How Do I Make A Dummy DVD?

[MourningStar]

I typically use NeroVE to burn dvds and the menu-creation function is quite satisfactory for me.

I have obtained DvdRemake Pro in order to merge multiple dvds. With this tool I have the ability to replace the default Top Menu (the one that will allow me to select the individual dvds) with a custom one. However, in order to use a custom one it must be created separately and then imported into DvdReMake as a 'dummy dvd' (according to DvdReMake guide) in order to extract the custom menu.

So, what steps need I take to create a 'dummy dvd' in Nero VE (or any other app anyone may feel is simpler. The simpler the better as I am a staunch supporter of 'one-click' methodologies.

[guns1inger]

One-Click = Low Quality (See Nero VE, for example)

Look at DVD Styler for something simple

[MourningStar]

One-Click = Low Quality

Definitely not true. Sorry, no time to provide you with evidence but it exists, trust me.

Look at DVD Styler for something simple

thnx, I'll look into this.

[MourningStar]

OK - went to link provided (DVD Styler). Found nothing there regarding making a dummy dvd.

thnx anyways.

[lordsmurf]

"dummy DVD" is a made up term. Author a new disc, that's what you need.

[MourningStar]

"dummy DVD" is a made up term. Author a new disc, that's what you need.

please specify steps to do this.

thnx.

[usually_quiet]

I suspect that the dummy DVD would be one with a main menu that has the desired functionality for the main menu of your DVD, but the sub-menus (which will be replaced) are very simple, and the video titles the sub-menus play are just small clips. DVDStyler would be used to author the "dummy".

[MourningStar]

... DVDStyler would be used to author the "dummy".

please specify steps to do this.

thnx.

[AlanHK]

This seems clear enough:
http://www.dimadsoft.com/dvdremakepro/ht_merge_full.php
You make your "custom menu" in DvdRemake Pro itself, by modifying the default one after you import your DVD files.

I don't use this app, so can't comment further.

[Alex_ander]

@MourningStar
'Dummy DVD' means a DVD authored with fake content and proper menu. I always make those dummy DVDs to make a menu only in my preferred authoring software (TAW4), then use DVDRemake to combine that menu with titles (muxed in TDA1.6 or Muxman - to prevent from any re-encoding). So this is not limited to replacing backgrounds etc. To make a dummy DVD, I import a small mpeg1 file (1MB) and order as many chapters and titles as needed in the planned final DVD (TAW generates the # of buttons etc. according to those settings), this makes the created menu usable after content replacement. Something like that should work with your Nero.

[lordsmurf]

"dummy DVD" is a made up term. Author a new disc, that's what you need.

please specify steps to do this.
thnx.

Read: http://dvdstyler.sourceforge.net/docs/DVDStylerGuide.pdf

You'll need to put forth some effort.

[Bjs]

Dummy dvds I create using dvdauthorgui and use vob blanker to replace the fake titles followed by using pgcedit to check nav commands

[usually_quiet]

@MourningStar There are 2 options if you look at DVDRemake Pro's guide at http://www.dimadsoft.com/dvdremakepro/ht_merge_full.php

Option 1: See http://www.dimadsoft.com/dvdremakepro/ht_customize_menu_full.php You'd create a menu with DVDStyler or some other DVD authoring application and author a DVD. You'd replace the default start-up menu DVDRemake Pro created with that one. Next, change the button commands to match the ones for default start-up menu DVDRemake Pro created. Finally, change the color table to match the one that was created with DVDStyler or other authoring program so that the button highlight colors are preserved.

Option 2: See http://www.dimadsoft.com/dvdremakepro/ht_customize_menu.php
You download a file with more background bitmaps for DVDRemake Pro (click on the words "Merged DVD start-up menu backgrounds for NTSC".) You use DVDRemake Pro to generate a background and buttons for the custom menu for your DVD, Save it to your HDD as a bitmap. muxman is used to create the dummy DVD (actually just some video for the menu) See http://www.dimadsoft.com/dvdremakepro/ht_author_dvd_vob.php for instructions on using muxman to do that. The video is brought back into DVDRemake Pro, and used to replace the background for DVDRemake Pro's default menu.

If you want to use option 1, you have to learn how to use DVDStyler and do your own design work for the menu. DVD Styler has a manual under "Help". In general, forum members will gladly answer specific questions when you have difficulty with a program, but you have to make an effort to figure out some things on your own.

[MourningStar]

...To make a dummy DVD, I import a small mpeg1 file (1MB) and order as many chapters and titles as needed in the planned final DVD..., this makes the created menu usable after content replacement. Something like that should work with your Nero.

Ah! There's my 'one-clik' solution! Thnx Alex_ander.

And thnx to all for your informative replies.

laters,