Just want to make a DVD...

[Tolwyn]

I have a Plextor DVD+/-R
Virtual Dub
Canopus and Panasonic DV Codec
DIVX (registered)
Scenealyzer (registered)
Ulead Video Studio (older version)
TMPGenc (share/freeware)
Adobe Audition
Canopus ADV100 Capture Hardware

I just want to make a DVD with menus. What do I need to do.
There are SO MANY COOKS IN THE KITCHEN it is virtually impossible to understand what I need.

Although I can open "insert file" with Virtual Dub, doing ANY edting with it is beyond my comprehension. e.g. Fadeouts, etc. inserting another AVI file, etc.

I just want to capture home movies, do basic editing (fades/wipes/etc.)
make a basic DVD menu (chapters, etc.)
And then burn.

[Tommyknocker]

Exactly which version of Video Studio do you own?

[Tolwyn]

Version 7.

Since they like to get cute and not have normal menus, I can't do a Help About. But it says "7" right on the main menu.

I apologize if I'm coming across gruff, but seriously. I don't have a lot of time to sample all these applications. I've read all the guides. They don't really help (me).

[housepig]

I don't have a lot of time to sample all these applications.

no offense, but if you don't have time to spare, maybe this isn't the hobby for you?

I can get a dvd together pretty quick now, but it was slow going until I learned the tools that I use. If you don't / can't invest the time, you're not going to get results.

the steps, in my case. most recent project is a dvd of some concert footage.

1. capture with iuVCR to avi (mjpeg codec).
2. trim excess with Virtualdub.
3. select out any clips for motion menus, intros, etc. with Virtualdub.
4. encode with TMPG.
5. strip .wav from original avi with Virtualdub.
6. encode .wav to .ac3 with BeSweet.
7. collect graphics and edit with Photoshop and/or Gimp.
8. import raw materials into DVD Lab and author disc.
9. burn with Nero.

2.5 - if there are any transitions, titles, fades, special effects, etc - import footage into Vegas, perform edits. export to .avi

so that's 8 pieces of software, and a minimum of 8 steps, if I don't do anything fancy. on a focused day, I can whip a 1-hour concert into shape in 2 hours of attended computing, and 6 of set-and-forget (steps 1 and 6).

but that's because I've spent the time to learn the process...

[Tolwyn]

No offense taken, but this isn't a hobby, it's a necessity. Thanks, though for your input.

I would imagine that you can appreciate the fact that DVD burning is a mainstream accepted method, according to all the marketing out there and TV commercials; unfortunately when it comes down to it, its much more difficult and convoluted than it seems.

If it were so easy, I'm sure you realize that this site would not exist, no?

[Tommyknocker]

Version 7.

Since they like to get cute and not have normal menus, I can't do a Help About. But it says "7" right on the main menu.

I apologize if I'm coming across gruff, but seriously. I don't have a lot of time to sample all these applications. I've read all the guides. They don't really help (me).

Luckily, Video Studio 7 is pretty straight forward.

Edit with it by dropping each clip you want to use on the timeline. Clip each clip, highlight it, select where you want it to begin and end. Move on to the next clip, repeat. When you are done loading clips, select the transitions by dropping them between the clips.

Select Share-->Create Disk.

Select DVD. The Next button should be highlighted. Follow the prompts, insert your blank DVD, and the rest is automatic.

[Tolwyn]

If I'm encoding with TMPG, they are in MPG format. Now, you want me to strip PCM WAV from AVI?


Tommy...
I'll give that a shot. The problem is they explain a lot of what things ARE, but explain very little of how to use them.

The biggest things that are missing from many 'a' guide is practical application. I guess I mean, a lot of the guides explain what things are, but some don't take you through a practical example.

Don't even get me started on the confusing ridiculous notion of aspect ratios. 4:3? Totally incorrect. 16:9? Nope. Not even mathematically close. Why? Oh, because the medium that we're all using (PC/Mac) is not correct for a TV. Sigh. I know this is MY ignorance. Brain... too... small...

[Tommyknocker]

If you want a menu, you have to use Video Studio 7. TMPGEnc Plus! cannot do menus, fade ins,etc.

[Tolwyn]

Tommy...

What about DVD menus, et al?
I can figure out how to make the file formats for a DVD burn. I can pick up some of the TMPEnc software.

But chapters, backgrounds, menus, et al is way beyond me.

I can operate Photoshop, PSP, etc.
I can operate Adobe Audition.

There's just a buckshot of guides that only cover 7% of everything you need to know; it's hard to find something that says... this is what you need. do this, do that, encode with this, use this to make the menus, etc.

The problem is, the guides don't link together a process of using an "application chain." Take this source, edit with this app. From there, you can export to this or encode with that, launch up Nero, and burn away."

That is what I mean by "Buckshot."

I also have a registered version of Nero 6, of course, too.

[Tolwyn]

Ha! Oops, our posts crosts, Tommy.

Doesn't TMPEnc make a program that can help with that?

[Josef K]

Select Share-->Create Disk.

Oh, wow! Does the box have a smiling person on it? I appreciate the need to have software that appeals to certain experience levels but, come on! Share?!?! Who in their right mind would think to, when they want to compile/create an image/etc., look to a menu item that says 'Share'?!?! Heh!

[Supreme2k]

the steps, in my case. most recent project is a dvd of some concert footage.

By the way, housepig, your steps have too little explanation to be useful. No offense, of course.

If I'm encoding with TMPG, they are in MPG format. Now, you want me to strip PCM WAV from AVI?

Sorry. But thanks, anyways.

First, he didn't say specifically for you. Second, he is using TMPGEnc for video encode, then encoding audio to ac3 with BeSweet. Third, if it's a hobby, you need a little patience. If it's a necessity, you need much more.

He actually gave very detailed explanations without padding them out.

If you don't have time to sample, you'll have to eeny-meenie-miney one and use that. If you're starting at the bottom, use an all-in-one like Sonic MyDVD.

[jimmalenko]

By the way, housepig, your steps have too little explanation to be useful.

That's funny, I understood completely.

Don't even get me started on the confusing ridiculous notion of aspect ratios. 4:3? Totally incorrect. 16:9? Nope. Not even mathematically close. Why? Oh, because the medium that we're all using (PC/Mac) is not correct for a TV. Sigh.

Man, you need to do video as a neccessity, yet you do not seem prepared to invest the time in reading ? All the information you need is here, you just need to look for it, or present yourself as someone who knows nothing but is willing to learn. Almost everyone here uses video as a hobby/escape. Getting it done yesterday just doesn't happen with video, I'm afraid.

You really need about a month of tutoring given the level of knowledge you've shown so far.

[indolikaa]

No offense taken, but this isn't a hobby, it's a necessity.

NO, it isn't a necessity, it IS a hobby!

If you need a DVD made THAT bad, send me a PM and I'll tell you how reach my buisness address in Arizona. You can mail the files you need authored into a DVD and I'll do it for you FOR A FEE. I charge about $300 per DVD, depending on the complexity.

If it's a sensitive law enforcement issue, I can direct you to my former supervisor at DIA. He can confirm my security clearance and previous work with law enforcement agencies in New Mexico and Texas. And I can be on a DNS line in a matter of hours if it's a time-critical situation, or you can try my GlobalStar number.

Otherwise, do what everybody else here has done over the years and...
SPEND SOME TIME LEARNING HOW DIGITAL VIDEO WORKS!

People who come here claiming they have an immediate authoring emergency and don't have the time to learn the hobby are called tit-sucking freeloaders!

The 'rest' is NOT for people with too much time. It's for people like you who want everybody else to do the work for you.

[indolikaa]

I just read this urgency and lack-of-desire to learn the hobby is because
YOU WANT TO TRANSFER HOME MOVIES TO DVD?!

Grrr...

[jimmalenko]

I just read this urgency and lack-of-desire to learn the hobby is because you WANT TO TRANSFER HOME MOVIES TO DVD?!

Grrr...

There is a premiere tonight at Tolwyn's place of last fall's trip to see unkie waylon when he had his tonsils out.

[housepig]

No offense taken, but this isn't a hobby, it's a necessity.

if it's a necessity, invest the necessary time to learn.

I would imagine that you can appreciate the fact that DVD burning is a mainstream accepted method, according to all the marketing out there and TV commercials; unfortunately when it comes down to it, its much more difficult and convoluted than it seems.

according to commercials, I should be married to Jessica Simpson and driving a Hummer. Marketing exists to sell you a product, not instruct or reflect the real world.

If it were so easy, I'm sure you realize that this site would not exist, no?

exactly my point - it's not easy.

By the way, housepig, your steps have too little explanation to be useful.

well, I wasn't trying to write you a guide - that's what the guides section is for. Just giving you an overview of my process, as an example that there are methodologies that can happily use multiple tools for specific jobs, and still get work done in a speedy fashion... if you're willing to learn the tools.

I get the feeling that you want an all-in-one solution, where you can spend 20 minutes having your hand held by onscreen wizards and not have to learn the ins and outs. If that's what you are after, good luck in your quest.

if you have more specific questions, by all means, I'll be happy to answer them... see below.

If I'm encoding with TMPG, they are in MPG format. Now, you want me to strip PCM WAV from AVI?.

Yes - I encode to individual streams, .mp2 and .m2v. I throw out the .mp2 - I'm in NTSC country, my players don't play .mp2 streams properly. So I strip the .wav and encode it to .ac3, which my players can handle.

[Tolwyn]

{edited}
Just me being a jerk at the moment, please excuse...

[Shocker Milwaukee]

You need to look up the word 'audacity.' You misspelled it.

[Josef K]

You guys crack me up.
First, you're fishing around in the "newb" forum.

Maybe some of us browse the main page, looking at the 'Latest active forum topics' and post replies whenever we feel we can give advice. I know I do most of the time. The main page does not indicate which forum the post originates from.

It cracks me up that you all have the odacity (look it up) to assume to give advice when this forum is waaaaay beyond your ability to assist.

Heh! Since you have the 'odacity' to challenge an Englishman to comprehend the usage of the English language - at least use a frigging dictionary and spell the damn word correctly.

[indolikaa]

Dipshit? Is that the best you can do?

You guys crack me up.

That's good to hear. That means my purpose on this forum has been served once again.

First, you're fishing around in the "newb" forum.

They aren't fishing around, they're standing by to help people.

Second, you pretend to know what I need to do, what I AM doing, and why I need to do it.

You made that pretty obvious. You want somebody to hold your hand and walk you through every single step of the process because you don't have time or desire to learn it yourself.

Thirdly, you assume way too much. It cracks me up that you all have the odacity (look it up) to assume to give advice when this forum is waaaaay beyond your ability to assist.

The word is spelled A-U-D-A-C-I-T-Y, dipshit. It means an act of insolent heedlessness.

I can run circles around all of you when it comes to audio production; yet I come here for video help with specific information on what I have, and what I need, and a certain individual and his calvacade of gay fanboys jumps to his rescue. That's pretty cute!

What you need a swift and thorough ass-kicking. And I'd pay real money to see a gang of GAY people administer the justice you so richly deserve. Preferably with baseball bats and a couple of pit bulls.

You can come here and ask stupid questions and profess your ignorance and self-righteousness all you want. But when you start calling people GAY you are
WAY THE **** OUT OF LINE!

Don't peddle your homophobia around here, dipshit.

[Shocker Milwaukee]

I'm still kinda new around here. Was that what's referred to around here as an indolikaa special?

[DiablosuX102]

hey Tolwyn, if it were me i'd..

1: Capture with WinDV (freeware)
2: Edit (transitions/fades) everything in ulead videostudio
3: Strip out the .wav file with virtual dub
4: Convert the .wav file to AC3 (dolby digital) with FFMpeg (same engine as besweet but a lot easier to use, freeware)
5: Convert the video to mpeg2 with TMPGEnc
6: Author the dvd (menu's, chapter points, multiplexing the video & audio etc.) with dvdlab.
7: Burn with whatever u want

Hopefully u will be able to make some sence out of that, my video skills are only so good. If u need any help just send me a PM and i'll do what i can.

josh

[FulciLives]

I'm still kinda new around here. Was that what's referred to around here as an indolikaa special?

LOL

The reason we got to this point is because Tolwyn posted what I call open-ended questions.

How do I create a DVD?

Not, "How do I extract audio from an AVI with VirtualDub?"

Not, "What setting for PICVideo MJPEG should I use for best balance of quality and compression?"

Just simply, "How do I create a DVD?"

On top of that you had the audacity to say that you don't have the time for all this rubbish although it is of utmost importance.

Think about it. I know it must be hard with your limited brain capabilites but please. Humor me. Think.

WHAT THE HELL DID YOU EXPECT US TO DO!

Now it is up to you to step up to the plate ... To be a man.

You need to apologize for being such an ingrate.

Then you need to read a whole lot of guides here.

Then and only then can you come back and ask more specific nicely structured questions that we will be more than happy to answer.

- John "FulciLives" Coleman

[offline]

The rest is for people with too much time.

That statement alone is going to win friends and influence people
This is a serious hobby for many folk, and statements like that when
asking for help is asking for something else. I see DiablosuX102
is still trying to help you - a credit to him. I wouldn't!

[housepig]

you pretend to know what I need to do, what I AM doing, and why I need to do it.

funny... I was going off of this...

I just want to make a DVD with menus. What do I need to do.
There are SO MANY COOKS IN THE KITCHEN it is virtually impossible to understand what I need.

Although I can open "insert file" with Virtual Dub, doing ANY edting with it is beyond my comprehension

I just want to capture home movies, do basic editing (fades/wipes/etc.)
make a basic DVD menu (chapters, etc.)
And then burn.

...chapters, backgrounds, menus, et al is way beyond me.

There's just a buckshot of guides that only cover 7% of everything you need to know; it's hard to find something that says... this is what you need. do this, do that, encode with this, use this to make the menus, etc.

well, I tried. wasn't detailed enough for you - although agian, if you ask specific questions about my methods, I'd be happy to answer them.

again - it sounds like you want an app to hold your hand. more power to you - if I found an app that would do everything I needed to do with wizard-assisted production and hand-holding, I'd be all for it. every one I've found is lacking in something critical to me, so I do my stuff the hard way.

I can run circles around all of you when it comes to audio production

don't bet on it.

And I laugh at the other dipshits that are placating to others in a designated "newbie" forum.

sure that's the word you're looking for? or did you mean condescending?

I don't troll forums - I look at the Latest Posts list, and check out anything that looks interesting. I also didn't come in here to bust your chops... but apparently you can't see that. Good luck.

[Tolwyn]

ROFL. Always a good barb destroyed by bad spelling.

The only reason why I'm POSTING in the newb forum is because... I AM A VIDEO EDITING NOOB!!

I've tried my best to figure this out. See my first post.
I have the right software.
I've read the right guides.
The guides explain what things are, but not how to use them.

None of you people intimidate me with your intellect. Don't worry there. I'm sure many of you get excited about spewing forth your knowledge in a newbie forum.

This forum's purpose is to help the newbie; regardless of the method by which they approach that assistance.

I let you know what I have. I let you know what I need to do...
How else would you like me to proceed?

I have no problems being ignorant about what I need to do. I also realize this isn't rocket science; however, some concept completely are lost on me. One of them is aspect ratios going between DV, Computer and the end result - DVD/TV.

The other is simply how the heck do I get it from my digital camera, my HI8 camera, into my Canopus ADV1000 into 1 or 2 applications, and then encode it into one or two applications, to burn it with NERO.

I am completely lost here.

I don't think that I asked too complicated a question? Maybe some of you would rather wag your tongues than spew forth helpful information? Either way, as I said, I'm in no position to be outwitted by any of you; however, I'm completely lost as to some of this techie stuff. And I have no shame in admitting it. [/i]

[indolikaa]

You have demonstrated you have neither the time or the desire to learn the hobby. You only want a quick and fast method to doing something that takes a lot of time to learn.

You've already demonstrated you have the intellectual capacity of a dead newt, and then you enlightened us and added to our collective intellect by trying to portray homophobia as an acceptable form of humor.

I could be passed-out drunk and still outwit you.

[tekkieman]

Ok Tolwyn -

Based on what you have asked for, ignore everything everyone here has told you. You need to ignore then, because they know what they are talking about, they know how to do what you need to do, and they took the time to learn it.

Seems to me that what you are looking for is the simplest tool, the fastest, least complicated method to just gets your video on a DVD.... Others have already mentioned the "one click packages".

If you don't have time to sample, you'll have to eeny-meenie-miney one and use that. If you're starting at the bottom, use an all-in-one like Sonic MyDVD.

Supreme is right. If you already have your clips in any one of several different formats, this will work. It has your menu templates, it will trim your video, has some limited editing (not wmv), and the big red burn button for when your ready.

For your "necessity", it will do what you need to get done. When (and if) you care to learn a LOT about digital video, encoding, decoding, capturing, authoring, etc...... Come back and learn from all the masters here who tried to help you to begin with.

For now, Sonic will do it for you. Many here will tell you that Sonic is crap. Those people (most of them) know what they are talking about. But if ALL you want to do is get your video on DVD with a menu, stay in the kiddie pool, and use "wet-nurse" software. This is not a dig, I will still use it if I just have a bunch of video and want to whip out a DVD in 20 minutes. (not counting encoding and burning)

[Tolwyn]

Thanks. I appreciate the help.
I'm not concerned about indolikaa or anyone else.

If I hadn't explained that I already have many tools/software that this website has helped me with, I'd be more in a position that he'd like to place me in.

But I'm pretty much 60% there; but just have been overwhelmed by the (seemingly) 100 applications that tout (help me out with the spelling, please, ladies) they are the "right" application to use. It's THAT plethora of bits and bytes that I simply can't even begin to evaluate; hence, my venture into the Newbie forum here. I'm sure it will take some a lot of time to figure all of that out...

I can make DIVX encoded web-ready videos.
I can make VCDs fairly consistently (it's the darn CD-R media that is the folly of this venture)...

It's the getting into DVD-R burning of MPEG2 videos and 48000Hz audio that is simply beyond my feeble mind (hence again, my presence here).

I thought I was clear in asking... "I have a grasp on the tools. I just need the steps" but apparantly this caused too much angst and effort on behalf of those that know better than I.

I'm working on it. I admit that I am ignorant at accomplishing my goal... but I'm working hard and at least am "ahead of the game."