OT: Alternative software with lots of themes?

Nathan_Shane wrote on 11/8/2006, 8:54 PM
Okay...I realive we can create our own themes for DVDA 4, but that's too time consuming sometimes when you need to put together something quick and easy for someone. Are there any other DVD programs that offer lots of themes for a quick and easy DVD solution? The free DVDA themes for download here just don't cut it for me and I'm thinking perhaps I might also be creatively inspired by another program's themes.

Comments

PeterWright wrote on 11/8/2006, 11:21 PM
Do you really need complete Themes? If it's just Menu backgrounds you're after, they are very easy to create in a Paint program - or better still in my favourite Graphic Making Program - Vegas.

I always make a new one or several for each project, often using several tracks in Vegas and saving as a still.
Grazie wrote on 11/9/2006, 1:57 AM
I'm with Peter on this one, Nathan. I make all my backgrounds to fit the client. They get a buzz out of seeing there image or having their service/product reflected in the BG. It also show major professionalism on your part too. Meaning, we can all reach for the stock BGs and click done. Why not go that extra 3 centimeters and show-off? You/I are only as good as our last gig. Make that gig pay-off - yeah?

Vegas is a remarkable Graphic tool too. Don't forget that.

You can:

* layer

* Colour Correct

* Fade edges

* compose and text up stuff

* Chroma Key out areas

* Distort

* Give it some funky X-Ray look or heat level with levels!

* Make multiple PiPs

.. . get the picture?

Oh yes, and guess what?? Unlike a "static" graphics package you get to animate your work too! And track motion any/all the elements too! And if need be sync the Audio to Markers too!

.. phew . .gotta lie down now .. .
richard-courtney wrote on 11/9/2006, 6:55 AM
I agree with Vegas and your favorite still photo editor. I don't use the canned
buttons. Since you can make custom highlights I use something found or related
to the main action.

Example: Each year I do a puppets show and we had full sized (5ft) tubes as
characters. These "tubies" danced so I took five stills from the video. Used
PaintShop Pro and made the highlight mask from 5 different dance positions.
Made a great menu.

Check previous posts for two color highlights and motion buttons.
One contributor had a great fighter airplane example with moving props
against blue sky. SPOT had a great example when DVDA 3 came out with
a trio or quartet. The highlight mask the shape of the instruments taken
from a still from the video.

Just some ideas. Good Luck!