and the “Remote Control”.

The Palette Window is used to access media elements that are to be used in your DVD title. Sonic has included a selection of background images, and button graphics that can be used to create semi-custom menus. If you want to use your own background graphics and buttons, then you can import them into the Palette Window using the Media button. The Media button is also used to import AVI or MPEG video clips, and WAV or MPEG audio clips. DVDit! supports several popular multimedia video file formats, including AVI, MPEG-1 and MPEG-2, as well as the WAV and MPEG-1 audio file formats. Background graphics, buttons and still images can be imported in a wide variety of formats including .bmp and .tif. It should be noted that DVDit! can’t import AC-3 compressed audio files, so those readers who are used to working with Dolby Digital (AC-3) DVD titles will have to switch over to MPEG-1 or linear PCM (.wav) audio formats to use DVDit! The DVDit! PE version does support the stereo Dolby Digital (AC-3) format.

DVDit! includes a non real time MPEG video encoder that converts AVI files into MPEG-1 or MPEG-2 video streams required by the DVD-Video specification. As with all non realtime MPEG video encoders, the time required to convert the AVI file into MPEG depends on the power and speed of your computer.

The process of developing a DVD title using DVDit! is fairly simple. First you import all of the unique media elements (video, audio & graphics) that are used in the project. DVDit! has a collection of background images and button graphics so you may only need to import your own video and audio clips. Sonic Solutions offers several “Theme Packs” to add additional background and button graphics to DVDit!.

Next you create the interactive menus required for the project. Creating a menu is simple, drag a background graphic from the Palette Window into a Menu box of the Video Window. To add interactive buttons you simply drag the button graphics from the Palette Window on top of the Menu graphic. You can position and resize the buttons, as well as add custom text to the menu. Text can be created in any font supported by your system, and can be positioned and resized easily. Once you have the “look” of your menu set up right, you associate actions with each menu button by dragging a media element or another menu icon on top of the desired menu button. Menu buttons can be used to jump to other menus, to play still images, or to play video clips.

Once you have created all the menus, and assigned the appropriate actions to each menu button, you can test using the Remote Control Window. This real time preview feature is one of the strength’s of DVDit!. Using the Remote Control Window to test your project as you create it will save lots of time and effort. After testing you are ready to build the DVD disc image. This is a non real-time process that converts all the media elements into the format required by the DVD-Video specification. The final disc image can be written directly to a DVD-R using a Pioneer DVD-R writer. If the final playback device is a personal computer, then the disc image can be written to a CD-R, CD-RW or even DVD-RAM disc. DVDit! uses the same basic internal scripting language used by all Sonic Solutions DVD authoring tools. Thus projects can be imported into higher end tools like DVD Creator or DVD Fusion if they need additional features that are not directly supported by DVDit!.

DVD Fusion

Sonic DVD Fusion is designed for NLE-based, professional DVD authoring environments such as post-production facilities and multimedia producers. DVD Fusion integrates the DVD production process: Encoding, authoring, formatting, and writing to DVD-R and DLT. Real time hardware video and audio encoding is provided, plus real-time project proofing and playback of discs. Simple DVD-Video titles can be authored quickly, creating navigation with drag-and-drop editing. DVDFusion also includes many advanced features and fine-tuning controls to create the complex DVD-Video titles. DVD Fusion includes advanced features like motion menu support, interactive programming and a subtitle generator. DVD Fusion includes the Sonic DVD Transcoder, a software MPEG encoder that takes QuickTime and AVI files and converts them to MPEG-2 video and Dolby Digital audio.

DVD Fusion can work on either a Mac or PC platform. For the Mac version the system requirements are a Power Macintosh G3 with at 384 MB RAM, a 2GB hard disk for system files, a 18GB hard disk for content files, a 24 bit color graphics adaptor with 1024 x 768 pixel resolution, a DVD-ROM drive, and Mac OS 9.0 or later. For the Windows version the system requirements are a 600 MHz Pentium III with 256 MB RAM, 200 MB available hard disk space for the DVD Fusion application, an 18 GB hard disk for content files, and a 24 bit color graphics adaptor with 1024 x 768 pixel resolution, a DVD-ROM drive. The Windows version of DVD Fusion will work on Windows 98, ME, Windows NT 4 with Service Pack 6, or Windows 2000 systems with Microsoft DirectShow 7.0 and Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.x.

MyDVD

MyDVD is Sonic Solutions most inexpensive consumer DVD-Video authoring tool. Like most consumer DVD authoring tools, MyDVD provides a limited set of capabilities for authoring DVD titles, and is primarily designed to allow consumers to transfer home videos to DVD, using CD-R as the primary storage medium.

MyDVD can directly import MPEG-2 or MPEG-1 files. It can also import native AVI or QuickTime video files and then automatically converts these files to MPEG before the DVD disc image is created. MyDVD also supports WAV and MPEG-1 audio formats as well as most of the common image formats, including Windows or OS/2 Bitmap (.bmp, .rle), JPEG (.JPg, .jpeg), Macintosh PICT (.pct, .pic), Portable Network Graphic (.png), TIFF (.tif), and Targa (.tga, .vda, .ich, .vst).

MyDVD supports an unlimited number of DVD menus, each with up to 36 menu buttons. Dragging video clips or images onto a menu creates individual buttons. MyDVD automatically links button to clips, and creates a thumbnail image of the video frame or image as the button. Images used as menu backgrounds, buttons, and text can color-adjusted to make them more attractive or more visible. MyDVD includes a text section of the palette that includes dozens of fonts. DVD disc images created with MyDVD can be output to a CD-R disc, or stored on the computers local hard drive.

MyDVD requires a Pentium 233 MHz system with 64MB RAM, 80MB disk space for the MyDVD application, 4GB hard disc space for content, 16-bit color display adaptor with 1024 x 768 pixel resolution, and a CD-R drive. MyDVD will work on systems with Windows 98, 2000, NT or Millennium Edition operating system software. The suggested retail price of MyDVD is $99.

ReelDVD

ReelDVD is an entry level DVD-Video authoring tool, and is designed to run on Windows NT 4.0, or 2000 systems. ReelDVD has a simple Graphical Users Interface (GUI), and a Drag-and-Drop philosophy for DVD authoring. The ReelDVD GUI is formed by three main windows; the Storyboard Editor, the Track Editor, and the Preview Window. The authoring process begins by importing MPEG video clips, menu graphics and still images, dragging them from Windows Explorer and dropping them into the Storyboard Editor. ReelDVD does not include an MPEG transcoder so video content must already be in the MPEG-1 or MPEG-2 format before starting the authoring process. Up to three audio tracks can be added to each video by dragging them on top of the clip in the Storyboard Editor. ReelDVD includes a Dolby Digital software encoder so 48Khz WAV or MPEG audio files can be converted into the Dolby Digital format. ReelDVD also supports the use of Still Shows and Slide Shows, two popular methods of displaying still images (with or without audio) on DVD-Video titles.

ReelDVD hides most of the DVD-Video specification from the title author, although a few key concepts remain. The Storyboard Editor includes icons for AutoPlay, Title and Menu. The AutoPlay icon is essentially the DVD-Video First Play PGC, which defines a starting point for playback when a disc is inserted into a DVD-Video player. The Title icon maps to the Title Menu in the Video Manager space, while the Menu icon maps to the Root Menu in the VTS Manager space. This simplified approach limits ReelDVD titles to a single Video Title Set, but this is more than adequate to handle the vast majority of corporate or prosumer titles.

The Track Editor can be used to define chapter access points within a video segment, to add up to three subpicture streams, and to create specific subtitle graphics. Adding a subtitle stream to a video segment is easy, just click on the subtitle button at the bottom of the Track Editor. This brings up a subtitle generation window where you enter the text information for the subtitle, and set the font type, size and color, as well as the duration of the subtitle. Additional subtitles can be created in the same manner. As you create new subtitles they appear in the Preview window, giving you immediate feedback on how the text will appear over the video. You can also use a script file to import a series of subtitle graphics that have been created outside of ReelDVD.

The Preview Window serves several purposes. When you are working with menus the Preview Window is where you define the number and location of menu buttons, create the button navigation properties (left, right, up and down) as well as the button color properties (display, select and activation colors). Both background and overlay menu graphics need to be created before starting the authoring process. The background graphic is imported into the Storyboard editor as a “Menu”, and then the overlay graphic is dropped on top of the menu, creating the required highlight stream. ReelDVD automatically detects the four colors used in a menu overlay graphic, and configures the menu track to use these colors.

The Preview Window is also used for real time simulation. To start the simulation click on the AutoPlay icon, and then press the Play button in the Preview Window’s controller. This simple, but effective method of real time simulation allows you to check the quality of the video, still image, audio and subtitle content, as well as the correct operation of menus and navigation.

DVD navigation parameters such as Next, Previous, GoUp, and Menu Buttons are programmed in the Storyboard Editor. Each video, still image, still show, slide show or menu item has icons for navigation parameters. For example, to define the next item to be displayed after a video clip is done, click on the “Next” icon, drag the mouse to the center of the object you want to play next, and then release the mouse.

Scenarist NT

Scenarist NT is one of the most popular DVD authoring tools on the market. It comes in three different configurations, Basic, Advanced and Professional. I use a Scenarist NT Professional system to develop all of my DVD-Video titles.

Scenarist NT Basic is used for corporate, kiosk, or simple DVD title creation. Scenarist NT Basic supports basic DVD features and is limited to one Video Title Set, one subtitle track, and one audio track. Scenarist NT Advanced is used by DVD title developers, DVD publishers, post-production facilities, and content providers to create simple to moderately complex DVD-Video titles. In addition to supporting all the Scenarist NT Basic features, Scenarist NT Advanced supports more DVD features such as 99 Video Title Sets, 32 subtitle tracks, 8 audio tracks, compound navigation commands, parental management, Line 21 data, 16:9 aspect ratio menus, and multi-channel MPEG audio.

Scenarist NT Professional is perhaps the most advanced DVD authoring tool on the market today. The Professional version provides all of the same features as the Advanced product with many additional features such as the creation of title templates, reusing data from one title to the next, sharing data assets, and simultaneously accessing DVD projects by using Scenarist NT’s high-performance, cross-platform database engine. Scenarist NT checks compatibility between driver functions (such as MCI) and DVD playback boards; interfaces with PC authoring tools; and includes a software encoder for still pictures, MPEG (2ch) and AC-3 (2ch) audio. Scenarist NT seamlessly integrates with all Sonic DVD software. Scenarist NT Professional provides the following major features:

•   Navigation Editing

•   Simple operation for simple titles

•   Comprehensive navigation editing for complex titles

•   Template Wizard allows use of templates for common DVD title designs

•   Copy and paste functions for navigation and menu information

•   Editing with place holder & dummy data

•   Flexible scene creation with the Track Editor

•   Intuitive visual navigation editing with the Scenario Editor

•   Slide and still show support

•   Seamless and non-seamless navigation links

•   Easy highlight still and moving menu creation with Menu Editor

•   Simulation

•   Simulation of DVD VOB streams with the Track Editor, including multiple sub-pictures, audio tracks and multi-angles

•   Complete menu simulation including highlight information within the Track Editor

•   Complete emulation using optional Sonic Informer

•   Complete navigation simulation within the Scenario Editor including parental and regional information

•   Software and hardware playback

•   Playback on TV and/or PC monitors

•   S/PDIF digital audio output

•   Efficient Work Flow

•   Subtitle text editor and fast subtitle import

•   Script import and export capabilities for the remaking or sharing of DVD projects

•   Validation and verification during the entire authoring process

•   Shared database of DVD projects among several authors

•   Software two-channel Dolby Digital (AC-3) audio encoding and optional Dolby Digital 5.1 (AC-3 5.1)

Scenarist SGI

Scenarist SGI (formerly Scenarist II) is an integrated DVD authoring solution for Silicon Graphics workstations, offering content providers and multimedia developers a complete authoring and premastering solution. With features specifically designed to support the full set of the DVD specifications, Scenarist SGI is on of the most advanced DVD authoring systems available. This platform independent, fully distributed authoring system is compatible all popular video and audio encoders. Scenarist SGI imports MPEG-2 video, TIFF files, still files and audio formats such as AC-3, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, and PCM for professional DVD premastering and authoring. Scenarist SGI provides program chain editing, DVD simulation, DVD Video and ISO/UDF Bridge Formatting, tape premastering (DDP) to DLT tape or DVD-R. Major Scenarist SGI features are:

•   Complete support of the DVD-Video 1.0 specification

•   DVD stream assembly and layout

•   Support for up to 32 subtitle and subpicture streams

•   MPEG-2 still frame encoding from TIFF, SGI, and BMP 24-bit graphic files

•   Graphical editing of buttons and highlight areas

•   Graphical interface for program chain and link design

•   Multi-angle and multi-story support

•   DVD navigation simulation with video

•   Multiplexing of audio data, video, and subpicture files into DVD format

•   Micro UDF/ISO-9660 file formatting for DVD-ROM

•   DVD stream verification against specs

•   Slide show support

•   Seamless playback

•   Karaoke Mode

•   DVD copy protection support

•   Overlay video and still highlighting

•   DVD formatting, layout, and premastering to DLT and DVD-R

•   Hybrid DVD-Video/DVD-ROM: Supports creation of hybrid content that can be played on a PC or a DVD player.

•   Optional add-ons for VCD authoring support

Scenarist SGI requires an SGI O2 or Octane system with at least 64 MB system RAM, and the IRIX operating system. 18 Gbytes of free hard drive space is required for development of single layer (DVD-5) titles, and 27 Gbytes of free hard drive space is required for dual layer (DVD-9) titles.

Sony

The Sony Vizaro DVD Authoring system (DVA-S700), offers an intuitive and powerful DVD production toolkit. When combined with the Sony Vizaro encoder, the result is a turnkey DVD authoring system that meets the needs of a wide range of applications including corporate training material, and feature film distribution. There are two configurations of the Vizaro system, one for non-technical DVD authors called the “Standard” DVA-S700 system. The DVA-S700+BZDA-S701 system includes additional features such as dual layer support as well as multi-angle support. Incorporating all the power of earlier Sony systems, the Vizaro DVD Authoring system comes as a scaleable and affordable solution that is designed to overcome first time users’ cost and complexity concerns. Vizaro is Microsoft Windows 2000 compatible, and integrates video and audio encoding with DVD authoring features supported by a single graphic user interface (GUI).

The Vizaro system removes the complexity associated with the DVD-Video specification by incorporating a comprehensive set of pre-programmed macros, which eliminate the need for any detailed DVD-Video specification or computer programming knowledge. Referred to as ‘Nature Commands,’ these can be dragged and dropped into the DVD project to create an item appropriate to the need. ‘Behaviour Icons’ are pre-programmed navigation command sequences that let the user construct sophisticated DVD projects in an intuitive fashion.

A major feature of the Vizaro User Interface is the ‘Scenario Preview Window,’ which gives the user an overview of the project throughout all the creation stages. Inside the window, icons represent each video section and DVD menu, and together with links illustrate the project’s interactivity. For more information contact:

Spruce Technologies

Spruce Technologies has four different DVD-Video authoring tools, all working on Windows platforms. Spruce has also developed a proprietary technology called Convergence, that enables DVD-Video titles to include Internet links associated with individual menu screens or media elements. Convergence enabled titles include a customized copy of the InterVideo WinDVD player software that runs directly off the DVD or CD disc, eliminating the need for the installation of custom software on the viewers PC. Convergence is included with all of Spruce’s DVD-Video authoring products. For more information contact:

DVDConductor

DVDConductor is a mid-range DVD authoring tool targeted at the corporate market. Based on the DVDMaestro core, DVDConductor provides all the features required for basic, to moderately complex DVD-Video titles, with DVD-ROM and WebDVD feature support. Its major features include:

•   Easy to use graphical interface

•   “Drag & drop” interface

•   Support for up to 2 video camera angles

•   Support for up to 8 audio tracks

•   Support for up to 32 subtitle streams

•   Support for multiple chapters per segment

•   Photoshop file import with smart layer recognition for menus

•   Subtitle text import with editing capability

•   Real time full quality preview of audio/video/subtitle streams

•   DVD Emulator for full title verification

•   DVD Layout Tools for disc-image layout and production of DVD-ROM and hybrid titles

•   WebDVD support

•   Support for Motion Menus

Minimum system requirements for DVD Conductor include Pentium II or better PC, Windows NT 4.0 Operating System Software, 128 MB RAM, 9 Gb hard disk, DVD ROM drive, and an AGP VGA card.

DVDMaestro

DVDMaestro is an award-winning professional DVD authoring tool that supports all of the features of the DVD-Video specification, including the ability to create complete hybrid video and data titles that play in and recognize the differences between DVD players and DVDROM computers. Its major features include:

•   Easy to use graphical interface

•   “Drag & drop” interface with complete flexibility for title navigation and interactivity

•   Support for up to 9 video camera angles

•   Support for up to 8 audio tracks

•   Support for up to 32 subtitle streams

•   Menu Editor: full “motion menu” support

•   Photoshop file import with smart layer recognition

•   Support for multiple chapters per segment

•   Subtitle text import with editing capability

•   Preview System: real time preview of audio/video/subtitle streams

•   DVD Emulator for full title verification

•   DVD Layout Tools for disc-image layout and production of DVD-ROM and hybrid titles

•   Region coding support

•   Dual layer support

•   Copy scrambling system (CSS)

•   Parental block support

•   WebDVD support

•   Forced I-frame insertion

Minimum system requirements for DVD Conductor include Pentium II or better PC, Windows NT 4.0 Operating System Software, 128 MB RAM, 9 GB hard disk, DVD ROM drive, and an AGP VGA card.

DVDPerformer

DVDPerformer is an entry level corporate DVD authoring and encoding solution for Windows NT. Its major features include the following.

•   Integrated system with both DVD Authoring and Encoding

•   Real-time Hardware-based MPEG Encoding with Analog Inputs

•   Support for Multiple Camera Angles,

•   Support for up to 8 Audio tracks

•   Support for up to 32 Subtitle streams

•   Integrated DVD Proofing and Debugging features

•   Support for Cutting Master Format (CMF) for DVD-R to replication

•   Support for Motion Menus

•   Support for Slide Shows

•   Support for 4:3 and 16:9 content

•   Support for DVD-Video, DVD-ROM and DVD-Hybrid titles

•   Support for Spruce DVDonCD titles with Integrated Web Links

Minimum system requirements for DVD Conductor include Pentium II or better PC, Windows NT 4.0 Operating System Software, 128 MB RAM, 9 GB hard disk, DVD ROM drive, and an AGP VGA card.

SpruceUp

As with most consumer authoring tools, SpruceUp hides the complexity and terminology of the DVD-Video specification from the author. Creating DVD titles with SpruceUp is a three-step process: Author, Simulate and Export. The graphical users interface is clean, easy to understand, and simple to use.

The Media Gallery is used to identify and store background images, button graphics, and video clips. SpruceUp includes a number of predefined background and button images. Custom graphics can be imported in a variety of formats such as .bmp, .tif, .jpg and .tga files. MPEG-1 or MPEG-2 video elements can be imported in the mlv, .m2v, .mpv, .vbs,.mpg, .mpe, .mpeg, .mp2, .m2p, and .avi (MPEG only) formats. Audio elements are associated with video elements through their file name. When importing a video element if there is an audio file in the same directory, with the same name, it is attached to the video element. Audio elements can be imported in the MPEG-1 Layer 2 audio (.mla, .mpa, or .abs), Dolby Digital (.ac3), WAV (.wav), PCM (.pcm), and AIFF (.aif) formats. Custom button graphics can be created in Adobe Photoshop using a predefined layer structure, and then imported into SpruceUp as .psd files. As new background images and media elements are imported they are displayed in the Media Gallery, along with the predefined elements that come standard with SpruceUp.

The Work Area is used to create interactive menus and to organize the presentation of the media elements. Each menu consists of a single background graphic, one or more buttons, and textual elements that can be added manually. Dragging a media element into the work area creates a thumbnail image of the element used as a custom button. You can select a specific frame to use as the thumbnail image by double-clicking on the element in the Media Gallery, and changing its parameters. Buttons, media elements and text can be positioned anywhere on the menu, and properties such as the font color, size, and drop-shadow can be adjusted as required. Each button can be associated with a media element, or another menu. SpruceUp includes integrated support for WebDVD functions so http: addresses can be assigned to menu buttons or media elements. The Menu Gallery is a handy way to keep track of, and select, the various menus created for a project. The Main Control Area allows you navigate through the three main authoring steps, Author, Simulate and Export.

The Simulation step of the authoring process allows you to test each menu, and play back each media element, to verify that the DVD title is working correctly. SpruceUp automatically assigns the Left, Right, Up and Down navigation properties to each menu button. The algorithm used to assign these links appears to work best when menu buttons are aligned in horizontal or vertical patterns. Navigation controls are provided in the Work Area so that buttons can be selected and activated. SpruceUp creates a unique DVD Video Title Set for each video element used in a title, so you can only have up to 99 different video elements in a project.

The third and final step in the authoring process is Export where a valid DVD-Video disc image is created and stored on a hard drive, or on recordable media such as CD-R, DVD-R, DVD-RAM and DVD+RW. SpruceUp has a built in disc space calculator, so it will provide a warning if the final project is larger than the media you are trying to store it on. Exporting creates the various DVD-Video volume and file structures, and records them on the selected media type.

Spruce has included several advanced features as part of the Export step. A custom, royalty free version of the InterVideo WinDVD player, called Syzygy, can be included with the final DVD disc image. This is very important when the project is published on CD-R or CD-RW media, and may be played back on a personal computer that does not support DVDVideo playback. When the Syzygy player is included with the DVD disc image, SpruceUp also creates an Autorun file that automatically launches the Syzygy player when the disc is inserted into the CD-ROM drive. The Syzygy player also provides WebDVD playback features that launch a web browser when a button or media element has a URL associated with it. Last, but not least, SpruceUp also allows you to include DVD-ROM data along with the DVDVideo title on the final disc image. Thus it is possible to create DVD-Video, DVD-ROM and WebDVD titles using SpruceUp.

SpruceUp has a suggested retail price of $129, and is being bundled with a number of video encoding products, such as Heuris MPEG Power Professional 2 (MPP2). Minimum system requirements for SpruceUp are Windows’ 98SE, Millennium (ME), NT 4.0 (Service Pack 4 minimum), and 2000 operating systems, Intel Pentium II 300Mhz, Intel Celeron 333Mhz (with L2 cache), or AMD K6 (350Mhz minimum) CPU, 128MB RAM and an 8MB RAM Video Card with 1024 by 768 pixel resolution at 65,536 colors.

Vitec

Vitec DVD Toolbox^TM is a collection of six programs including an AVI to MPEG-2 compression engine, an MPEG-2 editor, DVD authoring software, a VOB to MPEG file converter, an MPEG audio remixer and a software DVD player. The MPEG Maker 2 program is used to convert video stored in the AVI format into the MPEG format. Source video files can be in either NTSC or PAL, and can be compressed into MPEG-1 or MPEG-2. Variable bit rate encoding is supported for native MPEG-1 or MPEG-2 formats, but only constant bit rate encoding is supported for DVD and Video-CD formats. Audio can be compressed at the same time as the video, but only in the MPEG-1 audio format.

The Video Clip MPEG-2 SE program is used to edit MPEG-2 streams. Edit functions are limited to simple trimming and splicing operations with accuracy to the nearest I frame for inpoints and the nearest P or I frame for out points.

DVDMaker is used to create the DVD-Video disc image. Each chapter of the title should have an MPEG-2 video stream and an associated MPEG-1 audio stream. The process of creating the DVD title is deceptively simple. You drag MPEG-2 video streams into a chapter list, then associate the correct MPEG-1 audio stream. You can move the video clips up or down in the chapter list to control the playback order. If you want the DVD title to repeat after the end of the last chapter you can click on the “Do Loop” button.

DVDMaker has some severe limitations when it comes to making DVD titles. The final disc image is limited to a collection of chapters in a single title within a single title set. DVD menus are not supported, thus there is no way to make an interactive DVD title with this tool. AC-3 audio, multiple camera angles, multiple audio tracks, and subpicture streams are not supported. In summary you can use DVDMaker to create a DVD title that looks and feels just like a VHS title.

DVD Toolbox includes a licensed copy of Ravisent’s Cinemaster software DVD player. You can use Cinemaster to play back the DVD disc image created with DVDMaker. Since Cinemaster uses the Microsoft DirectShow API it will find the first hard drive or optical disc drive with a Video_TS directory in the root, and will start playing the DVD title stored in that location. DVDMaker can output the DVD disc image in the UDF format, and if you have access to a Pioneer DVD-R writer then you can create a DVD title that will work on most, but not all, consumer DVD-Video players.

The VOBtoMPEG utility can be used to strip out the elementary MPEG-2 video stream and MPEG-1 audio streams from a DVD Video Object (VOB) file. This is handy if you want to reuse some content from a DVD title you previously developed with DVD Toolbox. This utility will not work on CSS encrypted VOB files, unless you run the infamous DeCSS utility first. It also will not be able to strip out the AC-3 audio stream from the VOB file since DVD Toolbox only supports MPEG-1 audio streams. The MPEG Remix utility can convert a standard WAV audio stream into MPEG-1 audio. Once the audio has been converted to the MPEG-1 format it can be inserted into an MPEG-1 or MPEG-2 multiplexed video file, essentially allowing you to replace the existing audio streams with any WAV audio files. The suggested retail price for DVD Toolbox is $400. For more information contact:

DVD-ROM Formatting Tools

DVD-ROM formatting tools are used to create DVD-ROM only disc images, or to create hybrid discs with both DVD-Video and DVD-ROM data areas.

GEAR

Based on the well-known GEAR product line, GEAR PRO DVD supports DVD-R, DVDRAM, DLT and CD-R(W) creation. It is compatible with most recorders and a variety of jukeboxes. GEAR PRO DVD supports the new technologies for DVD/UDF and CD-rewriteable. GEAR PRO DVD provides a reliable, versatile and cost effective solution for producing a single DVD-R copy, or forwarding a project to a replication facility for manufacturing. Software Developers Toolkits (API) are available for W/NT/200, Linux and Unix. To master DVD-ROM titles, GEAR PRO DVD also supports the creation of a pre-master tape, optionally in DDP format. Tape output can be performed to DLT tape units, Exabyte 8 mm tape drives or DAT. In addition to creating Digital Versatile Discs (DVD-RAM and DVD-R) in Universal Disc Format (UDF), GEAR PRO DVD can also be used to create hybrid ISO 9660 / UDF discs. GEAR PRO DVD is designed for fast data transfer rates while ensuring data integrity. For DVD-ROM titles GEAR PRO DVD supports the standard UDF file system. UDF can be combined with the ISO 9660 file system (ISO/UDF hybrid) for backwards compatibility. The Windows version of Gear Pro DVD sells for $500, the Unix version is $1,500 and the Linux version is $699. For more information contact:

Prassi

DVD Rep^TM is a Windows software application for DVD-R mastering. DVD Rep is UDF compliant, and can master on the fly, using the UDF/ISO Bridge or pure UDF file system formats. Key features of DVD Rep include the ability to copy data directly from a hard drive to a DVD-R, support for DVD-Video disc images, support for CD-RW devices, file system integrity verification. DVD Rep is sold only through OEM agreements, and in the past has been provided with Pioneer DVD-R drives. For more information contact:

Roxio

Toast^TM 5 Titanium is a comprehensive, all-in-one CD and DVD mastering product that enables you to create, organize, share and store all of your digital content on CDs or DVDs. Toast 5 Titanium includes, Toast 5 Titanium CD Recording Software, CD Spin Doctor^TM, QDesign MVP^TM, iView Multimedia^TM, Magic Mouse Discus^TM, Toast Audio Extractor, Photos by professional photographer James Beal, and free music samples by various artists. Toast 5 Titanium allows you to burn DVD disc images on DVD-R, DVD-RW and DVD-RAM media. Toast 5 Titanium requires a CD or DVD recorder to use this software, a Power Macintosh with Mac OS 8.6 or later, 12 MB of RAM, minimum 100 MB free hard disk space, and QuickTime 4.0 or later. The suggested retail price of Toast 5 Titanium is $89.95. For more information contact:

SmartDisk

ForDVD is a premastering tool used for DVD-ROM development. Premastering is the process by which data files of various types and sizes are compiled into a disc image file suitable for storage on DVD disc. ForDVD is a Windows based application that supports UDF, ISO-9660, and Joliet formats, long file names, DVD-5, DVD-9, DVD-10 and DVD-18 disc sizes. Completed disc images can be written directly to removable DVD media, or to a DLT tape in DDP 2.0 format for use by a DVD replication facility. Up to 10,000 unique folders can be defined on a single disc image, with up to 20,000 unique files per folder. ForDVD can be purchased directly from SmartDisk Corporation for $1,195. For more information contact:

Smart Storage

SmartStor DVD Maker produces DVD-R or premastered DVD-ROM or DVD-Video disc images as well as hybrid (DVD-ROM & DVD-Video) disc images. It is a Windows software application that offers features such as an easy-to-use drag and drop interface, support for the ISO 9660, Joliet, and UDF file systems, disc copy and compare utilities, output to industry standard DDP 2.0 single and double layer DLT tape format and output to DVD-R recorders for creation of check discs. Effective March 31, 2001 SmartDVD Maker will no longer be offered by Smart Storage, although they will continue to support the product through December 31, 2001.

Sonic Solutions

DVD ROM Formatter is a Windows NT based DVD-ROM formatting and layout tool. It’s primary features include support for DVD-5, DVD-9, DVD-10 and DVD-18 discs, generation of disc images that are fully compliant with the DVD specification, output to DDP 2.0 DLT tape or directly to DVD-R, and cross-platform support for both PC and Mac files. For more information contact:

Software Architects

WriteDVD! Pro for Windows can be used to set up, run, test & repair DVD-RAM drives and media on a PC running Windows OS. The world’s first and most widely used UDF file system based DVD utility for PC’s, WriteDVD! Pro includes FixDVD!^TM the world’s first disk diagnostic and repair utility designed specifically for UDF formatted DVD disks. WriteDVD! Features include support for 4.7 gig DVD-RAM drives, drive letter access to your DVD-RAM for “drag & drop” convenience and optimized performance on Windows systems. WriteDVD! Pro supports all manufacturers’ drives and models, including SCSI, ATAPI. WriteDVD! Can be purchased directly from Software Architects for $89.95. For more information contact:

Spruce Technologies

DVD Premaster Tool (DVD PMT) is a stand-alone DVD formatter, working with DVD-R recorders and DLT tape drives to format any data set on local or networked volumes to fully compliant DVD-ROM disc images on DVD-R, or on DDP-format DLT tape ready for mass replication. DVD PMT includes a verifier that performs a bit-level verification of DVD-R or DLT masters for total confidence. The major features of DVD PMT include:

•   Compilation of any project prepared with Spruce DVD authoring tools into a valid DVD data set (Video_TS directory).

•   Formatting of DVD Video, DVD ROM, or Hybrid data sets into an ISO-9660/micro-UDF bridge disc image on hard disc, DVD-R, or DLT tape (DDP format) for replication.

•   Transfer of formatted DVD disc image to DVD-R.

•   Transfer of formatted DVD disc image to DLT in DDP format for replication.

•   Bit-for-bit verify of disc image on hard disc against DLT tape for quality assurance prior to mastering and replication.

For more information contact:

Veritas

PrimoDVD is a DVD Mastering and Duplication software package designed for the professional market. PrimoDVD from, Prassi Europe SARL a division of Veritas, is a multitasking DVD-Mastering application. Using PrimoDVD, you can record to 16 DVD-R drives simultaneously. PrimoDVD also provides features needed for creating single DVD’s, while providing advanced functions for DVD replication. Its major features include:

•   Video_TS and Audio_TS formatting – Creates DVD-Video compliant discs from your Video_TS and Audio_TS directories or from an image file.

•   Triple Tree for DVD Bridge – Records DVD-ROMs using ISO, Joliet and UDF structures.

•   Master to 16 DVD recorders

•   Record Multiple Different Jobs Simultaneously

•   DLT Support for DDP 2.0 format

•   Disc Verify

•   Detailed Activity Log

PrimoDVD runs on Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows Millennium Edition, Windows NT, and Windows 2000. It requires a 300MHz or faster processor with 32MB of RAM for recording single jobs to 4 recorders. When running multiple jobs simultaneously, 64MB of RAM or higher is recommended. The suggested retail price of PrimoDVD is $695. For more information contact:

VOB Information Systems, Inc

VOB Information Systems, Inc. has two products for recordable DVD, InstantBackup and Instant CD/DVD SDK. InstantBackup utilizes the reliable storage capability of DVD-RAM drives, and the efficiency and control of custom backup software to ensure your data will be safe and easily accessible in case of a problem. The CD/DVD-WIZARD SDK is a sophisticated CD/DVD-Recording toolkit that can easily be included in custom applications. Custom applications can be ported in almost any programming language for Microsoft Windows95, Windows98, Windows ME, Windows NT4.x and 2000. For more information contact:

Young Minds

DVD Studio is a complete hardware and software solution for recording DVD-ROMs. DVD Studio combines MakeDisc Plus for DVD premastering software, with the DVD Studio intelligent controller and a Pioneer DVD-R recorder. MakeDisc for DVD orchestrates and controls the process of picking and formatting files. The intelligent controller provides the buffering and completely isolates the writer from the workstation. DVD Studio creates cross platform compatible DVD discs on NT and most of the widely available UNIX platforms including Sun, Linux, IBM, HP and Digital UNIX. DVD Studio can be purchased from authorized Young Minds resellers, or direct from Young Minds if you do not have a reseller located near you. For more information contact:

Distributors

There are only a handful of independent DVD distribution companies serving the US market. Most major motion picture studios have their own home video distribution companies, and these distributors only carry their parent studios products. Here are a few independent DVD distributors that can help you get your title into the retail channel.

DVD International

DVD International is a leading distributor of non-theatrical DVD titles throughout the world. With distribution channels set up in the US, Canada, Europe, Australia, Taiwan and New Zealand markets, DVD International can help you get your DVD title exposure worldwide. For more information contact:

Image Entertainment

Image Entertainment acquires rights to film, video and DVD titles and distributes them to US retailers, including Best Buy and Amazon.com. Its joint venture Aviva International (50%-owned) sells its products overseas. In addition, the company sells its titles directly to consumers through its online subsidiary DVDPlanet.com (about 15% of sales). The company also sells broadcast rights to cable and satellite channels and is moving to produce more original content. For more information contact:

Replication Services

DVD replication services are offered throughout the world. Generally a DVD replication facility will accept a DVD disc image on DLT tape in the DDP 2.0 format or on a DVD-R, either as a valid disc image or in the new Cutting Master Format (CMF). Replicators will make a glass master from the disc image data, create molds from the glass master, and then make production copies of the disc through an injection molding process. Most replication facilities will provide a limited number of check discs so that the developer can verify the correct operation of the disc before committing to a large production run. In most cases the cost of the check disc is waived if at least 1,000 production discs are made using the glass master and molds created for the check disc. Many replication facilities also will print color labels on the DVD discs, package them in a variety of DVD package designs, and ship them directly to wholesale or retail customers.

Americ Disc

Americ Disc is a major North American provider of DVD manufacturing services and other optical disc media. Americ Disc is partly owned by MPO of France, the largest independent optical disc manufacturer in Europe. Together, MPO and Americ Disc form the worlds largest independent CD/DVD manufacturing groups with facilities in Europe, Asia and North America. Americ Disc has manufacturing facilities in California, Florida, Tennessee and Canada, as well as service and distribution centers in Minnesota, Tennessee and Montreal. Americ Disc offers DVD-5, DVD-9, DVD-10 and DVD-18 replication services as well as authoring, printing, assembly, packaging, fulfillment, shipping and distribution. For more information contact:

CD-ROM-Works

CD-ROM Works is a full service CD and DVD replication facility located in Portland, Oregon. The offer DVD-5, DVD-9 and DVD-10 replication services. 8 check discs can be delivered within five days of receipt of source disc image. There is no charge for check discs as long as a replication order is placed using the same disc image. CD-ROM Works will accept short run (less than 1000 units) orders, and delivery is typically within 8-10 days of reciept of all input materials. Input formats accepted include DLT and DVD-R. Packaging options include Amarary, Digipak, Flip-Pak, and Jewel cases. For more information contact:

Cinram

Cinram International Inc. was founded in 1969 and is one of the world’s largest independent providers of pre-recorded multimedia products and services, and custom-order downloadable and optical disc digital content. With facilities in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Latin America, Cinram manufactures and distributes pre-recorded VHS videocassettes, audio cassettes, music CDs, CD-ROM and DVD for motion picture studios, music labels, publishers and computer software companies around the globe. Cinram manufactures DVD-5, DVD-9 and DVD-10 format discs, and accepts disc images in the DLT (DDP 2.0) and DVD-R formats. For more information contact:

Crest National

Crest National’s is a full service DVD replication facility offering services for the preparation, replication and distribution of optical media. Their services include pre-mastering, mastering, replication (CD-Audio, CD-ROM, CD+G, CD-I, CD-V, DVD 5, DVD 10, DVD 9, HDCD), serialization, six-color disc printing, tray card/booklet printing, graphic design services, customized packaging, shrink-wrapping, inventory management, and global distribution. For more information contact:

Deluxe Video Services

Deluxe Video Services is a full service, ISO 9002 certified, DVD manufacturing, and distribution company. Deluxe offers mastering, replication, disc printing, and packaging services, and they replicate DVD-5, DVD-9 and DVD-10 formats. Deluxe also provides a complete US and pan-European logistics service including custom pick, pack and ship direct to retail or customer, product assembly and disassembly, POP construction and special promotional program fulfillment. For more information contact:

Disctronics

Disctronics is a multinational optical disc replicator with facilities in the US, UK, France and Italy. Their facilities are equipped with the latest Laser Beam Recorders and DVD manufacturing lines, enabling quick turn-times and highly reliable manufacturing. A full range of test equipment also insures the highest level of quality and playability. Disctronics provide glass-mastering services, DVD-5, DVD-9 and DVD-10 replication, and they have a wide range of packaging options at competitive prices. For more information contact:

DOCdata

DOCdata is a full service video cassette, CD and DVD replication company with facilities throughout the world. Services include mastering, replication, packaging and fulfillment. DOCdata can replicate DVD-5, DVD-9 and DVD-10 format discs. For more information contact:

Future Media Productions

Future Media Productions is one of the largest independent CD/DVD replication plants on the West Coast and offers replication services for the DVD-5, DVD-9 and DVD-10 formats. Their services include Pre-mastering, Glass Mastering, Film Production for DVD and CD label artwork from digital files, DVD and CD Replication, Assembly, Print Outsourcing, Complete Turnkey Operations, Inventory Control, Warehousing, and Shipping. Replication capacity exceeds 550,000 CDs and 120,000 DVDs per day, and a wide variety of packaging formats are supported. For more information contact:

Infodisc

Infodisc is an ISO 9002 certified, full service CD and DVD replication facility located in Taiwan. Infodisc can replicate DVD-5, DVD-9 and DVD-10 format discs. Services include mastering, replication, packaging and distribution. Infodisc is an authorized Warner Advanced Media Operations (WAMO) DVD Affilliate. For more information contact please review their web site at http://www.infodiscusa.com.

IPC Communication Services

IPC Communication Services is an ISO 9002 certified, full service CD and DVD replication facility providing global manufacturing and distribution services. Their services include printing, CD and DVD mastering and replication, diskette duplication, assembly, and complete product fulfillment and distribution worldwide. IPC can replicate DVD-5, DVD-9 and DVD-10 format discs. For more information contact:

JVC Disc America

JVC Disc America is an ISO 9002 certified, full service CD and DVD replication company with facilities in Japan, Alabama and California. DVD-5, DVD-9 and DVD-10 mastering and replication are performed in their California and Alabama plants. Input formats accepted for replication include DLT and DVD-R. Authoring services are also available for DVD-Video to DLT transfers through JVC Laboratories in Santa Clara, CA. The JVC Alabama facility has been authorized to replicate DVD discs for Microsoft Xbox 3rd party developers. For more information contact:

Lena Optical Disc

Lena Optical Disc is a full service DVD replication facility located in Hong Kong. Services include audio/video editing, AC-3 audio editing, MPEG 2 encoding, pre-mastering, mastering, replication, bonding, and printing. Lena Optical Disc can replicate DVD-5, DVD-9 and DVD-10 format discs. For more information contact:

Media Group, Inc.

Media Group, Inc. is a world wide ISO 9002, WAMO Certified replicator of DVD-5 DVD- 9, & DVD-10 discs, as well as CDs. With factories on 2 continents, they offer world wide shipping capabilities. Media Group, Inc. offers Mini DVDs & CDs, as well as Business Card DVDs & CDs. Media Group is a manufacturer, not a broker, so they offer competitive pricing and direct communication. For more information contact:

Metatec

Metatec is an ISO 9002 certified, full service CD and DVD production company with facilities in Ohio, California and The Netherlands. Their services include premastering, mastering, DVD-5, DVD-9 and DVD-10 replication, packaging, and printing. For more information contact:

MRT Technology

MRT Technology is a full service CD and DVD production facility located in California. Services include DVD-5, DVD-9 and DVD-10 replication, printing, and packaging. For more information contact:

Optical Disc Corporation

Optical Disc Corporation (ODC) provides DVD mastering and stamper services to DVD replicator facilities worldwide. This service fills an industry need allowing replicators to offer DVDs without having in-house mastering equipment. ODC currently provides stampers for DVD-5, DVD-9, DVD-10, and DVD-18 formats. Stampers from the ODC DVD mastering service have been molded in most of the major molding equipment supplier’s lines around the world and have achieved consistently superior quality and reliability compared to stampers made with older technologies. For more information contact:

Panasonic Disc Services Corporation

Panasonic Disc Services Corporation (PDSC) is a full service DVD production company with facilities througout the world. Services include premastering, mastering, replication, printing, packaging, fulfilment and distribution. PDSC replicates DVD-5, DVD-9, and DVD-10 format discs. For more information contact:

Provac Disc Media

Provac Disc Media launched the first DVD replication line in Canada in February 2000, and underwent an expansion in February 2002. Provac owns and operates the only DVD facility in Canada that replicates DVD-5, DVD-9 and DVD-10 format discs. Provac services the entertainment industry (movies and games) and corporate customers (premium and promotional discs, directories, catalogs and product showcases). Provac’s services include authoring, glass mastering, DVD-5, DVD-9 and DVD-10 replication, on-disc screen-printing up to 5 colors, and automated clamshell packaging. For more information contact: