VCD2XML Released. Create those XML files for VCDImager

[Belboz]

Everyone,

I have released the 0.0.2 version of my vcd2xml program.

The current version allows you to build VCD/SVCD's disks with multiple mpeg tracks, a main menu, and an mpeg intro. (and combinations of these).

The program can automatically run VCDImager for you (if they are installed in the same directory). It supports the latest beta of HVR's that creates Nero files. So you can either create the default BIN/CUE or a NRG file. Program output from VCDImager is redirected to a Window so you can examine the output for errors or warnings.

Below is a link to a picture of the current interface.

http://home.cinci.rr.com/mhill/vcd2xml.jpg

You can get the program here.

http://home.cinci.rr.com/mhill/vcd2xml-0.0.2.zip

Be aware this is not a "do it all" GUI. It will not allow you to create nested menus and other complex XML files. It was written mainly for a friend of mine and then enhanced some based off feedback from some of my testers.

Check out the readme file for info, warnings, and other information.

Suggestions, bug reports, comments etc are welcome.

I am working on a GUI for the cdrdao.exe program also. No timetable on a release of it though.

_________________
belboz@cinci.rr.com


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Belboz on 2001-07-20 14:05:56 ]</font>

[disturbed1]

*BUMP*

This got buried fast.

Great stuff

Nice n' easy interface.

[Belboz]

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On 2001-07-20 17:57:07, disturbed1 wrote:
Great stuff

Nice n' easy interface.
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Thanks!

I've gotten alot of good comments in email from some users.

One thing I will mention here....

HVR said that his Nero output option in VCDImager builds a TAO image for Nero which is non-compliant for building VCD disks since they should be burnt in DAO mode.

Now I was able to burn a Nero nrg files and select DAO mode before having Nero burn them. They played fine in my Pioneer 343 DVD player and on the PC. A couple of my testers also used the Nero output and everything worked fine in their players also. If your worried about this test it with a CDRW or a CDR you can spare.

I am not sure if clicking the DAO check box in Nero makes a difference or if my Pioneer is tolerant of this TAO format. So people should be aware of this. You can always stick with the default and vcd2xml will have VCDImager generate Bin/Cue files.

_________________
belboz@cinci.rr.com


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Belboz on 2001-07-20 20:29:10 ]</font>

[hvr]

...as to the NRG issue; well, I'll keep that feature around for some time... but I have not a good feeling with it at all, since someone reported it would break either ff/rew or goto with SVCDs...

but another thing, since I've seen that delphi.stuff has released his vcdimager easy GUI, I was wondering whether it wouldn't be a good idea to put your vcd2xml gui on vcdhelp.com as well in order to have them all in one place... so people can find them on vcdhelp unified...

good idea/bad idea?

....maybe vcdhelp should add a section dedicated completely to vcdimager :-] ... maybe even a vcdimager-forum... *g*

[Belboz]

hvr,

I sent an email to Baldrick mentioning the program and saying he could host it here if he likes.

I will try to do some tests on the SVCD and Nero.

[CornelisJ]

Belboz,

Thank you for this program, I think this GUI will help people to start with VCDImager without having to worry about the xml code.

I have one suggestion for enhancement, that can help to improve SVCD compatibility. If no MPEG still image is added as MENU page, by default vcdimager will NOT include a SEGMENT folder on the SVCD. I have found out that without SEGMENT folder, some players (f.i. WinDVD, the most widely spread software player) will not recognise the CD as SVCD.
My suggestion is to include an option "Add empty SEGMENT folder" for the case that no MPEG still image is added. This as an alternative for the "broken-svcd-mode" option that is included in the old GUI for VCDImager 0.6.2.

For hvr: Maybe you don't agree with me, but I prefer compatibility over compliancy with the norm.

[Belboz]

CornelisJ,

Thanks for the comments. Well my main goal for the program was to be able to generate some "slightly trickier" XML code that users needed.

I am open to suggestions on how to implement multiple menus, entry points, etc in a easy to use manner. Otherwise I may go with a "wizard" approach and try to come up with the common things people would want to build. (i.e. Intro video with Menu and tracks, or Intro video with Menu with entrylists, etc).

I will add the option you mentioned for SVCD compatibility. I may have an update with that and a few other goodies late tonight or tomorrow.

[nidoran]

(perhaps a lil offtropic, its about the WinDVD thingie)

My WinDVD (2.1) doesnt reconize SVCD at all; at least not as autoplay.

your does? what version is it??


NZ

[nidoran]

(perhaps a lil offtropic, its about the WinDVD thingie)

My WinDVD (2.1) doesnt reconize SVCD at all; at least not as autoplay.

your does? what version is it??


NZ

[CornelisJ]

nidoran,

At the moment I use WinDVD version 2.6. I started with WinDVD 2.3 and updated it with a patch to version 2.6.

[CornelisJ]

Back to VCD2XML again:

I discovered a bug (triggered by a posting of city hunter):
If you use VCD2XML without adding an MPEG Menu, no <pbc> area with playlist items is generated...

[rayjr13]

windvd 2000? any1 besides me use that prog...is that a successor or predecessor to v2.5, 2.3, and 2.1?

[CornelisJ]

This should be my last off-topic post...
There are various versions of WinDVD 2000, so WinDVD 2000 version 2.1, WinDVD 2000 version 2.3, etc. If you want to know which version uou have right click in the WinDVd main window and select "Info".

[Belboz]

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On 2001-07-23 09:15:03, CornelisJ wrote:
Back to VCD2XML again:

I discovered a bug (triggered by a posting of city hunter):
If you use VCD2XML without adding an MPEG Menu, no <pbc> area with playlist items is generated...
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Wrong.

Not a bug. You do not need a PBC playback definition if you just have X number of tracks you want to play in sequential order.

If you take the XML code generated by my program in which you just added MPEG tracks (no menu ) and burn to a CDRW or CDR the tracks will play in order from one to X.

So the VCD will play just like you specified in your DVD player, Software Player, etc.

_________________
belboz@cinci.rr.com

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Belboz on 2001-07-23 13:34:29 ]</font>

[CornelisJ]

Belboz,

You are correct that a <pbc> definition is not really needed, but it sure is handy, and vcdxgen generates it by default. See also my respons in this thread.

[sunmiztres]

i was just wondering, what would be the best way to create a mpeg still so that i can use the menu option? should i get a picture and convert it to a mpeg through a encoder? thanks

[vitualis]

IMHO, the "best" way (best in that it is certain to be compliant) is to use a program like Nero5.5 or CDMotion to create a small VCD with all the images you want as MPEG stills on it.

Then use VCDXRIP to extract them from the image.

Regards.

[Xtreme]

God i really got to learn how to burn, i still dont have any idea on how to burn a VCD. I have read most of the stuff on the web site, and i have burned my own VCD but it looks like some beat the shit out of it first. hmmmmm how do i burn a good VCD?

[rayjr13]

What's wrong wit ur Vcd beside the beating it took....like what doesn't work with it or what parts look terrible...basically what are u trying to produce/improve.

[timmy_boi]

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On 2001-07-20 14:03:02, Belboz wrote:
Everyone,

I have released the 0.0.2 version of my vcd2xml program.

The current version allows you to build VCD/SVCD's disks with multiple mpeg tracks, a main menu, and an mpeg intro. (and combinations of these).

The program can automatically run VCDImager for you (if they are installed in the same directory). It supports the latest beta of HVR's that creates Nero files. So you can either create the default BIN/CUE or a NRG file. Program output from VCDImager is redirected to a Window so you can examine the output for errors or warnings.

Below is a link to a picture of the current interface.

http://home.cinci.rr.com/mhill/vcd2xml.jpg

You can get the program here.

http://home.cinci.rr.com/mhill/vcd2xml-0.0.2.zip

Be aware this is not a "do it all" GUI. It will not allow you to create nested menus and other complex XML files. It was written mainly for a friend of mine and then enhanced some based off feedback from some of my testers.

Check out the readme file for info, warnings, and other information.

Suggestions, bug reports, comments etc are welcome.

I am working on a GUI for the cdrdao.exe program also. No timetable on a release of it though.

_________________
belboz@cinci.rr.com


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Belboz on 2001-07-20 14:05:56 ]</font>
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THats all good with the XML but is there A Tutorial out there that you can learn how to Imput the XML file to winimage? or Even how to Edit and then imput it into the burning of a vcd?

yea i know im stupid

[vitualis]

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On 2001-07-26 09:23:52, timmy_boi wrote:
THats all good with the XML but is there A Tutorial out there that you can learn how to Imput the XML file to winimage? or Even how to Edit and then imput it into the burning of a vcd?

yea i know im stupid
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Your question doesn't actually make sense. The XML file is a descriptor of what the VCD will look like in terms of the PBC and organisation of segment and sequence items.

The XML file doesn't go into the VCD.

Thus there is no need of using Winimage in any way. Consequently there wouldn't be a tutorial on it.

Regard.

[timmy_boi]

Ahh yes but i see people creating an xml file or like a set of commands to like hmmm lest say dividing a movie at set times or a menu command

after creating that how would that be implemented into a vcd?

[vitualis]

Go to the VCDImager site and read the manual. It explains what the XML is about as well as the functioning of the various EXE in VCDImager.

The XML file is ONLY a descriptor file of how the VCD will look. VCDImager uses it to design the interactive content structure and to reference the content. To compile the media files into a CUE/BIN image, you use VCDXBUILD to process the instructions in the XML file and the referenced media files.

I wrote an article on the structure of the XML file used in VCDImager recently: http://www.geocities.com/medinotes/vcd/general_xml_structure.html

Regards.

[timmy_boi]

ok cool

thanx

[garbman1]

First, I used a short mpg movie in the menu and it played fine on my pioneer. I created a movie in SDV which incluced screen captures from each mpg I included on the disk and used title overlay to tell user to press correct number to go to that mpg.

Once it was burt, pressing the correct number would take you to the movie segment you selected. Pressing next would jump you to next segment. Pressing back would return you to previous segment. Letting it play at end of segment would continue on to next segment. hitting return would take you back to menu mpg. ffwrd worked alittle. rwd worked less. Overall I am very happy with the result. BTW the mpg had sound.

Second, I do not get any visible text on screen ie. 1 = first mpg, unless I create it myself in the mpg I enter into the menu is the way it works? If I use a still mpeg should I see menu text super imposed over it?