How to Create New Chapters on DVD
One of the main features that separates the DVD from older systems of video distribution like VHS and modern ones like streaming Internet video is the chapter selection model. This feature takes the "pull" idea of new media quite literally, as it allows the user to go directly into their DVD, find the section they want to watch, and select it specifically. DVD Studio Pro is one of the most popular and powerful DVD authoring software options on the market, and it is only available on Apple computers. Here is a guide to making chapter selections in your DVD with DVD Studio Pro on your Mac computer.
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Instructions
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Adding Chapter Markers
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Start by making sure that your video has been properly compressed and formatted to get into the DVD authoring software. There are a number of different video compression programs you can use, but Apple's Compressor is often associated with DVD Studio Pro. The best option is to compress with an MPEG-2 codec for DVD authoring, and this will be under one of the DVD specific formats in Compressor. Once both the audio and video are done compressing, you import those assets into DVD Studio Pro, create a new track for them, and then place them on that track.
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Go through the video and audio tracks that you have just placed into their own viewing track, and begin to take notes as to when changes are occurring. This can be a change in scene, change in theme, or any shift that occurs over the course of the video project.
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Once you have identified these spots, you can begin adding the chapter breaks. DVD Studio Pro makes this process easier than normal by allow you to just click those points on the track. Align the progress marker so it is at the exact location you want to put your chapter marker. Then simply click that spot, setting a chapter marker there. Start at the very beginning of the video segment until the end; the chapters will be placed in numerical order.
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Go through each chapter marker and select them. The Marker Menu will come up to the right where you can make alterations to the information associated with it. The most important task here is to change its name to both a number and a basic title so it will be easy to navigate during the rest of the DVD authoring process.
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Make sure that each marker is set with proper names. Now that the chapter markers are in place, create a chapter selection page for them in your DVD menus. Simply create a new Menu in DVD Studio Pro and then add buttons for each individual chapter break. Name each chapter break with a number and description of what happens in that chapter. Select each button and go into the right hand Button Menu. Here you will go to Target, go to the Track your video is on, and then select the specific chapter you want that button to target. Once you do that, the button you created will link directly to the chapter marker you want.
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Tips & Warnings
Make sure that the chapter markers are in the exact frame spot you want, otherwise they may start a half second or more too late.
