SpruceUp authoring questions

[bskousen]

I just used SpruceUp to create a menu for three programs. I created a main menu and then 3 chapter menus for the three separate programs. Everything went fine and I made sure all of the menus and buttons worked before authoring.
I then attempted to have SpruceUp burn it directly to my Pioneer 104 DVD-r, but although it recognizes the drive, after compiling it aborted any attempt to write to the drive. I COULD compile it to a title set in a directory and then use Nero to burn it. However, I noticed that there was a small file in lowercase added to the video directory that wasn't a .vob, .ifo, or .bub file. I think it was .lay file and looks like it had chapter information in it. I removed that file because it wasn't a standard file. When the DVD was burned, it played just fine, however, the chapter submenu doesn't work correctly. Is this because of the .lay file I removed? This wouldn't make sense to me because SpruceUp should have compiled the correct information to the .ifo file. Has anyone else had this problem? Also, I know that SpruceUp can create an image file, but it has an extension of .img which Nero doesn't support I believe (or does it?). Which programs support the image file of SpruceUp?

Thanks.
Bruce Skousen

[chew1138]

I use the same burner and authoring program as you. I take the image file from Spruce and burn with Prassi PrimoDVD. Works great and easy. Check out the Tools section under "DVD burners only" on this site.

[spooki]

Just leave the .LAY file on the disc and it works fine

[bskousen]

Spooki, what's the purpose of the .lay file?

[TenaciousJP]

In SpruceUp's help file, it explains about the LAY file. Something about if you want to take the disc to a production house to make tons of copies, it contains the settings. However, these settings are actually worthless.

I suggest that you trash the file and forget about it. It is not needed.

The disc might play fine with the LAY file on the disc, but some players are very picky: if there is any non-compliant file, it won't read the disc. I had a player about 2 years old that reads DVD-R perfectly, but wouldn't read any discs with the LAY file on them.

So, to ensure compatibility, delete the lay file, and burn as usual.

Hope this helps,
J.P.

[bskousen]

Thanks. That's what I wanted to know. I still have to figure out if there's a bug with linking chapter buttons.