DVD Architect 3 Menu Size ?

[sdsumike619]

I'm using Paint Shop Pro to create my multi-layered menu for DVDA3 according to the pdf manual. It says to make my frame size 655x480 which I did, so I did everything, created the menu. Opened it up in DVDA3, looked good on there. Turned on the TV for the external monitor preview and there was so much out of the safe areas, it was too big. Why did this happen? Should the frame size be smaller than 655x480? If so, why would they put that in the manual?

[sdsumike619]

I think I may have just discovered what I did wrong...What should the resolution be of the psd? Probably 72dpi? It was set on 100dpi....It also says that the aspect ratio should be .9091 to 1

When I set that in PSP, it changes the size to 655x720!

Please advise?

[Cornucopia]

Your menu need to end up being 720x480 before being imported into DVDA3.

You shouldn't need to worry about dpi as that is irrelevant in video. But use 72dpi if that'll make you feel better.

CREATING THE RIGHT SIZE:

(If using non-square pixel capable picture apps like PhotoshopCS or AfterEffects)
Create a canvas size of 720 (wide) x 480 (high) using the NTSC D1/DV pixel aspect ratio of .90909:1.
(If using square pixel only capable apps like older Photoshop, PSP, Coreldraw, etc)
Creat a canvas size of 720 (wide) x 540 (high). Square pixel PAR is automatically 1:1. When your composition is final, the last step before saving would be a resize down to 720x480.
Alternately, you can create a canvas size of 640 x 480 and resize slightly up to 720x480 (although most upsizing should be avoided).
Practically speaking, you can use any canvas size that is equal to or larger than 720x480 and has a 4:3 aspect ratio assuming a square pixel PAR. Then resize down.

I have found through experience that exact 2:1 downsizing gives excellent quality. Since I am creating HD material occasionally now, it's starting to make sense for me to create everything in ~2k size (3840x2160, 16:9 DAR) and resize down as needed.

I've never heard of those figures you're mentioning!

Scott

[canadateck]

I would use 720x576 72dpi or higher, and Use an Overlay safe area in PaintShop or Photo shop.

[canadateck]

Also what you can do is use a Template that comes with DVD Architect and build on top of that.

[sdsumike619]

in using PSP, when you set the aspect ratio to .9091 to 1, and I put in the width at 655, it automatically puts the height at 720..that's where I got those numbers...

I'm thinking about abandoning DVDA3, everything seems so difficult to do in it and it has closed up on me 3 times while working! I just read that Ulead's PhotoImpact 11 integrates well with DVD Workshop for creating menus, so I think I'm going to try that. So far, the only program I've had ANY success with in creating DVDs is DVD Workshop 2. It doesn't seem like it does a lot of STUFF, but as far as getting the job done, it sure does work well!

[sdsumike619]

Tried following the directions for creating that multi layered psd in DVDA3 and that didn't seem to work either as far as the naming of the layers and all that. I use Vegas for my NLE and it works sooooo well. I don't see why they couldn't make DVDA3 as user friendly =(

[canadateck]

Tried following the directions for creating that multi layered psd in DVDA3 and that didn't seem to work either as far as the naming of the layers and all that.

Just use a Theme from DVDA3 everything is named right,Also DVDA3 has a new feature something Like After Effects,where you can Edit PSP files and they will update in DVDA3 in real time.

[sdsumike619]

I can't get DVDA3 to do anything at all. It just seems really useless even after reading the manual. I don't want to use their theme. I have a one menu DVD I have to make. I've been using DVD Workshop to produce DVDs that are sold around the world and everything is fine. The only reason I wanted to try something else is to make a more professional looking menu because in DVDWS2 all you can do is add a shadow to text and change brightness and contrast and that's pretty much it..

[canadateck]

When I say Use a DVDA3 Theme,I mean take that into Paint Shop and Edit that to what you want.

[sdsumike619]

how do you do that? (take it into paint shop)

[sdsumike619]

what are masks ? (I found the theme directory)

[canadateck]

A mask determines which portion of an image will be visible. You can apply masks to button thumbnails, button frames, and image highlights.

Search mask in the (Help Files)

[sdsumike619]

I would use 720x576 72dpi or higher, and Use an Overlay safe area in PaintShop or Photo shop.

Tried that, still doesn't quite fit on the TV screen...

[canadateck]

yuor going out of your safe areas.

[canadateck]

576 is Pal. sorry.

NTSC 540

[sdsumike619]

well wouldn't it make more sense to define a frame size that is inside the safe areas instead of one that puts me outside of them?

[sdsumike619]

720X540 still is way way too big when imported into DVDA3, nothing seems to work on this thing haha. Have you actually made a DVD with this program?

[canadateck]

[canadateck]

720X540 still is way way too big when imported into DVDA3, nothing seems to work on this thing haha. Have you actually made a DVD with this program?

Yes. 100's/

[sdsumike619]

Well is there a book or something I can buy? How did you learn it? I like Vegas, so it seems like I should like this program as well but if I can't even get past getting a blank menu to fit on the TV scree, well I don't know...

[canadateck]

The help files are great,Also Try the Sony Vegas Site. they have alot of People over there that can help you.But you will need to read.

[sdsumike619]

i read the manual - it is a tragedy; much like Ulead's manual, but Ulead I was able to figure out, this thing is just too confusing to figure ANYTHING out, which is really weird since that's how I felt about all other NLEs compared to Vegas... I read DSE's book on Vegas and that was fantastic

[canadateck]

Not sure what else to tell you,I guess you will have to keep looking and reading. Amazon has some great Books.

[sdsumike619]

ok so now i've discovered now matter how you resize the psd file, it never fits on the screen. I have it sized down to 583x437 and it doesn't fit on the TV...I have to be doing something wrong. This program can't be that awful!

[canadateck]

Its not the Image,Its what you have on the Image,you must work that into the menu. If all else fails use a Black/(Or whatever color) background and Size your Image to fit.

[canadateck]

how about posting your Image and let me look at it.

[sdsumike619]

Ok, I discovered the problem, no matter what size the image is, there has to be a border safe area around it. I did a symetric add borders in psp and it helped quite a bit.. I'm going to trash this program though, what a piece of crap lol, bummer for sony

[canadateck]

Its not the Software.

[sdsumike619]

it is if i can't make it do crap and i was able to pick up ulead's within a few hours, instead of a few days and still nothing lol