can i make a small graphic a "cursor"

dornier wrote on 12/17/2005, 7:50 AM

Is there a way to render my custom button invisible when it's not being selected?

I've seen quite a few threads on masking but I just want to render a button thumbnail/media/<file> transparent when it doesn't have the focus.

Anyone have a guidance on this?

Thanks!

Comments

richard-courtney wrote on 12/17/2005, 1:45 PM

In DVDA when you select the color there is an alpha setting. The lower the
number makes it more transparent.

Look at Menu Page Properties - Color Sets
Click on the color bar for color set (usually color set 2). A down arrow will appear
to the right
Click on the down arrow
a popup box will appear and in the upper left corner of that box is
the alpha vertical slider, slide it down. Adjust the fill, antialias, outline, and
transparent color alpha settings.

I did this for a DVD that had a dancing figure. Only the selected button with
the character in a different pose was visable.

jrazz wrote on 12/17/2005, 7:52 PM

RCourtney,
Could you post that somewhere? I would like to download the dar file and associated files with it and view it if you don't care. Thanks

j razz

dornier wrote on 12/18/2005, 8:23 AM

Well, I thought I fooled with Alpha's enough, but I probably was sliding too many at one time.

I'll go back in and try your suggestion. Thanks for the time taken!

I too would like to see your example if you don't mind.

jim

dornier wrote on 12/18/2005, 9:50 AM

I had forgotten to include this in my last response, but the color set you were referring to--would that be assigned to the "inactive" color set?

Thanks.

jim

jrazz wrote on 12/18/2005, 2:23 PM

Thanks.

richard-courtney wrote on 12/18/2005, 4:43 PM

Yes. Making color set 2 for the inactive color set gives you
more flexability.

Method 1:
Using a custom mask and adjusting color set 2 to invisable
will hide inactactive highlight even if you are using a moving background or a gradient fill background.

Method 2:
If you have a solid color background you can hide the button
including a moving thumbnail by making the active color
(color set 1) transparent by lowering alpha and making
color set 2 fill color the same as the background.
(the forum.zip in my post below uses this method)

dornier wrote on 12/19/2005, 6:05 PM

I tried the alpha settings on color set 2, but it's not working.

My custom button has three colors: red, blue, and white. In fact its a replica of the "london underground" rail logo.

My background is a simple jpg of some scenery.

Changing the color set's alpha value doesn't seem to do it, nor does changing the entire colorset to "none/transparent".

I must be missing something obvious here.

richard-courtney wrote on 12/20/2005, 6:28 AM

In the Menu Page Properties - General tab make sure you have COLOR SET 2 enabled for the Inactive button colors.

When using more than one color for the highlight you may not get
exactly what you want, Stuart Little 2 used two colors for the diamond ring graphic.

If you can get it figured out send me an email (click on UserName)
and I can arrange to look at your files. (if not busy wrapping Christmas presents)

dornier wrote on 12/20/2005, 3:30 PM

I might have to send it to you.

Does this require my background to match the mask colors?

I think I'm digging myself into a (w)hole of confusion.

richard-courtney wrote on 12/20/2005, 4:44 PM

Sorry if I am confusing you.

I have used two methods in the past:
1) Use highlight colors in a custom shape as the "cursor"
2) Use the color to hide inactive motion buttons. (the example posted for jrazz)

To hide a motion button you MUST match the color of the highlight to the solid background. You can have as much detail as you want and the logo could spin
around if you have 3D talent!

A custom shape example would be like the diamond ring in "Stuart Little 2" menus.
It is only two colors.

billcoffin wrote on 11/13/2006, 1:09 PM

First, a thanks to RCourtney, who exchanged email with me to help me understand this. I think it worthwhile to post his advice to me, because it all came clear. (Hint to Sony: this is really easy in DVDlab, how about improving things in DVD Arch. Studio?)

Anyway, here are the instructions that helped me:

Start a new Menu Based project
insert an EMPTY button
Under Button Properties:
Media -- Button Style select: Image only
Highlight -- Style select: Custom
-- Mask
replace None with your button image file
-- Mask Mapping
change Transparency to Intensity

Add additional buttons as needed.
Preview your project.

So simple!