DVD slideshow from still pics?

[waylman]

I have a shit load of high res pics from my recent France trip that I want to make into a DVD slideshow....the stuff I have been trying has been ******* up the images pretty badly (blurry, grainy etc). What apps can anyone suggest for this project?

[gadgetguy]

What stuff have you been trying? I personally would use AviSynth, but that's mostly because I use it for almost all of my video needs. It's not the most user friendly, but it's free and very versatile and worth learning if you have the time.

[Midzuki]

DVD-lab PRO can generate decent slideshows for you, but it's not freeware...
So far I have created two slideshow-like .MPEGs with Avisynth's
"ImageSource". First of all, I had to resize the source pics into
###x432 or 576x### .PNGs (because of the lossless compression),
then I "called" them into TMPGEnc with something like this:

seq000=ImageSource("1ST (0).png", pixel_type="RGB24", fps=29.97, \
end=209).AddBorders(176, 24, 176, 24).FadeIO0(30)
#
seq001=ImageSource("1ST (1).png", pixel_type="RGB24", fps=29.97, \
end=209).AddBorders(32, 24, 32, 24).FadeIO0(30)
#
seq002=ImageSource("1ST (2).png", pixel_type="RGB24", fps=29.97, \
end=209).AddBorders(176, 24, 176, 24).FadeIO0(30)
#
seq003=ImageSource("1ST (3).png", pixel_type="RGB24", fps=29.97, \
end=209).AddBorders(158, 24, 158, 24).FadeIO0(30)
#
seq004=ImageSource("1ST (4).png", pixel_type="RGB24", fps=29.97, \
end=209).AddBorders(32, 48, 32, 49).FadeIO0(30)
#
seq005=ImageSource("1ST (5).png", pixel_type="RGB24", fps=29.97, \
end=209).AddBorders(176, 24, 176, 24).FadeIO0(30)
#
seq006=ImageSource("1ST (6).png", pixel_type="RGB24", fps=29.97, \
end=209).AddBorders(176, 24, 177, 24).FadeIO0(30)
#
seq007=ImageSource("1ST (7).png", pixel_type="RGB24", fps=29.97, \
end=209).AddBorders(32, 24, 32, 24).FadeIO0(30)
#
seq008=ImageSource("1ST (8).png", pixel_type="RGB24", fps=29.97, \
end=209).AddBorders(176, 24, 176, 24).FadeIO0(30)
#
seq009=ImageSource("1ST (9).png", pixel_type="RGB24", fps=29.97, \
end=209).AddBorders(32, 48, 32, 48).FadeIO0(30)
#
seq010=ImageSource("1ST (10).png", pixel_type="RGB24", fps=29.97, \
end=209).AddBorders(176, 24, 176, 23).FadeIO0(30)
#
seq011=ImageSource("1ST (11).png", pixel_type="RGB24", fps=29.97, \
end=209).AddBorders(32, 48, 32, 48).FadeIO0(30)
#
seq012=ImageSource("1ST (12).png", pixel_type="RGB24", fps=29.97, \
end=209).AddBorders(32, 48, 32, 47).FadeIO0(30)
#
seq013=ImageSource("1ST (13).png", pixel_type="RGB24", fps=29.97, \
end=209).AddBorders(175, 24, 176, 24).FadeIO0(30)
#
seq014=ImageSource("1ST (14).png", pixel_type="RGB24", fps=29.97, \
end=209).AddBorders(32, 48, 32, 47).FadeIO0(30)
#
seq015=ImageSource("1ST (15).png", pixel_type="RGB24", fps=29.97, \
end=209).AddBorders(128, 48, 128, 48).FadeIO0(30)
#
seq016=ImageSource("1ST (16).png", pixel_type="RGB24", fps=29.97, \
end=209).AddBorders(128, 24, 129, 24).FadeIO0(30)
#
seq017=ImageSource("1ST (17).png", pixel_type="RGB24", fps=29.97, \
end=209).AddBorders(136, 24, 136, 24).FadeIO0(30)
#
seq018=ImageSource("1ST (18).png", pixel_type="RGB24", fps=29.97, \
end=209).AddBorders(155, 24, 155, 24).FadeIO0(30)
#
seq019=ImageSource("1ST (19).png", pixel_type="RGB24", fps=29.97, \
end=209).AddBorders(158, 24, 159, 24).FadeIO0(30)
#
seq020=ImageSource("1ST (20).png", pixel_type="RGB24", fps=29.97, \
end=209).AddBorders(142, 24, 142, 24).FadeIO0(30)
#
seq021=ImageSource("1ST (21).png", pixel_type="RGB24", fps=29.97, \
end=209).AddBorders(176, 24, 176, 24).FadeIO0(30)
#
seq022=ImageSource("1ST (22).png", pixel_type="RGB24", fps=29.97, \
end=209).AddBorders(176, 24, 176, 24).FadeIO0(30)
#
seq023=ImageSource("1ST (23).png", pixel_type="RGB24", fps=29.97, \
end=209).AddBorders(176, 24, 176, 24).FadeIO0(30)
#
seq024=ImageSource("1ST (24).png", pixel_type="RGB24", fps=29.97, \
end=209).AddBorders(176, 24, 176, 24).FadeIO0(30)
#
seq025=ImageSource("1ST (25).png", pixel_type="RGB24", fps=29.97, \
end=209).AddBorders(176, 24, 176, 24).FadeIO0(30)
#
seq026=ImageSource("1ST (26).png", pixel_type="RGB24", fps=29.97, \
end=209).AddBorders(176, 24, 177, 24).FadeIO0(30)
#
seq027=ImageSource("1ST (27).png", pixel_type="RGB24", fps=29.97, \
end=209).AddBorders(177, 24, 176, 24).FadeIO0(30)
#
seq028=ImageSource("1ST (28).png", pixel_type="RGB24", fps=29.97, \
end=209).AddBorders(32, 49, 32, 49).FadeIO0(30)
#
seq029=ImageSource("1ST (29).png", pixel_type="RGB24", fps=29.97, \
end=209).AddBorders(176, 24, 176, 24).FadeIO0(30)
#
seq030=ImageSource("1ST (30).png", pixel_type="RGB24", fps=29.97, \
end=209).AddBorders(176, 24, 176, 24).FadeIO0(30)
#
seq031=ImageSource("1ST (31).png", pixel_type="RGB24", fps=29.97, \
end=209).AddBorders(176, 24, 176, 24).FadeIO0(30)
#
seq032=ImageSource("1ST (32).png", pixel_type="RGB24", fps=29.97, \
end=209).AddBorders(176, 24, 176, 24).FadeIO0(30)
#
seq033=ImageSource("1ST (33).png", pixel_type="RGB24", fps=29.97, \
end=209).AddBorders(176, 24, 176, 24).FadeIO0(30)
#
seq034=ImageSource("1ST (34).png", pixel_type="RGB24", fps=29.97, \
end=209).AddBorders(176, 24, 176, 24).FadeIO0(30)
#
seq035=ImageSource("1ST (35).png", pixel_type="RGB24", fps=29.97, \
end=209).AddBorders(176, 24, 176, 24).FadeIO0(30)
#
seq036=ImageSource("1ST (36).png", pixel_type="RGB24", fps=29.97, \
end=209).AddBorders(32, 48, 32, 48).FadeIO0(30)
#
seq037=ImageSource("1ST (37).png", pixel_type="RGB24", fps=29.97, \
end=209).AddBorders(176, 24, 176, 24).FadeIO0(30)
#
seq038=ImageSource("1ST (38).png", pixel_type="RGB24", fps=29.97, \
end=209).AddBorders(32, 48, 32, 48).FadeIO0(30)
#
seq039=ImageSource("1ST (39).png", pixel_type="RGB24", fps=29.97, \
end=209).AddBorders(176, 24, 176, 24).FadeIO0(30)
#
seq040=ImageSource("1ST (40).png", pixel_type="RGB24", fps=29.97, \
end=209).AddBorders(172, 24, 173, 24).FadeIO0(30)
#
seq041=ImageSource("1ST (41).png", pixel_type="RGB24", fps=29.97, \
end=209).AddBorders(32, 48, 32, 48).FadeIO0(30)
#
seq042=ImageSource("1ST (42).png", pixel_type="RGB24", fps=29.97, \
end=209).AddBorders(176, 24, 176, 24).FadeIO0(30)
#
seq043=ImageSource("1ST (43).png", pixel_type="RGB24", fps=29.97, \
end=209).AddBorders(158, 24, 158, 24).FadeIO0(30)
#
seq044=ImageSource("1ST (44).png", pixel_type="RGB24", fps=29.97, \
end=209).AddBorders(32, 24, 32, 24).FadeIO0(30)
#
seq045=ImageSource("1ST (45).png", pixel_type="RGB24", fps=29.97, \
end=209).AddBorders(32, 24, 32, 24).FadeIO0(30)
#
seq046=ImageSource("1ST (46).png", pixel_type="RGB24", fps=29.97, \
end=209).AddBorders(32, 48, 32, 48).FadeIO0(30)
#
seq047=ImageSource("1ST (47).png", pixel_type="RGB24", fps=29.97, \
end=209).AddBorders(176, 24, 176, 24).FadeIO0(30)
#
seq048=ImageSource("1ST (48).png", pixel_type="RGB24", fps=29.97, \
end=209).AddBorders(176, 24, 176, 24).FadeIO0(30)
#
seq049=ImageSource("1ST (49).png", pixel_type="RGB24", fps=29.97, \
end=209).AddBorders(177, 24, 176, 24).FadeIO0(30)
#
seq050=ImageSource("1ST (50).png", pixel_type="RGB24", fps=29.97, \
end=209).AddBorders(176, 24, 176, 24).FadeIO0(30)
#
seq051=ImageSource("1ST (51).png", pixel_type="RGB24", fps=29.97, \
end=209).AddBorders(32, 48, 32, 48).FadeIO0(30)
#
seq052=ImageSource("1ST (52).png", pixel_type="RGB24", fps=29.97, \
end=209).AddBorders(176, 24, 176, 24).FadeIO0(30)
#
seq053=ImageSource("1ST (53).png", pixel_type="RGB24", fps=29.97, \
end=209).AddBorders(177, 24, 176, 24).FadeIO0(30)
#
seq054=ImageSource("1ST (54).png", pixel_type="RGB24", fps=29.97, \
end=209).AddBorders(32, 48, 32, 48).FadeIO0(30)
#
UnalignedSplice(seq000,seq001,seq002,seq003,seq004 ,seq005,seq006,seq007, \
seq008,seq009,seq010,seq011,seq012,seq013,seq014,s eq015,seq016,seq017, \
seq018,seq019,seq020,seq021,seq022,seq023,seq024,s eq025,seq026,seq027, \
seq028,seq029,seq030,seq031,seq032,seq033,seq034,s eq035, \
seq036,seq037,seq038,seq039,seq040,seq041,seq042,s eq043,seq044,seq045, \
seq046,seq047,seq048,seq049,seq050,seq051,seq052,s eq053,seq054)

HTH.

==============

[Noahtuck]

I have a shit load of high res pics from my recent France trip that I want to make into a DVD slideshow....the stuff I have been trying has been ******* up the images pretty badly (blurry, grainy etc). What apps can anyone suggest for this project?

You do realize that no matter how hires the photos are, to be within dvd specs they will always be sized down to dvd resolution, PAL 720 x 576 pixels, NTSC 720 x 480 pixels, so there will always be quality loss, but not so bad as to make them blurry or grainy... but maybe to your eyes after looking at the high res images.

PhotoDex ProShow Gold is my fav as it lets you do all kinds of effects, transitions, add music, text effects, time everything, ect ect.

And as Midzuki stated, DLP will also make dvd slideshows, but it is also known to make them non compliant, as in, you may run into some players that will not play them correctly or with audio if you add audio to them, and when i need to add a slideshow to a dvd video disc i use PhotoDex ProShow Gold to make them, then import them into DLP.

[fredfillis]

Noahtuck makes a good point.

Here's something else to keep in mind. Some of these apps that "specialize" in slideshows have limitations on how many images you can add to the "show".

Another method, which I've used in Vegas, is to drop the images onto the video timeline and then render the lot out as whatever video format I want. I can make slideshows with 1000's of images with this method.

[anubis13]

Adobe encore has a pretty good slideshow feature and the new Vegas is great for still picture manipulation.

[videobread]

Why a DVD? Why not a Video CD. I have a VCD with 900 images that I play on my 42" plasma. Works great.
I use the "CD Writing Wizard" in Windows XP. I make a HighMat compatible CD and choose "convert files if necessary". Works great really uncomplicated. Pictures play for about 2 seconds each then fade to the next. File size is an issue. I had to break my 900 pictures into three files of about 300 each. File A, B, C. One plays after the other. Yes, you can add an audio file.

[träskmannen]

Do a search for slideshow in the tools section:
https://www.videohelp.com/tools?toolsearch=slideshow&Submit=Search&s=&orderby=Name&hits...uthorfeatures=
or look under the Photo DVD/VCD section:
https://www.videohelp.com/tools/sections/photo-dvd-vcd

That gives a broad selection to choose from. I am sure that there are many other ways to do it as well. I use DVD slideshow GUI myself.

If you have been getting blurry and grainy results you should perhaps consider resizing the photos (not the originals, of course) before adding them to whatever app you choose, it could be that a dedicated resizer does a better job of it, for instance VSO image resizer (free).

[Noahtuck]

Why a DVD? Why not a Video CD.

Ummmm.... because if it is truely a VCD then it is even way lower resolution than a dvd
Won't hold as many photos with audio as a dvd, anything is better for such projects than anything in windows, ect ect.

[t0nee1]

Another DVDslideshowGUI user here....
http://download.videohelp.com/tin2tin/tutorials.html

[videobread]

Believe it or not the Windows program is great. My 900 pictures take up only one third of the VCD. A DVD may hold seven times as many photos but, what are you going to do with 7200 photos? The pictures fill the screen automatically - size to the screen. I don't believe that DVD vs VCD has anything to do with resolution. DVD vs VCD is just a storage size issue which is not an issue with photos. How many do you have or can you watch? Your photo has the resolution.
Try making a HighMat compatible CD in widows XP Pro and then decide. It only takes a couple of minutes and you don't need to know anything or figure anything out. Just try it.

[Noahtuck]

I don't believe that DVD vs VCD has anything to do with resolution.

You believe wrong.

DVD vs VCD is just a storage size issue which is not an issue with photos

Wrong again..
If you are just storing them as data on either then yes, to play them on a standalone dvd player each format has it's owns specs it must be within to work, period.

When someone is asking about keeping or getting as good as quality as possible, vcd is not even a consideration

[ricoman]

I have been using Google's Picassa2. Very simple and slideshows are a snap. Best of all is is FREE! Try it, if you don't like it you've lost nothing.

[videobread]

I'm sure the Google Picassa2 is great. Probably like the Windows HighMat program. Things have changed. Making a slide show is no big deal anymore. Resolution is not an issue. Looks great on my plasma. I try to be open minded.

[Noahtuck]

Resolution is not an issue. Looks great on my plasma. I try to be open minded.

Why do you constantly keep saying things that are wrong and you obviously do not know
Guess everyone had better throw out their HD & Bluray's and just go back to vhs
open minded or not, wrong is wrong and correct is correct........

DVD = 720 x 480
VCD = 352 x 240

Big diff!!!!!!! unless your blind 8)

Read the original post real carefully... i doubt he would want to go down in quality

[jman98]

Resolution is not an issue. Looks great on my plasma. I try to be open minded.

Why do you constantly keep saying things that are wrong and you obviously do not know
Guess everyone had better throw out their HD & Bluray's and just go back to vhs
open minded or not, wrong is wrong and correct is correct........

DVD = 720 x 480
VCD = 352 x 240

Big diff!!!!!!! unless your blind 8)

Read the original post real carefully... i doubt he would want to go down in quality

Noahtuck - nothing personal, you seem like an OK guy to me. However, you are wrong here. VCD has long supported 704x480 stills. Take a look at:
https://www.videohelp.com/vcd
at this very site and take a look at "Technical Info for VCD" for confirmation. Unless you want to argue that there is a "big" difference between 720x408 and 704x480, he is right about this.

[Noahtuck]

That says,
Menus and chapters
Still pictures in 704x480,352x240
I would assume referring to the menus, not the actual content that is playing, which would be the video or slideshow,
when a VCD, not a photodisc/photo cd, which are two diff. things, is playing the content it is 352 x 240.
And if you read most of what he is saying, no, he is not correct :P

Maybe i'll have to break down and go back in time and make one, i used to back in the day but they never compared to dvd slideshows


I just tried two programs, when you create a video cd slide show, it creates a AVSEQ01.DAT just as if you were creating an actual video, which is in 352x240.

We are not talking about making a photo cd.

[videobread]

Google's Picassa2 and Windows HighMat programs are not VCD's at 352 X 240. Maybe that's the misunderstanding. They are both higher resolution photo programs. They work and look great and are really easy to use. Take five minutes with no previous experience to make a HighMat CD that will play in most stand alone DVD players.

Here is link to a really simple guide:

http://support.mae.ncsu.edu/XPBackup.htm

I'm not responding to dis Noahtuck. Too many threads become ego battles. I assume you are much smarter than myself and know more about this stuff. THE END!!!!!!!! (for me)

[jman98]

That says,
Menus and chapters
Still pictures in 704x480,352x240
I would assume referring to the menus, not the actual content that is playing, which would be the video or slideshow,
when a VCD, not a photodisc/photo cd, which are two diff. things, is playing the content it is 352 x 240.

Your assumption is not correct. I have made VCD photo discs. The photos really and truly are at 704x480 (NTSC) or 704x576 (PAL). Yes, it is correct that VCD video only is 352x240 or 352x288, but at 704x480/576 you really don't lose anything by using VCD over DVDs for this because VCD shows the photos at 704x480/576.

[träskmannen]

Neither Picasa nor HighMAT are good choices - the result is not DVD compliant and will not play on all standalone DVD players.

Picasa:

Although Picasa can copy files to DVD media using both the "Backup" and "Gift CD" features, Picasa does not create DVDs that can be played on DVD players.

http://picasa.google.com/support/bin/answer.py?answer=18565&topic=1029

HighMAT:

Look for the HighMAT logo when you purchase software and home entertainment products.

(obviously not all standalones support it)
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/forpros/consumerelectronics/highmatdevices.aspx