DVD Authoring and CD-ROM Authoring by McDougall Digital, Inc.

I might show you the Best Deal on DVD Authoring and Replication!

DVD Authoring
CDROM Authoring
Replication
MPEG Encoding
Hardware & Software
System Design
Marketing / Advertising
Website Design
Consultation
DVD Quote
CDROM Quote
MPEG Tips
DVD Details
Contact Me

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Current Newsletter "Streaming for Videographers"

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Contact Me
Email: dennis@mcdougalldigital.com
Quick Response Form
DVD Quote Form
CDROM Quote Form
See Newsletter

My Mission
Use my 30+ years of experience and contacts to get you the best price and highest quality that will keep your clients asking for repeat business.

So, you're thinking about DVD for your clients, or yourself . . . what do you do next?

1. Get on the internet and search for DVD authors and service bureaus.

2. Read the trade publications to find a known agency.

3. Assign someone from your staff to do the research for you.

Dennis B. McDougall
Digital Specialist

Okay. So now you have a list of DVD authors. Next you have to submit each project for quotes. How much time do you want to devote to research and pricing for each DVD quote?
(Multiple choice, please choose one)

( ) a. Eight to sixteen hours of research.
( ) b. One to two hours submitting quotes.
( ) c. Ten minutes or less to send one email to me. DVD Quote Form

Your choice is OBVIOUS. McDougall Digital will find you the BEST PRICE with GUARANTEED QUALITY and it won't cost you anything extra. All my services are paid for by the DVD authoring company for bringing them your new business.

Note: If you would like a complete explanation of DVD in detail, Please click here.

I look forward to doing business with you.

DVD & CDROM Authoring - Premastering - Replication
DVD is the current industry buzzword and undoubtedly will be the delivery medium that replaces the CDROM. But, don't count out the inexpensive potential of wide distribution on CDROM. The CDROM has some definite advantages such as low cost and the ability of most PCs to play the files. Also, CDROMs can be distributed that have embeded automatic MPEG1 players so they are guaranteed to play on Win 3.1, Win 95/98 and Windows NT equipped PCs. If autoplay is used, the CDROM files will automatically load and play on Win 95/98 and Windows NT machines. See Newsletter for more information.

McDougall Digital can encode, author
and replicate your CDROM presentations.
CDROM Quote Form
DVD Video allows you to play up to two hours of broadcast quality video on a single-sided DVD-R disc. You can use Dolby Digital AC-3 audio, multiple camera angles, subtitles, subpictures, multiple language tracks, timed stills & slide shows, parental control, regional coding, copy protection, navigation menus and, most importantly, DVD is easy to use! A DVD Video disc will play on a set-top DVD player using a hand-held remote or a DVD-ROM equipped computer using DVD playback hardware or software.

Outsource your DVD using McDougall Digital
DVD Quote Form
DVD Video is easy to use but it is not easy or inexpensive to make. DVD requires the highest broadcast quality, noise-free video and audio as input sources. The files must be MPEG2 digitally encoded to exacting DVD specifications. Then, the files must be multiplexed to DVD specs and then authored to provide end-user navigation and playability on set-top players. Then, the files must be premastered either on a one-of DVD-R disc or tranferred to a DLT tape for conversion to a glass master for mass replication.

Important note on DVD: Mass replication of DVDs takes time! It takes at least 12-14 working days from the time the DLT master reaches the replication facility until the check discs are ready for client approval. So, please plan ahead for that turnaround time in your schedule.

The high qualiity of DVD Video comes at a price. If you do not have the resources to support an in-house DVD department, it's a good idea to outsource your DVD authoring and premastering. If you do have the funds for an in-house department, I can guide you in your purchases and system design.

For a complete explanation of DVD in detail, Please click here.

MPEG-1 & MPEG-2 Encoding
There are distinct levels of MPEG-1 and MPEG-2 encoding hardware and software. They range from $100 - $300 software solutions, $250 - $750 single chip encoders , $1400 - $2000 single chip encoders, $4000 - $5000 dual-chip encoders, and $4,000 to $30,000 plus MPEG-1 & MPEG-2 encoders.

$100 - $300: Low cost software encoders can convert .avi and quicktime files to MPEG-1 streams. There are also software solutions that will render .avi files to MPEG-2. The .avi files must be as uncompressed as possible and have virtually no video noise in the file. Noise is the nemesis of MPEG compression! Video noise equals poor image quality, blockiness and artifacts, period. MPEG compression is a predictive mathematical function that looks ahead and behind to detect changes from frame to frame. Video noise is a constantly changing factor. The result is that the video noise gets encoded perfectly but the real image quality suffers because most of the computer power was spent encoding the noise. Consumer formats such as VHS, SVHS, HI-8 and 8mm all contain video noise in their signal. Digital-based noise-free signals such as Mini-DV or DVCAM can yeild excellent results if the .avi files can be captured uncomperssed. Software encoders can render an excellent image if you have the time and quality images for input.

$250 - $750: These are consumer level MPEG-1 encoders that allow you to encode in real time from a video and stereo audio source from a tape deck. The user interfaces are simple and they generally lack advanced functions such as software bundles and SDKs. They can render acceptable files depending on the quality and type of the input source.

$1400 - $2000: Entry level corporate MPEG-1 real time encoders that have advanced filtering, software bundles, but do not offer machine control. Some include software SDKs.

$4000 - $5000: Dual-chip real time MPEG-1 encoders. Typically one chip will encode the top half of the image and the other chip will take care of the bottom half. Advantages include increased image quality and frame accurate machine control.

$4,000 to $30,000 plus: High quality MPEG-1 and MPEG-2 encoders that can include machine control and digital video and audio inputs that render high quality files. A must for low bitrate MPEG-1 files for CDROM distribution. These encoders also encode to exacting DVD specifications.

Note: McDougall Digital uses only the highest quality frame-accurate encoders with digital video and audio inputs to give you the highest quality files.

See MPEG Tips for more information on video pre and post production advice as well as MPEG encoding tips.

Hardware/Software/Systems
I can help you in selecting MPEG and DVD hardware and software to meet your needs. I also have resources to build you a complete cost-effective system. If you need great prices on the following products, Contact Me:

DVD Authoring Tools
CDROM Authoring Tools
CD/DVD-ROM Recorders/Players
MPEG Utilities
Video Surveillance

MPEG-1 Encoders
MPEG-2 Encoders
MPEG-1 Decoders
MPEG-2 Decoders
Encoding/DVD Systems

Video Transmission & Netwoking
Video Capture Cards
Desktop Video Tools
Audio Production Tools
Pre-processing Filters

Marketing/Web
Marketing in most situations should consist of DVD Video or CDROM wide distribution, a website with your own domain name, targeted print ads and collateral materials that reference your web site and email address. In many cases, trade show presentations are not cost-effective in gaining new contacts compared to the worldwide impact of the internet.

Outsource your Marketing using McDougall Digital
Contact me
Of course, all these materials can be produced in-house or outsourced. I can assist you in your DVD Video and/or CDROM presentations as well as design an effective, simple website that registers high in the www search engines. Generally, you know the trade publications that target your business and you know your message. I can help you design print ads that will generate visits to your website as well as make your phone ring. You can add your website and email adresses to your collateral materials. Also, email is the medium of international business and your website is your worldwide email/sales base. See the current Web Design Special.

Consulting Services
I am flexible. Define your needs so that I can suggest my level of involvement. My consulting rate is reasonable. I can answer your questions via email or phone and refer you to recommended OEMs and resellers for product purchases as well as become involved in your projects as a consultant at any level you deem appropriate. Contact me.