I know this is a dumb Question, what frame rate,& compress 480i or 1080i for SD 16:9 In the A1. I just can't get good results downcoverting from HD to MPEP2 for DVD output.

This has been discussed several times.....

Good dowconverts are best when you're using a 1080P signal.
Otherwise, if you've already used interlaced, then you need to properly deinterlace your footage (usually with freeware like Virtualdub), and then resize.....

Good luck!!!!

Is there a place where I can find out how to or what setting to put this cam in SD. I know where in the menu, but what frame rate comp. out 480i 1080i??? SD 16:9-FR 60i-Comp.out 480i I just want to shoot in SD 16:9 to get through this project. I tried the HDV way hoping to get to DVD MPEG2 in the end, but the downcovet in Compressor in FC suite weren't even good enough to, well maybe I could use it . Now I can't get the cam to shoot anything close to maybe good in SD, all edges are stair stepped badly badly!!! I could use some help to get me back to a base line, I've done so many test it been 12-14 hours a day for the last three days. I'm At a loss

Hers my workflow to get to DVD when shooting HD. I found the quality is excellent on dvd

Edit in HD in Premiere pro.
Export to after effects using quicktime animation highest quality, keyframes etc.
Do any corrections and effects in after effects
export out to quciktime animation again
For dvd compression I use TMPGE. I find it very good but you will still get excellent results with your compressor.

What is TMEPG I'm in FCP

Tsunami Mpeg Encoder (http://www.tmpgenc.net/)

It's a third party encoder.....