Hi

just wondering if anyone can help here--I have a lot of dvds I have created on my dvd recorder-now I want to transfer them to computer and make menus-do I have to somehow convert these files in order to make menus and what programs do any of you suggest that is easiest to use and if possible free programs:)

well i think the easyest one would be dvd author TMPGenc

I know that if you copy a .vob file to your computer hdd you can rename it as a mpeg file by just changing the extension to .mpg. From there you can put it into any dvd creation software and add menus.

I have used this method because it is such a simple process, but I am pretty sure that you will lose disc space using the above method.

I hope someone calls me an idiot and shares a more effective way!!

BTW you only have the right to call me an idiot if you DO have a more effective way.

Mr. Smart

sent you an email that should help clear things up a little.
Any questions you know how to reach me.

Joker

It's not always as easy as renaming a vob to mpg. Sometimes a title can extend over multiple vobs. I use DVD Decryptor (free) to rip the title I want. If I want to edit it (remove commercials, etc), I use Videoredo. Then to author, I use DVD Lab. I also have Nero Ultra, but prefer DVD Lab. Check the message boards at videohelp.com and afterdawn.com for more detailed info.

the most powerfull menu tool you can own,all be it NOT a cheap program, is probably Adobe after effects. combine that program with any converter (EX: convert vob files to avi files) and you have a powerfull menu solution.

the big stumbling block is the "learning curve." a perfectly assembled dvd isn't something that happens over night. it takes alot of time, patience, and the learning never stops!

i guess it all depends on what exactly your after? if your after a SIMPLE still menu with back ground music then most DVD programs (EX: NERO) can walk you through assembling a simple DVD. if your after complex menu design and stunning motion menus then that truly is an art-form.

ive been spending alot of time perfecting my "COACH" series. motion menus, proper order, episode selection screens etc....

ive enclosed a few screen shots as EXAMPLES of how powerfull adobe after effects can be.

best of luck! don't give up. its a long learning process, but if your a true hobbiest, youl enjoy the loooooooong journey

regards:wave:

thank you everyone for your kind input and a big thank you to the Joker I will let you all know how my fisrst disc comes out--only one problem Iwant to add music to the background of my menus but the version of TMPGEnc DVD Author does not have it?

btw-Sugar ray sweet menus! maybe one day I will be as good as you

Tsunami DVD Author Pro (upgrade to TMPGEnc DVD Author) has the ability to add music to a menu background and alot more.

okay since I am on a tight buget is there a program that I can use a jpeg image and add a wav sound and then convert it to a mpeg and insert this into my menu to give the same affect of menu music in the background

Do you have TMPGEnc (the MPEG2 encoder program)? If so, I think you can take both a JPEG and a Wav file as input, and save it out as MPEG2.

I have TMPGEnc DVD Author is that the same?

No. The other TMPGenc program is an mpeg2 encoder (converts avi and other files to mpeg2), and allows for color correction and more. Last time I checked, I think they still have a free trial for it.

http://www.tmpgenc.net/e_main.html

thank you ninjastriker I will check it out and see if I can find any serial keys to unlock my trial versions:) nice stuff on your site btw.I tried clicking on the site you provided www.digitalfaq.com but there's nothing there?it tells me not authourized to view site???

you can always get the free trials of these and download the serials and hacks to make them work fully. no need to spend anything.


Hmmm... recommending that someone steal software... that's pathetic.

Of course the TRIAL versions are legit. But sorry, Buckaroo, downloading serial numbers & hacking the software with them IS stealing. And not just "ethically". It's 100% illegal. No grey areas. I'm sure you're aware of this. Otherwise, why would trial software either be not fully functional or have a time limit on it? Or even be called TRIAL? Surely you don't want us to think you're that dumb....

And yes, recommending to someone that they do something illegal, such as steal software, is pathetic.

you can always get the free trials of these and download the serials and hacks to make them work fully. no need to spend anything.


i didn't recommend to steal software,

Apparently, you must not have a good understanding of the English language.

And yes, recommending to someone that they do something illegal, such as steal software, is pathetic.


AND what's even more pathetic is calling someone out on it publicly.
What are you a narc or something?

Mods would have taken care of the problem once they saw the post.

I have contacted you privately- But let me state this in the open

"you can always get the free trials of these and download the serials and hacks to make them work fully. no need to spend anything."

This is poor advice and illegal.

This advice is under the same stem as giving directions on how to dowload bootleg movies-
It goes against the policy of SitcomsOnline.

To avoid paying for any item, either by download- or misregistration is illegal, and considered piracy.



SavageAmusement

wow-sorry this thread has turned the wrong way. I may be new to this board but I am a member on many boards, and if you have a problem with someone's post contact directly via pm not in the public forum. I have been so grateful with the amount of help and feedback that I have recieved by many members here it is unbelievable!. I think redwine you missed the point by that much I I. Thanks again everyone for all the help keep it coming! I do not believe ninjastriker was trying to post anything bad he was only being helpful as this is all a hobby for us all.

No one is in trouble, I think you took my post a little too severe :)

Which is why I contacted the member privately.
However since RedWhine addressed the issue, I wanted to as well.

The rest of the advice in this thread was perfectly sound and very very useful, and using a programs, or benefiting from a free trial- is perfectly logical.

But once the free trial is over, if you feel you benefitted from the program the honest way to handle it is to purchase the item obviously.

However I will state this, many areas differe, but I have found our Library to have many many programs, that can be used if a free trial is not for you.
AND as well, local universities often have shareware licensing agreements.

So don't be afraid to check out both options to save money-

I, too have been a member of MANY message boards over the past 15 plus years, so I am familiar with 'netiquette. If someone publicly states they steal cigarettes, beer or software & is publicly encouraging others to do so as well & even giving them pointers on how to do so, I hardly think it's inappropriate to point out, publicly, that this is illegal.

I, too have been a member of MANY message boards over the past 15 plus years, so I am familiar with 'netiquette. If someone publicly states they steal cigarettes, beer or software & is publicly encouraging others to do so as well & even giving them pointers on how to do so, I hardly think it's inappropriate to point out, publicly, that this is illegal.


Yes, but you didn't let it go there.

You proceeded to call this person "dumb" and unable to comprehend the english language when they tried to explain themself.

Now, according to the Sitcoms By-Laws this is in violation of rule #4


4. Message Policy: No personal attacks - do not bring your instant messages, private e-mails or messages to the board. No derogatory comments against other posters, including slurs based on race, religion, gender, sexual preference, or political affiliation. No snide remakrs directed toward other users. No personal threats or harassment. No impersonation of other users. Do not act in a matter interpreted as condescending towards other users. They have just as much right to express their opinion as you. ANY Sitcoms Online user caught making racist and/or derogatory comments towards country, region, or group of people, OR ANY SITCOMS ONLINE MEMBER, will be suspended. Any future violations will result in either an extended suspension, or banning. Any user with moderation-level control of the site whom is suspended may lose moderator priveledges.


But of course some people get a FREE PASS around here and nothing was said.
So in fact there are 2 sets of RULES.

Yes, but you didn't let it go there.

You proceeded to call this person "dumb" and unable to comprehend the english language when they tried to explain themself.



Ummm...no, I didn't call them "dumb". Please read & comprehend what was written. And if you can call "explaining themself" suggesting someone steal software, then denying they suggested stealing software & then a statement or two later indicating yes, he knows it's illegal & indicating that it's ok to mentor someone in illegal activities & that it's then up to that person what they will do with it...well...

Spin it any way you like but you were rude, condescending (as you normally are with 99% of your posts) and just plain being a ..... (i'll let your imagination fill in the blank).

It is not your place to administer the law around here. (just use that handy "REPORT POST" button you are so fond of. I know how much you like to use it)

I use iDVD, which lets you create your own DVD's, to burn my "Facts of Life" discs, and it burns ANY file no matter WHAT the extention is, .mpeg, .avi, .mov, .mp4, .vob, etc. Below is some pictures of some of the menu's on my Facts of Life DVD's.

Here's an example of what I did using Tsunami DVD Author Pro (motion menus inside the rings) and Adobe Photoshop.

Kevin (Padre)

okay question to all, when using photoshop for the menus how do you make the titles become active in TMPGEnc DVD Author? there is no tool to make these areas hot spots? sorry I am still new at this and just want to use my own menu creations instead of the standard templates that are included-btw very nice menus guys!

Well, typically you use Photoshop to create your menu background artwork (in my example, the picture of Atlantis, ocean and sky). You choose that as your background in T.DVD Author (TDA). You can 'edit' your screen layout and move things all over the place, as well as replace the frames (where the motion menus play the short clip from the episode) with your own frames - what I did with the Atlantis frames.

You might want to google for some TDA tutorials, there have to be some on the net to get you started.