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There are also a variety of ways you can force the Simulator to start at a specific element.
For example, you can Control-click the element in the Outline or Graphical tab, then
choose Simulate from the shortcut menu. This allows you to test parts of the project
without having all of the elements in place.
• DVD Studio Pro Preferences contains a number of settings in the Simulator pane that
allow you to configure the Simulator much like you would a DVD player. For example,
you can set the Simulator’s region code, aspect ratios, language preferences, and
playback output options to test for different situations. See Simulator Preferences for
more information.
• Because the project has not been built yet, the Simulator must use assets as and where
they are. This may lead to issues with playback, such as stuttering or pauses. The severity
of these issues depends on the assets and the computer you are authoring on.
• The Log tab contains a simulation log that provides information on a simulation while
it is in progress. This information can be useful when you are trying to work out issues
with your project.
• The Simulator processes Pause After VOBU settings on markers set at slides in a track.
The Simulator does not process Pause After VOBU settings on markers set on full-motion
video clips (which it is not recommended to do in any case). The track plays as if the
settings were not active. See General Tab in the Marker Inspector for more information
on VOBUs.
Simulating with an External Video and Audio Monitor
When you author a DVD, it can be important to see the video and hear the audio with
devices that closely match those that the viewer is expected to use. Being able to do this
while simulating your project allows you to verify the video and audio prior to burning
a test DVD. In particular:
• You see the true color based on the DVD specification’s YUV values instead of a
computer monitor’s RGB values.
• You see the actual pixel aspect ratios. To display 4:3 or 16:9 video on a computer monitor
requires the pixels to be scaled, which can create or hide issues in the video.
See External Video and Audio Monitoring for information on connecting external monitors.
See Simulator Preferences for information on Simulator settings.
When using an external video monitor, keep the following in mind:
• The external video monitor is only used during simulation.
• When using an external video monitor, the Simulator window on your computer is
inactive.
• You cannot use the pointer to click buttons on the external monitor. You must control
the simulation by using the Simulator window’s controls.
553Chapter 22 Finishing a Project