Padding in DVD Author 3

[pepegot1]

DVD Author 3 shows grid lines and what will be seen on the TV. If the clip goes over the TV lines, is there a way to pad this so as to fit in the TV zone? Does DVD Author 4 have this capability?
The resize options in DVD 3 are : 1. Display at original size 2. Always fit to window 3. Fit if larger than window only.
This does absolutely nothing.
However, I can pad using XMedia Recode and it does a fine job. Why doesn't TMpGenc provide this capability?

[usually_quiet]

Are you are talking about a menu background? I don't think that most authoring programs allow you to actually edit menu backgrounds beyond automatically resizing them to the correct PAl/NTSC resolution. People generally prepare them ahead of time using a grahics program when they want something else to happen, or use the standard background(s) provided by the software.

[pepegot1]

Yes, it is the Menu Background.

[filmboss80]

I do not use DVD Author, but regardless, I never use a DVD authoring program to do my menu graphics. You're likely going to have to use Photoshop or some other graphics image program to add 10% around all edges of your menu background. But your new image must remain at the required dimensions for backgrounds (i.e., either 720 x 480 or 640 x 480 for 4:3 aspect ratio; check DVD Author's requirements). Thus, you would have to shrink and drop the old background image inside the new background image to get the outer borders you need.

[yoda313]

I have dvd author 2 but don't fool around too much with menus. I always use the stock settings and stock templates.

Are you sure the "fit to window" doesn't do anything? That would seem to be the logical choice to me.

[pepegot1]

Yes I am sure-"Fit to Window" did nothing for me. However, "Xmedia Recode" did an excellent job. So, I can do it, but TDC 3 & 4 could included that as a nice option that would save time, or so I think? The background was in AVI annimation-not a JPG.

[usually_quiet]

The last version of TDA that I tried did not support motion menus, so I assumed you were asking about a still menu. I don't know why it doesn't allow a moving background to be resized, or if later versions do.

GFD, which I use now, also does what you are asking for. I can resize animation to fit in a smaller space. It's freeware, versitile, and a very good program in many ways, but not as easy to use as TDA or TAW.