How do I import DVD Menus and create buttons for Adobe Encore?

[seven_deuce offsuit]

I'm using After Effects 7.0 to design a Menu that I can use for Adobe Encore. I'm basically finished with the menu but I'm having trouble trying to find out how to create a simple text button. I know you're suppose to go to Layer -> Adobe Encore -> Create button, and after that I get confused. I'm trying to give Adobe Encore a shot since I've heard that its better and way more flexible than DVD Architect.

My next question is how would I import a menu I make in After Effects to Encore? Is there a certain file type I'm suppose to save it in? My menu uses several video files so I'm guessing I have to render it as a video file. I don't have Dynamic Link, so the process for me will be much more tedious. I've searched for tutorials on this and haven't found any so I'm going to need some help on this.

[pijetro]

Start off your menu in Encore. Get the buttons going, or create your desired text. If you wanna create text with subictures, firstly type (for example) "Play All">Object>Convert to button..Then again go to Object>Create subpticture..Now, if you wanna enhance the menu go to the Menu>Edit in Photoshop..
Observe the way the buttoning system works..To create custom buttons, you need to start out a New Layer Set, and use the same example as previously mentioned..Save this .PSD file , and Encore will update accordingly. Also, you can Save As, and create a secondarty .PSD file that can be manipulated with AE..Use this same .PSD within AE to do the motion prior to the finished menu...

[pijetro]

Are you kidding me??

I'm trying to give Adobe Encore a shot since I've heard that its better and way more flexible than DVD Architect.

I can't attest for DVD architect, but the biggest complaint about Encore is not supporting the other variances of framesizes within DVD legal specs...Ridiculous for expensive software..In fact, not flexible, and perhaps unintuitive in some cases..

Don't know if 2.0 solved many of thos problems...

Good luck!!!

[seven_deuce offsuit]

I started off making my menu in After Effects, how am I suppose to open it up in Encore? Aren't PSD files Photoshop projects? How am I suppose to save anything from After Effect or Encore into a PSD?

[pijetro]

Aren't PSD files Photoshop projects?

Yes, but Encore was built on Photoshop's layering technique..If you create it within Encore, you can edit within Photoshop..
You can open up Photoshop files within AE...In fact AE recognizes the layers, and blending modes associated. Very powerful....
That's the good thing about the Adobe workflow.

There's a two step process for bringing menus from AE into Encore. You're almost better off working backwards. Create your base menu...This will be the final view before timeline playback..As far as motion goes, import that .PSD (photoshop document) into AE, and do what you will with those layers..
Back to Encore........If you're looking for animated buttons, simply click on the "animate buttons" within the main menu properties, and on the timeline of the associated clip, right click above the point where you want the animation to start, and check "set poster frame"...
Otherwise, if you want total customization, you'll need to do it in either AE or Premire, keeping in mind, you can import the base .PSD...

I've given you a very important link in my previous post...Check it out, and most of your questions should get answered...