goddi

Greetings, I want to create a PTE show, using my Windows PC, that will be playable on a Mac. I have read through the Forum on this subject but I did not find an answer, at least one that I could understand. I don't have a Mac to test things out on so I am at a disadvantage. 1st question: What is the difference in choosing "HD Video for PC and Mac (MP4)" and "Executable file for Mac" when you want to create a slideshow to play on a Mac? 2nd question: I don't know the difference between a Mac and a Big Mac. So, can you tell me exactly which Mac these files will play on? Which Mac OS is needed? The person that I want to send it to says he has a "Mac". He is hard to reach so that is all I know at the moment. Thanks...Gary

================== Peter, Speaking of getting the best out of this Forum, I'd like to ask a question about the Search function. Many times I have tried to search on words that are 4 letters or less in length, such as "MP4". But I get the warning: "One or all of your search keywords were below 4 characters or you searched for words which are not allowed, such as 'html', 'img', etc, please go back and increase the length of these search keywords or choose different keywords." Is there a good reason for this restriction? Can it be removed? It really puts a crimp in trying to find information. Thanks...Gary

Greetings, Sad, indeed. When I would read one of his postings, I hardly could grasp what he was up to. But I knew he was pushing PTE to new heights, new possibilities, new discoveries. I marveled at his understanding of PTE and his devotion to make it better. What a loss. Sincere sympathies to his family. Sincerely, Gary

================= Peter, I, too, would like to keep my filenames short. But as I have progressed in learning and in technology, they are getting longer and longer. For example, when I started using PTE, it was simple. I created an exe with an aspect ratio (AR) of 4:3 for the computer screen. So the filename was “filename.exe”. Then, I got into making them with an AR of 16:9. So the filename was “filename-16x9.exe”. Then, I did not like the black bars on the right and left sides. I decided to zoom in on each image to extend the images left and right to remove the black bars and crop off the top and bottoms of each image to get the full 16:9 effect. So the filename was “filename-16x9z.exe”. Then, I got into making the MP4s. I use the 16x9z exe file and choose ‘HD1920x1080’ and ‘Low Quality’ (I see no difference between HQ and LQ, saves space) and turn off the ‘Pan and Scan’. The filename is now “filename-16x9z-HD1920x1080LQ-PSN.mp4. This is the only way I can keep track of what is going on and remember what the heck I did while I am converting all of my previous versions. Gary :blink:

============================ Yachtsman1... Yes, but there are limitations on how small you can make them. I'd rather not have the second file panel taking up any space at all. I just need a quicker way to get to the Desktop. Thanks...Gary Nobeefstu... Bingo!!! I think that just adding an icon for the Desktop would be very useful and a simple way of addressing the problem. It would not change the current setup but would add functionality. I hope Igor is listening. Thanks... Gary

======================= Greetings, I have tried your settings. What I don't like is that 'Show Tree' inserts a second window that takes up space. I don't see why we can't just get the full file/folder listing without the second window. I now see that Peter had the 'Show Tree' checked, so he also had both file panels opened. It seems logical for me that when you have the C:\ chosen (without Show Tree checked), that you should be able to click on 'One Level Up' and get the Desktop. Or, we should be able to get the entire hard drive's file/folder listing in file panel. The 'Show Tree' takes up too much monitor space. I now see what I have to do to get to the Desktop (without using 'Show Tree'), but I don't think it is user-friendly or intuitive. Thanks...Gary

================== Peter, Thanks for the screenshot. Interesting. When I look at my listing, it only shows the folders in C:\ (down to the Xilisoft folder). But no drives or Desktop. So I must have something set differently from your settings. So, I went into 'View' and clicked on 'Show Tree'. Ok...I get the full tree listing with all my drives and Desktop, etc. (down to the Xilisoft folder plus the drives and Desktop). Great. But...it keeps the other first file listing too. How can I get rid of the first one listing and keep the second one, so it looks like yours??? Take a look at my attachment. You will see the 2 listings. The one on the right shows what I usually get; only the folders in C:\. The file listing on the left shows what I get when I click on 'Show Tree'. How do I get it to look like your single list of files and drive and the Desktop? Thanks... Gary

=============== Ronnie, Ok...I downloaded/installed the Trial version of Nero 9. I did notice that on their webpage they say: "AVCHD authoring and playback as well as MPEG-4 and BD-AV formats are not supported in the Nero 9 trial version.". Gee, thanks Nero!!! I opened the Nero 9 program and looked for the AVDHD menu. It now does not have the 'Nero Vision 5' menu as show in your PFD (or in my Nero 8 version). The 'new' Nero 9 has the following menu items with the heading of 'Nero 9' (not 'Nero Vision 5'): -Make DVD -Make AVCHD -Make Blu Ray Disc When I click on any of these, it tells me I have to purchase the full version. So there is no way of testing the AVCHD process with the trial version. And since they are selling the AVCHD plugin for $9.99 additionally, that only works with Nero 9, they are certainly trying to squeeze few more bucks from us. Gary

================ Ronnie... Yes, they have been bad boys. The tech guy said I'd have to purchase the AVCHD plugin to do something with the AVCHD. The connection was not good so I am not sure what he was referring to. But I think that they have removed the AVDHD option in Vision 5s so that we'd have to purchase the AVCHD plugin. I don't know for sure. Maybe I'll download the trial version and take a look. I'll let you know if I do this and the results. Yes, they said they will credit my credit card for the plugin purchase. Gary

============== Peter, I don't see what what you mean. Scrolling down in any of the folder tree panel views does not give me the 'Desktop'. Can you be more specific? I have fiddled with just about every possibility but I don't see a 'simple' way to view the Desktop without a bunch of keystrokes. Maybe my Windows7 works differently from your OS? If you have clicked on the C:\ icon, does a subsequent click on the 'One Level Up' icon do anything??? It does not make sense to have to click on the 'Open My documents' icon and then the '..' or back to the 'One Level Up' icon to get to the Desktop. Gary

=============== Yacchtsman1, Try 'Help', then 'About PicturesToExe'. Gary Later...ooppsss, I just noticed Ken already posted the same info.

Greetings, Sometimes I want find some image files on the Desktop when I am in the Folders window. If I am in the C:\ folder listing, and I click on the 'One Level Up', I expect to be able to see the Desktop in the listing. However, nothing happens. I have to then click on the 'Open My document' icon and then go back and click on the "One Level Up' to see the Desktop (and the other folder items that appear when I had previously clicked on 'Open My documents' icon). Having these extra steps to get to the Desktop does not make sense to me. I think that a user should be able to just click on 'One Level Up' to get to the Desktop and the other folder listings from the C:\ icon. Or...put in a "Desktop" icon next to the C:\, D:\, etc. I see that after you click on 'Open My documents', you can click on the '..' and the resulting listing will include the Desktop, but this too is not an obvious way to find the Desktop. Also, in my Windows7, my 'Documents' folder is under 'Desktop/Library' folder. So it makes even more sense for the 'One Level Up' to go directly to the Desktop and, from there, I can browse to the 'Documents' folder, if I need to. I know you can right-click and get to the Explorer, but that does not do what is needed. Thanks... Gary P.S. I am using 6.0.4.

========================== Ronnie, I finally got to go through your PDF. It is clear and concise. Thanks much. However, I have discovered a bit of a problem. Not yours, but with Nero. I have the Nero 8 program, with its 'Nero Vision 5' subprogram. When I go into my Nero Vision 5's subprogram and click on 'Make DVD', I do not get the submenu with 'AVCHD'. From looking at Nero's site, I found the availability of an 'AVCHD Plugin'. I purchased it for $9.99 and tried to get the downloadable file. However, the purchase confirmation email with the download link failed to show up. I called Nero and they told me that the Nero 5 Vision does not come with the AVCHD capability anymore and this plugin will not work with Nero 5 Vision. Nero tech said that the only way to get the AVCHD capability is to purchase Nero 9 and I will also need to purchase the AVCHD plugin. This puts a crink in trying out the process. I don't know yet if I want to go through the upgrade to Nero 9. Thanks... Gary

===================== Dave... I was not too excited about getting an HDTV since my old analog was working just fine with the HD converter box. But...I am so glad I made the purchase. It is really an incredible picture...and I am using my 20 year-old Radio Shack antenna that is inside my attic. I create my .pte/.exe file with the 16x9 setting. Then I create the MP4 file using the 1920x1080 format. I have found that I don't see a difference between the HQ and the LQ setting, so I have been using the LQ (low quality) setting and save space on my memory stick. I use the Media Player Classic-Home Cinema program to play my MP4 on my PC. I also see that my Windows Media Player (in my Windows7) plays MP4 very well, also. I don't like using Quicktime. The screen opens too large and I have to fix it each time. I just tried a few of my MP4 files with the Media Player Classic (MPC) on a friends PC and it stopped and started every so often. An error came up about updating a DirectX or something like that. Maybe that is your problem. I did not try it with their Windows Media player. Also, when I create my 16x9 PTE show, I 'zoom' in on each image while in the O&A so that the left and right edges of the image are to the far left and right of the format, and will therefore lose a portion of the top and/or bottom of the image. But I can make the choice which part of the image I will keep or lose (top or bottom). At first, I did not like having to make this decision but now I like it 98% of the time. It really looks so much better that the 4:3 format I used to use on my PC. I used to shoot slides and have slideshows with the screen and projector. Having PTE being able to create MP4 shows that are shown full screen on my HDTV from a memory stick (or from a WD HD media player), WOW!!!! You'll never go back. Hope this helps. Gary P.S. I also notice that when I play my MP4 file (created at 16x9, zoomed in, and at 1920x1080) with the MPC program on my PC, I get smaller black lines on the top and bottom than compared to the same file created as the .exe. So I prefer to play my MP4s on my PC using MPC.

Greetings, There has been much discussion about using a media player (such as the WD HD Media Player) to play PTE's MP4 files on HDTVs. However, I just made a discover with my recently purchased Samsung LED 40" HDTV. Since I got this TV, I have been playing my PTE MP4 files through my WD HD Media Player, which is excellent. However, I wondered what the 'Media.P' button was for on my TV's remote. So I plugged in my memory stick directly in the TV's USB port and pushed the 'Media.P' (Media Player). I discovered that the MP4 files came up and played just as well as when I used the WD HD Media Player. I had no idea that this would be possible. So, in case others have not tried this on their HDTV, I just want make you aware of this possibility. The WD HD Media Player is great to have (its portability is nice, too), but it was also a nice discover for me that my HDTV will play PTE's MP4 files directly thorough its USB port using a memory stick. Maybe your HDTV will do this too? Gary

================ Greetings, Thanks for your concurrence on this issue. It seems more and more users are getting into making the MP4 files and they would fine the current procedure to be a bit frustating. I am surprised there has not been more discussion about this file management issue. It would be nice when someone provides an 'Idea or Suggestion', that Igor's group would give it a thumbs up or thumbs down. I know he is busy with his improvements. I will just have to wait for his next version to see if he has incorporated this 'Idea'. Kinda like waiting to open a Christmas present... Thanks...Gary

Greetings, I put in this request in the 'Ideas and Suggestion' Topic forum but did not get one response. Maybe I am missing something so let me ask a question. When I Create an MP4, there are many variable that we can choose to create the file. Sometimes I like to create the same MP4 file but choose difference Presets for different purposes or testing. My problem is that it seems that the only option we have is to create an MP4 using the filename that we used when creating the .pte file. Or we have the option to create a new folder to put this file in but the filename is the default filename. I have tried to just type a new filename or a new folder name directly into the 'Output folder' window. The Create process goes through but I can never find the file that it supposedly created. Even through a Windows Search, the file can not be found. I don't know where or if it goes anywhere. The only choice that seems to be available is to do the Create and let the process create an MP4 with the default filename in the default folder, or make a new folder with the default filename. What I want to do is to have the flexibility to name the MP4 file whatever I what prior to starting the Create process. This is important because I want to put into the filename all of the Presets that I used to make that file right then, and not have to get into MyComputer and rename the file to include all of the Presets I used. For example, I want to name an MP4 file: 'test-16x9zoom-HD1920x1080LQ-PSN.mp4'. It is a pain to remember how I set the Presets each time I create an MP4 and then have to rename the file after the fact of creating it. Does anyone else have this concern? I see that Igor is coming up with a new version and I would like this file management tweaking to be included. Or has anyone found a way to rename the MP4 file before you actually do the Create??? Thanks... Gary

============ JRR, Thanks. I will keep my eye on this option. I don't have a projector yet or have anything that gets too big. But it might be a good thing to think about when creating shows. It will be a pain to have to go back and recreate all my MP4s since the 'Fixed Size...' has to be implemented in the creation of the .pte file before the MP4 has to be re-created. Thanks... Gary

======================= JRR, Thanks for the clarification. This makes sense if you are going to use a projector to show the slideshow. Would these concerns apply if you were using a media player showing MP4 files or the basic exe files on HDTVs? Gary

=================== Ronnie, I just gave it a try. I created an exe and an MP4, both with the 'Fixed size...' checked. I played the exe on a laptop which has a smaller screen. I saw no difference. I played the MP4 on a smaller HDTV with my media player, I saw no difference. Both showed the full 16x9, with nothing missing. So I don't know what I am to think about using or not using 'Fixed size...'. Maybe my test were not done in a way that this is supposed to show a difference. I hope someone will give an explanation about when or how thie 'Fixed size...' makes a difference. Thanks...Gary

================== Ronnie... Ok. Cropping in Photoshop appears to me to provide less flexibility. I run my original images through a program that batch-compresses these images to its default of 1000x699. I use it because it is quick and easy and does not distort the images. I have not really used 'Fix size of slide box' so I am not exactly sure what the results would be. As I understand it, if this is ticked and it is shown on a larger monitor, the show will not expand to fill the larger screen. However, what would happen if it were played on a smaller monitor? Will the show reduce to fit the smaller screen or will it stay at the 'fixed' size, going beyond the smaller sized screen? Thanks... Gary

============================== Ronnie, When you say 'resize', do your really mean Resize in Photoshop? I ask this because I use a different method and I am wondering what the best way to get the image to fit in the 1920x1080 HDTV screen. If I take a photo and Resize it in Photoshop to 1920x1080, the image fits the 1920x1080 format but the top and bottom portions of the image are 'squeezed' into the image. You don't lose any of the image but it looks distorted. If I take a photo and Crop it using the 1920x1080 size, the image is not distorted, but, of course, I lose a bit of the top and a bit of the bottom portion of the image. My method, which I have mentioned in other postings, seems to me to be a better way. After setting the 'Aspect Ratio of the Slide' in PTE to 16:9, I then zoom the image manually so that the left and right edges of the image match the left and right borders of the 16:9 black screen. Yes, I lose the top and bottom of the image as I do with Cropping in Photoshop, but I can move the image to regain whatever portion of the top or bottom that I deem more important while in PTE's O&A. With Cropping in Photoshop, once it is done, you can't adjust it unless you start the Cropping process all over again. With my method, you can tweak it at anytime within PTE. I don't hear of anyone else doing it. My method is tedious but adjustable within PTE as you go along. To make it less labor intensive, I am going to make a suggestion to Igor that when you highlight an input, such as one of the Zoom inputs, that that cell will stay highlighted when you hit the arrow buttons to go to the next image. Then all you have to do is go to the next image (after doing one Ctrl C to copy that Zoom input number) and do a Ctrl V to Paste the same Zoom input. This would make it much easier to pass on the same input to multiple slides with more ease. Does this make sense to you? Gary

======================== Lin… Thanks for the link. I may or may not understand Pan & Scan (P&S) but I haven’t found it useful. When I use P&S on a 4:3 aspect ratio setting, the image is automatically cropped at the top and bottom. You have no control over what is lost. I have been moving to using 16x9 aspect ratio. If I choose this format and then use P&S, I get black borders all around. If I choose 16x9 and manually zoom-in on each image individually in O&A (so the left and right edges fill the 16x9 format, I will lose some of the image at the top and bottom. But at least now I have the option of moving the image up or down while in O&A to regain the more important portion of the image. When I do this, I turn the P&S off and it plays as I expect, with no black boarders. But, then, I now notice that the results are the same with the above settings with P&S on or off. From what I saw in your link about Pan and Scan, it seem that it really is applied when the original images are in widescreen and you want to reduce them to fit the 4:3 TV aspect ratio. So I guess I am still confused as to why P&S’s default is ‘on’. So it seems to me, if you want to eliminate the black boarders, you (or at least I) have to zoom-in each image in O&A. And then the P&S setting does not affect the results. With this, the PTE show fills my LED TV, edge to edge. What am I missing???? Gary

=================== Greetings, I just found that MultiAVCHD came out with an updated version 4.0. I gave it a try. I did not receive any errors that stopped the processing of an PTE MP4. I created the AVCHD output and it does play with Media Player Classic...but, again, not on my JVC DVD player which is suppose to play this format. I also created the HD output but I couldn't get the files to play. When I tried to play the Video_TS.IFO file, I got an error message that showed it was having a problem with the 'ffdshow' file. Nor will it play in my Blu-ray player. So, I have made progress but the outputs from MultiAVCH still do not work for me. multiAVCHD 4.0 build 731 [17/02/2010] build 731 - Version 4.0. Motion menu, background audio, 8 pages x 12 chapters, Audio/Subtitles setup menu and a lot more. http://multiavchd.deanbg.com/ http://www.videohelp.com/download/multiAVCHD_4.0.exe Gary