Ulead DVD Movie factory 3 wont accept dolby digital audio?

[fsuorange]

Hello I am trying to import my dvd-ram video files into the ulead movie factory 3 but when I do it says that it doesn't accept dobly digital audio. How do I convert the audio to a file it accepts or how do I make the movie factory accept my audio?

Thanks

[fsuorange]

does anyone know the reason for this?

[accountwiz]

I know that it doesn't work in the trial.

But it works perfectly in the full version.

[Specialist]

If you are using the FREE trial version of Ulead DVD MovieFactory 3.0, then you may be encountering a limitation of the trial version.

I have the *purchased* version 3.0 "Disc Creator" version...

http://www.ulead.com/dmf/runme.htm

It extracts AC-3 and edits AC-3 without any problems.

Jerry Jones
http://www.jonesgroup.net

Hello I am trying to import my dvd-ram video files into the ulead movie factory 3 but when I do it says that it doesn't accept dobly digital audio. How do I convert the audio to a file it accepts or how do I make the movie factory accept my audio?

Thanks

[fsuorange]

oh so thats why! Sorry guys i forgot to mention I have the trial version!! Oops!

[fsuorange]

but Im really curious how you guys like ulead movie factory? From what ive used of it, it looks really sweet. The only thing I would like to do more with is the editing tool. I would like an editing program that allows me to import my own images and buttons and not only get to choose from a pre-made set. Is there any editing program out there that can do this and is recommended?

Thanks

[accountwiz]

fsu,

I have to tell you, I'm VERY picky about software packages, but this one gets a TOTAL thumbs up from me. They've thrown everything but the kitchen sink into this package and it works beautifully.

[dun4cheap]

A Few Questions for those who have used this software.

1. Can you have Video introductions between each menu. (play like a warning then go into a menu, not just the first one)

2. Buttons, can you create your own motion buttons using paint shop pro and generating an alpha channel.

3. Is this 2 channel AC3?

4. Motion Menus, is their a maximum time they can be?

Here is the situation, with buggy Studio 8 I have created an 80 minute DV AVI file. I have added my menus which I have custom buttons I made with Comanche heads. The background and buttons both animate on all my 4 menus. Two of the menus play intros prior to starting to the menu. This all works great but studio 8 does not currently offer AC3, and at this point I don't believe Studio 9 offers it either. My experience with MyDVD5 deluxe and Ulead in the past I no were very limited on custom DVD menus. Mydvd offers AC3 support, but the menu creation blows and the video editor was more of a downgrade from the original Arc Soft showbiz. Well any information would be great.

I really have come to like the DVD Menu creation in studio 8, I have found it to be more sophisticated than anything around. Down fall is no AC3 and for good results with no Audio Sync problems you need to work with large DV Avi files but the end result is great. Any info would be great.

[accountwiz]

dun4cheap,

I can't answer all of your questions because I don't want to do all that stuff, nor do I have time. But the motion menu choices are 10, 20 or 30 seconds. The Dolby is 2-channel, too.

I hope Specialist or one of the other dudes can answer your more complex questions, because I'm pretty sure there's alot more 'under the hood' that I'm not using.

[Specialist]

All of Ulead's DVD authoring programs feature templates in the .UFO file format.

The .UFO extension is the "ULEAD FILE FOR OBJECTS" - a proprietary Ulead technology.

Ulead PHOTOIMPACT...

http://www.ulead.com/pi/runme.htm

...can edit .UFO files.

1. Open Ulead PHOTOIMPACT;

2. Open the .UFO menu template;

3. Open the LAYER MANAGER in Ulead PhotoImpact;

4. Make note of the menu command lines in the LAYER MANAGER;

5. Change position/size of text and thumbnails;

6. Save as a .UFO file in the same directory as the original menu template.

These are the basic steps.

I plan to write a tutorial.

Jerry Jones
http://www.jonesgroup.net

but Im really curious how you guys like ulead movie factory? From what ive used of it, it looks really sweet. The only thing I would like to do more with is the editing tool. I would like an editing program that allows me to import my own images and buttons and not only get to choose from a pre-made set. Is there any editing program out there that can do this and is recommended?

Thanks

[Roll Tide]

fsuorange,
I'm having the same problem with you, except MF3 Disc Creator (trial) is importing my DVD-RAM files from my Panasonic DMR-E80H successfully. The problem is that upon importing an approx. 4 GB file, the project size counter on the bottom shows the project size to be over double the actual file size (9.83 to 11.10 GB). This is before adding menus or anything else.

As far as AC3, I can't find any settings within the program for AC3, just LPCM and MPEG2 audio. Specialist, is this just a restriction on the trial version? If so, how am I supposed to evaluate this program if the trial doesn't show the full features? My guess is that the reason for the huge file size is that is the trial version is only set to use LPCM. True?

Your help is appreciated.

[accountwiz]

tide,

AC3 is not supported in the trial.

As for MF3's reporting of your video's size, look at the 2 leftmost buttons at the bottom of that screen and you will find a plethora of options to change/manipulate the final dvd size. Of course, it gets even better with the addition of AC3 support in the final version, because LPCM audio is so huge.

[Roll Tide]

accountwiz,
Sorry, but IMO Ulead Movie Factory provides anything but a "plethora" of options. It's not bad when you want to author a disc with a decent menu quickly, but for anything truly customized I have to use something else.

As far as the MPEG settings on MF3DC, nothing there will manipulate the filesize down below 4.37 GB, not even the MPEG2 audio option. My original file is from a Panasonic recorder on DVD-RAM, and it is under 4GB. This file's audio is already in AC3 format.

Seems ridiculous to me that the trial version cannot even pass through AC3 audio like MF2 can (which I own). Ulead claims this is a FULLY FUNCTIONAL trial, with only the number of templates and layouts reduced, but obviously it has most of its new features disabled. Also, on my trial installation of MF3DC, it will not even let me change the background menu image or layout. Why should I shell out an extra $69 for an upgrade that can't even prove its merits in its supposedly fully functional trial??

[accountwiz]

I don't think Ulead's products are aimed at the dedicated tinkerer, so I'll have to agree that there are better options if you're into serious customization. MF3 is aimed at folks like me, who have long-hour jobs, family, friends and other hobbies that collectively push DVD Authoring down the list of priorities. I would rather spend my time kicking back with the Mrs. and watching the output.

I forget about any other disabled options in the trial, but I'm working with content burned to dvd-r by a Panasonic DMR-E80 and I can click the option 'Do Not Convert Compliant Files' and the resulting file size matches the source EXACTLY, with no reencoding time. All it does is mux and put the output into VOB format.

I'll say it again. This is a FABULOUS software package for anyone who doesn't really enjoy the nuts and bolts of menu creation. It lets you do the authoring quick and with, dare I say it, a plethora of options that don't require research and manuals.

[Roll Tide]

I forget about any other disabled options in the trial, but I'm working with content burned to dvd-r by a Panasonic DMR-E80 and I can click the option 'Do Not Convert Compliant Files' and the resulting file size matches the source EXACTLY, with no reencoding time. All it does is mux and put the output into VOB format.

This is exactly what I'm trying to do, except my content is coming off the DMR-E80H on a DVD-RAM disc. The trial seems to be ignoring the "Do Not Convert Compliant Files" option.

[accountwiz]

I bet it does it because of not having the AC3 decoder.

I know it doesn't help you to hear this again, but it works fine in the full.

[Specialist]

I agree with AccountWiz.

This new DVD MovieFactory 3.0 "Disc Creator Version" is great - in terms of design.

I recently finished a step-by-step tutorial explaining how the Multi-Trim feature works:

http://www.jonesgroup.net/multitrimstepone.htm

In Ulead's video *EDITING* programs, one can edit MPEGs and still avoid unnecessary re-encoding by adjusting one's project settings to match one's source video.

In my tests of Ulead DVD MovieFactory 3.0, one can author without re-encoding as long as no editing is done within Ulead DVD MovieFactory 3.0.

If I edit (and if I use the Multi-Trim feature), I observe re-encoding of the source files.

So this - so far - has dampened my initial enthusiasm for what otherwise appears to be an extraordinarily well-designed, easy-to-use interface.

Also, the AC-3 functionality - no - is not in the FREE TRIAL version, but the AC-3 functionality works in the *purchased* version.

I can capture, edit, and output high resolution MPEG-2 video/audio recorded by my TOSHIBA D-R1 stand alone DVD player/recorder with ease.

Jerry Jones
http://www.jonesgroup.net

[Specialist]

Ulead probably can't "give away" the AC-3 functionality due to licensing restrictions associated with DOLBY DIGITAL AUDIO.

I fail to see anything "ridiculous" about that.

Perhaps, however, they should add a clarification that the TRIAL versions don't offer that functionality.

I'm not experiencing *any* of the file size estimation issues you describe, Roll Tide.

Jerry Jones
http://www.jonesgroup.net

Seems ridiculous to me that the trial version cannot even pass through AC3 audio like MF2 can (which I own). Ulead claims this is a FULLY FUNCTIONAL trial, with only the number of templates and layouts reduced, but obviously it has most of its new features disabled. Also, on my trial installation of MF3DC, it will not even let me change the background menu image or layout. Why should I shell out an extra $69 for an upgrade that can't even prove its merits in its supposedly fully functional trial??

[Roll Tide]

From Ulead's website: "This Trial Program has the following limitations:fewer menu templates, frames, buttons, and background videos. "

I see nothing about limitations on AC3 in this statement, but obviously it's not there in the program. Also, the program does indeed have fewer menu templates, frames, etc., but my trial installation will not actually let me use them. I get "failed to change background" messages when trying to use them.

Again, my guess is that the trial can only handle LPCM, so it's taking my AC3 input and converting to LPCM. That's what I suspect is making my project 10GB+ instead of the actual 4GB. It has done this consistenly with several Panasonic DVD-RAM files.

All of these problems in this supposedly "fully functional" trial make it hard to drop $70 and hope that all of the features they claim work do indeed work in the registered version. Not that I don't trust your word, but I'm just not seeing it in the trial.

Specialist, did you actually use the trial version before buying? I get the impression you're an agent of Ulead and probably get full versions issued to you.

[preacher238]

[quote]Specialist, did you actually use the trial version before buying? I get the impression you're an agent of Ulead and probably get full versions issued to you.

I've wondered that ever since he showed up on this board! Have not others who were advocates of one business or another been banned from this board before? Shop4tech, etc? Hmm makes you wonder!

[dun4cheap]

Just to let you know the mp2 compression is similiar in size to the AC3, so if your wondering what the real difference is not much. Now the AC3 or LPCM is what is required to make a 100% qualifying DVD but using the mp2 setting should give you an idea on final file size. The AC3 is only 2 channel so the sound is not different at all.

As far as the menu authoring abilities, the most flexible software I have seen as far as unlimited size intros and animated menus, custom button design, menu overlay, mutliple animated menus and buttons, would be Pinnacle Studio. Now I would wait until Studio 9 is released and try the demo in February, but I have been using studio 8, albeit the it has some bugs, but I have not found ANYTHING in its price range that will give you almost full freedom in the Authoring or video editing portion in one package. Mike I, with pinnacle is also suggesting that an AC3 pluggin is possible and will be available. The studio 9 also has a Dolby ProLogic editor which in conjunction with an AC3 encoder should give great results.

Just some additional info for you to process. I don't work for Pinnacle, but my hobby is Video Editing and Authoring, and I have tried MyDVD 4,5, Ulead, Tmpg Author and I keep finding myself back with Studio 8.

[Zetti]

The "Specialist" is just a fan of Ulead products, as I am a fan of Sonic Foundry products, while other people are fans of Adobe products, Pinnacle, etc, etc, etc;

I might say that I agree a lot with the Specialist, Ulead programs are good, no crashes;

Still, I have a question about MF3 : have Ulead "fixed" the "Import DVd" function ?
In MF2, if I choose it, it extracts each video as a series of small files, annoying !

The Create disc does it nice, but only looks at the drives, not to the HDD;

Zetti

[Zetti]

Continuing my previous post, there are some things about Ulead that I don't agree, one of them is that, when they release bug fixes, they only work on full versions, not on trials;

Limiting a trial version of "deluxe" features is comprehensible, but bug fixes are diferent.
It's worthyless to have a buggy demo sw instaled on the Computer.

Should one buy it hoping for a fix ? I don't think so....

When I first started working with DVD's, I wondered why DVditPE costs $ 400 while other sw's costs $ 60, and then I realized that all AC3 capabilities are very expensive due to licensing requirements,

Ulead should state clearly on their site that AC3 isn't included on trial version, so people can know it clearly.

Zetti

[jzaman]

Specialist:

As a long time user of DVD Workshop AC3, I purchased MF3 mostly for a alternative easy "one stop shopping" method to bring in VRO files from my Pan 60 and Pan 80h DVD RAM disks and dvd-rw vobs from my new Sansui 4005 DVD/VCR recorder. I have not had any audio sync problems from Pan DVD-RAM via workshop and I haven't tried MF3 with RAM disks yet. However, when I imported a DVD-RW from the Sansui (2hr movie capture at sp mode, finalized) into MF3 I experienced audio sync problems after authoring again with MF3. Let me explain: The Sansui 4005 produces a cretin title page so all I wanted to do is to rename the title and rename the chapters (10 minute intervals from chapter to chapter) and reauthor with MF3. The re-authoring went quick since the Sansui does ac3 and the work needed was minimal. The final output exhibited voice sync problems on all my standalone DVD players while the original DVD-RW did not exhibit any problems on the same players. Any ideas?

[MachineMan]

MF3 is good but a few things I had problems with.

- Relink not Automated search.
- Motion menu resets background music after run interval.
- No Multiple Audio or Audio Fade in the slideshows.

My earlier post: https://www.videohelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=777524#777524

I still think it's one of the best basic authoring programs for <$100.

[Zetti]

Two questions please :

- When capturing, does it have a frame counter ?

- Is it possible to normalize the (LPCM, AC3 or MPEG-2) audio of the captured MPEG within the software ?

Thanks,

Zetti

[Specialist]

You're incorrect.

I purchased Ulead DVD MovieFactory 3.0 and - in fact - it seems some individuals want FULL AC-3 functionality free of charge by downloading the FREE trial version here:

http://www.ulead.com/dmf/trial.htm

No - I did not use the FREE trial version before I bought the software.

I knew I wanted to buy the software because of the new features.

Here is what I would suggest that you try.

UNCHECK the DO NOT CONVERT COMPLIANT FILES check box.

Adjust your "video" project settings to precisely match the properties of your source video.

Then adjust your project settings to use MPEG AUDIO as a means of saving space.

If you don't do any EDITING, and if you don't add titles and background music, then the encoder in the TRIAL version should convert your AC-3 to become MPEG AUDIO and the video should not re-encode.

At least, that is how Ulead's encoders have worked for me in past versions with which I have experimented.

I am still in the process of experimenting with version 3.0.

Jerry Jones
http://www.jonesgroup.net

[quote="Roll Tide"]

Specialist, did you actually use the trial version before buying? I get the impression you're an agent of Ulead and probably get full versions issued to you.

[Specialist]

You are correct.

The IMPORT DVD VIDEO function extracts video as a series of small files.

When I am extracting video from a DVD-RAM disc recorded in my Panasonic VDR-M30, the extracted video is split precisely where I start and stop the camcorder.

So each "scene" - in other words - is imported as a separate MPEG file.

(I believe video also is split where *chapters* have been created when importing from DVD-R discs.)

I agree this was annoying in Ulead DVD MovieFactory 2.

In Ulead DVD MovieFactory 3, the feature is improved, but still not perfect.

The video will be imported - again - as separate MPEG files.

However, there is an all-new JOIN/SEPARATE VIDEO button.

When you use your mouse to highlight the separate MPEG files, this all-new JOIN/SEPARATE VIDEO button becomes active.

When you click the JOIN/SEPARATE VIDEO button, the separate MPEG files are joined to become a single thumbnail.

I mentioned earlier this feature is not perfect.

The reason why I believe the feature is not perfect is that when I have tested using MPEGs imported from a DVD-RAM disc recorded in my Panasonic VDR-M30 DVD disc camcorder, I then advance to the FINISH menu page and when I author the single, joined file, Ulead DVD MovieFactory 3.0 re-encodes the file.

With Ulead's video editing applications, there is a technology called Smart Render that allow me to join such files *without* re-encoding the video.

1. VideoStudio

http://www.ulead.com/vs/runme.htm

2. MediaStudio Pro

http://www.ulead.com/msp/runme.htm

I've tested both of the preceding video *EDITORS.*

The Smart Render feature works.

All one has to do is adjust the *project settings* to match the *properties* of the source video/audio and no re-encoding of the MPEG video occurs.

This preserves quality of the original video.

(Audio *is* re-encoded, but I don't care about that.)

In Ulead DVD MovieFactory 3.0, both the video and audio seem to be re-encoded - even if one matches the project settings with the properties of the source video and even if one checks the DO NOT CONVERT COMPLIANT FILES check box.

I've also observed that re-encoding of the entire source file occurs in Ulead DVD MovieFactory 3.0 even if a short title is typed onto the video or if a background music file is added.

I've written a step-by-step tutorial about the Multi-Trim feature in Ulead DVD MovieFactory 3.0:

http://www.jonesgroup.net/multitrimstepone.htm

In my experiments, use of the Multi-Trim feature results in re-encoding.

If I do no EDITING in Ulead DVD MovieFactory 3.0, no re-encoding occurs.

For this reason, my workflow will continue to be as follows:

EDIT in video EDITING programs (VideoStudio/MediaStudio Pro).

AUTHOR in video AUTHORING programs.

Jerry Jones
http://www.jonesgroup.net

The "Specialist" is just a fan of Ulead products, as I am a fan of Sonic Foundry products, while other people are fans of Adobe products, Pinnacle, etc, etc, etc;

I might say that I agree a lot with the Specialist, Ulead programs are good, no crashes;

Still, I have a question about MF3 : have Ulead "fixed" the "Import DVd" function ?
In MF2, if I choose it, it extracts each video as a series of small files, annoying !

The Create disc does it nice, but only looks at the drives, not to the HDD;

Zetti

[Specialist]

I'm still experimenting with version 3.0.

I haven't had a chance to test the capture features so I can't answer question #1, yet.

However, there *is* a NORMALIZE AUDIO check box on the FINISH burn menu page as shown in the screen shot:

http://www.jonesgroup.net/multitrimsteptwenty.htm

Jerry Jones
http://www.jonesgroup.net

Two questions please :

- When capturing, does it have a frame counter ?

- Is it possible to normalize the (LPCM, AC3 or MPEG-2) audio of the captured MPEG within the software ?

Thanks,

Zetti

[rhegedus]

The "Specialist" is just a fan of Ulead products, as I am a fan of Sonic Foundry products, while other people are fans of Adobe products, Pinnacle, etc, etc, etc;

Yeah, right!!!

http://www.ulead.com/userstory/msp/jerryJ.htm