Hi Tom,
The output was to betaSP, from a quicktime proRes 4444 file.
Here are the most dreadful titles with the following settings, from the link in your post.
R: 16
G: 16
B: 235
Opacity: 80%
Gaussian blur (on type): 0.3
Noise (on background) 2%
Made in AE, saved as a proRes 4444 file, imported to FCP then sent to compressor, using the settings above.
They definitely look better! Sadly, my question is: is this the best I can hope for?
And one last question: must I set the frame rate to 29.97 for dvd, or can any regular dvd player play 23.98?
Thanks for your help!
Jeanne

Previous settings for comparison
new settings above