Comments

bStro wrote on 10/18/2004, 7:54 AM
Those are functions of a DVD-ROM. DVD Architect only authors DVD-Video.

You can make a hybrid of a DVD-ROM and DVD-Video, but not with DVD Architect.

Rob
RBartlett wrote on 10/22/2004, 8:44 AM
I wouldn't say this is a DVD-ROM only option. Whilst this is an option in the Hollywood authoring tools it is possible that it is not in the DVD-Forum's DVD-Video spec. However discs dating back many years have supported WEB URLs within DVD menus. They (URLs) aren't commonplace and may have been why early PAL published discs like "The Matrix" had some set top player issues way back when. Some care may be needed in how they are used to also aid compatibility. Like a PC-options link off an extended-features menu.....

These days, the games console, Internet browser and DVD player are integrating to the TV/home-cinema. So if the spec says it supports URLs in a way that won't baulk on the tools that are used to test compliancy (which I'm sure Sony Madison possess), then it would make a nice DVDA 3.0 addition. However I suspect that future releases of DVDA would be bringing more than URLs to the table ;)

It maybe possible to master a files version of a DVD with a place-marker link and then use IfoEdit to modify this to become a URL. Something for the more inquiring mind to pursue..... (inquiring mind who possesses a DVD-Video that does the URL thing somewhere in the menu - usually quite deep down).

I also know that what I have seen are not hybrid DVDs. I was able to select the links within the old CreativeLabs Encore DXR3 player (that is how far back this was being used in commercial movie discs). Since Maestro and Scenarist have either sundowned or remained unreachable for mortals - I suspect URLs are just something Hollywood tends to skirt over now when they knock out the large majority of discs.
bStro wrote on 10/22/2004, 1:39 PM
However discs dating back many years have supported WEB URLs within DVD menus.

Yeah, I know. And they're hybrid / enhanced DVDs. DVD-Video discs that also have DVD-ROM content on them, which DVD Architect currently does not produce.

DVD FAQ: What are the features od DVD-Video?
DVD FAQ: What's a hybrid DVD?

I also know that what I have seen are not hybrid DVDs. I was able to select the links within the old CreativeLabs Encore DXR3 player

Correct me if I'm wrong, but that's a DVD-ROM drive, no? So it's no surprise that it can read the DVD-ROM portions of hybrid DVDs.

Rob
JSWTS wrote on 10/22/2004, 4:20 PM
It is indeed DVD-ROM material on a DVD-Video, but it is possible, and you see it more and more with commercial dvd's, to have both worlds. Interactual Technologies is the '800 lb' gorilla in this arena. It's the app that comes included with such dvd's that allows you to access or launch extra content (like SpiderMan, Harry Potter, Star Wars, etc). The discs play just fine on a set top or computer, but requires the Interactual player to access the extra content or links. Apple uses DVD@ccess to do similar things, but the down side to that is that it works on a majority of recent Mac's, and few PC's. Interactual tech (which is now owned by Sonic) has a much greater penetration on both sides.

I have been using Sonic's eDVD which allows for web linking and launching of pdf, jpeg, and other graphic files. I have been using it with ReelDVD and Apple's DVD Studio Pro and it works great with that. I haven't built a project in DVD-A to see if it works, but suspect it would. There is a 10 day/10 use trial (whichever comes first) of the app on Sonic's website.

Jim
PeterWright wrote on 10/22/2004, 7:37 PM
Opening files and URL and email links in DVD menus were possible authoring with SpruceUp, but to make it possible there was a special Web enabled version of WinDVD called Syzygy, which auto loaded from disc when played on PC.

Personally I would love to see DVDA add this functionality.
JSWTS wrote on 10/22/2004, 8:19 PM
Peter,

The web linking functionality with SpruceUp only worked with 'DVDonCD' or mini-dvd's. Pinnacle's Impression Pro offered(s) the same option, but again it was only for dvd content on cd's. Interactual technologies interface is the only reliable one I know of for linking of this type with DVD's, except for some proprietary systems used by 'the big boys' in Hollywood. I seriously doubt that we will see features like this in DVD-A, unless Sonic finds it profitable to them to license the technology out to other vendors (like they did with their authorscript and dvd engine to Adobe, which Encore is based on).
It'a taken years for Interactual to penetrate the market, and then Sonic bought them out. The head start they have in this arena makes it difficult for anyone else to do it. However, we will start seeing HD disc creation options in the not so distant future, and the changes in the spec may allow for a 'new' player on the field.

Jim