ex1 1080i footage cut in fcp -> quality sd dvd-secret sauce or alchemy?

project was shot with ex1 1080i/35mbps vbr.

lots of talking heads against black duvateen backdrop.

cut in fcp using xdcam 1080i/vbr sequence preset.

now its time to output and make standard def dvds.

i've read several postings inferring alchemy or a secret sauce to have a successful downconvert from hd to sd.

i'm particularly concerned about the downconvert creating noise in the black duvateen backdrops.

anyone with real-world experience care to share their "secret sauce" or alchemy as i try to address these concerns?

is there a sticky or link which details the procedure from fcp -> compressor -> dvd studio pro (or any other "better" versions of this path)

thanks in advance to those who care to share.

be well

rob
smalltalk productions

You can try this as a jump-off point for your own tests:

Lumenosity Reviews & Workflows: Best Apple Compressor Settings for DVD Widescreen Downconversions (http://lumenosity.blogspot.com/2010/07/best-apple-compressor-settings-for-dvd.html)