Preview audio and video elementary streams in DVDLabPro

[daamon]

Hi all,

I started out authoring with TMPGEnc DVD Author and found the ability to playback both the audio and video - irrespective of whether the source files were elementary or system streams - very useful during the detailing of chapter points.

I've since moved on to DVDLab Pro for greater flexibility and now import only elementary streams, as per the advice given when trying to import system streams or VOBs: namely that there may be audio issues unless elementary streams are imported. I have actually tried to work with MPGs and VOBs in DVDLabPro and experienced just such audio issues.

However, and here's the kicker, when trying to preview in DVDLabPro using the "Audio" tab in the "Preview" window, it says: "Video+Audio can play only on multiplexed (program) files *.mpg, *.vob". Yep - those same file types it warns against!

So, how do you get around this tricky little contradiction when you're setting chapter points and it's useful to hear the audio too?

Cheers.

[guns1inger]

Use the ProTools add-on which can be downloaded free from the DLP forums. In version 1.x you couldn't hear audio at all.

[daamon]

I knew you'd come to the rescue - I almost PM'd you but figured I wouldn't hassle you...

Cheers!

EDIT: Have you got a link or some more to go on? The forums there are like looking for a needle in VideoHelp.com...

[guns1inger]

Your other choice, if this isn't working for you, is to create a text file of chapter times and import them.

Another tip when creating chapter marks - after frame indexing, zoom in on the time line and you get much better accuracy when you adjust the chapter points.

Sorry - just saw your addition: Pro EX now has it's own forum just down from DLP over at MediaChance. This might get you there : http://www.mmbforums.com/phpbb/viewforum.php?f=28&sid=73d7d10c961d854e1ecea2d6204d3493

[daamon]

Your other choice, if this isn't working for you, is to create a text file of chapter times and import them.

It's not that it's not working - I can't find the add-on in the MMB forums... I'm in the middle of Googling, but get loads of links to warez and 5h1t...

Got a link or more info to help me find it? Thanks.

Another tip when creating chapter marks - after frame indexing, zoom in on the time line and you get much better accuracy when you adjust the chapter points.

Hmm... I started off down that route, but the source is DV AVI frameserved straight out of Premiere, so I'd have to use Premiere to figure out where I want my chapters.

I've been reverting back to TDA as described above just to get the approximate HH:MM:SS:FF but it seems to differ from DVDLabPro. It'd be soooo much easier if I could just look and listen to set the chapter points in DVDLabPro.

[GeorgeW]

As guns1inger mentioned -- the ProEx plugin will give you that ability

There's a free version, and a "premium" version (small fee). I think the free version is all you need to get started...

Regards,
George

[daamon]

Sorry - just saw your addition: Pro EX now has it's own forum just down from DLP over at MediaChance. This might get you there : http://www.mmbforums.com/phpbb/viewforum.php?f=28&sid=73d7d10c961d854e1ecea2d6204d3493

It sure did! Thank you!

@ GeorgeW: What does the premium version offer in addition?

[GeorgeW]

@ GeorgeW: What does the premium version offer in addition?

I'm away from my video machine, but if you install ProEx, the documentation should highlight what the differences are between the basic and premium versions.

Regards,
George

[daamon]

the documentation should highlight what the differences are between the basic and premium versions.

I'll take a look. Thanks!

[daamon]

I've had a quick play with the ProEx add-on and, I have to say, that it looks fantastic and is already proving to be extremely useful.

I'd totally recommend it to anyone reading this.