We receive the master for the project from you. Our recommended format for masters is digi-betacam or as an uncompressed SD Quicktime file.

At this point in the process we also require menu artwork in TIFF or Photoshop format. Alternatively, we can create your original menu design in-house if you require it.

The master is then transferred to computer – a process referred to as encoding. Encoding is completed in ‘real time’, with a 3-hour movie taking approximately 3 hours plus additional set up time to encode.

The encoding process creates 2 files for authoring – an MPEG-2 video file and a Dolby AC3 audio file. Once complete, all files (including the menu artwork) are imported into our authoring programme.

At the authoring stage, the menu and buttons are linked with the video to create a disc that is easy for the user to navigate. The authoring process also enables the disc to be read and 'understood' by a DVD/Blu-Ray player. Subtitles and multiple audio streams may also be added at this point.

Once authoring is complete, a DVD sample is supplied to you for proofing. You will be required to review the video in its entirety as well as all menu segments, buttons and links. Refinements are made until you are happy with the final product.

Once the DVD sample is approved, a DLT tape master is created for replication. Copy protection can be added at this point if requested. The information on the DLT tape is called a DDP image.