PROJECT TRANSFORMATION FOR DVD BURNING PURPOSES

[orizaba]

Dear Fellows,

01. Last 17th May, member APLman started a new discussion "Slideshow for both PC and DVD" which, unfortunatelly, didn't get much enthousiasm.

Neverthless, I think this subject is of upmost interest.

02. Speaking for myself, when I build a PTE project, it is intended for 2 purposes:

* show it in people's computers or load it in a web page or blog;

* burn a DVD and play it on common TV sets.

03. Problem is: the same PTE project can not be used in PERFECT CONDITIONS in both cases.

Why?

Because the DVD to be played on TV sets must be prepared starting with a PTE project containing the so-called TV SAFE BORDER, and even the

starting format of slides (if different from standard 4:3 or 16:9) must be resized to one of such standard formats.

In fact, if we burn the DVD without TV SAFE BORDER, a part of the image can not be seen in TV sets, I mean, the borders of the picture.

On the other hand, if PTE format is, for example, 5:4 (1280x1024), we will see a "fat" image on TV sets.

At last: I can not agree with the idea that an original PTE project should be built including TV SAFE BORDER, expecting that such border

is acceptable when seen on computers or web pages.

This is why I state that a same PTE project can not be used for both purposes.

It would be necessary to prepare 2 different PTE projects, I mean, starting with a first one prepared for computers, and then, change

whatever necessary to burn a DVD to be played on TV sets, I mean, introducing a TV SAFE BORDER, slide by slide (possibly changing all

necessary parameters, annimations, etc.), and resizing (if necessary) to a standard 4:3 or 16:9 format (again, changing, slide by slide,

all necessary parameters in order to get an adequate framing.

Of course, we all agree that this can not be the correct approach to the solution.

So what?

04. PTE and Igor never spoke on this subject, but I can imagine that some day PTE will assume a kind of solution. Which I think is very much

necessary and urgent.

In the meantime, I tried a method which I am now submiting to all of my fellow members.

I would like to have your comments on it, and even your suggestions for a better idea trying to get a better final QUALITY of the show.

QUALITY in terms of high definition of image, smooth moves, etc..

05. So, PTE can create an AVI file, or an HD file for WINDOWS (MP4).

By the way, I must say that I never could get an AVI file using DivX 6.9.2 codec, process does not work for me!

This way, I always create a MP4 (h.264) file.

06. For DVD burning purposes, let us go to "my method":

* I use TOTAL VIDEO CONVERTER 3.5.9 to convert MP4 into AVI. I use "DivX50HQ - PCM s32Le" codec. I get my AVI file.

* I use FIT CD 1.2.8 to resize my 5:4 project/AVI file into 4:3, and also to create a TV SAFE BORDER (which I define as 2x32 (left/right)

and 2x24 (top/bottom)). All this in only one take!

FIT CD produces a so-called "AVISYNTH SCRIPT"

07. Next, I use FAVC 1.07. I load such AVISYNTH SCRIPT into FAVC, and I get an ISO file ready to be burnt on a DVD.

Such ISO file is now 4:3 (no distortion at all) and have TV SAFE BORDER. My entire (100%) picture is there, ready to be seen on 4:3 TV

sets, not "cropped" and not distorted.

If we want, FAVC includes a DVD burning software (IMG BURN 2.5.1) which can be used at once.

08. All these softwares are FREE except TOTAL VIDEO CONVERTER (US$40,00).

And that is it!

Regards,

Jose

[Lin Evans]

Hi Jose,

When you say you could "never create an AVI file using DivX 6.9.2 codec" I would ask what the problem was (error message, etc.) and why did you necessarily want to use the DivX 6.9.2 codec?

Most have no problems creating a stand alone AVI file which seems to be the issue requiring you to use Total Video Converter to convert MP4 h.264 back to AVI.

Best regards,

Lin

[Ronniebootwest]

Hi there Jose,

I am pleased to see that you have posted your method of creating a slide show for burning to DVD and also for showing on a TV. This topic certainly need further discussion.

I note that you seem to be creating shows in the 4:3 format - this is fine, but most people these days have access to an HD wide screen television and as such, need thier shows to be in 16:9 format.

I have a tutorial that I have written, showing my method of working. This tutorial is available to all forum members who send me thier email address.

Regards,

Ron West

[orizaba]

Hi Jose,

When you say you could "never create an AVI file using DivX 6.9.2 codec" I would ask what the problem was (error message, etc.) and why did you necessarily want to use the DivX 6.9.2 codec?

Most have no problems creating a stand alone AVI file which seems to be the issue requiring you to use Total Video Converter to convert MP4 h.264 back to AVI.

Best regards,

Lin

Hi Lin,

You are right, 100% right, I would like to create a stand alone AVI file at once, in order to NOT make this first convertion (MP4 to AVI). But the fact is that I always have some kind of problem (not ERROR), the most usual beeing the converting process stops after first pass and second pass does not take place (using DivX 6.9.2 codec).

Why do I want to use DivX 6.9.2 codec?

Well, when we ask PTE to create an AVI file, we must choose an Audio codec and a Video codec. Concerning Audio, I always choose "No compression (PCM) - 44,100/16/Stereo".

Concerning Video, we must choose among 21 codecs! My first choice would be "Full Frames (uncompressed)", as I think that this would assure a lossless conversion and a maximum of quality (no problem about file size). But this kind of AVI file is not accepted (who knows why?) by FIT CD.

So, next I must choose among other 20 codecs, and DivX is my choice. Version 6.9.2 is its last update.

Next, I must configure. I use "Home Theatre Profile", Encoding preset #10 (maximum quality).

Next, I fix Rate control:

Multipass, 1st pass at 4850 kbps (is the maximum accepted)

Multipass, Nth pass at 4850 kbps (")

In Video Tab, I keep Square Pixels in Format in/Format out.

In Advanced Tab, I indicate a folder for Temporary files.

OK. When 1st pass ends, all process stops and the created AVI file only has audio, no video at all. I wonder why process do not ask for second pass and third pass, etc.? This is my problem.

Do you have some suggestion? Or is it the case that I can use some other process in order to keep original PTE excellent picture quality?

Thanks,

Jose

[orizaba]

Hi there Jose,

I am pleased to see that you have posted your method of creating a slide show for burning to DVD and also for showing on a TV. This topic certainly need further discussion.

I note that you seem to be creating shows in the 4:3 format - this is fine, but most people these days have access to an HD wide screen television and as such, need thier shows to be in 16:9 format.

I have a tutorial that I have written, showing my method of working. This tutorial is available to all forum members who send me thier email address.

Regards,

Ron West

Hi Ron,

Of course, I would be much interested to see your tutorial on how to "transform" a PTE project to be seen on TV sets.

My email is "josesa@netcabo.pt". Thanks very much.

Yes, this time I am building a PTE project to be seen on TV sets (playing a DVD) in 4:3 format. It is a "family show" including very old photos.

But such project will be posted as well in my private family blog.

This is the reason why the same project must be used, despite it must be easily "transformed" for TV use.

Besides, I am building it in 1280x1024 (5:4) format, so, this point must be considered for TV show (4:3) with no distortion.

The format I choose each time I build a PTE project depends on the subject and kind of slides I use. Widescreen is fine for a lot of things, but an intimate family "old" story with old photos requiring lots of close-ups demands a 4:3 format. That is why!

Thanks again, and best regards,

Jose

[thedom]

01. Last 17th May, member APLman started a new discussion "Slideshow for both PC and DVD" which, unfortunatelly, didn't get much enthousiasm.

Neverthless, I think this subject is of upmost interest.

Jose, I would be very interested in a new PTE feature to make a slideshow for both PC and DVD without having to worry with the safe zone for the DVD when I build my slideshow.

That's why I moved his topic in the "Ideas and Suggestions" section. => http://www.picturestoexe.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=11909

I hope people will add their support to this suggestion because it seems a very good one to me.

And may be Wnsoft will add this request in a next version...

[orizaba]

Jose, I would be very interested in a new PTE feature to make a slideshow for both PC and DVD without having to worry with the safe zone for the DVD when I build my slideshow.

That's why I moved his topic in the "Ideas and Suggestions" section. => http://www.picturestoexe.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=11909

I hope people will add their support to this suggestion because it seems a very good one to me.

And may be Wnsoft will add this request in a next version...

Hi Dom,

Yes, I agree with you, this is a matter of "ideas and suggestions" for a next PTE version.

But, in the meantime, I would like that the above discussion on this same matter, started by myself, could go on here, because it is possible that some of our member fellows have better ideas to solve this problem outside PTE, just as I am trying to do now.

I admit as well that may be this discussion of ours can help WINSOFT to develop his project the sooner the better!

Regards,

Jose

[Lin Evans]

Hi Jose,

If you have a Microsoft MPEG II or MPEG 4 codec, give that a try and see if it works for you.

The number of codecs available depends largely on software you have installed and/or codec packs you have installed. Rarely do two computer have the same number of codecs available. For example, I have 33 codecs on my development system.

It sound as if the DivX 6.9.2 codec may be causing this issue.

Best regards,

Lin

Hi Lin,

You are right, 100% right, I would like to create a stand alone AVI file at once, in order to NOT make this first convertion (MP4 to AVI). But the fact is that I always have some kind of problem (not ERROR), the most usual beeing the converting process stops after first pass and second pass does not take place (using DivX 6.9.2 codec).

Why do I want to use DivX 6.9.2 codec?

Well, when we ask PTE to create an AVI file, we must choose an Audio codec and a Video codec. Concerning Audio, I always choose "No compression (PCM) - 44,100/16/Stereo".

Concerning Video, we must choose among 21 codecs! My first choice would be "Full Frames (uncompressed)", as I think that this would assure a lossless conversion and a maximum of quality (no problem about file size). But this kind of AVI file is not accepted (who knows why?) by FIT CD.

So, next I must choose among other 20 codecs, and DivX is my choice. Version 6.9.2 is its last update.

Next, I must configure. I use "Home Theatre Profile", Encoding preset #10 (maximum quality).

Next, I fix Rate control:

Multipass, 1st pass at 4850 kbps (is the maximum accepted)

Multipass, Nth pass at 4850 kbps (")

In Video Tab, I keep Square Pixels in Format in/Format out.

In Advanced Tab, I indicate a folder for Temporary files.

OK. When 1st pass ends, all process stops and the created AVI file only has audio, no video at all. I wonder why process do not ask for second pass and third pass, etc.? This is my problem.

Do you have some suggestion? Or is it the case that I can use some other process in order to keep original PTE excellent picture quality?

Thanks,

Jose

[orizaba]

Dear Fellows,

01. Last 17th May, member APLman started a new discussion "Slideshow for both PC and DVD" which, unfortunatelly, didn't get much enthousiasm.

Neverthless, I think this subject is of upmost interest.

02. Speaking for myself, when I build a PTE project, it is intended for 2 purposes:

* show it in people's computers or load it in a web page or blog;

* burn a DVD and play it on common TV sets.

03. Problem is: the same PTE project can not be used in PERFECT CONDITIONS in both cases.

Why?

Because the DVD to be played on TV sets must be prepared starting with a PTE project containing the so-called TV SAFE BORDER, and even the

starting format of slides (if different from standard 4:3 or 16:9) must be resized to one of such standard formats.

In fact, if we burn the DVD without TV SAFE BORDER, a part of the image can not be seen in TV sets, I mean, the borders of the picture.

On the other hand, if PTE format is, for example, 5:4 (1280x1024), we will see a "fat" image on TV sets.

At last: I can not agree with the idea that an original PTE project should be built including TV SAFE BORDER, expecting that such border

is acceptable when seen on computers or web pages.

This is why I state that a same PTE project can not be used for both purposes.

It would be necessary to prepare 2 different PTE projects, I mean, starting with a first one prepared for computers, and then, change

whatever necessary to burn a DVD to be played on TV sets, I mean, introducing a TV SAFE BORDER, slide by slide (possibly changing all

necessary parameters, annimations, etc.), and resizing (if necessary) to a standard 4:3 or 16:9 format (again, changing, slide by slide,

all necessary parameters in order to get an adequate framing.

Of course, we all agree that this can not be the correct approach to the solution.

So what?

04. PTE and Igor never spoke on this subject, but I can imagine that some day PTE will assume a kind of solution. Which I think is very much

necessary and urgent.

In the meantime, I tried a method which I am now submiting to all of my fellow members.

I would like to have your comments on it, and even your suggestions for a better idea trying to get a better final QUALITY of the show.

QUALITY in terms of high definition of image, smooth moves, etc..

05. So, PTE can create an AVI file, or an HD file for WINDOWS (MP4).

By the way, I must say that I never could get an AVI file using DivX 6.9.2 codec, process does not work for me!

This way, I always create a MP4 (h.264) file.

06. For DVD burning purposes, let us go to "my method":

* I use TOTAL VIDEO CONVERTER 3.5.9 to convert MP4 into AVI. I use "DivX50HQ - PCM s32Le" codec. I get my AVI file.

* I use FIT CD 1.2.8 to resize my 5:4 project/AVI file into 4:3, and also to create a TV SAFE BORDER (which I define as 2x32 (left/right)

and 2x24 (top/bottom)). All this in only one take!

FIT CD produces a so-called "AVISYNTH SCRIPT"

07. Next, I use FAVC 1.07. I load such AVISYNTH SCRIPT into FAVC, and I get an ISO file ready to be burnt on a DVD.

Such ISO file is now 4:3 (no distortion at all) and have TV SAFE BORDER. My entire (100%) picture is there, ready to be seen on 4:3 TV

sets, not "cropped" and not distorted.

If we want, FAVC includes a DVD burning software (IMG BURN 2.5.1) which can be used at once.

08. All these softwares are FREE except TOTAL VIDEO CONVERTER (US$40,00).

And that is it!

Regards,

Jose

UPDATE TO "MY METHOD" (item 06, above)

Dear Fellows,

In the past few days I have been working hard on this subject, because, in fact, I have my problem to solve.

My big PTE project is almost ready (27 min, more than 200 slides) and I must "prepare" it to be burnt on DVD, without "loosing" the borders when shown on TV sets (either old 4:3 TV sets, or up-to-date LCD-LED HD TV displays), and also to "transform" it from its original 5:4 aspect into TV standard 4:3 aspect. Besides, I am focused to get the best visual quality possible.

I pointed above this method, which envolves 3 programs: TOTAL VIDEO CONVERTER, FIT CD and FAVC. Such method works well in terms of creating the so-called TV SAFE BORDER and also in terms of "transforming" my 5:4 PTE project into a standard 4:3 format, without creating any kind of distortion.

However, latter on, I discovered another way to get the exact same results, I would say, even better results.

This is how:

First of all, PTE can produce an AVI file or a MP4 file. I find that the MP4 file is of much better quality than AVI file (even when using best codecs and highest video bitrates). So I use the PTE produced MP4 file, and for this I use:

* same picture size as used in PTE project itself (in my case: 1280x1024 which means a 5:4 format)

* 2 passes

* Video bitrate: 16.000 kbps

* Audio: 320 / 48.000 / Stereo (the best possible values)

I get my MP4 file (1280x1024, 5:4)

I load this file in TOTAL VIDEO CONVERTER to convert it into an AVI file, still 5:4 format, but already surrounded by the necessary TV SAFE BORDER, which left/right and top/bottom values can be fixed by me.

TVC calls "PADs" to this TV SAFE BORDER.

I use 32/32 and 24/24 for left/right and top/bottom.

In TVC, I also fix:

* AVI codec: XVID AVI HIGH QUALITY

* In advanced video settings:

* Bitrate 16.000 kbps

* 720x576 (5:4 format)

* 4:3 (despite fixing 4:3, AVI file comes out in 5:4 format. OK!)

* Enable PAD (32/32/24/24) and choose PAD colour (black, in my case)

* At last, I save this profile for future use.

And so, we get an AVI file (still 5:4) with maximum possible quality and TV SAFE BORDER included.

We now use "XILISOFT DIVX TO DVD CONVERTER" Version 6.0.7 (22,34 Euro).

This software converts the AVI file into a DVD file (VIDEO_TS folder), 4:3 format, ready to burn on DVD.

We fix:

* Video bitrate: 9 Mbps (highest video quality)

* TV standard: PAL

* Resize method: LETTERBOX

* Video aspect ratio: 4:3

* Audio bitrate: 448 kbps (highest audio quality)

In this XILISOFT software, we can even choose a MENU template, and introduce movie or image in this MENU, as well as background picture or colour.

And we get the above mentioned VIDEO_TS folder ready to burn a DVD

I use IMG BURN for this purpose.

I put the DVD in my home SONY DVD PLAYER and I see my PTE project in my big 16:9 SONY PLASMA.

Result is amazing!

Image is very, very good, colours do not superimpose at all, picture resolution is excellent, we do not notice tha black PADs at all.

This result is in fact much better than using FIT CD and FAVC, as explained before.

I remamber that all this discussion started last 17th May, when member APLman started a new discussion "Slideshow for both PC and DVD".

In the meantime, this topic was moved to "IDEAS AND SUGGESTIONS".

However, while we wait for a PTE UPDATE to solve this subject by itself, I would reccomend the procedure above as a very, very good solution.

I would appreciate to hear your comments on this, and have feedback of your own results.

Regards,

Jose

[aplman]

UPDATE TO "MY METHOD" (item 06, above)

Dear Fellows,

In the past few days I have been working hard on this subject, because, in fact, I have my problem to solve.

My big PTE project is almost ready (27 min, more than 200 slides) and I must "prepare" it to be burnt on DVD, without "loosing" the borders when shown on TV sets (either old 4:3 TV sets, or up-to-date LCD-LED HD TV displays), and also to "transform" it from its original 5:4 aspect into TV standard 4:3 aspect. Besides, I am focused to get the best visual quality possible.

... ... ...

Jose

Jose, that is a wonderful post! Thank you for sharing the fruits of your research, and for creating such a comprehensive and well-written article.

I too hope that PTE will in the future spare us the extra steps, but meanwhile, I shall be very eager to put your method into practice -- even if I have to buy Total Video Converter!

Thanks again, and good luck with your project!

Ken T (APLman)