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Many prefer to keep their DVD authoring simple and will find software such as Ulead Systems' DVD MovieFactory an appropriate tool. However, for creating more advanced output, Pinnacle Systems' Impression DVD-Pro 2.2 might be more suitable.
Unlike applications geared towards consumers, Impression DVD-Pro is equipped with features such as multiple audio and video streams, subtitling and motion menus, which mark it as a tool for the video professional. As a result, it's not as easily accessible as some applications.
It's not a video editing package, nor does it include a video capture utility, so all project material (described as assets) needs to be prepared in advance. For complex projects, the manual wisely recommends that you create storyboards or flow diagrams before getting started.
There are no wizards or work flows in DVD-Pro, so you're thrown directly into the program interface at start up. Essentially, this is broken into three elements: asset library, project timeline and preview window.
The asset library is broken into three sections for clips, menus and images and automatically sorts any imported files.
The application places significant limitations on the file types you can use. For example, DV AVI files are accepted, but only certain MPEG-2 files (MPV, M2V and MP2) can be imported and JPEG images need to be converted to BMPs.
Positioning assets on the timeline is a question of dragging and dropping, with menus placed at the head of the queue and the video files following on. Chapter points can be added to video clips on the timeline, either with a right click or using an exact time code position.
The same process can be used to capture screenshots, which are stored in the image section of the asset library and can be used as backgrounds or thumbnails within menus.
With up to two video and eight audio tracks, audio dubbing and multiple video angles can be built into your DVD-Video, while language subtitle tracks can be added using bitmap images created in additional software.
However, getting the most out of DVD-Pro requires that you know how to use Adobe's Photoshop, or an equivalent package with PSD file export and support for raster layers.
While you can create simple bitmap buttons and images then drag them from the asset library onto a menu pane, the advanced menu effects offered by DVD-Pro require that you first create a composite image in Photoshop.
By appending raster layer names with (B), (#) and (@), DVD-Pro can identify whether the layer is a background, a normal state button or an active state button.
By creating images on the same layer as an active state button, for example, you can display an image on another part of the menu screen when the button is selected.
Video clips placed in the timeline will play back in sequence by default, but you can attach objects to the Go To icon at the end of the clip.
This lets you redirect the sequence to a menu or another clip by dragging the relevant object and dropping it onto the icon. You can also link to HTML pages or text files for use with PC DVD playback.
One of the advantages of DVD-Pro's interface is that you can see all the assets currently deployed without having to change windows. Any changes you make can be previewed without the need to render.
Once you're happy with the arrangement, the project is ready for export and DVD-Pro supports both DVD and CD video. When you choose your output type, a window will appear that lets you create a UDF file to your hard drive or burn directly to a recordable DVD or CD.
Impression DVD-Pro 2.2 can't be described as an accessible product and it requires a considerable amount of familiarity with additional software to get the best from it. However, it does provide a level of control over DVD appearance and content that exceeds the capabilities of many rival products.
Price: £299.99 (ex. VAT)
Minimum requirements: Windows 98 SE/ME/NT 4.0/2000; Pentium II 300MHz; 64Mb Ram; 300Mb hard drive space.
Contact: Pinnacle Systems 01895 442 003
www.pinnaclesys.co.uk
See also:
More than expected from Adobe's latest desktop video-editing application. 21 Oct 2002
A powerful non-linear editing suite ideal both for DVD-authoring and web export. 04 Oct 2002
An impressive editing system for the more experienced corporate user or independent film maker. 17 Jul 2002
This latest application from Ulead makes creating DVDs easy and should satisfy beginners and more demanding users alike. 30 May 2002
All Video Recording, Editing & Mixing
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