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Press Release: November 16, 2004

"DVD Studio Pro 3: In the Studio": Make High-Impact, Innovative DVDs on Your Own

Sebastopol, CA--The highly sophisticated yet easy-to-use DVD Studio Pro 3 allows independent filmmakers, video producers, trainers, event videographers, and enthusiasts to create professional-grade DVDs on the Mac. "DVD Studio Pro 3 can make quick work of simple projects, yet still enable you to build some of the most complex discs available today," says Marc Loy, author of the new DVD Studio Pro 3: In the Studio (O'Reilly, US $44.95). Loy claims that admiration of the DVD Studio Pro 3 application drove him to write the new book, which aims to be the definitive guide to DVD authoring with Apple's program. "I was impressed-- really impressed--with the amount of control creative professionals had over DVD creation with DVDSP," says Loy. "And I was impressed way back in version 1.5. Things only got better with 2.0 and 3.0."

Written for both the intermediate DVD Studio Pro user and the experienced video professional, DVD Studio Pro 3: In the Studio helps readers fully understand the process of creating DVDs from start to finish. It's ideal for Macintosh ProApps developers--those who use Final Cut Pro 4 and Shake 3--as well as for "pro-sumer" and professional filmmakers who wish to transfer their projects to DVDs. "To take full advantage of DVDSP, you need other applications like Final Cut Pro and Photoshop," says Loy. "We aimed the book at folks who know digital video and want the best possible way to present and distribute their productions. But since Apple puts so much power in everyone's hands," Loy adds, "we tried to fill in the details for newcomers who have the time and energy to make their home videos, well...something better than your average home video!"

With full color illustrations throughout, this highly visual tutorial covers the protocols involved with the DVD files and filesystems; pixel aspect ratio issues; common "gotchas" using both still and motion media; importing from Photoshop and Final Cut Pro; effective looping of video and audio; adding multilingual menus and subtitles; encoding rules for DVDs; mass duplication; and more. The book explores most everything readers need and want to know, including how to:

  • Master the DVD Studio Pro user interface
  • Storyboard your DVDs
  • Understand how to prepare and import assets for DVD authoring
  • Use the library of templates with DVD Studio Pro to simplify authoring
  • Work effectively with timelines, transitions, and subtitles
  • Understand the myriad of DVD formats and features
  • Create and mix Dolby Digital 5.1 audio
  • Design and create effective menus, including motion menus and advanced, scripted behaviors
  • Create an internationalized DVD
  • Understand the DVD Studio Pro scripting language
  • Build and burn a DVD-9 (dual-layer) disc
  • "The more you practice and experiment, the more skilled you'll become," Loy figures, so he delivers several dozen projects focusing on particular aspects of DVD production. The companion DVD included with the book contains both the completed projects and the raw materials to build them.

    "More and more individuals and companies are using DVD as their primary means of storing and distributing video," notes Loy. "This book is ideal for those looking to make sure their projects make the most of DVD technology." As he points out, the technology is growing: "Dual-layer DVD burners are out and our book covers using third-party software to burn a DVD-9 project authored in DVDSP 3. I think the ability to make high-quality, big projects is just around the corner. Beyond that, I'm looking forward to the new DVD specs settling down so we can get more interactivity from the DVD interface. DVD Studio Pro is in an excellent position to harness that forthcoming power. Apple is clearly planning for the future of DVDs already."

    With Loy's expert advice, tools, and hints, anyone can master DVD Studio Pro 3 and experience the program's powerful capabilities as they create high-impact, innovative DVDs.

    Additional Resources:

    DVD Studio Pro 3: In the Studio
    Marc Loy
    ISBN: 0-596-00588-1, 329 pages, $44.95 US, $65.95 CA
    [email protected]
    1-800-998-9938; 1-707-827-7000

    About O’Reilly

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