My DVDs aint what they used to be

[g4ssss]

Hey Guys,
I was just comparing some recently written dvds with dvds that I wrote around 4 years ago. These new dvds do not have the resolution of the older projects. They look like they have lost 2 or 3 generations worth of the original detail.
I still have my last project loaded in the storyboard. When I play it from here (the storyboard), its perfect.
When I play my last project's dvd from my Cassie, it's a little weaker. And when I play it from a dvd player, it seems to get a little worse.

I'm still using the same machine (Prestige Plus), the same OS (smart edit 4.1), and the same DVD-Arabesk 2.2 software.
When I am finishing a project, I always choose "Maximum" for "Image Quality" ("Add Film"). I use Sony DVD-R media.
My video editing is just a hobby, but I spend a lot of time on each project. I'd like to get the best product possible, without having to buy a new cassie.
Would it help to upgrade to a newer OS or a newer version of the Arabesk software?
Should I try to write a dvd on a stand alone dvd recorder? If so, can anyone suggest a good dvd recorder.

I will really appreciate any thoughts/experience that you can share.
THANKS, Gary Post

[TimKennelly]

Same machine, same OS, same Arabesk version, same quality level setting and same media.

Well that pretty well narrows it down to it most likely being your burner.

These things are mostly made of plastic so it is a wonder they last as long as they do, especially as they need to function with high percision.

You are in luck as the burner is the single cheapest part to replace and is not a difficult one either to do yourself.

The following URL will get you to the current compatible model for your unit:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6827129043

[g4ssss]

Thanks Tim....I'll check that out.
Should my finished projects (DVDs) look/play as sharp as they look when played from the storyboard?
Is there a generation loss when a finished project is played back in a DVD player?
I appreciate your feedback.
Gary

[IanPearson]

Gary
The version you have in your Prestige story board will be DV quality, assuming your footage was DV and you fed it into your Prestige by fire wire.

DVD’s are MPEG 2 quality, which is somewhat less than DV quality, so there will always be some slight degradation in picture quality from the Cassie to a DVD.

The time it takes to feed a project into the Arabesk program is the Prestige changing it from DV to MPEG 2, ready to write to your DVD.

Ian

[TimKennelly]

Gary,

As Ian explained, the answer is No because of the compression loss moving from DV to MPEG2, but it should be a relatively mild decrease in resolution, etc.

[g4ssss]

Thanks Guys,
I REALLY appreciate your taking the time, to answer these questions.
Gary