I was wondering if this version of DVD Author allows you to make a standard HD DVD with 1280 x 720 resolution; but not the DivX format. Most DVD players don't accept DivX so I'd like to stay away from that.

The file would be exported from Sony Vegas as either an Mpeg2 or an M2T most likely.

Is this possible?

I think this software does not support .mts format, but if you want to create a standard DVD-videos you just need to choose the project format of DVD from the Start screen.
Also I think HD DVD is not possible to output since its an obsolete high-density optical disc format.
check about it here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HD_DVD

good luck

Doesn't matters what I try to do, even the source audio been 5.1 (DVD source, wmv source, wma, avi, etc.), always I get just 2 audio channels at source selection screen. The import screen NEVER shows 5.1. Is it a bug? Or I am missing something?

Got to Options->Preferences->Input/output format list
At "MPEG settings" check the box "Decode Dolby Digital in multichannel"
The same for "Windows Media Settings"

It seems I have the same issue with TMPG Express 4.
I took a look at Options->Preferences->Input/output format list and at "MPEG settings" the box ("Decode Dolby Digital in multichannel") was checked as was the "Windows Media Settings" box.

When I set the format, there are no 5.1 audio settings on any of the formats.
Maybe I am missing something else. What I want to do is set up a HD mp4 finished product that has the 5.1 audio as the original did.

Similar question as Ender I think. Am I missing something?

As far as I know, 5.1 Dolby Digital isn't supported.

When converting any video file to mpeg-4, the size is locked at 352 X 288. Can this size be changed?

I think its possible to change it by choosing MPEG-4 AVC file output format, by MPEG-4 ISO is not.
good luck

I've had some very mixed results from recording a DVD created by DVD Author 3 and playing them on a standard living room player box (a mid-range Toshiba sd3960 about 5 years old and also a friends box whose make I can't remember).

Some DVDs play, most just aren't recognized at all and I can't figure out where the problem lies, is it the source file type, the player box, my codecs, the DVD type?

DVD-R, DVD+RW give much the same mixed results. I haven't tried DVD+R yet, waiting for some to come. The VOBs always play just fine on various PC players (e.g. WMP, QT, WinDVD, Mark's DVD Tray player), so I end up with a lot of coasters!

Any experiences that may point to a solution? It would be nice to have a tool that could read the characteristics of an MPEG that works, versus one that doesn't.

If your DVD´s are well played at PC players it means is problem of
Toshiba sd3960 player, please try to check the playing settings or its specifications.
You may need to contact your Toshiba sd3960 player´s technical support.
I recommend you to first make sure to output your projects correctly then proceed to burn them, also use re-writable media in order to test, this is for avoid media waste disks.
good luck

Joboshare DVD Copy http://www.mustsoftware.com/Joboshare-DVD-Copy-guide.html

Hi,
I've seen that whenever i try to convert more than 1 file thru this App it crashes with a "don't send" followed by "runtime error 204" message box. any clues ? I have xp.

Hi,
I've seen that whenever i try to convert more than 1 file thru this App it crashes with a "don't send" followed by "runtime error 204" message box. any clues ? I have xp.

Try to run the application as Administrator, also check about your codecs, its possible that you have broken one, XPress 4 reads all codecs installed in your PC so when one is broken, corrupted, limited edition, weird, or not compatible such crash tents to come out.
So try by uninstall codecs pack or trial codecs, those sometimes brings trouble.
good luck

Will H.264 be supported?

I dont think so since this software is for Edition of MPEG format only.

good luck

I have successfully added subtitles in the edit mode, and these display on simulation, but they do not appear when I play back the output file. How can I fix this, please?

Have you activated the subtitles? By default they won't appear, just like commercial DVDs, so you have to go to the subtitle or setup menu and activate the subtitle stream.

I have some PAL DVDs that I'd like to make into exact copies but in NTSC format. Is it possible to import the original DVD menu, I don't see a way? Only the video clips get imported from the VIDEO_TS folder and I seem to have to create my own menu.

This cannot be done in DVD Author and from my previous research, menus from existing DVDs cannot be re-used in new DVDs without some very complicated, technical processing.

Check here for some tools that can help do that:

http://download.videohelp.com/r0lZ/pgcedit/
http://www.free-codecs.com/download/IFOEdit.htm

I have just converted an AVI to Apple tv format normal quality and the picture quality is good, however, I have repeated jittering throughout the entire movie. I also get picture freezes and the audio continues. Any Ideas what may be causign this?

I think this could be related to your QT version, or you may need to re-install it or install another MPEG-4 AVC codec. Also if you have QT PRO could be a reason.
good luck

I have found this one site to help me with allot of my questions when it comes to dvd quality and conversion.

www.digitalfaq.com/dvdguides/basics/dvdintro.htm

This site has been up since 2005 and it still holds true to this day.
DVD BASICS
- Introduction to DVD-Video
- Quick suggestions and concepts
- Video tips weblog
- Blank DVD/CD/VHS media guide

CAPTURING
- Introduction to video capturing
- Understanding your source
- Playback hardware suggestions
- Capture MPEG with ATI AIW cards
- Capture AVI with ATI AIW cards
- Audio sync and dropped frames

EDITING
- Removing commercials in MPEG
- Edit disc from DVD recorder
- Edit with Adobe Premiere

RESTORING QUALITY
- Introduction to restoring video
- Hardware video filters
- TMPG software video filters
- Introduction to restoring audio
- SoundForge software audio filters

ENCODING & CONVERTING
- Introduction to video conversion
- Encode MPEG with TMPGEnc
- Convert VCD to DVD
- Convert PAL/NTSC standards

AUTHORING/BURNING
- Introduction and authoring FAQ
- Make menus in Photoshop
- Blank DVD media quality guide
- Author with Sonic DVDit!
- Author with Ulead DVD Workshop
- Author with TMPGEnc DVD Author
- Burn DVD files: Nero

DVD COPYING
- Introduction to copying discs
- Copy a DVD5 with DVD Decrypter
- Copy a DVD9 with DVD Shrink
- Copy to VCD/SVCD/DVD by Sefy

BUYER'S GUIDE
- Introduction to buying video stuff
- DVD recorder reviews and tips
- Where to buy DVD cases/storage
- Where to buy DVD media

MISC VIDEO INFO
- Make DVD cases in Photoshop
- DVD player troubleshooting
- DVD burner troubleshooting

This will get you to reading allot. But it is worth it.

does anyone know why the bitrate in the bluray output file is limited to a max of 25000 ? I have several bluray videos with over 35000 in bitrate.. so the quality is pour when I encode the videos! I have found out that the AVC codec/output is good but then the sound is OFF !?

I do not know the reason but may be its because its the limit standard?, I dont know, but you can try by MPEG-2 Video, NTSC, 1920x1080, then you can set 32000 as max. bitrate at the tamplate "Settings" button,
give it a try.
About the AVC its very weird, what could be the reason?, I also wonder, may be your source file is broken?, try to multiplex it at MPEG Tools.

good luck

Hi
You are right we can encode upto 32000 only. How to encode at 35000?
.mp4 is not a bluray compliant file. we need .avc only. How to get these ?
Thanks
Chandna