DVD Authoring package

It's like Groundhog Day in here sometimes I use DVD Architect which I got when I upgraded Vegas, I don't think it's available separately, but someone might be along to correct me - I mention it because it handles animated menus - something you often have to pay extra for, anyway I digress, this question has been asked a few times in this forum, last time was just a few days ago, have a quick root through.

I like DVD-LAB by mediachance software.
http://www.mediachance.com

Its cheap (<$100USD), packed with features, and on the whole I hear lots of good things about it.

to give you an idea, i was able to create a dvd of my wedding video in less than 10 minutes with it, and that had 2 menus, transitions between the menus, still images lifted from the source mpeg clip and have all the navigation sorted out. And I think all up I have probably spent less than 5 hours with the product.

hth

gordo

Thanks for that!

WOW! That DVD-Lab is fantastic.
I downloaded the 30 day unlimited trial and I'm very impressed with it.

Withing 30 mins I had created my DVD, complete with animated menus, switched menus and background audio. Shucks!

Mr Crabtree, you should consider a review of this fantastic product.

Just noting that from a few day's quick experimenting, I'm very impressed with DVD-Lab. Less wizard-driven/dumbed down than many, it seems pretty versatile, straightforward and easy to use. Not sure whether it's happy burning to DVD+R (haven't tried yet!) but it's happy with DVD+RW and I anyway tend to burn a final disc with Nero.

[This message has been edited by David Pearson (edited 15 September 2003).]

Yup I agree - it's not for people who want a simple wizard based, ahem, 'authoring' package - but for slightly more eperienced users who need more power and flexibility.

The Tips and Tricks from it's website are invaluable and must be taken as part of the package.

DVD-lab is a product that I want us to review, but the best person for the job is Peter Wells, and I keep on finding he's the best person for other jobs instead!

Reminded by this thread, I've just been having a further fiddle with the product and I have to say that I do think it's rather nice.

But Peter's view is the one that I'd rely on - not my own.

BOb C

Good! Look forward to it. Poor Peter, eh? Still, keeps him in pocket money I guess!!

Anyway, I hope he likes it, 'cos I paid them good money for an unlocked version!! It's the ease of doing chapter markers, menus and video frame thumbnails that did it for me.

Hmm this thread started out as an invitation to a "read the other posts" flame war, but I'm glad I asked my question - seems like most people are giving it the thumbs up so far, and I for one would never have heard of it if it weren't for good old Computer Video.

LOL, I honestly wasn't starting a flame war, I meant it helpfully, I'm as pleased as anyone to find out about DVD Lab - I use a lot of MediaChance's excellent (and free) digital camera tools like Hot Pixels Remover etc but haven't visited their website in a while, I'm off there now...

quote:I meant it helpfully

DVD Lab is truly excellent! I find some programs are a pleasure to use - Vegas and Photoshop spring to mind immediately - whereas others are a real chore. Nearly all of the DVD authoring packages that I've tried in the past have fallen into the latter category; you've got to fight to get them to do what you want them to do.

DVD authoring used to be my least favourite part of the video-making process until I tried this. Now my least favourite part is trying to print the discs without going off-centre

I've been looking for an authoring program for a while and it seem to be between DVD workshop and impression pro 2.2

Now I've read this thread and I've discovered DVD-Lab. I've read the info on the site and it looks great.
Now I don't know much about DVD authoring so could someone tell me what the catch is?

DVD Lab only costs $99!!!! yet looks great!!

Where does it fit in among workshop and impression or even Encore?

It looks better that workshop but is so cheap.

Julian

The catch is that it is not wizard based, and does very little hand-holding. You need to know a bit about how a DVD works to get the best from this programme - but get this - by working through the tips and tricks section of the web site you'll soon get to grips with whats what.

Hmm looks like a very interesting product. I generate my MPEG video and Audio in seperate files at the moment. It states only one audio stream, so does this program support this type of operation?

It's handled everything I've thrown at it, separate streams are no problem. I did have to change one file's extension from .m2p to .mpg before DVD Lab would take it in.

You should absolutely definitely read the quick start guide even if you are a veteran of DVD authoring software. I can't stress that enough.

I’ve downloaded this program and apart from the bad English it looks pretty good.
I say looks because I don’t seem to be able to get started.
I’ve output through premiere 6 and pinnacle plug in mpeg video and audio files but DVD-lab won’t recognise the video file stating that it is an audio file but corrupt leader? or something.
The procedure I used was the same as for editing in Impression and that imports both files OK
Any suggestions as to what might be wrong
Dave

Ive been using DVD-Lab (since I abandoned Studio 8, but that another story) and I think it's excellent - I got plenty of productions out during the 30 day trial alone! A few observations:-
1) Chapter markers easy to set, but not as accurate as other programmes. The final DVD often has them slightly offset from where you thought you put them.
2) No preview of audio. Annoying when positioning chapter markers
3) Burning software didnt work with my Sony DRU-500AX - better to use dedicated software to burn
4) Its acutally only $79, but I was alarmed and a tad upset, when ordering from a US download site, to be charged VAT (an extra $13 US$). I guess HM Customs is clamping down. Bugger!!

Matt B

Matt,

If dvd lab didn't burn to you sony, how did you burn projects created in dvd lab?

Julian

Julian

I just used 'recordit now' which came bundled with the burner, which in fairness is what the DVDLab manual reccommends in preference to it's own basic burner.

In fact I now frequently add all my project graphics files to other directories on the dvd as an archive of the project. A DVD player will ignore these but as a DVD-rom they can be read on a computer.

Since my earlier post I have visited DVD lab's web site and it looks as though (reading the blurb) a couple of my niggles have been addressed in subsequent beta versions - especially accuracy of chapter marking (and an explanation of why they weren't as accurate before- which was useful)I also note that animated thumnail menus are a new feature. So Its getting better all the time. All we need now is the ability to add multiple audio streams.

Matt B

The Ulead DVD WORKSHOP product - especially the AC-3 version - has motion menu support:

http://www.ulead.com/dws/ac3.htm
http://www.ulead.co.uk/dws/ac3.htm

Jerry Jones
http://www.jonesgroup.net

quote:The Ulead DVD WORKSHOP product - especially the AC-3 version - has motion menu support:

Thanks for that.

The only feature missing from DVD_Lab that I would really like is subtitling.

quote:Originally posted by dhphy:
I’ve downloaded this program and apart from the bad English it looks pretty good.
I say looks because I don’t seem to be able to get started.
I’ve output through premiere 6 and pinnacle plug in mpeg video and audio files but DVD-lab won’t recognise the video file stating that it is an audio file but corrupt leader? or something.
The procedure I used was the same as for editing in Impression and that imports both files OK
Any suggestions as to what might be wrong
Dave

I too had this problem - it seems that Pinnacle put the wrong file extension on for DVDlab to recognize it. I opened the file in Windows Media Player, used the "save file as" and changed the file ext. to m2v - which DVDlab read O.K>
My problem is getting other p/gs to burn from the files I saved in DVDlab.

I'm surprised that no one has mentioned Adobe Encore DVD. This is an awesome package -- one of the best I've ever worked with.

It lets you build motion menus, subtitles, multiple audio tracks. And it's completely integrated with Photoshop, so you still have the ability to manipulate your photoshop layers (and even layer effects!).

I went through the included tutorial and had my first DVD completed in roughly 20 minutes. (Including animated buttons with an animated background, chapter points, etc...)

Anyone else using Encore?

Your opinions?

Adobe Encore is £385 - DVDLab is £52
The pound for pound DVD-Lab gets my vote!

I've used Encore and I prefer DVD Lab (which can also export PSD files)

I would like to use encore, but only works with XP.

My 2000 matrox system is fairly stable just now so unwilling to screw it all up by changing to XP.

If it aint broke - don't try and fix it.

------------------
Mike

Percy0007
I have opened the file in windows media player but I can't see how to change the extension.
Doesn't seem to allow me to save as anything other than what it is.
Can anyone temll me how I change the file's extension to use in DVD lab
Thanks
Dave

It's crazy to do that in Windows Media Player anyway, you end up with two copies of the same file.

Instead just open the folder containing the file and change the file's extension directly by renaming the file.

If you can't see the extension then in a folder window go to the 'Tools' menu. Then choose 'Folder Options' and click on the tab for 'View'

Look in the list for 'Hide Extensions For Known File Types' and untick that box.

Click on 'Apply To All Folders' and click on 'Okay'

(You can also do this from the Control Panel under Appearance and Themes/Folder Options)

...

[This message has been edited by Chris Longley (edited 21 September 2003).]

Chris
Thanks for your suggestion. Easy when you know how.
Changed the extensions of the Pinnacle produced mpeg and DVD lab recognises them now.
But haven't the time at the moment to try it
Dave

rkgibbons,
I love the sound of Encore but as Mike (busbyvideo) says it only works with XP!!! Same as Premiere Pro!!! What's Adobe thinking of?

I'm having a play with DVD Lab and I must say I like it. I think I'm trying to run before I can walk though (I'm always doing that!).

I wish I could get the text to rotate at an angle so it will work with my background better. Has anyone found a way of doing this?

Julian

ok, I've put together my first DVD using DVD Lab.
I've compiled it using the quick dummy files so that I can test it from my hard drive useing power DVD.

How do I do That??!!!!

DVD Lab has created a folder full of files. What do I open in power DVD to run my menues?

I thought it would create a single file that acts as a dvd which you then open in the player.
Im probably showing my 'newnes' at all this DVD stuff.

Any help would be fab.

Julian

I use Windows Media Player to open the file VIDEO_TS.IFO

You might prefer this:-
http://www.digital-digest.com/dvd/downloads/dsplayer.html

quote:Originally posted by Chris Longley:
I use Windows Media Player to open the file VIDEO_TS.IFO

You might prefer this:-
http://www.digital-digest.com/dvd/downloads/dsplayer.html

Chris,

I tried opening the video_ts.ifo file in windows media player and just got this message:

"Windows Media Player cannot find the specified file. Be sure the path is typed correctly. If it is, the file does not exist at the specified location, or the computer where the file is stored is offline."

I also have the 'dsplayer' and that cant open the DVD files.

I'm thinking I'm doing somthing wrong with DVD Lab.

How are you testing your DVD before you burn to disk?

Do you 'compile' using the 'dummy' file or 'compile' the full project?

Julian

> DVD Lab has created a folder full of files. What do I open in power DVD to run my menues?

For PowerDVD, select 'open DVD file on hard disk', navigate to the VIDEO_TS folder, and open the 'VIDEO_TS.IFO' file.

Tony

Julian, maybe you typed that name into Media Player as a file to open. The way I did it was by right clicking on the file and choosing Open With, then choosing Windows Media Player. Mine's the very lastest version of WMP. It works with dummy and full versions.

Anyway owls has explained how to do it with PowerDVD so hopefully you're sorted now.

quote:Originally posted by owlsroost:
> DVD Lab has created a folder full of files. What do I open in power DVD to run my menues?

For PowerDVD, select 'open DVD file on hard disk', navigate to the VIDEO_TS folder, and open the 'VIDEO_TS.IFO' file.

Tony

Tony,

I'll try that although I don't recall that option. I selected file instead of disk in power DVD, then found my way to the 'video_ts.ifo' file and opened it.... then the whole system crashed and re-booted.

I wonder if my computer is not set up for power DVD corectly. It crashed after trying to play a 'propper' DVD from the DVD drive!!!!

Chris I'll try opening the file as you say.

Chris,

I've just tried your way. I get the same message I got before (see above).

Now I'm thinking theres something wrong with my computer!!

I need to re-install power DVD to try your way Tony (as I un-installed when it kept crashing).

Right now I'm taking the bull by the horns and burning a DVD-rw disk (as my new sony burner has just been delivered) maybe it will play alright on a set top DVD player.
I'm not holding my breath though.

It would still be nice to solve this problem though. and be able to test before burning.

UPDATE:
No. That didn't work. I tried burning from DVDlab - it didn't get anywhere.
I tried burning from DVD Workshop - It comes up with "failed to create disc" or something like that!! Very useful!!

Creating a VHS tape wasn't this difficult!!!

Just had a thought. Do I need to format a new DVD-rw before I try to make a disc?

[This message has been edited by Julian (edited 24 September 2003).]

If your PowerDVD installation is faulty it could be that the filters/codecs required to view DVDs are incomplete. I think you really need to sort out the system so that it plays DVDs in your DVD drive properly before you can hope to work properly with hard drive simulation.

Your right.
I've now installed an older version of powerDVD and it plays my proper DVD OK.
Although a box did come up saying something about direct draw but it disappeared too quickly for me to read. The DVD played ok but didn't look great!

Anyway, I tried to open the .ifo file from this player. Still no luck.

I've now got my self a copy of Nero and am attempting to burn the -rw disk with that. So far so good.

I'm still thinking that there may be something wrong with my mpg 2 files though.

Can you mix rates on one disk?
I've got one movie clip encoded with the 400-600 setting and another with 600-800 setting.
Does that matter or could that be causing problems?

Thank you for your continued help.

> Just had a thought. Do I need to format a new DVD-rw before I try to make a disc?

No.

If it's been written to previously you need to erase it, but that's all.

Tony

[This message has been edited by owlsroost (edited 24 September 2003).]

> Can you mix rates on one disk?

Yes.

If you post more details of the encoder settings you used etc we might be able to check if the files are DVD compliant (although most authoring tools will tell you if they aren't anyway).

Just a thought, have you checked that the project settings in DVDlab match your files i.e. you're not trying to make a NTSC disc with PAL files etc ?

Tony

I'm sure my files are DVD compliant as they were encoded with the Premier plugin and pro coder using their basic settings.

I managed to burn the files created in DVD Lab to a DVD -rw using Nero.
I tested the disk in my DVD player (set top) and it didn't see the disk!!!
I tested it on the computer with powerDVD (the older version) and it attempted to play it.
It played the 'first play' video then stoped. it was supposed to go to another video then to the main menu but it didn't.
I pushed a button on power DVD remote and it went to the main menu.
From there I could click menu buttons to go to other menus but not to the video clips!!

So, We're getting closer but it's still a mess.

I think this narrows it down to DVD Lab dosn't it?

Julian

Julian

These may be obvious questions, but here goes

Was DVD LAB happy with your imported clips?

Did it demux them and allow you to add chapter points?

When you said about "From there I could click menu buttons to go to other menus but not to the video clips", in the authoring part of the process when you've added buttons to menus have you linked them to actual clips and chapter points? Again in the Connections window, tell it to show you Button Links. Are all your menus and clips linked up in the Connections window of DVD LAB?

When you burnt it in Nero, what settings did you use? You should be telling it to make a DVD Video and it should have the Audio TS and Video TS folders in the disc root copied from wherever you've set DVD LAB to create the temporary files.

[This message has been edited by Chris Longley (edited 25 September 2003).]

Hi Chris,

Yes DVD Lab was happy with clips.
Yes it demuxed them (whatever that means) but it let me add chaper points.

Everything is linked corectly.

OK, heres the latest:

Someone here sugested I downloaded ifoEdit and test the DVD from there (I cant remember who it was but thanks whoever you are). It plays back my DVD wonderfully (god knows what the rest of ifoedit does. It looks very complicated!!).

So now I can test my DVD before burning and they seem to be fine, which means DVD Lab is working fine. Or is it?

I thought that might be the end of my problems. But no!!

Since my set top DVD player didn't recognise the DVD-RW I thought I'de burn my project to a DVD-R.

I used nero 6 as that burned the DVD-RW ok.

Now I get:
"burn failed" "Command sequence error"

I've tried at x2 speed and x1 speed.

It may be useful to know that my burner is a Sony DW-u14A 4x burner housed in a ADS firewire external housing.

All I want to do is make a DVD. That shouldnt be to hard!!

Julian

Have you burned any DVDs before in your Sony? Data DVDs? I'm not familiar with the drive, what's the specs?

I've not burned anything before apart from a cdr. I only got the drive a couple of days ago.

I think my drive is the newer version of the famous multiburn Sony drive. The one 'Computer Video' did a review of this month. I think it's called Sony DRU 510A. Well I have the Sony DWU-14A which I was lead to beleve was the latest firmware version of that drive. Oh and it's black.

I wonder if the fact that I've got it in a firewire housing is causing problems. Or is the prodlem with nero6?

Let me make sure I've got this right, you burnt to a DVD Rewritable which your set top DVD player failed to recognise? It could be that your set top doesn't support playing rewritables. Did the computer recognise it? Can you play it with PowerDVD?

On your next burn you get the command sequence error, is this the same disc? You may have to erase it/format it first perhaps?

I think you're trying to run before you can walk, go back to basics and set about creating a standard ISO data DVD, just copy a load of files from your hard disk onto your DVD disc with Nero and check that you can read them back. You need to be sure that your Sony is happy to burn DVD discs.

Thanks, Chris, for spending so much time on this with me.
Oh, and I meant to say sorry to Kenny for hijacking his thread!

OK, ignoring all the trouble I had trying to preview my DVD lab created project, which was resolved by testing it through 'IfoEdit'. The only part of that which we need to remember is that 'power DVD' was no good at reading my project.

Right, first I had no luck burning the disk using DVD Labs burner (It seems to be known that it is not much good).

So I got a copy of 'Nero 6' and tried using that with a DVD-RW. It seemed to burn OK but wouldn't play on my set top player. That was my players fault, I think, as it probably cant handle DVD-RW.

So I tried to burn a DVD-R but that fails.
I then tried a DVD-RW again and that now fails. I did re-format.
I have now tried to burn a data DVD and that fails.

I get "could not perform end of disc at once"

I seem to be able to burn CDR OK. It's just DVDs.

Maybe I need to get ANOTHER piece of burning software to see if it's Nero 6. Do you know of any that may have a free trial?

Julian

I've now got a trial version of 'record now max'.

First I tried to burn a DVD-RW and it seemed to work (the recording process finished anyway). But since my set top player cant play DVD-RW I cant test it.

Then I tried to burn a DVD-R. It didn't work!!
Then I re-formated the DVD-RW and tried to burn a data DVD. It didn't work!!

So, I now quite confused where the problem is.
I'm thinking its compatibility between my Sony drive and the disks. But the DVD-r and DVD-RW are different brands so Its not very promising if the Sony doesn't like ether of them.
The make of disks are Princo DVD-RW and Nanya x4 unbranded DVD-R.

I suppose I've got to buy more DVDs to test.

Julian when you say "First I tried to burn a DVD-RW and it seemed to work (the recording process finished anyway). But since my set top player cant play DVD-RW I cant test it."

But you can - by trying it out in your computer's DVD drive and seeing if PowerDVD will play it.

Power DVD wont play my discs. It plays the 'first play' video bumper, then stops!!!

Problem solved!!!!! (at long last).

Even though this thread has gone dry, I thought I'd up-date it as I have solved my problem (it all ways annoying for people with similar problems to find a tread that isn't resolved).

Well, the answer to all my problems was removing "WinOnCD 3.8 power edition". This was the CD writing software I used before I got a DVD writer. It seemed to be getting in the way of Nero6.

Now I have burnt several DVD-Rs successfully.

Thanks to Ian from LynxDV for the help.
And of course to Chris and every one else who helped me on this thread.

I sound like I've just one an Oscar!!

Julian