Creating DVD menu graphics

[Thwiipp]

Hi all , Im going to be authoring a DVD of some DV footage with DVD Workshop. I plan on creating the Menu in Photoshop 7, i was reading something some where where it said to make the size 720 x 534, and then to reduce it to 720 x 480, photoshop has template sizes for DVD and it has another number i cant remember right now, anyone, know how to go about this, are the first set of numbers right or should i just go with Photoshop's? Thanks.

[zaxxpn]

Basically, Television pixels are non - square, whereas computer pixels are square. If you design images in photoshop at the ntsc standard 720 x 486 and then view them on a tv they will look warped. Designing at 720 x 586 compensates for the non - square distortion created by television.

If you want to learn more about designing graphics for television i would suggest these guys. http://www.cybmotion.com/training/index.html I have studyed both of their books and they are the best in the business. They specialize in Adobe after effecs which may be a bit beyond just photoshop menus, but your menus will really kick ass.

http://www.cybmotion.com/training/index.html

[zaxxpn]

Sorry the above is a typo NTSC standard is 720x480.

[FoxGarrison]

I usually use Photoshop to do everything and anything having to do with DVD graphics. I'll tend to create a big canvas at 1024x768 and begin by choosing a background which is appropriate with the theme of the movie. I then import lots of caps from the movie so that I can use them for scene selections. The captures I like I'll keep and the rest I'll trash. Once I have an image that I truly like and worked on for a long time, I'll use it as my menu for the VCD. I'll shrink it down to 704x??? (I forget now) and then let VCD Easy create an MPG still for me. Once that's done I use it as a menu.

[Lula1]

Hi ,

Take a look at this :

http://www.ulead.com/learning/dws/dws_05_1.htm

Ulead recommends using 768 x 576 for menu dimensions .
Can anyone explain that ?

My problem : I will simulate a transition from one menu to another, by playing a short video clip ( 5 seconds ). I want to use the last frame of this video clip as the image for my next menu (static). BUT video frame is 720 x 480 and :

1 - If I use this size for menu image, I get black horizontal borders on top and bottom of my menu

2 - If I use 768 x 576 , the image is distorted when compared to the last frame of my transition video .

Thank's for any help.

[Lula1]

Hi ,

Nobody using ( or at least trying to ... ) use their own images for menus ?
I don´t believe everyone is using only the templates and backgrounds that come with DVDWS ...