Need Tips On Making Menus - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

mr_smart · 01-22-2006, 01:56 PM

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

KonfusionFTC · 01-22-2006, 02:11 PM

well i think the easyest one would be dvd author TMPGenc

hounds64 · 01-22-2006, 02:34 PM

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.

y2k3Joker · 01-22-2006, 02:46 PM

Mr. Smart

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

Joker

RedWhine56 · 01-22-2006, 05:03 PM

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.

sugar ray · 01-22-2006, 05:38 PM

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

mr_smart · 01-22-2006, 07:50 PM

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

padre · 01-22-2006, 09:37 PM

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

mr_smart · 01-22-2006, 11:58 PM

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

padre · 01-23-2006, 12:04 AM

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.

mr_smart · 01-23-2006, 12:11 AM

I have TMPGEnc DVD Author is that the same?

padre · 01-23-2006, 09:25 AM

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

mr_smart · 01-23-2006, 12:58 PM

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???

RedWhine56 · 01-23-2006, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ninjastriker

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.

RedWhine56 · 01-23-2006, 03:14 PM

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.

01-22-2006, 01:56 PM	#1
mr_smart Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Jan 18, 2006 Posts: 51	Need Tips On Making Menus 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

01-22-2006, 05:03 PM	#5
RedWhine56 Sleigh? What sleigh? Forum Regular Join Date: Aug 03, 2005 Location: In the "Secret Room" with the cronies! Posts: 756	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.
	__________________ Off to Never, Never Land... ...Metallica

01-22-2006, 05:38 PM	#6
sugar ray Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Feb 02, 2004 Location: Canada Posts: 133	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 Attached Images

01-22-2006, 02:11 PM	#2
KonfusionFTC Cobra Kai Never Dies Senior Member Join Date: Aug 09, 2003 Location: Southern California Posts: 1,381	well i think the easyest one would be dvd author TMPGenc

01-22-2006, 02:34 PM	#3
hounds64 Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Jan 25, 2005 Posts: 73	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.

01-22-2006, 02:46 PM	#4
y2k3Joker Why So Serious? Senior Member Join Date: Aug 28, 2003 Location: Arkham Asylum Posts: 1,256	Mr. Smart sent you an email that should help clear things up a little. Any questions you know how to reach me. Joker

01-22-2006, 07:50 PM	#7
mr_smart Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Jan 18, 2006 Posts: 51	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

01-22-2006, 09:37 PM	#8
padre Cookie baker Frequent Poster Join Date: May 09, 2004 Location: Pennsylvania, US Posts: 389	Tsunami DVD Author Pro (upgrade to TMPGEnc DVD Author) has the ability to add music to a menu background and alot more.

01-22-2006, 11:58 PM	#9
mr_smart Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Jan 18, 2006 Posts: 51	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

01-23-2006, 12:04 AM	#10
padre Cookie baker Frequent Poster Join Date: May 09, 2004 Location: Pennsylvania, US Posts: 389	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.

01-23-2006, 12:11 AM	#11
mr_smart Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Jan 18, 2006 Posts: 51	I have TMPGEnc DVD Author is that the same?

01-23-2006, 09:25 AM	#12
padre Cookie baker Frequent Poster Join Date: May 09, 2004 Location: Pennsylvania, US Posts: 389	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

01-23-2006, 12:58 PM	#13
mr_smart Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Jan 18, 2006 Posts: 51	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???

01-23-2006, 03:14 PM	#15
RedWhine56 Sleigh? What sleigh? Forum Regular Join Date: Aug 03, 2005 Location: In the "Secret Room" with the cronies! Posts: 756	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.