DVD mastering is an art that needs to be performed by a skillful engineer. In fact, a skillful DVD mastering engineer can improve the quality of a film or DVD substantially. We know that this makes all the difference.

DVD mastering services work by increments on the project. It usually takes around 8 to 10 hours to work on a single DVD.

DVD mastering is the process of taking a finished digitized video and creating a DVD disc complete with navigation menus. Other components of this process include compressing the digital video to MPEG2 file format so that the whole video can fit on a DVD. The audio can be processed in a number of ways depending on the audio mix. It can range anywhere from uncompressed linear PCM stereo audio tracks, to 5.1 surround sound. Audio tracks on DVDs may also use Dolby Digital compression in order to fit the audio tracks onto the DVD. DVD mastering takes careful thought and skill to create a fully functional DVD authored disc with easy to navigate menus, and top quality video and audio.

DVD mastering engineers say that mastering requires exceptional technical expertise supported by creativity and artistic intuition. A DVD mastering engineer needs to be able to create a visually interesting DVD menu interface, while at the same time keeping the end user in mind. DVD mastering software can be complex, and a considerable amount of training is required to do professional DVD mastering.

A variety of steps are involved in DVD mastering depending on the source material and services requested. The DVD mastering engineer may be required to digitize a film or analog video first, or perhaps do some video editing. Audio production, such as mixing down to stereo, or mixing audio into 5.1 surround sound may be required of the DVD mastering engineer as well. Next the DVD mastering engineer will create graphic menus for navigation of the DVD. Finally, all the components are compressed together into an MPEG2 video stream which is recorded onto a DVD master.

Once DVD mastering is completed, depending on the number of DVDs that need to be produced, the DVDS will be duplicated or replicated. CD and DVD duplication is the process by which the contents of one CD or DVD are copied from one disc to another disc using a drive with write capabilities. CD replication and DVD replication is the process by which an injection mold device replicates or "clones" the original master

As part of the DVD mastering package, the DVDs may come printed with a label. There are several printing techniques used for this purpose. The choice of packaging depends on the budget of the customer.

Amaray cases and printed DVD sleeves are other options usually available with DVD mastering services. DVD mastering services are useful to any individual whom has a film or video which they want to DVD master onto a DVD, and then DVD duplicate or DVD replicate many copies for distribution.