Whats easiest DVD Authoring tool for importing PSD layered files?

[Alain2007]

I made all my menus in Photoshop and I am finding it painful to import all the elements with correct positioning in DVD Architect. I cant get Encore DVD just yet as my AMD processor is not dual core. What's the best solution? I mean, most pros are probably creating their menus in Photoshop right?

[guns1inger]

I create my menus this way for DVD Lab Pro and have no issues. If you give it a go there are two things to remember

1. You need to flatten all but your buttons before importing. You will also lose any text effects you may have applied to these buttons.

2. You should resize your PSD to 720 x 540 with square pixels to get the best out of DLP.

[Alain2007]

Hi Guns1inger

Thanks for the reply...pls confirm my understanding of your post:

1. Even if I flatten my buttons, I will lose the glow effect I have added to the selected menu item? Please see my latest post called URGENT:... which contains a screenshot of the glow I am trying to reproduce. It must be doable? SO many commercial DVDs have this...

2. Using Photoshop's template of 720 x 480 DV (0.9 pixel ratio) is not DLP-ready??? THat would be silly no? I dont need to do this for Architect....

[guns1inger]

I have responded to your other post with a possible solution for you menu glow problem.

As for the menu size - DLP uses 720 x 540 to make it easier to create PAL or NTSC menus without having to constantly adjust for one or the other. I design my menus using the CS2 templates (predominantly PAL), and save it with all layers in tact. I then produce a flattened and resize version for use in DLP. If I need to edit, I come back and change the original version.

[Alain2007]

Thanks, Ive started using DLP now and it seems more advanced than Architect,,,which I dont mind even if the learning curve is steeper.

Anyway, although my imported menus LOOK fine and proportional in DLP (I saved a PSD with Square pixels and resized to 720 x 540), i get this popup when I import that tells me the PSD I imported is 853 x 649 and that I should design 720 x 540 for best fit. I go back to check my PSD in photoshop and it IS indeed 720 x 540. Why is DLP giving me this msg? Does this happen to you?

[guns1inger]

Have experienced that one. When you save your PSD do you leave the compatibility box ticked ?

[Alain2007]

Doesnt ask me about any of that. I think the compatibility thing is usually for PDFs no? Anyway, only thing checked is Layers and ICC profile.

[Alain2007]

Hmm...i've used the Trim feature in Photoshop and it seems to have resolved the problem.

Other question for you: I realize I can recreate the glow effect fairly well in DLP...do I still need to look into using Switched Menu for what I am trying to accomplish?