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Options for Testing Your Project
There are three methods you can use to test your project: using the DVD Studio Pro
preview and simulation features, and playing the title on a DVD player (emulating your
project).
• Previewing your project’s elements: The DVD Studio Pro preview feature provides a way
to view single elements, such as a track. Preview does not allow you to check how one
element works with others in the project. For example, you cannot use it to verify a
connection from a menu to a track. See Viewing a Track and Previewing a Slideshow
for more information.
• Simulating your project: The DVD Studio Pro simulation feature is a relatively
comprehensive way to test most aspects of a project, with the primary focus on verifying
connections. The Simulator works a lot like a DVD player that plays the project before
it’s built into a video title set. It allows you to test most connections, including First
Play, and provides the functions of a DVD player remote control. It also provides a
complete display of the contents of the System Parameter Register Memories (SPRMs)
and General Purpose Register Memories (GPRMs), making it possible to verify many
scripts.
You can also configure your system to simulate the project using an external video and
audio monitor. This makes it possible to see the project as most viewers will, with actual
pixel aspect ratios, colors, and if applicable, interlacing. See Simulating Your Project for
more information.
• Emulating your project: Emulating your project by playing it on a real DVD player is the
most sure test of it. To emulate your project with the Apple DVD Player, you must build
the VIDEO_TS or HVDVD_TS folder. To emulate your project using a standalone DVD
player, you must also format it and burn a disc that you can then play on any DVD
player. It’s important to test your project under varying conditions, especially if your
project relies heavily on scripts. See Emulating Your Project Using DVD Player for more
information.
Simulating Your Project
The DVD Studio Pro Simulator is a useful tool for verifying your project while you are still
creating it. There are a few things to be aware of before simulating your project:
• The Simulator behaves much as a standalone DVD player. This means you should have
the links set to allow you to navigate around the project. In particular, be sure to set
your First Play action to a suitable menu or track. If you do not yet have the assets that
will be the actual First Play element, you can temporarily link to an interim menu instead.
This ensures that an element is displayed if you start the Simulator by clicking Simulate
in the toolbar.
552 Chapter 22 Finishing a Project