HDV is a new video format that allows you to record high-definition video onto standard DV media (such as mini-DV tape) using a supported camcorder. You can edit and export HDV video in its native format using Final Cut Pro 5. You can then import the native HDV QuickTime video files into an iDVD project for inclusion on a standard definition DVD.
You can choose between best performance and best quality when you set up the encoding of the video in your DVD project. If you choose best performance, you have the additional option of enabling background encoding, which allows you to continue working on your project while the video is encoded in the background. If you do not have background encoding enabled, the video will be processed when you burn a DVD or save as disc image.
Encoding the video in your iDVD project can take significantly longer with HDV source video. Adding additional memory to your computer will improve performance. The speed of your processor(s) will also impact the performance.
Native HDV editing is a feature of Final Cut Pro 5. While you can also capture and edit HDV in iMovie HD and Final Cut Express HD, these applications transcode the HDV source video to the Apple Intermediate Codec. The Apple Intermediate Codec is a high-quality video codec that Apple developed for use as an alternative to native MPEG-2 HDV editing in an HDV workflow. Transcoding to the Apple Intermediate Codec is also an option in Final Cut Pro.For more information click here.