Using DVDA to create multimedia presentations

mestivo wrote on 1/21/2005, 12:29 PM
I am creating a multimedia presentation ( basically a training video with both video and files ) and wondering if it is possible to do with with just DVDA. this would be used in computers only and here is what i want it to do:

*Have a menu pop up on the screen upon load ( easily done with autorun.inf )

*Have that menu contain links that can lead either to video or to documentation, where the links to the video can just play and then come back to the menu, and the links to the documentation can either just open up a folder or open up another menu with links to actual files. ( no bloody clue on how to have the folder or the files linked to,. i thought about using Flash to do the whole thing but had already purchased Vegas with DVDA so was hoping to be able to use this.

any help or information on this is appreciated, i hope my question isn't too thrown together.

Comments

ScottW wrote on 1/21/2005, 12:53 PM
Hah! I beat Rob to it!

You can use DVDA to author the DVD, but you can't use it to burn the DVD (it diesn't support hybrid DVD's) or to put your link stuff in. For burning, use Nero or CopyToDVD and for the links, if you've got an extra $600:

http://estore.sonic.com/enu/edvd/default.asp

--Scott
mestivo wrote on 1/21/2005, 1:26 PM
my main concern is the "link stuff", could you recommend another program that can basically create a stand alone menu that does what im looking for?

all i want is a front end that can link to my media (movies and files/folders) and have it presented in a nice looking fashion. i want the cd/dvd that i burn to be completely self reliant so that i dont have problems with users comps not having the right software.

and $600 seems a little steep for this one time project so i dont know if edvd is a feasible solution
ScottW wrote on 1/21/2005, 2:44 PM
You can't author a DVD to have actual links to other content, you have to use something like eDVD and InterActual Player.

However, if you give up on the concept of creating a DVD Video, then something like MultiMedia Builder may be the thing you need - surf over to www.mediachance.com and download the free 30 day trial (fully functional as I recall); then it's only $45 or $60 (if you get MP3 support with it). I know it can handle MPEG-1 video, I don't remember what other formats.

--Scott
mestivo wrote on 1/21/2005, 3:02 PM
thanx scott, i actually have MMB mp3 and just made the connection that what i want isn't really a video but a multi media presentation. i guess i was just looking for an excuse to use dvda, so i didnt really think it through. ah well, eventually one of these days i will be able to pass off actual "work" by playing with dvda.
bStro wrote on 1/21/2005, 3:43 PM
Hah! I beat Rob to it!

I thought I'd let you have first crack. ;)

Rob
bStro wrote on 1/21/2005, 3:51 PM
Does your project have to be compatible with DVD players? I ask because there are quite a few programs (free or cheap) for creating multimedia CD-ROMs like you're describing. There may even be some that make DVD-ROMs.

http://hyper-publish.com/
http://www.leadsign.com/autorunner.html
http://www.pollensoftware.com/autorun/maestro.html

Rob
mestivo wrote on 1/24/2005, 12:43 PM
it doesnt have to be compatible with dvd players, i was just looking to use dvda because our video guy is using vegas. its going to be for a kiosk style table set up/ tutorial cd that can autoplay... so i think mmb will work fine, it just doesnt seem all that professional looking but if it can output a nice looking standalone then i will be happy. thanx for all the help.