DVD slideshow GUI - development thread.

[argusvidicon]

Sometimes (most of the time) when I think I have stills or videos that I believe are full screen I still see the background sneaking in around the edges of my file(s). Is there a way to understand how to be sure that my file(s) fills the screen. I believe I have the project settings the same as the file(s) whether a still or video. I may be wrong. Is there a way to check this on my files as well as what to do in the project itself to avoid this?

[tin2tin]

Under 'Project Settings' make sure that TV Safe X and TV Safe Y both are set to 0(zero). If you are rendering for web/Playback on a computer set the Pixel Aspect Ration to 1:1.

If the proportions of the image doesn't fit the size of the video frame, you can use the animation tool to zoom in so that the frame is entirely covered with the video and set a keyframe at the beginning and the end of the time.

If you do not want to use an animated background you should you a static image, because static images as background is a much faster process. Use ex. background_black.jpg in the Backgrounds folder(If you updated to 0.9.4.0).

[argusvidicon]

Thank you for the reply. Both setting were at 0 (Zero). I will try the 1:1 setting next. I'm not concerned what background type is there since I hopefully won't see it anyhow. Although I may set the background in project settings to Background Black jpg. I just need to remember to put things back, because I like the software at it's default settings most of the time. I don't know a way to reset default so it's all about remembering on my own. And to remember to set the 1:1 back to 8:9 for DVD output. I haven't changed much of this because resetting to default is not an option I can find. Thank you again.

[tin2tin]

There's only a low tech way to return to "factory settings":
- Close DSG
- Locate the folder called .DVDslideshowGUI and delete the file called new.ini and start DSG.
- A new new.ini file will be saved with the "factory settings".

[argusvidicon]

That method of resetting to default is just great. I think that is all that's needed. Great! The value of this thread is beyond expectation.
I Changed the setting in the project and that also did the trick. I have used the software here instead of Super to convert DVAVI files to MPEG2 for no reason except that your conversion process yields a bit-rate of 6205kbs where I can't get Super to go beyond 2984kbs. Regardless of the settings. I also think I really like stealing the MPEG4 video that is created for You Tube. This may not be the best method of conversion and certainly not what this software was created for, but I'm happy. I know when I make a slideshow I'll most often do it in this software. Combine DVD slideshow GUI with Paint.NET and I can stay out of Photoshop and Premiere for many things. I haven't tried the "cuts only" function where as you can actually edit your video clips right here too !!! The transitions here are a fresh deviation from Premiere, Roxio Video Wave, and Boris FX. I plan to use this software to create a PIP effect with Video and I know I will just love the motion backgrounds. Anyone should be very happy with this software...even a professional Video Editor.
The method concerning the new.ini file is a sweet way to build and save project setting presets.
The value of this thread is reaching constantly upwards.

[tin2tin]

It makes me happy that you found good use for the functionality of DSG(and you still haven't encountered serious bugs).

[argusvidicon]

Yes I am truly happy with the software DVD slideshow GUI. I am not aware of any bugs. I have read where others experienced some snags importing a large number of photos. I also read where they got around that by importing them in smaller increments. I have done photo slideshows in Adobe Premiere in numbers upwards to 800 stills. Do you think I imported all of them at once, of course not. Can you say "software crash?". I have used few software applications that are invincible. I won't even talk about Operating systems. It would make sense to keep projects to a sensible size and if needed just import the video made from multiple project renders back into a master project.

The file (new.ini) that holds the project settings has a lot of potential for saving to individual folders for recall of custom project settings, same as if you were saving a preset. The editing of the saved project file in Notepad is an option for moving or rendering projects created on separate computers. It works, but that would be a nice change to make if ever there is changes / updates made to this software. Having the option to browse for "missing" files would make that easier than editing the project file in Notepad. For 20 -30 stills this is not a problem, but when someone has 100 stills that would be a long time in Notepad and a greater chance of a mistake editing the Notepad / Project file.
Not that anyone cares, but since I have unconventionally used the rendering engine in the DSG for the sole purpose of video file conversion I will mention that my TiVo loves the MPEG2 and MP4 files that render from the DSG. That being said, what else do you want from life, "A baby's arm holding an apple?"
Let's all make a slideshow whether stills or videos or a combination and share them with the world, this is freeware, do you know how much I have charged a client for a slideshow of 80 stills with music?
"Everybody have fun tonight"

[argusvidicon]

@tin2tin In your opinion, if I were to build (import) / render (export) / and re-import several 40-50 image projects, what would you choose as the optimal output (export) choice. It seems that the expected import video format is avi. Would you suggest to export avi from the DSG and use those files to bring back in to a new project, or to export possibly MPEG2 and convert in another application to an acceptable avi for re-importing. I just want your technical opinion on this. It would be best if the average use could stay within the available formats that the DSG can export, but for my own purpose I'd like to know what path would yield the best quality concerning this type of operation.

[tin2tin]

The avi export is not a high quality export - if I remember correctly it's XVID with 2000 kbps. The best would proberly be to export to export to .avs. That would be a lossless process. However I think subtitles will interfer with each other - so you should proberly only do this with avs files without subtitles. Using .avs for this purpose will use as much memory as if you put all photos in the same slideshow.

If you want to render avi to a higher bitrate - export to avs and convert/render this file in ex. Super.

MP4 export is in a much higher quality 6000-7000 kbps, but you'll need to paste that stuff into notepad as I wrote about earlier to make a .avs text wrapper.

[argusvidicon]

I will give the MP4 output a try, I have not yet attempted to do the process of .avs text wrapper. I'm sure it is very easy although I have never done this such procedure every before. I should learn it, and will try this. I am laughing now as I ever think about it. this should be very funny to see me do this. Also I may export as MP4 and convert to DVAVI in Super and re-import that way. For some reason I just haven't got a grasp on what it even means to "wrap" the MP4. https://forum.videohelp.com/threads/188464-DVD-slideshow-GUI-development-thread/page40
I will be glad to learn this as it seems to be important, I just wish someone could just show me or I wish I already knew how to do it.
I will also definitely try to export to avs and see it open in Super, that would be as nice. I just really want (for the purpose of everyone here) to stay within the realm of the DSG, and keep Super out of it for everyone that is here within DVD slideshow GUI.

[tin2tin]

Take a look at this beginners guide for Avisynth: http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/06/25/beginners_guide_avisynth/

[tin2tin]

Okay, download this:
http://download.videohelp.com/tin2tin/SimpleAvisynthWrapper.avs

And open that in Notepad, change the path to where you got a videofile you want to import.
Save without changing the extention(.avs)

NB. the audio will become out of sync if the imported file is in a different play back speed(fps) that the project.

You may have to download and install the Haali Media Splitter in order to open mp4.

[argusvidicon]

I may have gotten it I looked at the Beginners guide and edited the avs file script and saved it and put this in DirectShowSource("c:\Users\myname\Desktop\myclip.m p4")
The file .avs imported into the DSG and seems to be working. I double clicked on the imported file and got this message

But closed the warning and the Media Player Classic Home Cinema played it anyway.
I may be getting close to working some of this. Thanks I will keep fooling with it for a few more hours. This looks to be really cool and may have solved this silly situation I am creating.

[tin2tin]

Did you download and install Haali Media Splitter?

BTW. the most stable way to import video into Avisynth is to use the FFmpegsource plugin for Avisynth.

It can be downloade here: http://code.google.com/p/ffmpegsource/

Here's a script with acces to the various import functions of FFmpegsource(2):
code.google.com/p/ffmpegsource/source/br...etc/FFMS2.avsi?r=207

Paste the script into Notepad and add this to the top of the script. Then change the path to you file:

LoadPlugin("ffms2.dll")
FFmpegSource2("Change to the path of your file here")

Now save this text file into the folder where you unzipped the FFmpegsource files with the .avs extention.

[Gavino]

FFmpegSource2("Change to the path of your file here")

Note that this will not produce any audio - for that you need to use
FFMpegSource2("...", atrack=-1)

That may be no bad thing, given that it seems to be the audio track that is causing problems in MPC-HC.

[argusvidicon]

@tin2tin
Question, during a screen of my install today of the MatroskaSplitter is this correct, or should I have checked the AVI and MPEG-PS radio buttons?

I can not insert a jpg here of that. Darn. I will ask a short version on the thread. Also I'm seeing this message often when using file during and around operations concerning the DSG. Asking whether and when to use ffdshow. I was wondering what would be the best answer for this pop-up.

and here is that DVAVI preset for Super I previously mentioned for Premiere. It works like a charm, and the DVAVI files from this preset as well as the default render from Premiere drop smooth as silk into the DSG.

[argusvidicon]

I might try an avs wrapper for a VOB file and see what happens, but the above preset would do it too. I might need to rename the VOB file to .mpg first and I bet that would work. And here we are pushing the DSG closer to the torture chamber. At least it keeps us all busy and out of trouble.

[argusvidicon]

Choosing mp4 to export the highest quality file was a good choice, but here is the GSpost info on what I'm getting side by side with the mpg export.



So do you still think I should stick with the mp4.
Just looking for your opinion.
An interesting note : even as the DSG handles the mp4 input when wrapped avs my computers get pissed when playing the mp4, but play the mpg file just fine. If the mpg export quality is in your opinion as good as the mp4 export, it may be convenient for me to use the mpg export. Windows 7 media player doesn't play the audio on the mpg export but that's normal on this system... I deal with it. I just play the mpg files in Medial Player Classic or Zoom player.

For what it's worth, my TiVo really likes the MP4 export form the DSG, the TiVo likes the mpg export too.

[tin2tin]

If ffdshow works as a decoder for the formats you'll let it decode - this can be a good thing so you could allow it to process the files. AFAIK this is actually the reason DirectShow will take more formats. When working with mp4 the haali may be enough. I'm not that much on top of the whole codec/video.

The ffmpegsource way will give you much better decoding and playback, so if you want to throw a lot of different codecs at Avisynth/DSG this is will the most succesfull imports. Did you see my post above with ffmpegsource instructions? I don't know the reason for spliting up the slideshow into more mp4? If it isn't because you're hitting the roof RAM vise, you should use .avs(with no subtitles) and get a lossless process till you export that slideshow consisting of .avs files.

@ Gavino - thanks for the heads up on the audio. Didn't check the code.

[argusvidicon]

@tin2tin No problem here with ram choking. I'm just beating your software to death and learning a huge load of things along the way thanks to all your help. I have no good reason at this time to explain why I want to split slideshows into multiple exported files. I just want to, this is how I spend my free time. I will say that I am pleased with what I have learned here, especially the latest code writing concerning the avs files. Since the DSG imports only avi files and I already found it to hate my xvid and divix files this is all just great to me. I used the wrapper for one of the xvid files that was not importing very well and now it is working just great with that method. That is a big step in the right direction for me. I can see in the coming months that I will expand what I have learned here and use it in other applications. Especially applications that have limited import choices, but will take .avs files. Like I said this is entertainment for me, I could just watch TV and grow old, but thanks to you and your software I now have this to play with.
I have downloaded the ffmpegsource-2.14 Vanilla standard version , I see two files. ffms2.dll and ffmsindex. I don't yet know what to do with the downloaded files. I think I can now understand the process of pasting the script into notepad LoadPlugin("ffms2.dll")
FFmpegSource2("Change to the path of your file here")

But I'll first need to figure out what to do with the files I downloaded with the ffmpegsource-2.14 Vanilla standard version. Once I get that solved I will go back to the Notepad script mess and work from there. Thanks!

[tin2tin]

On using FFmpegsource:

Download FFmpegsource from here and unzip it.

Paste the following code into Notepad, correct the path and save as filename.avs to the same path where you unzipped ffmpegsource(ffms2.dll and ffmsindex).

Import the filename.avs into DVD slideshow GUI.

# FFmpegSource 1.21 syntax compatibility
# Created by TheFluff

LoadPlugin("ffms2.dll")

FFmpegSource2("Insert to the path of your file here", atrack=-1)
            
        
function FFmpegSource2(string source, int "vtrack", int "atrack", bool "cache", \
    string "cachefile", int "fpsnum", int "fpsden", string "pp", int "threads", \
    string "timecodes", int "seekmode", bool "overwrite", int "width", int "height", \
    string "resizer", string "colorspace", int "rffmode", int "adjustdelay") {
    
    vtrack         = default(vtrack,-1)
    atrack        = default(atrack,-2)
    cache        = default(cache,true)
    cachefile    = default(cachefile,source+".ffindex")
    fpsnum        = default(fpsnum,-1)
    fpsden        = default(fpsden,1)
    pp        = default(pp,"")
    threads        = default(threads,-1)
    timecodes    = default(timecodes,"")
    seekmode    = default(seekmode,1)
    overwrite    = default(overwrite,false)
    width        = default(width,-1)
    height        = default(height,-1)
    resizer        = default(resizer,"BICUBIC")
    colorspace    = default(colorspace,"")
    rffmode        = default(rffmode,0)
    adjustdelay    = default(adjustdelay,-1)

    
    ((cache == true) && (atrack <= -2)) ? ffindex(source=source, cachefile=cachefile, \
        indexmask=0, overwrite=overwrite) : (cache == true) ? ffindex(source=source, \
        cachefile=cachefile, indexmask=-1, overwrite=overwrite) : nop
    
    v = ffvideosource(source=source, track=vtrack, cache=cache, cachefile=cachefile, \
        fpsnum=fpsnum, fpsden=fpsden, pp=pp, threads=threads, timecodes=timecodes, \
        seekmode=seekmode, rffmode=rffmode, width=width, height=height, resizer=resizer, \
        colorspace=colorspace)
    
    a = (atrack <= -2) ? blankclip(audio_rate=0) : ffaudiosource(source=source, \
        track=atrack, cache=cache, cachefile=cachefile, adjustdelay=adjustdelay)
    
    return audiodubex(v,a)
}

function FFImageSource(string source, int "width", int "height", string "resizer", string "colorspace") {

    width        = default(width,-1)
    height        = default(height,-1)
    resizer        = default(resizer,"BICUBIC")
    colorspace    = default(colorspace,"")

    return FFVideoSource(source, cache=false, seekmode=-1, width=width, height=height, resizer=resizer, colorspace=colorspace)
}

function FFCopyrightInfringement(string source) {
################################################################
# Violates copyright
# * With audio
# * No annoying lawyers
# * Simple syntax
# * Do not use on Britney Spears' music videos or sex tapes
#
# And whatever you do:
#   DO NOT TELL NEURON2 THAT YOU USED THIS FUNCTION
################################################################
    FFIndex(source=source)
    return audiodubex(FFVideoSource(source=source), FFAudioSource(source=source))
}

function FFFormatTime(int ms) {

    s = ms / 1000
    ms = ms % 1000
    m = s / 60
    s = s % 60
    h = m / 60
    m = m % 60

    return string(h) + ":" + string(m,"%02.0f") + ":" + string(s,"%02.0f") + "." + string(ms,"%03.0f")
}

function FFInfo(clip c, bool "framenum", bool "frametype", bool "cfrtime", bool "vfrtime") {

    framenum    = default(framenum,true)
    frametype    = default(frametype,true)
    cfrtime        = default(cfrtime,true)
    vfrtime        = default(vfrtime,true)

    global fftempclip = c
    fftempclip = frameevaluate(fftempclip, """ fftempstring = "" """)

    fftempclip = framenum ? frameevaluate(fftempclip, """fftempstring = fftempstring + "Frame Number: " + string(current_frame) + " of " + string(fftempclip.framecount) + "\n" """, after_frame=true) : fftempclip
    fftempclip = frametype ? frameevaluate(fftempclip, """fftempstring = fftempstring + "Picture Type: " + chr(FFPICT_TYPE) + "\n" """, after_frame=true) : fftempclip

    fftempclip = cfrtime ? frameevaluate(fftempclip, """fftempstring = fftempstring + "CFR Time: " + FFFormatTime(int((current_frame * 1000) / fftempclip.framerate)) + "\n" """, after_frame=true) : fftempclip
    fftempclip = vfrtime ? frameevaluate(fftempclip, """fftempstring = fftempstring + "VFR Time: " + FFFormatTime(FFVFR_TIME) + "\n" """, after_frame=true) : fftempclip

    return scriptclip(fftempclip, "subtitle(fftempclip, fftempstring, lsp = 1)", after_frame=true)
}

I'm sorry thanks to my new job my time is very limited.

BTW here's a bit on importing avs in Lightworks(the conversion of avs to virtual avi workflow can be used to import avs into most apps):
http://www.lightworksbeta.com/index.php?option=com_kunena&func=view&catid=23&id=923&Itemid=202

[Gavino]

Paste the following code into Notepad, correct the path and save as filename.avs to the same path where you unzipped ffmpegsource(ffms2.dll and ffmsindex).

Import the filename.avs into DVD slideshow GUI.

# FFmpegSource 1.21 syntax compatibility
# Created by TheFluff

LoadPlugin("ffms2.dll")

FFmpegSource2("Insert to the path of your file here", atrack=-1)
            
        
function FFmpegSource2(string source, int "vtrack", int "atrack", bool "cache", \
...

A better way (IMHO) would be to remove the LoadPlugin and FFMpegSource2 lines and save the rest of the file as ffms2.avsi, then put it, along with ffms2.dll, in your Avisynth plugins folder. They will both then be automatically available to Avisynth and the only thing you would need in your filename.avs would be the single line:
FFmpegSource2("Insert to the path of your file here", atrack=-1)

The ffms2.avsi file can also be downloaded directly from here (as referenced by tin2tin in post #1214).
It was provided with previous releases of ffms2, but was (by mistake, I believe) omitted from the 2.14 release.

[argusvidicon]

I can't believe it, but I think I am getting a handle on this. Thank you everyone! I saved the code from tin2tin in post #1221, and will try that soon as I get a chance.
@Gavino I see what your saying in your post #1222, this sounds good. I would like to try that also. Would it look like this from the top?

# FFmpegSource 1.21 syntax compatibility
# Created by TheFluff




function FFmpegSource2(string source, int "vtrack", int "atrack", bool "cache", \
string "cachefile", int "fpsnum", int "fpsden", string "pp", int "threads", \
string "timecodes", int "seekmode", bool "overwrite", int "width", int "height", \
string "resizer", string "colorspace", int "rffmode", int "adjustdelay") {

vtrack = default(vtrack,-1)

...etc..

or did I delete the lines incorrectly?
Also what do you suggest I do with the file ffmsindex
Should I move it also into the Avisynth plugins folder ?


Thank you so much everyone for your time !

and now I've forgotten exactly what file type I am using this FFmpegSource code for.
I have things working well with these three lessons,
DirectShowSource("c:\Users\Charles Evans\Desktop\myclip.mp4")
DirectShowSource("c:\Users\Charles Evans\Desktop\myclip.mpg")
AviSource("c:\folder\myclip.avi")

for file types of mp4, mpg,and avi.
I know the DVD slideshow GUI will import avi, but I have come to use the AviSource("c:\folder\myclip.avi") code
for my Xvid files that don't import so well.

[Gavino]

@Gavino I see what your saying in your post #1222, this sounds good. I would like to try that also. Would it look like this from the top?

# FFmpegSource 1.21 syntax compatibility
# Created by TheFluff




function FFmpegSource2(string source, int "vtrack", int "atrack", bool "cache", \
string "cachefile", int "fpsnum", int "fpsden", string "pp", int "threads", \
string "timecodes", int "seekmode", bool "overwrite", int "width", int "height", \
string "resizer", string "colorspace", int "rffmode", int "adjustdelay") {

vtrack = default(vtrack,-1)

...etc..

Yes, that's correct.

Also what do you suggest I do with the file ffmsindex
Should I move it also into the Avisynth plugins folder ?

I assume you mean the xxx.ffmsindex file that is produced as a result of using FFMPegSource2?
This should be left in the same folder as the source video file xxx.avi (or whatever your source is).
It is used to make reading the file faster on subsequent runs.
Once you have finished working with the associated source, you can delete the .ffmsindex file if you like.

[argusvidicon]

Actually I was referring to a file that was in the downloaded folder when I downloaded the ffmpegsource-2.14 Vanilla standard version. But placing the path to my file in the line
FFmpegSource2("Insert to the path of your file here", atrack=-1)
did not work I believe it failed for me. I saw an error message while it was converting saying something about no audio found or something like that and then the enc window just disappeared. When I rendered to avi it went through the process but made a junk file with red text in it.
I have things working well with these three lessons,
DirectShowSource("c:\Users\Charles Evans\Desktop\myclip.mp4")
DirectShowSource("c:\Users\Charles Evans\Desktop\myclip.mpg")
AviSource("c:\folder\myclip.avi")

Maybe I should calm down and give you people a break.
I am messing with the third radio button choice I often see in the second image of my post #1213

I really want this to work but don't like bothering people when I must be making a mistake here on my end.
Also I'm about to follow your instructions at the bottom of your post #1222
I created that ffms2.avsi file and will be putting those two mentioned files in the plugins folder.
Thank you for all your time everyone !

[Gavino]

Actually I was referring to a file that was in the downloaded folder when I downloaded the ffmpegsource-2.14 Vanilla standard version.

Sorry, I misunderstood - I see now you were talking about the ffindex.exe file in the download.
You don't need really that - it's a standalone program for creating index files (those .ffindex files I talked about) outside Avisynth.

But placing the path to my file in the line
FFmpegSource2("Insert to the path of your file here", atrack=-1)
did not work I believe it failed for me. I saw an error message while it was converting saying something about no audio found or something like that and then the enc window just disappeared. When I rendered to avi it went through the process but made a junk file with red text in it.

Does your video file have an audio track? If not, omit the ", atrack=-1" part.
If it does, perhaps it is some format that ffms2 cannot handle (unusual). What does MediaInfo say about it?
BTW the red text is the error message produced by Avisynth - this might give additional information about the problem.

[tin2tin]

I think that now you have some good experinces with simple Avisynth coding, you should start using AvsP instead of Notepad. If you installed DSG with the default extra programs AvsP should allready be installed on your computer. In AvsP you can code and preview/test your code.

I'm not that familiar with ffmpegsource, but if the (lack of?) audio is causing problems I would assume that atrack = 0 would avoid trying to import any audio.

Gavino has proberly more knowledge on this stuff.

When you've done this:

I created that ffms2.avsi file and will be putting those two mentioned files in the plugins folder.

This is all you need:

FFmpegSource2("Insert to the path of your file here", atrack=-1)

Or atrack=0

BTW. here's the manual for ffmpegsource:
http://ffmpegsource.googlecode.com/svn/trunk/doc/ffms2-avisynth.html

[argusvidicon]

@Gavino Yea I saw that file being created on the desktop, I believed I didn't need that
Yes the video has an audio track, I did not have mediaInfo, but got it for your answer. I use GSpot.


The red text is in the avi export and is upside-down and may even be in a language other than English, so I have been just deleting that junk avi exported file.

@tin2tin I am trying the deal whereas I dropped the items into that plugins folder as soon as I can. I would expect that I may have done something wrong and won't be supprised is that either works or doesn't work. I will post back here as to whether that method has any result either way.

[Gavino]

I'm not that familiar with ffmpegsource, but if the (lack of?) audio is causing problems I would assume that atrack = 0 would avoid trying to import any audio.

To omit audio, you need to use atrack=-2 (or leave out atrack, since -2 is the default).
atrack=0 gives the first audio track found in the file (and unless using a specially pre-created index file, this is the same as atrack=-1).

[Gavino]

Yes the video has an audio track, I did not have mediaInfo, but got it for your answer. I use GSpot.

It looks like standard mpg file audio to me, so I don't know why ffms2 can't handle it.
Having said that, the usual way to load mpg files into Avisynth is to use DGIndex, which is yet another thing for you to learn (although it's not difficult, and has good documentation).

The red text is in the avi export and is upside-down and may even be in a language other than English

If you follow tin2tin's advice and use AvsP to load your script, you should be able to get a clearer error message.