From capture to DVD burn-- I need help

bravado15 wrote on 2/8/2003, 7:21 PM
Essentially, I'd like step by step instruction on how to get the best final product. I'm a little longwinded here, but read at least the next paragraph to respond, thanks!

OK. My goal is this: High quality DVD+R or -R (I'm getting the new Sony DVD writer) slideshows. Say, 200 pics, zooming and cropping quite a few, to make it interesting. Background music and titles.
What's the best route from start (scanning pics) to finish (DVD authoring software).


Here's how I think is the best from what I've been reading:
1. scan pics 655 x 480 jpg format.
2. throw them onto the timeline. add transitions, pan/zoom, add music.
3. make movie in mpeg2 format, NTSC DV (29.95 mpeg2 codec from sonic factory)
-->here is where I have to stop now, cause I haven't gotten my DVD burner, but from what I hear, here is the way I plan to finish:
4. put my various chapters (each chapter will be its own mgeg file) into Video Fac2 and add chapters and menus and stuff from vid factory.
5. Burn DVD in desired format (-R or +R).

OK. Now, stopping at step 3, I play back the file on my Win Media Player (with all the performance maxed out) and the picture quality is fine, mostly. But sometimes- especially when zooming- parts of the picture kind of shakes slightly (high contrast areas?). Is this because of the Media player, and something that will go away when burned and played on DVD player?
Or- is it something when I render to MPEG2 (it seems to be exactly the same when I render to AVI). Or, something I can't avoid, or something I'm missing?
And finally, do I have the right idea about when I get my burner?

Thanks in advance for your help!!

Comments

ralphied wrote on 2/8/2003, 10:48 PM
Step 1: I wouldn't worry about scanning the pictures at 655x480. If you're going through the trouble of scanning, why not just use a higher resolution for permanent storage in case you would ever want to print them out? VF can take a higher resolution scan and bring it down to the proper format. When I did a slideshow video, I scanned the photos at 200 or 300 dpi in Adobe Photoshop Home Edition and then saved them in JPEG format to keep the file size down.

Step 2: Looks good.

Step 3: Do you have a DV camcorder? I would suggest rendering DV .AVI file and then print it to DV tape on the camcorder for permanent storage. You can also render to MPEG2 in addition for the DVD authoring part.

Step 4: You can't add 'chapters' or 'menus' in VF. These are added at the DVD authoring stage. You need a separate program from VF to do this. I use Ulead DVD Movie Factory and it does a nice job for the price ($45). Version 2 just came out in January and is a nice improvement over an already-good Version 1. Free download of fully-functional package is available for 30-day trial period at 'ulead.com'.

Also, you cannot make a chapters out of separate MPEG files. Chapters can only be created within a given MPEG file. For example, if the entire slideshow consisting of the 200 photos is rendered to a single MPEG file, then chapter points can be added at the DVD authoring stage for certain points within the file. In a DVD authoring program, each separate MPEG file is seen as a 'title' that will appear on the main title screen. Chapters appear on sub-menus below the main title from which they're made. You'll better see how this works when you start working with a DVD authoring program.

Step 5: This will be done in the DVD authoring package.

As for the 'flickering' of certain high contract edges, I have experienced the same thing on a slideshow I did. It only occurred on a scanned black-and-white copy of an awards certificate. I think this issue is not specific to VF but to other video packages as well because the same effect happened in VideoWave. My suggestion is simply to be aware of the problem and do your best to avoid and/or work around it.

You've picked an excellent program in VF to build your slideshow video especially when adding background music. VF gives you very good control over syncing the video with the audio.

Good luck!
bravado15 wrote on 2/8/2003, 11:14 PM
Thanks for all the pointers.
On a side note: When I was referring to "Video Factory" in step 4 (dvd authoring) I meant to type "DVD Movie Factory!" woops.
Which by the way, I have downloaded the trial version and I see what you mean about chapters and such. It's a bit limiting, but overall- great. I've just burned a VCD to test things while I wait for my DVD burner. Everything is working out nicely.
Now anyone out there want to way in on the pros and cons of DVD Complete comparing directly to DVD Movie Factory?