Photo/Video/Original Pictures/DVD Programs

[Drude]

Hi folks


Looking for a program for my dad that will make a Picture and Home Movie DVD with menus and save original pictures to the DVD. Have tried Nero and Roxio but both of these give us problems: Programs crash and or errors on playback.


Any help would be much appropriated..


... I'm running on XP

[DB83]

Ulead used to sell a program called CD & DVD PictureShow. That allowed you to make slide-shows of pictures or videos but not both at the same time.

But there is work around. Create the slide-show of pictures and use the program to make a video. Then import that video back into the program, with other videos to make a video slide-show.

There is also free software to make a picture slide-show. NLE's such as Vegas or dvd-authoring programs can also do basic slide-shows but the one I mention above also allowed for transition effects. No longer produced but should still be on sale.

[manono]

You might try DVDSlideshow GUI. It accepts video as well as picture sources. And it's free.

[Drude]

Hi

Thank you DB83 and manono for those three suggestions ;o)


Have a good week folks!

[Krispy Kritter]

There are numerous programs available. I'd be curious what is causing the other programs to not function properly. Sounds like you have an underlying OS issue.

[Drude]

There are numerous programs available. I'd be curious what is causing the other programs to not function properly. Sounds like you have an underlying OS issue.

Forgive my lack of knowledge but there was on thing I forgot to mention. The PC I'm using originally was bought with Windows 7 and XP has been put on it.
Do you think that could be why the other programs are buggy?

Thanks.

[DB83]

You would have to be more specific about "errors on playback".

Generally, both Nero and Roxio claim to be the "All-in-One" solution yet can fail on the most basic of tasks. You will not find many (if any) champions of these suites around here.

[Bjs]

Your issue is xp + roxio + nero = compatibility issues

[Drude]

Hi

Just installed original OS that was on the tower (W7) and the apps seem to be running much better.. thank gord for Driver Genius!
Have tweaked seven to give it that old school XP look.
Will try the Nero and Roxio later but one app that looks good is this one http://www.photo-dvd-maker.com/
Only trouble is it keeps crashing when it starts to recode the video clips when making the DVD.


Not giving up yet ;o)

[Cornucopia]

Listen to Bjs or you will have trouble again: it is OFTEN the case where installing BOTH Nero AND Roxio bungs up the works because they have conflicting/competing drivers. Pick one and stay just with it.

Scott

[Drude]

Hi

Thanks Scott.


I didn't fully understand re: Your issue is xp + roxio + nero = compatibility issues from Bjs then but do now. I shall just use Nero for the sideshows/video clips and one other program for my own DVD films that is ConvertXtoDVD. I then use Nero Rom to burn the vts files with good results.


Thanks again to all ;o)

PS: From my test results on video playback on a 50 inch plasma the ConvertXtoDVD is excellent. All the others seem to give a slight judder or start stop effect that could be made during the conversion process. This is only very subtle and most people wouldn't notice it but thought it would be worth a mention.

[Drude]

Hi again

After a long break of making a combo dvd slide show of home pictures and movies for my Dad I find myself looking for another free dvd authoring program. I have tried one that was really easy to use but it keeps crashing just as it starts to burn the dvd. This one (Photo Slideshow Maker Platinum) http://www.anvsoft.com/flash-slideshow-maker.html

I still use Nero and Roxio with good results but those apps are slow and clunky. Was wondering if you could recommend a free app that will burn pictures, video clips and ORIGINAL pictures to dvd.

Thanks folks

[Krispy Kritter]

Does that software allow you to output a disc image instead of burning? If so, you could then burn with another program. Assuming the the program is actually failing at the burn stage.

[Drude]

Hello... I'm trying that right now with a few of the free apps to create the image file (ISO?) then burn it with Nero..
Yes it will, but the free version I am using (http://www.photo-dvd-maker.com/) always shuts down during the burn stage (IF) I include a video file. I've tried all the video formats and it still crashes. This is a shame really because I like to use it. User friendly.
DVD slideshow GUI works well but I would need a menu template program (easy to use to add the slide show and the video clips. I remember using one template app that gives you thumbnails of slideshows and video clips but got lost when trying to add another chapter page... plus everything looked a mess after playing with it for an hour or so
I guess the best way so far is to do what you suggested and create the image files, add the slideshow, then the original pictures then put the whole lot into Nero? That should work?
If you can think of any more apps then please recommend.
It must be able to burn the original pictures though.
Thanks.

[Drude]

Hi folks..
Just an update on my progress.
This easy to use bit of kit is a pleasure to use (http://www.photo-dvd-maker.com/) however, it still will not cope with any video file. The app keeps crashing with every video file I've put into it.
If they could fix that I will defiantly buy it - - I'm using the free version for now.
I'll have a go at generating the slide show, save the image file, import that into Nero, add the home video clips then create a nice menu with the Nero.
Will keep you updated...
Thanks...

[Krispy Kritter]

I don't think it's broken, the trial version is limited. All references to the demo or trial version only reference supporting images, not video. Contact the makers for confirmation.