DVDWS2 guide?? and prepping items for authoring questions

[jbenj01]

Currently, I've xfrd home video from VHS to DVD-R via my Panasonic DMR-E20 DVD recorder. I'm going to copy the files from DVD-R onto my hdd (hopefully they'll be what I'm accustomed to seeing, i.e., IFO and VOB files). Basically, what I want to do is use a still from the existing video to create a main menu background still, create simple chapter stills, a button to play the video and buttons for each chapter. I'll eventually move on to motion menus..

I've used DVDLab once and liked it (fairly straightforward) but would like to try out DVDWS2, as well. But i can't find a "complete" beginner's guide for DVDWS2.. seems the guides here and the tutorials on Ulead's site are broken up/segmented. Can someone point me in the right direction? Also, given my project above, will I need anything else besides an DVDWS2 to complete my project (outside of a burning app)?

Separately, since I'm fairly new to authoring, how do I prep material to import into any authoring app? For example, let's say I've found various video images and clips from online that I'd like to use for menus. For stills, I think it's as simple as using Photoshop to convert the image size to DVD-compliant 720x480, yes? But for video clips, I'm guessing I have to use somehting like gspot to find out what the source format info is, then re-encode to 720x480 using CCE, TMPGEnc, etc., correct? Then import those into the authoring app? Maybe I'm taking on too much.. a bit confused..

Thanks!

[thecoalman]

But for video clips, I'm guessing I have to use somehting like gspot to find out what the source format info is, then re-encode to 720x480 using CCE, TMPGEnc, etc., correct? Then import those into the authoring app? Maybe I'm taking on too much.. a bit confused..

Thanks!

If they are already DVD compliant you don't have to do anything, just drop them on the timeline and make sure you select "do not convert compliant files". This is one of the better features of DVD WS being able to work with mutiple types of video. As long as it's already DVD complinat you don't have to do anything. If they aren't they will be converted to whatever you select for final output if you wish to do that.

[jbenj01]

thecoalman,

Thanks, firstly. And.. You're kidding me, right?! Wait..just to confirm...

You mean I can grab most any non-DVD-compliant file, throw it into DVDWS2 and as long as I tell it (configure DVDWS2) to output DVD-compliant files/720x480 NTSC, it'll convert/re-encode the video clip or still for me?? And it will do this for both menus, main video and extras, etc..?? If so...

What's the catch?? The price tag of $400? If it does all that, seems it's worth the price.. And what is your opinion of the built-in encoder?

[lordsmurf]

It's a decent usage of the MainConcept engine, but you'll ALWAYS be better off pre-encoding. Authoring apps should only be used to author, not encode/edit/burn, etc.

[thecoalman]

You mean I can grab most any non-DVD-compliant file, throw it into DVDWS2 and as long as I tell it (configure DVDWS2) to output DVD-compliant files/720x480 NTSC, it'll convert/re-encode the video clip or still for me?? And it will do this for both menus, main video and extras, etc..?? If so...

Um let me back up a minute.... by non DVD compliannt files I meant for instance DV-AVI files that meet the NTSC standard. Throwing any old file into it isn't going to work very well unless it has the correct framerate. I think you missed the best part where it won't reencode files that are already DVD compliant (make sure to set it not to reencode DVD compliant files). You can even mix 4:3 and 16:9 on the same disc.

[jbenj01]

OK.. gotcha.. Thanks guys. I'm going to dl the trial tonight and start getting familiar..

Oh, the other question, is there a 'good' DVDWS2 guide from start to finish? Or will I have to rely on Ulead's online segmented tutorials? I already checked and I won't get anything with the trial version..

[thecoalman]

It's a pretty straight forward program and easy to use. It takes care of all the hard stuff for you. most things can be accomplished by drag and drop....

I've never seen the tutorials but I'm sure they would be useful for the basics. If you know a little about what your doing using it shouldn't be that hard.

[anzimike]

ulead has online manual for ws2 here:
ftp://ftp.ulead.com/pub/Manual/workshop2/dws2_manual.zip
also try jerry jones tutorial here;
http://www.jonesgroup.net/media/dvdworkshoptwostepone.htm
best of luck.

[jbenj01]

Thanks. I've seen the jonesgroup link several times but it doesn't work. I've tried google but cannot find.. ??

[thecoalman]

Thanks. I've seen the jonesgroup link several times but it doesn't work. I've tried google but cannot find.. ??

works for me.