I have home video files that I have converted into DVD compliant Mpeg2 files. These files are no more than 200megs each. I used Ulead Video Editor to convert them. After that I used a program called TMPGencDVD maker to make a simple dvd...i could fit over 10 of the 200meg files on the dvd, burned it and had no problem. But now, I am making a custom menu (TMPG DVD doesn't really allow for fancy stuff) so I started using DVD ARchitect. My problem with DVD Architect is that the same 200meg source files (which are still on my HD) are being recompressed by DVD Architect....and I can't fit more than 3 of these files because when it recompresses it makes them almost 1.5 gigs each! I've looked everywhere for an option to not recompress, but i can't find it! I should be able to drag and drop and let it burn with the new menu....because the files are already optimized for DVD.... anyone have a clue on how to disable the recompression??? I am also hoping to use this program to make menus and dvds for my friend's directorial debuts, and his files are also DVD Mpeg2 with the correct audio settings, and the program does the same with those. oh, and the people at sony haven't been helpful at all....."Read the manual" isnt good support info when i've read it 3 times
Well it should Only recompress the Files if they are Not Full D1 DVD Compliant Mpeg2 files which Means that they have to be Mpeg2 at 720+480/576-Pal and 29.976fps/25fps and a Video Bitrate under 9800kbs and it Probably checks that the Gop Length is DVD Compliant also...If you are useing one of the other DVD Standards Like the Half D1 or Sif DVD Standatd then it will re-encode the files because it seems it only supports the one DVD Standard because there is Only one 2 Choices in the Project settings and that is NTSC 720+480 29.976fps and Pal 720+576 25fps and no others...Have you Tried DVD-Lab?? it lets you Customize your Menu"s or use any Image or Video Clip as a Menu with it"s own sound Track and it is Much easier to use than DVD architect and accepts Many different DVD Formats even SVCD files on DVD and will not re-encode your Files......Cheers
Thanks...i actually found out that DVD Architect is silly....it will recode it if the audio and video tracks are combined in the mpeg...so basically it wants me to split the mpeg into a MainConcept MPeg2 and a AC3 complaint audio file. I haven't tried DVD Lab actually...Will it let me create my own menu layout? I'm putting about 10 home movies on one dvd...so i don't really want the "video preview thumbnails" that every other dvdmaker makes standard...i just want text links...since my home movies are arranged by date anyways. I would like people to be able to navigate to the Text link, hit enter and be on their way
Hi, Yes you can Make your Own Scene selection Menu"s or use the Ones that come with the Program ,So basicly you are Not stuck with useing the Genaric DVD Layout that other programs use....I usually Put 3 or 4 Movies on each DVD and I make my own Menu"s and Scene selections and audio tracks ,But it does Like to have seperate Audio and Video Files but it will Just demux the ones you have ,This is so the Mux Rate conforms with DVD specs ,Many of the higher end Authoring programs Are Like that....You can download a 30 Day Fully working demo here "http://www.mediachance.com/dvdlab/"......cheers
My Lord! Why isn't this program more advertised? I feel like an idiot for trying all those other programs first! This one is awesome! The demo was so good that I went to purchase it...and it's only 99 dollars!!! That's chump change compared to what my friend spent on Vegas+DVD arhitect. Thanks a Billion Minion! You are my personal DVD hero!
Minion, using DVD LAB, is there some other setting to check after compiling? In the VIDEO_TS folder i get the VTS_01.vob, VTS_01_1.vob...ect...but when i go to burn it, it says "maybe you forgot to compile" ?
Hi ,I noticed a Little Bug in DVD-Lab that you May be running into...There is an Option when Creating the DVD called "Frame Index Chapters" If you enable this Option the DVD will sometimes Not compile Properly..So If you enabled this Option then Try it again without that Option Enabled and then it should Work...And yes DVD-Lab has Lots of Cool features and Is so easy to use that I"m surprised that it isn"t More Popular than it is....Cheers
