New Job, Dont know dvd authoring but suggstions needed.

[Castor troy]

Hi Guys,

I just got myself a new job and one of my tasks is to create a simple dvd.

Now my biggest problem is I dont know nothing about dvd authoring.

What i have is a feature mpv file and ac3 to go with it, what I need to do is create a basic menu which has the options to play the feature and the 4 various subtitle streams (provided as tiff files)

I need recommendations for an authoring programme which will alow me to do this, but at the same time also user friendley (remember I dont know how to author) somthing hopefully which is not to expensive possibley free? but even if it isnt and its user friendley, please do recommend it, because at this point in time I really need to get a move on with my first project.

All help provided will be responded with the greatest appreciation.

Thanks.

[greymalkin]

oh please I have to know..what job is this?


TMPGEnc DVD Author is a good easy program to do a simple dvd author. You can try it for 30 days FREE!. If you need the audio to be Dolby Digital then you'll have to buy it and the AC3 plugin though.

[Castor troy]

The company I work for provides hotels with vhs screeners, finally they have decided to go digital and asked me if I could do it, not wanting to sound ungreatfull, just got the job working for the company, I said yes.

I do need something that can cope with an ac3 dolby digital file, idealy something simple that can do everything.

Would DVDAuthorgui do the trick?

[kschang]

Give it a try (DVDAuthorGUI, that is). Or its cousin, GUI for DVDAuthor.

I haven't had any luck with it though. I created a menu-less DVD, but none of the DVD it muxed and authored will play properly when burned. :P Could be just me though.

[greymalkin]

Castor,

I should have been clearer in my last post. TMPGEnc DVD Author WILL allow you to import the AC3 files..it just won't compress a .wav or other audio stream to AC3 without the plugin. And I believe you could also import the other pictures as menu objects as well. It's a free 30 day trial, I would at least give it a shot! It's a wizard-type application so it takes you step by step...import the video/audio, create the menu, burn to DVD.

[Nelson37]

Lots of authoring progs will handle the menus and such, AC3 sound, I like Gui for DVDAuthor.

Big, Big BUT here. 4 subtitle files, stored as TIFF, desired to be selectable on the menu? I think this is going to be a sticky point. SFAIK, you CAN have multiple subtitles but I have seen few progs that handle more than one, and I think they are not menu-selectable but you must cycle them on the DVD player. Not sure about the TIFF part, either.

I have never done multiple languages, some may be done as graphics files, I don't know.

Workaround that comes to mind is four seperate titles, each a copy with hard-coded or selectable subs, this would depend on length and some other factors.

[borax]

It is possible to do such a DVD with GfD, but only with the help of some other programs. Therefore I don't know if this is 'user friendley'. But for the authoring part (menus), I can help you.

I don't know any program that could use tif as 'direct input' for selectable subs. You can convert the tif files to bmp and convert these into a 'DVD ready' sup stream with some special subtitle helper programs (have a look into the tools section). But what about the timing?

Next question: Are the mpv and ac3 files DVD compliant? Otherwise reencoding/transcoding is necessary.

BTW: TMPGEnc DVD Author has no subtitle support AFAIK...

[Castor troy]

Thanks for the response form everyone, im now a little more confused (in a good way) about what to do really, to help this is what I can tell you.

The mpv and ac3 files are dvd compliant and could just be burned to a dvdr as they are, however I do need a basic menu with selectable subs.

The subtitles have been provided as tiff document image files, which also come with a son file, which I believe have the relevant timecodes inside, also a certificate store file is attached (whatever that is)

The test I have to do is for Narnia, I am just going to just use wallpaper jpeg as a basic menu, if I can achieve the above.

Suggestions? what about dvdlab?

[Nelson37]

SON format is DVDMaestro, not sure if anything else uses this, may be convertible to other formats. It is bitmap, probably for chinese and similar characters. Backup plan would be to download the subtitles in the required languages, there should be several available but not necessarily the ones you need.

If you don't know, Maestro is Very Expensive and I don't think is even sold anymore. Not sure that sort of investment is needed.

I see that Gfd will handle at least 3 different subtitles (four, Borax?) and can have a subtitle menu. I should add that while this software is zero investment a donation is recommended and there may be some restrictions or required payment in the case of commercial use.

I'm 99% certain the fourth sub could be added with a minor edit, Gfd looks like a good bet so far.

Also buy good quality disks and burner, do not skimp here. Jewel cases and inserts make a significant impact on presentation, as opposed to a Sharpie scribble and a paper envelope. Hopefully the mpg conversion was a quality job.

[borax]

Gfd will handle 3 different subtitles without editing the control files and up to 32 with hand editing/successive adding (use the elementary streams + 3 subtitles as first step; use the resulting mpg and add the next subtitles by just editing the subtitles stream numbers)

The SON file(s) can probably be converted to another timecode text format with Subtitle Workshop, but I don't think it will handle the tif files. There is also another program called Son2VobSub but I have no idea what i really does. As the subtitles are binary (tif pictures) the first step will be to convert them into a 'dvd ready' sup file. I thinks I could help you also for this task, but I would need a few of the tif files as well as the associated son file. And I don't believe you are allowed to give them away...


P.S.

a donation is recommended and there may be some restrictions or required payment in the case of commercial use.

I don't know about any restrictions as long as you use GfD/dvdauthor/MuxMan just to create a DVD (be it commercial or private). Only if you would use the code itself to create a commercial program for creating DVDs, things will change (not allowed!).

[ozymango]

First, congrats on the job!

Second, is this part of your job (making DVDs) something that may take up a significant amount of future duties? And/or is making DVDs gonna be something that your employer will need other employees to be able to do, if you should leave or be promoted?

I ask because depending on your company's needs as well, for something that would give you:

Ease of use
Excellent results
Value for money

I'd look strongly at Ulead DVD Workshop. It'll handle AC3, it'll do subtitles, menus are disgustingly easy, I absolutely love it for making finished DVDs. There are better encoders out there, but if you've already got the source stuff in workable (mpeg2, mpv) format and are just wanting a powerful, easy to use DVD making interface, this is good stuff.

It's $400, so it's not exactly cheap, but for a business investment by your employer, that's chump change. It'll save so much time and make things easier in the long run, that I definitely think it's worth a look. You can download a free 30-day trial at www.ulead.com, and see for yourself; if it works for you, just show your finished DVD to your bosses, say "Here's what I can do, if you buy us this $400 software," and they just might spring for it.

Good luck, and have fun!

[kschang]

AVI2DVD can handle basic menu creation and 3 subs, but I think adding a 4th is beyond its capabilities.

[Castor troy]

Thank you to everybody for the advise.

The answer is yes this will be a regular thing, other then my current duties these DVDs will be about two a month to begin with.

What I have learned is that I have DVD Maestro at work to use, I have been reading a little about it, as I have never really authored before, now mater how simple it may be to use, for me I guess it will still seem difficult.

This is where I'm requesting some help, I understand with Maestro in order to drop in a menu you need a bmp image as your menu and a 16 bit bmp image as your sub pic only using specific colours.

What I require is help creating a basic menu (please feel free to use a wallpaper image) to DVD menu dimensions. The subtitle options are Finnish, Swedish & Norwegian, with a no subs option and a play option on this menu, if these can be done looking professionally with nice fonts, that would be cool.

I will also need the same menu but just with the Play option on it.

Naturally with both menus I will require the subpic menus.

The first title I have been asked to do is Pirates Of The Carribeanead Mans Chest, so If anyone using there Photoshop skills would like to help, I would forever be in your debt and if you live in the UK, maybe I can buy you a drink.

I had the second wallpaper down image in mind for the menu (Of all three characters)

http://www.moviewallpaper.net/wallpaper/2006_Pirates_of_the_Caribbean:_Dead_Man's_Chest.ht ml

Beside the above request, any help using Maestro will also be appreciated.

I know I am asking allot, but everyone seems so friendly and helpful on this board I'm just hoping someone can come to the rescue.

[dphirschler]

This is where I'm requesting some help, I understand with Maestro in order to drop in a menu you need a bmp image as your menu and a 16 bit bmp image as your sub pic only using specific colours.

I don't know Maestro, but are you sure about the 16bit bmp? I am used to using 4bit (16 color) bmps.


Darryl

[Castor troy]

To be honest it may well be what your suggesting, I really am not 100% can a Maestro user confirm this?

[Nelson37]

I see that you have used "DVD Maestro" and "simple to use" in the same sentence. SFAIK this program is Extremely Capable, though OLD, and is about as far from simple to use as you can get. You will need to dedicate some time just to learning how to use this program. It is supposed to make very compatible disks, though its age is a concern in this area.

Another issue is that it is one of the Least Common authoring apps in terms of usage, at least among the non-commercial general public. It is a Professional app. Do not expect to pick it up in an afternoon.

The upside of such a program is that developing a high degree of skill with it becomes a marketable commodity, albeit to a pretty limited market. Kind of like being a top-notch Duesenberg mechanic.

Also note that knowledge of job conditions would have eliminated the entire previous discussion of authoring apps. Also note you have Three subtitles, not Four, as stated. Depending on how soon your first project is due, assuming use of DVD Maestro is mandatory, you may not have much more time to waste. Get an Absolutely Clear description, preferably with physical examples, of what it is you are suppossed to create, in complete detail. If you are being paid by the project and not by the hour I would make clear that ANY deviation from the specs you are given constitutes a seperate project, with seperate pay. If you are being paid by the hour, then it does not matter unless there are rigid deadlines.

[skeg64]

Use 24 bit bitmaps for Maestro subpics. You make them with 4 colors, usually white red blue and black. They don't have to be exact RGB values or anything, the program will decide which color is which.

[Castor troy]

Nelson37 thank for your comment. I have somebody at work who will be helping with the authoring using the Maestro, i will sit with him and try to learn what I can.
Skeg thanks for comfirming for me the subpic, as stated above, would anybody be willing to help create the menu and subpic for me?

If so I would appreciate a PM.

Thanks.

[Castor troy]

Alright still need help with with menu, if anyone willing to help it would be great. Need to get this rolling this weekend.

[Nelson37]

You are now beginning to understand the significance of that Least Common remark I made.

Also, you are being paid for this, correct? There is a reason they call it WORK.

A fair number of people have already put forth a reasonable amount of time and effort which, due to a lack of very simple research on your part, was a complete waste of time. That plus the fact that you are being paid for this output may well be a significant issue.

With the video source, I could do the main menu in GFD with buttons in less than 20 minutes. Never done a subtitle menu and no reason to, SFAIK any DVD player will cycle through the different subtitle selections by pressing the subtitle button repeatedly, I only use one language, anyway.

No interest in learning Maestro, it seemed ridiculously overcomplicated. However, if you wish me to RTFM for you, perhaps for a reasonable fee...?

[kschang]

I usually put the subtitle choices on the main menu, but then I use that simplified menu maker in AVI2DVD.

[Gi-Ma-Mi]

like kschang said, if you want to create a simple menu, use AVI2DVD, the only problem is that it doesn't support 4 various subs, only 3 (i think dropping one doesn't really matter that much?, just tell your boss that you are new in this )

[Castor troy]

Thank you to everyone who's contrubuted so far. Forunatley a talented photoshop artist has kindly created a very nice menu for me, without a fee

[lordsmurf]

Let's be honest here.... Maestro is a bitch. It is old, it is clumsy, it is a pain in the ass. It will take you forever to learn, and setting up projects with it will also be very time consuming. I would suggest you get newer software that is equally as powerful, yet can handle workflow in a faster and easier method. Ulead DVD Workshop 2 might be ideal for your needs. DVDWS2 is only $500 or less, a bargain, given your recurring needs and the fact that it is for business use.

.
.

What does not make sense to me, however it the formatting of the subtitles. Something seem wrong there. Also, you're working with the new Pirates of the Carribbean movie? Something sounds fake here too. As far as common sense tells me, you're just a video pirate trying to learn software you do not own, to create bootleg versions of a movie for sale in Europe.

And if this really is for work, your boss is an idiot. You are not qualified for the position, and he should hire somebody that has the needed experience.

I have a gift of smelling BS. And right now, my nose is twitching. Given some of the other responses, I'm not alone.

[Cornucopia]

Couple of options:

A. You go to your boss and tell the truth that you don't really know what you're doing in this area, and you point him (or her) to me. I do the job and get paid. You keep your job (for being honest) or don't (for not telling the truth up front).

-or-

B. You don't tell your boss anything. You send the job to me. I do the job wonderfully and give you a great product back, for which I get paid $$$$$! You temporarily take credit for it, and also get paid (whatever's left). Later, I show that I did the work and get credit for it and a better job out of the deal. Maybe you keep your job, maybe you don't.

-or-

C. You spend some cash on manuals, tutorial books, DVDdemystified reference book, classes. REAL QUICK! Then you spend some cash on all the software and hardware, in addition to your copy of DVDMaestro, that is normally needed for a standard, high quality hollywood title. Then you cram your A$$ off and whip out a (hopefully) good product, (hopefully) on-time, and (hopefully) on-budget. Then you keep your job and your dignity and learn something along the way.

Scott

BTW, @LordSmurph,
Maestro isn't clunky at all in my book. I don't use it near as much as I used to, but for some things, it's still MUCH easier and more straightforward to do there than with other programs. I've rarely had any difficulty with it, even now 6 years later.

[BJ_M]

first - you can not legally use that image (wallpaper) in a hotel ... Walt Disney Studios has a specific lic for those images and believe me -- you just cant grab one off the internet ...

second -- Walt Disney Studios has already produced - in about 12 lang. , teasers for ALL hotel chains ... there are only about 4 companies doing the major hotel movie feed drop (2 big ones and two smaller ones) , plus some hotels have inhouse setups ..

in ALL cases -- there is money involved and the distributer will supply as part of the deal - the teaser / trailers ...


Walt Disney Studios (and all of Disney) is REALLY anal about such things - plus they dont allow you to use their name if you do work for them - except in some very rare cases ....

they sure as heck would not allow an unknown indie to make trailers for them off a dvd source ..

i rather know of this by first hand knowledge ..

As WELL - if your company has a legal copy of maestro - that is , with a dongle ... they would also have a really good manual with it .... most users of maestro switched to apple dvd studio in fact ...

i have to go with lordsmurf on this one ... except:

BTW, @LordSmurph,
Maestro isn't clunky at all in my book. I don't use it near as much as I used to, but for some things, it's still MUCH easier and more straightforward to do there than with other programs. I've rarely had any difficulty with it, even now 6 years later.

ditto -- fantastic program and works great still..

[lordsmurf]

most users of maestro switched to apple dvd studio in fact ...

Yes. DVD Studio Pro. I like that one. It's also a bit cumbersome, at least early versions, but I know those. Still prefer Ulead DVDWS2, given the choice, for most authoring needs.

[Castor troy]

Once again, thank you to everyone has made positive suggestions its greatley appreciated, I have what a required now, and a professional author from work to help, to those who have accused me of being a pirate, here's a question for you, do you think if I was making bootlegs, I would mention titles? and for those of you who think they know what there talking about when it comes to Disney, you dont.

Thanks again.

[GFDuser]

[quote="borax"]Gfd will handle 3 different subtitles without editing the control files and up to 32 with hand editing/successive adding (use the elementary streams + 3 subtitles as first step; use the resulting mpg and add the next subtitles by just editing the subtitles stream numbers)

Looks like I found my answer after reading this forum a little more closely. Borax, Are there any plans to add more subtitle options to future revisions?

[borax]

No, I don't have such plans. There are very few users who need more than 3 subtitle streams, most people (including myself) just use one or none...
Using MuxMan as authoring engine it would be easy (and fast) to add more than 3 subtitle streams, but a lot of users still use dvdauthor as authoring engine and spumux is quite slow in this process as each subtitle stream has to be added one by one. Editing the mxp file is not a big deal. Just ask if you need help for this topic.