DVD Arhitect file sizes

[Janjarac]

ok, here is the problem that i am encountering...
I am Using DVD Architect to make my menus, background media, and previews...well,, I make my mpg2 files using TMPGenc and I make them around 900mg so i can fit 4 files on one dvd...well,,,when i start importing the files into dvd architect, it shows me in the little corner that the 900mg file i imported is about 3gb...when i import all 4 files it shows me that the total size is 12gb, but its not,, all my 4 files are about 3.6gb...so it took me 7hrs to render it, and the quality sucked...i did one before that with three files and it did it just fine,, was finished inlike 30 min...well i tried just using 3 files, and it showed me the size as being 9gb..now why is that..anybody know how to fix that....thanx in advance..

[joecav]

AFAIK the misrepresentation of the project size is a bug. I disregard it and just go by my original file size + a little for the menu (depending how detailed/souped up it is) and trust that.

I had some problems with DVDA until I started using compliant files. You need a demuxed MPEG-2 (no audio) and an AC-3 file which is the sound converted, obviously. I use the Main Concept Encoder and it outputs compliant video files so my Authoring time is minimal. Maybe 30 minutes for a 2 and a half hour program with motion menu and background sound. There is no transcoding because it accepts the files as "correct" when you prep them before hand.

I thoroughly enjoy using DVDA, even though alot of people here like DVD Movie Factory and TMPGenc Author. It lets you be a little more creative with your menus and it's less restrictive. The down side is having to use "compliant" files...but I can live with it if I can make good menus.

Hope this helped, PM me if you have anyother questions. Not alot of people here use DVDA, as I said before, so your replies may be sparce.

[MJPollard]

Echoing joecav's statements, I also use DVD Architect and think it's a great program. (It could stand some improvements, like more control over menu creation, end actions, etc., but the Vegas 4.0 editor blows away my previous editor [the uberbuggy Pinnacle Studio 8] so it's all good. ) I use TMPGEnc Plus to create MPEG2 files using the "System (Video only)" setting, and Vegas 4.0 to create the appropriate AC3 audio file, and I've never had a problem.

As joecav said, ask away; those of us in the DVD Architect minority will do what we can to help you out. Sony's forums are also a great source of assistance. You can reach 'em here:

http://mediasoftware.sonypictures.com/forums/default.asp

[DaveS]

I had some problems with DVDA until I started using compliant files. You need a demuxed MPEG-2 (no audio) and an AC-3 file which is the sound converted, obviously.

I too am in the DVDA (minority)...but one thing, I'm pretty sure that DVDA *only* acceptes muxed files and won't take elementary streams...I can't check right now b/c my pc's tied up burning but I'm pretty sure it's muxed files only...if you have a separeate audio track, e.g. ac-3 for one of your video streams, etc. you can use it by double clicking on the asset (or right click / 'navigate into') and specify the ac-3 file on the right side of the window...

I'm pretty sure this is right ...

[Janjarac]

thanx for the replies....i am going to try out some different things out, and try to fix that little problem...I use DVDA because it lets me put in background music, and it gives me good flexibility in creating the menus...if there is another software that can do that for me i would like to try it out..thanx again for the replies

[joecav]

I had some problems with DVDA until I started using compliant files. You need a demuxed MPEG-2 (no audio) and an AC-3 file which is the sound converted, obviously.

I too am in the DVDA (minority)...but one thing, I'm pretty sure that DVDA *only* acceptes muxed files and won't take elementary streams...I can't check right now b/c my pc's tied up burning but I'm pretty sure it's muxed files only...if you have a separeate audio track, e.g. ac-3 for one of your video streams, etc. you can use it by double clicking on the asset (or right click / 'navigate into') and specify the ac-3 file on the right side of the window...

I'm pretty sure this is right ...

That is correct. You must have a muxed video file with no sound and the corresponding AC-3 file and everything works great.

I've tried alot of the other Authoring apps (TMPGenc, DVD Movie Factory2, etc) and they produced "cheap" looking menus. Now thats not to say everyones menus look as bas as mine did, but I was able to make some kick a$$ stuff with DVDA. If you've gotten this far, I think you'll like the results if you go a little further. That, of course, is just my opinion. You do as you see fit.

If you get stuck, just post something and we can help you.

[DaveS]

That is correct. You must have a muxed video file with no sound and the corresponding AC-3 file and everything works great.

also, if your muxed file has sound, dvda will take that