Well I think I understand now what they want. The normally work with CDs that have content such as autoplay and flash type files. Basically a webpage interactive type of CD. They say what they usually do is have the files ( I guess either on their computer or on a web page) and they play the files interactively on the computer and verify that the CD does the same as far as navigation, content etc.

I don't know of anything that would allow you to do that with a DVD other than send them the TS folder. But then they would have to know how to work with that. I don't think they are used to working with DVDs thanks for you input.

Dave T2

Do they think it is a DVD-ROM as opposed to a DVD-Video ?

geoff

Geoff,

No, it is a DVD that I authored, but I think they are wanting to treat it like a DVD Rom or CD.

Dave T2

Just ask them what it is they want.

jay,

I did, but it still doesn't make any sense to me. I think they want a file version of the DVD that they can check against the mastered DVD to make sure it works correctly. They said the want like a website version of the DVD. Which I told them a DVD is not structured like a website, so that would not work.

But my feeeling is, put the DVD in a DVD player, hit the menus, if it works fine.

I guess I will figure something out. thanks everybody's input.

Dave T2

I can't see how it matters anyway since all you're asking them to do is duplicate it. Surely the best source for any information they could possibly need is ... the master DVD itself.

A they seem to have little concept of what your DVD is, I would tend to be looking elsewhere - for a company that does understand the basics.

geoff

Dave,
With the pdf they're requesting, is it possible they're looking for something similar to the "flowchart" view that you would get in the ancient top tier authoring programs like Scenarist? I haven't touched it in a decade but it wouldn't surprise me if that view was called "characteristics."
Otherwise, I think I'd give them the TS folder, refer them to PowerDVD, and say "Here's your file version."

Larry

Kelly and Geoff, the client is asking for the information, not the mastering company.

Dave, obviously there has been a communication breakdown. Ask them what it is they want to accomplish by having the characteristics of the DVD--what will they have after you deliver it that they don't have now.

You're trying to figure it out is not getting them what they want and it is frustrating you.

Just keep probing until you understand what it is they want. Only then can you provide the answer, presuming there is one.

On the other hand, if your presumption is correct, do exactly that. Sit them down and go through the DVD with them and "show" them that it works properly. A flow chart will prove nothing.

Larry,

That might be the ticket. Maybe they need a navigation flowchart that they can compare with the actual navigation. this is one of those situations where it is the client of our client who is making the request, and although I have talked to their client, I still am just guessing. Anyway I have suggested a flowchart as a solution and will see how they respond.

Thanks
Dave T2

Jay,

Yeah, I am getting frustrated. This is the client of our client and although I have talked directly to them, I don't deal with this world of distribution so I don't understand the process. But I think Atom12's suggestion of a PDF flowchart actually could satisfy them. I have passed that on to my client and she will persue it with hers. I used Adobe Encore for the authoring (since that is what we use where I work) and I know it has a flowchart screen, but I don't know yet if I can print that or if I will have to make it by hand.

Thanks for your input, I really appreciate you all taking the time to help.

Dave T2

Geoff,

As Jay said, this is the client, not the mastering/replicating company making this request.

Thanks for your suggestions though.,

Dave T2

Chienworks,

As Jay replied, this is the client of my client, not the replicating company. I have offered Larry's suggestion of the PDF Flowchart as a solution. Hopefully that will satisfy them.

Thanks for your input.

Dave T2

I hope that satisfies your client, and having never even opened Encore I will have to give it a look. I used to love the flowchart view in scenarist because lots of information and any errors would be identified at each node. If Encore does something similar I'll have to check it out. As I get older, I love the comfort of old familiar interfaces. LOL.

Yeah scenarist gives a lot of information, but boy, is it a challenge to use.

Encore's flowchart is a bit more basic. But it may be enough. Jay suggested I grab a screenshot, so that is what I will try.

Thanks again.
Dave T2

For what it's worth, Encore will produce a Flash version of a DVD project suitable for upload to a web server. I do that for one of my clients who wants DVDs and also a version for the web.

John,

Thanks, I have never used that feature. I will research it.

Dave T2

"Charcteristics of the DVD"

Tell 'em:
- Round
- 120mm diameter
- 1.2mm thick
- Hole in the middle

;-)

geoff

@ geoff - lol

yeah lol

Dave T2