HD-DVD Advanced Content - HOW?

[frippy]

I'm try to learn Sonic's documentations about HD-DVD ACA. And....this is not authoring, this is programming :)
Anybody know HOW to create menus, what parts of code i can use with all my projects?
And, ONLY Sonic ACA can create HD-DVD ACA projects?

[setarip_old]

Hi!

You might find some useful information in the following thread (and the links within some of the posts):

http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?t=123893

[frippy]

thanks, i've read this topic and additional liks
and.. there is no information "step-by-step" like Scenarist3.x documentatiions :(

[setarip_old]

Googling around brought rise to the following:

http://www.dv.com/features/features_item.php?articleId=189602571

Useful to you?

[frippy]

Useful to you?

To ALL.
IMHO, nobody knows how to create pop-up menus, program liks to other tracks, create image file for recording to HDDVD disk etc.

[setarip_old]

I don't understand if your response means that the link is or isn't helpful to you.

Be that as it may, if you hunt around that site, you'll find the following, which seems to be related to your needs, in the "Knowledge Base" regarding menus and Scenarist Advanced Content:

Title
16:9 subpicture principles in Scenarist


Description
How should I author menus and subtitles in a 16:9 project?


Solution
DVD Players and 16:9 Video:

The first important thing to understand is that the DVD player will scale 16:9 motion video or still images to fit 4:3 or 16:9 monitors. Based on how the
user sets up the player the video can be displayed as Pan/Scan or Letterbox for players set to 4:3 screens or as unscaled 16:9 for wide monitors.

16:9 Video and Menu Subpictures:

The DVD player will not scale the subpicture for the three viewing modes (P/S, LB or Wide). Since the video background (motion or still) is scaled and subpictures are not, your buttons will not align properly in the different aspect ratios. To overcome this the DVD specification allows for separate subpicture streams for each aspect ratio (decoding streams). Therefore, when creating DVDs with 16:9 source you must have a decoding stream for each aspect ratio that you want the user to view. You will need to modify the subpicture to display properly in the scaled P/S or LB mode, which is explained later in this document.

Button Modes and Commands:

As mentioned above, when working with multi-aspect menus you must use additional button modes. A button mode allows you to have a different size highlight (subpicture) associated to the scaled or unscaled video for each aspect ratio. Using Button modes limits the maximum number of buttons as shown in Table 1. Button commands are the same for each aspect ratio i.e. assigning a LinkPGCN command to button one will apply this command to button 1 in all aspect ratios.

16:9 Video and Subtitles:

With 16:9 material there needs to be a separate decoding stream for each aspect ratio in which you want to see subtitles. For each subpicture track
you can have up to three separate decoding streams (Letterbox, Pan/Scan and Wide). It is mandatory to have a wide decoding stream and at least one of Pan/Scan and Letterbox.

Aspects Used (Button Modes) ----- Maximum Buttons Allowed
1 ------ 36
2 ------ 18
3 ------ 12

Computer Pixels vs. TV Pixels:

Pixel shapes on computer monitors are square and rectangular on televisions. If you create a picture at 720X480 on a computer, it will not look the same on a TV Monitor due to the different shaped pixels mentioned above. Circles created on a computer monitor will appear as ovals on a television. To accommodate these differences, the background stills and subpictures should be created using the sizes shown in Table 2 and 3 and then scaled to 720X480 for NTSC or 720X576 for PAL without constraining proportions.

Table 2 (NTSC):
TV aspect ratio ----- Original Image Size
4:3 ----- 720 x 540
16:9 ----- 854 x 480

Table 3 (PAL):
TV aspect ratio ----- Original Image Size
4:3 ----- 768 x 576
16:9 ----- 1024 x 576


Creating Subpictures for 16:9 Still/Video:

The following instructions explain how to use Adobe Photoshop to create subpictures files for the three different aspect ratios. This document will discuss the different parameters for both NTSC and PAL.

Create or place your background image, scaled proportionally, into a Photoshop document with a resolution of 854X480 for NTSC or 1024X576 for PAL. You can also do this by opening the background image and then using the Photoshop Canvas tool to resize the canvas. You would then resize the image proportionately to fit the canvas. Save three copies of the document (one each for Wide, Letterbox and Pan/Scan). For example, the three documents will be called “Anamorphic_wide.psd”, “Anamorphic_LB.psd” and “Anamorphic_PS.psd”.

Anamorphic Background Still:
Open the wide anamorphic document in Photoshop. Use the "Image Size" option to resize it to 720X480 (PAL-720X576), do not constrain proportions.Turn off the layers in Photoshop that show the subpicture. Select "Save a Copy as" to save a new version of the document as a bitmap or tiff, e.g. background.tif.

Wide Subpicture:
With the wide document still in 720X480 (PAL-720X576) mode, turn off the layers in Photoshop that show the background. This is the wide subpicture document. Select "Save a Copy as" to save a new version of the document as a bitmap or tiff, e.g. wide_sub.tif.

Letterbox Subpicture:
Open the letterbox anamorphic document. Change the canvas size of the document to 854X640 (PAL-1024x768), and specify the canvas size option to keep the document centered. Use the "Image Size" option to resize it to 720X480 (PAL-720X576) and do not constrain proportions. Turn off the layers in Photoshop that show the background. This is the letterbox subpicture. Select "Save a Copy as" to save a new version of the document as a bitmap or tiff, e.g. Letterbox_sub.tif.

Pan/Scan Subpicture:
Open the Pan/Scan anamorphic document i.e. Anamorphic_PS.psd. Change the canvas size of the document to 640X480 (PAL-768x576) and keep the document centered. NOTE: Photoshop will prompt you that you are going to crop the picture. Click OK. Use the "Image Size" option to resize the image to 720X480 (PAL- 720X576) and do not constrain proportions. Turn off the layers in Photoshop that show the background. This is the Pan/Scan subpicture. Select "Save a Copy as" to save a new version of
the document as a bitmap or tiff, e.g. PS_sub.tif.


Setting up different decoding streams in Scenarist:

As previously stated you must provide at least a wide and one of letterbox and pan/scan decoding streams for each subpicture track. In most cases subpictures are prepared separately for each decoding stream being offered but a single stream can also be flagged to be displayed for more than one display mode. For instance Wide and Letterbox subtitles quite often use the same subpictures since with correct positioning they can be made to look satisfactory.

First of all import your subtitle stream in the track editor. Highlight this stream and go to the Properties Browser. At the end of the list of subtitles you will find the stream number and the decoding streams it will be valid for. If you are importing one stream for each decoding stream then you would set this to letterbox or wide. If you want this stream to be displayed for both letterbox and wide you would set this to wide/letterbox, etc. You can also adjust language here. Both decoding streams intended for the same subtitle track must have the same language settings.

Using one subtitle stream for all the decoding streams for a single language:
The next stage is to drop your completed track into a Title in the scenario editor. Select the title and open the Subpicture availability for the title in the Property Browser. Set this to “Adjust maximum streams in this title (this is what it defaults to) which will make each subpicture be a separate track with all decoding modes you have enabled. They must all match up in this case (if one stream in the title is wide/letterbox they must all be). Then select the PGC and open the subpicture attributes in the Property browser. These properties must reflect that each decoding stream is for a separate stream number. In other words, subpicture stream 0 in the track editor which is set for wide/letterbox can be assigned for each of wide and letterbox for stream #0 (which is actually the first subtitle track on the final disk).

Using different subtitle streams for the decoding streams in a single language:
If you have created separate streams in the track editor for specific decoding streams then you will set one to wide and one to letterbox, (or pan/scan). In this instance select the Title and set the Subpicture availability flag to custom. For example let’s say you have imported two streams (one for wide and one for letterbox). You want each of these to be a separate decoding stream in the first track of subtitles on the disk so that on the final disk the player will choose the appropriate decoding stream for it's 16:9 display settings. If you change this flag to "custom" you will see two streams checked. Uncheck stream two to indicate there is only one subtitle stream on the final disc in this title.

Now select the PGC and open the subpicture attributes for stream #0. Then specify which stream in the track editor will be the wide and letterbox decoding streams by specifying the appropriate stream in the track editor. If the track is set to wide you would specify this to be the wide decoding stream for stream#0 and if it’s set to letterbox you would specify this to be the letterbox decoding stream for stream #0.

[frippy]

This is DVD-SD authoring, and i know prefect how to author SD and SCA disks. I know 99% of DVD authoring - creating menus (static/animation), buttons on video, DVD9 mastering/recording etc.

But, I can't find docs about HDDVD ACA authoring.

I can create simply projects - video+audio+subs with playlist...but - how to create disks like HD-DVD "Constantine", "Harry Potter" etc?
How to program menus, buttons, how to create XML code?

[Eric69]

Hi Frippy

You need to go to microsoft's site on HDi development. It has a ton of great info and some useful tools. The simulator has some bugs but it's only a guide anyway.

Of course when your done with your programming your gonna need a Scenarist to mux the title.

They have a great forum as well. I'm just starting my first title now but will have to rent some time on someone's Scenarist to get this puppy muxed. I'm a seasoned SD author but this is a whole new ball game even compared to Sonic's Standard Content version. Have fun - Enough here to keep you busy for the next year or so. :)

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/forpros/hddvd/default.aspx

Also here's a good book to check out: does alot of explaining on both formats and gives some sample code as well.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?product_id=5303387

Eric

[setarip_old]

@Eric69

If you click on the link I provided to "Frippy" in post #4 of this thread and scrolled own, you'll see the same Microsoft link that you've posted. It was also noted in the first post of another thread for which I provided a link in post #2 here. As you've stated:Enough here to keep you busy for the next year or so.but I get the impression "Frippy" is expecting/desiring to be given a "Here's exactly how to do it in three steps"...

[frippy]

I cant believe - SCA - script language, like LEGO, but ACA - "keep you busy for the next year or so". There is no scripting, no more help to creator, only xml/java code written by programmers?

[setarip_old]

@frippy

After your several responses to links provided to you for sources of information that you've not found useful, I'll ask you two obvious questions:

1) As a registered owner, why don't you contact Sonic Scenarist support? According to the website, you could even arrange for a demonstration

2) As a registered owner, don't you have documentation for this?

[frippy]

Now I use links and read...read...
questons 1&2 - i have docs, but i can't understand how to start, and demonstration is so simply :(

thanks 2 all, i go read and learn :)

[dvdboy]

ACA is code writing. Teach yourself XML and Ecmascript, follow Peter Torr's blog, and ask questions on the MSDN forums.

From seeing Microsoft's HDi presentation, they say to fully exploit the spec, you need to own the spec $$$$, which they admit is not ideal, and were working with the DVD Forum to get the code bit seperated from the 'how to make players' part.

HTH

[frippy]

I can understand about BD-Java code writing - interactive games etc.... And about iHD - same as BD-J, but....i want to create simply menu over video (like all hd-dvd's on market, without games or internet connections). Uff.... :)
Going learn java/xml

[frippy]

Other questons
1. anybody use DOStudio for HD-DVD/BD xml creation?
No infos and examples on site, i don't want to pay 100$/month for testing :)

2. anybody know what is Sonic iHD Xtra Вc v1.3?

[Eric69]

Other questons
1. anybody use DOStudio for HD-DVD/BD xml creation?
No infos and examples on site, i don't want to pay 100$/month for testing

Yes..I'm using it (and also paying $100 a month to do so). Why the hell would I help you when your not willing to do the same!

2. anybody know what is Sonic iHD Xtra Вc v1.3?

I think that might be a better question for either Sonic or the HDi forums.

E

[frippy]

Yes..I'm using it (and also paying $100 a month to do so). Why the hell would I help you when your not willing to do the same!
:)
thank you!
can you send me one-two samples from DOStudio?

[setarip_old]

@frippy

When "Eric69" says,Why the hell would I help you when your not willing to do the same!I'm fairly certain he's telling you that he's UNWILLING to give you something for free that he's paid for ;>}

[frippy]

2setarip_old :)
I would like to know for what I should pay :)

[setarip_old]

2setarip_old
I would like to know for what I should payAsk "Eric69"...

If you're asking me a general question, I'd say you should pay for any commercial software and video media you want to use or view...

[frippy]

Thanks

My friend at 1/05 will buy DOStudio. May be 2/05 will be possible to try :)

[setarip_old]

@frippy

If you're addressing me, I have no idea what you're trying to say.

What is "1/05" and what is "2/05"?

[frippy]

If you're addressing me
Sorry:)
1/05 - this is May, 1st, and 2/05 - May, 2nd.
And, if all be fine, "Sonic iHD Xtra" will be tested.

[setarip_old]

My friend at 1/05 will buy DOStudio. May be 2/05 will be possible to tryThanks for clarifying - So you are saying you're going to use your friend's software?

[frippy]

I want to see - what, why, how etc
And may be buy, if this work fine

[Eric69]

Frippy

Just so you know...The 1st month is refundable if you don't like what it does. But $100 a month is not much of an investment to get ahead of the HD DVD curve.

E

[frippy]

Thanks for info. I'll try!

2All: Hm....Only me interesting about HD-DVD aca authoring? :)
Eric69 know what is. And others?

[Eric69]

To be perfectly honest...Anyone who's developing HD DVD would be hanging out on Microsoft's forum not here. Register and ask your question there.

[frippy]

Eric!
I don't need to re-program xml or js files!

I need to get simply.... ALL files (audio, video, subs, .aca) from HD-DVD disk PLUS SonicACA project file with possibility to create identical HD-DVD disk.
ANd, if demuxing and subtitle extraction is not a problem, creating SonicACA porject file is "....nothing..."
I can't belive - ms forums posters can create SonicACA project manually, without Sonic ACA ? :)

Thanks for you answers!

[setarip_old]

@frippyI need to get simply.... ALL files (audio, video, subs, .aca) from HD-DVD disk PLUS SonicACA project file with possibility to create identical HD-DVD disk.Have you read this thread?:

http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?t=121236

or the myriad other related threads in the "Decrypting" sub-forum here?

Although I personally am not involved in the HD-DVD activity here, it appears that the link(s) I've provided will give you the information you seek to create a backup copy of your purchased HD-DVDs...

[frippy]

[Color=Blue]@frippyHave you read this thread?:
http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?t=121236


Of cource!

Although I personally am not involved in the HD-DVD activity here, it appears that the link(s) I've provided will give you the information you seek to create a backup copy of your purchased HD-DVDs...

Backup copy - this is simple :)
AnyDVD, BackupHDDVD...

And we want to create HD-DVD REAUTHOR
Crypted or decrypted or home made hd-dvd - "one-click software" for geting SonicACA project file with possibility t oadd/remove subs, audio etc

[setarip_old]

with possibility to create identical HD-DVD disk.Crypted or decrypted or home made hd-dvd - "one-click software" for geting SonicACA project file with possibility t oadd/remove subs, audio etcThese appear to be two distinctly different concepts.

I'm guessing it's a "language thing" - so I'll bow out now...

[frippy]

different concepts - why?

[Eric69]

Eric!
I don't need to re-program xml or js files!

I need to get simply.... ALL files (audio, video, subs, .aca) from HD-DVD disk PLUS SonicACA project file with possibility to create identical HD-DVD disk.
ANd, if demuxing and subtitle extraction is not a problem, creating SonicACA porject file is "....nothing..."
I can't belive - ms forums posters can create SonicACA project manually, without Sonic ACA ?

Thanks for you answers!



The MS forum are simply there to let you know how to create all the files needed to create advanced applications for a AC project. You still need to bring all this into Scenarist for muxing.

[frippy]

Eric!
I've tryed to create simply project with DOStudio..
Basic DO's tutor - "basic menu"
And..... DOStudio CAN'T create Studio's examples! Programm crashing, or "screaming" about errors in mudule ....
How you can work with DOStusio? This is VERY (imho) bad soft for work with HDi .....

[setarip_old]

@frippy

What version of DO Studio did you purchase?

[Eric69]

Frippy

Why are you on Doom asking questions about a piece of software that has tech support??

[setarip_old]

@Eric69

Hi!

The following quote may be the answer to your question:My friend at 1/05 will buy DOStudio. May be 2/05 will be possible to try

[frippy]

2setarip_old - I've tested "Release 6"
2Eric69 - because topic is "HD-DVD Advanced Content - HOW?" and IMHO there is permitted in doom9 forum, and, plus, if you use this software, can you explant 1..2 questons or no? If no - nop :)

[setarip_old]

@frippy

I couldn't help but notice that I asked which version you've purchased and you've stated which version you've tested (I'm not aware of a trial version).

Be that as it may, if you are a registered owner of DO Studio, you'll find ample information by clicking on the "Documentation" tab at the following site:

http://www.dvd1one.net/network/content/home/default.asp

Additionally, the same site has a product-specific forum at:

http://www.dvd1one.net/network/content/forums/topic.asp?ForumId=7

[frippy]

DOStudio is purchased in Moscow, Russia, and my friendsm who purchased trying to create project. And... this is like Scenarist 3.01 - bug on bug + bug :)

Anybody can get me WORKING .aca file for Sonic ACA ? :)
No... thanks :(

[Eric69]

Frippy

I understand doom has a forum for discussing Advanced Authoring techniques but I'm also telling you that you will get much better answers to your questions at other sites?

I just don't quite get why you'd be asking questions about HDi when there is a site dedicated to it.

Why would you be asking questions about DoStudio when there is a site and tech support dedicated to the tool?

Why would you be asking question on using Scenarist when you've gone out and paid $50,000 for the tool? If not, i'd say stop using your crappy cracked software and step up to the plate... Scenarist is just a muxing engine at this point in the game of HD DVD development..nothing else.

Futhermore you haven't asked a question!