Ulead DVD Workshop2 and linking end of a chapter to menu.. How?

[rbatty11]

I'm trying to link the end of a certain chapter (NOT the last chapter) to the main menu in Ulead WS2, i.e., when Chapter 6 ends, maine menu should play instead of Chapter 7. Can't figure it out.. Looked at manual, online, etc.

I tried using a playlist by simply clicking on the particular chapter (which is right in the middle of the main movie project, Chapter 6) and then dragging the main menu into the playlist box to the right.. I get a "Add menu" or "Add Menu Button" (or somthing like that).. I tried selecting both but it's not working.. Chapter 6 continues into playing Chapter 7.

Maybe it can't be done in WS2? Would appreciate any guidance. Thanks.

[p_l]

Are your chapters separate files or simply chapter points you've created in Ulead DWS for one big file? If it's the latter, you may need to split the file.

[rbatty11]

Thanks for responding. They're simply chapter points created by WS2 at fixed intervals.. So how do I "split the file" and where--between Ch. 5 & 6? Do you mean in an mpeg editor like MPEGVCR?

If so, wouldn't that mean there would NOT be a seamless transition between Chapter 5 and Chapter 6 since Chap. 6 w/b a separate file? Thanks.

[p_l]

Yes, you could split it with MPEGVCR, but why not just do it within DWS, using Cut Title on the Edit page? Then arrange things in your playlist on the Menu page.

Do you want it to go to the menu between chaps. 5 & 6 (as you seem to indicate in your second post), or between chaps. 6 & 7 (which is what you say in your original post)? Wherever you split it there won't be a seamless transition, of course, because you'll be going back to the menu, which is what you say you want.

[rbatty11]

Sorry.. got myself confused. I want to split between 6 & 7 (not sure why even brough Chap. 5 into the 'picture'.. . Just an FYI.. Chap. 7 is just a long black screen to fill up the remainder of the blank DVD-R. That's why I want to cut after 6 and return to main menu..

I notice whenever I use the toggle feature in WS2.. it becomes unstable/hung-up..sometimes crashing. So I don't use the feature. It's probably time for a fresh re-install.. but a daunting task..

Just to summarize, I will split video into 2 titles--main title and the black filler video. The black will really never be played and will NOT have any chapter or play or any link to it.. its sole purpose is to simply be used as a filler. I can do that in WS2, correct?

[lordsmurf]

I would do the editing in Womble. Import each as a separate clip. Much easier, much more stable, much more accurate.

[rbatty11]

Hmm.. So WS2 doesn't give you the flexibility to assign an end action to a chapter? If so, I'm slowly beginning to realize the differences between different authoring apps..

[lordsmurf]

I'm not aware of anything else that will do it either. Pretty much all authoring software plays the full stream, it will not jump midstream back to a menu. Scenarist might, I don't know. DVD Studio Pro might, never tried. But that's something advanced few people would ever need. It may seem "backwards" sometimes, but a lot of the DVD spec and standard creation methods are done for the safety of viewers and authors.

[rbatty11]

Well, since we're discussing it.. My friend shelled out big $$ for Maestro and it can do it.. We always go back/forth debating whether the price difference makes Maestro worth it. But the learning curve is just too big for me. Does anyone know if DVD Lab/Pro or Architect can do it (or whatever Maestro is now)?

The reason I'm doing this "black video filler" thing is b/c it's just sort of a pet peave seeing those damned differnt color shades of rings on the burned disc.. (don't ask why, just is).

[p_l]

Yes, just to help make things clear, a chapter point just indicates from where a file is played to the end. And lordsmurf's advice is sound; it's better to bring your assets already prepared into your authoring program.

And it bears repeating: Save often.

[ashmont]

I'm afraid it can't be done. As you've discovered if you put a chapter in a playlist it plays from the chapter start to the end of the title. If you go to the user forums at Ulead's website you will see under the "Please give us DWS 3" thread that chapter play lists have been requested for the next version. No doubt it will be added when this arrives - who knows when that will be though.

[p_l]

I would like to see this feature, too. Let's say you have a concert video. I'd like to have the option to choose an individual piece from the menu, have it play, then go back to the menu. You can do this if you split the file into every piece.

I'd also like to be able to play the whole concert through smoothly (Play All), in which case you can't split the file; otherwise, it'll have a pause between each piece.

If you keep the file whole and just use chapter points, it'll play smoothly, but it won't return to the menu after a chapter; it'll just keep playing to the end.

It seems you can't do both.

[guns1inger]

Apologies tot he little blue guy, who loves his DWS and isn't a big fan of DVD Lab Pro, but DLP does chapter play lists, title play lists, random play lists etc. very easily. It has a 30 day demo, so for this project, it might be worth the download.

[rbatty11]

Thanks to all for the info. I figured DVD Lab/Pro could accomplish this b/c its interface and use (from when I had trialed it) is very similar to Maestro's. But for simplicity, user-friendly interface and "intuitiveness", WS2 fits the bill, IMHO. Wish I could afford both right now..