Playing DVD Movies Sequentially

[mikemcd]

I have used Sony DVD Architect Studio to make a DVD containig several movies and a menu that allows each movie to be played individually. However, the DVD goes back to the menu at the end of each movie. Instead, I would rather have the movies keep playing in order. It seems that DVD architect does not support "end actions". Could some program like IfoEdit or PgcEdit be used to make the movies play sequentually? If so, is there a guide that explains how to do this?

[guns1inger]

Which version of DVDA are you using ? Version 2 does support end actions. DVD Lab Pro can also do this through the use of Playlists.

[mikemcd]

I have DVDA Studio, which is the "lite" version of DVDA 2.

[jeanl]

No doubt you can do that in PgcEdit, but it's an "after the fact" thing (in other words, if you reauthor your DVD later on, you'll have to redo the PgcEdit stuff).
If you want to do it with PgcEdit, here's how you can do that. This is the short version, assuming you know a bit about DVD structure and commands.
- If your movies are in the same titleset but in different PGCs, then that's really easy. You can just insert the following command at the top of the post-commands in each of the movie's PGCs.
LinkPGCN 2
(where you'd replace the "2" with the number of the PGC you want to jump to).
- If your movies are in the same PGC, but in different cells,(which I doubt) then you'd use
LinkCN 2
and you'd put that as a cell command.
- Most likely, your movies are in separate titlesets. This is more complicated because you can't jump from one titleset to another one (DVD spec does not allow that). Instead, you need to create a dummy PGC in the VMGM, use a register to store the title you want to jump to. Then put these commands at the top of the post-command area of your movie PGCs:
SetGPRM(0) = X
(CallSS) Call the VMGM PGC Y, resume cell 1
where X would be the next title to play and Y would be the number of the dummy PGC you created in the VMGM. I'm assuming you use GPRM(0) but it can be any unused GPRM.
The dummy PGC in the VMGM would simply look at GPRM(0) and jump to the appropriate title with a JumpTT command.

As you can see, it's not the simplest thing to do, you'll be better off if you can get DVDA to do it for you.

Jeanl

[mikemcd]

Thanks jeanl.

After reading your reply, I looked at a DVD I made using Nero where the movies played sequentially. The navigation was very complex - jumping all over the place. Seems like it should be simpler. I think I'll just leave it alone.

[ScorpioDragon]

I haven't seen any explanations on how to play each scene continuously using DVD Architect 2 without going back to the menu screen at the end of each scene. Anyone know how to do this? I want to have the options to (1) play the entire DVD from beginning to end [all 3 scenes], or (2) being able to select a particular scene. I've tried the end action command using all 3 of the available options (loop, hold, activate button), but this didn't work for me. I am currently using only 1 menu containing all 3 of my scenes. Must I have 2 menus? If so, how would I structure them?

Any input would be most helpful.

[mwkurt]

What you want is a "Play All" button on your menu. Did a quick search on the Sony DVDA forum and found this thread. It works, I did it and is quite easy to do.
http://mediasoftware.sonypictures.com/forums/ShowMessage.asp?MessageID=330636&Replies=6&Page=0

Mark

[ScorpioDragon]

What you want is a "Play All" button on your menu. Did a quick search on the Sony DVDA forum and found this thread. It works, I did it and is quite easy to do.
http://mediasoftware.sonypictures.com/forums/ShowMessage.asp?MessageID=330636&Replies=6&Page=0

Mark

Mark,

I definitely appreciate you providing me with that link. I previously couldn't locate this topic in that forum. After understanding and following the directions, [thru a bit of trial and error] I finally got the settings right and it worked.

MANY THANKS.

VideoHelp.com...simply a superb site...