PgcEdit v7 discussion thread

[jinjin_jp]

It should rather be posted burning forum?
But it is concerned above post.

I tryed NeroExpress-Burning in every condition of 0KB VOB and IFO (sector information), and noticed that error message is different each other. ("It failed in the relocation of the DVD-Video file" is commom message.)

(1)0kB VOB exist, "Start of VTSM_VOBS" is size of IFO file ;
=>"The size of the file is not integral multiples of size (2KB) of a logical block. "

(2)0kB VOB exist, "Start of VTSM_VOBS" is 0 ;
=>"File "VTS_01_0.VOB" is not referred, and not prepared."

(3)no 0kB VOB, "Start of VTSM_VOBS" is size of IFO file ;
=>"Necessary file "VTS_01_0.VOB" is not prepared."

(4)no 0kB VOB, "Start of VTSM_VOBS" is 0 ;
=>No Problem.

Regards.

[r0lZ]

It's again a good indication that those empty VOB files should really be avoided, as they are causing many problems. However, obviously, Nero is wrong once again (as 0Kb is a multiple of 2KB.)

[blutach]

IIRC, mpucoder said that if there were no menu files, Start of VTSM_VBS must be 0, as should the offsets for start of VTSM_C_ADT and VTSM_VOBU_ADMAP

Regards

[r0lZ]

Right, but we are still not sure if those pointers must be 0 when an empty VOB file exists. Obviously, Ner0 is never able to deal with them.

[blutach]

And why doesn't that surprise me? :D

Bon nuit de Downunder!

Regards

[Ambermoon]

Yes, Ambermoon, go on and try ImgBurn v2 in build mode. It is easier to use than PgcEdit, and has exactly the same features (32K gaps, intelligent and correct layer break placement, optional inclusion of DVD-ROM files, etc...) And, as zacoz said, you don't need to create an ISO first!

However, ImgBurn v2.0 still doesn't have a preview when selecting the layer break cell, but the next version will have it. In the meantime, if you need it, you can use the PgcEdit preview in the PGC Editor to locate your preferred layer break cell.

Well, I'll check that.
Referring to the error I get. It comes up, as it seems, when there are more files next to the VIDEO_TS directory, they do not have to be in the VIDEO_TS directory itself (did you mean this: the same parent directory for DVD-ROM files and the VIDEO_TS directory? Then I misinterpreted your answer). As soon as the parent directory of the VIDEO_TS directory contains no other files it works (at least with a second directory for testing purpose).

But that still doesn't explain the "user 'log' doesn't exist" message.

[r0lZ]

Yes, when I said "They are the files in the folder containing the VIDEO_TS folder", I was referring to the parent of VIDEO_TS. Everything enclosed in that folder is burned (except the backup files and folders.)

[masscamp24]

How can I remove layerbreak with v8 beta x. I use to do same through PGC Editor in v7.4 now with v8 there is only seamless branch.

[blutach]

The Seamless joint cell is the opposite of the old Layer Break designation. Simply tick the seamless cell and you've removed it.

Regards

[masscamp24]

@blutach

Hey Blu thanks it worked - Great programme- Merry Christmas blutach.

[BigCondor]

A sudden thought came out of my mind.

We can save menus as bmps and we know where the buttons are. But we can't see the pattern of the buttons or the subpicutres. So is there any way to save the subpictures?

r0lZ, can you add this feature to future releases?

Thanks!

[blutach]

That requires a demux of the VOBs. Do it in PGCDemux.

Regards

[r0lZ]

I can't do that easily. Maybe it's something to add in DVDSubEdit (as the subpic bitmaps are decoded anyway.)

[BigCondor]

Hey guys, I think you both have mistaken my demand. I'm not asking for the subtitles of the movies as it belongs to another issue. What I'm asking is the subpicture(as it is called in DVD Maestro) of the menus, i.e. the shapes and colours of the buttons. Atm I don't see any program that can handle this. Usually I grab it from the screen dump from PowerDVD one by one and merge them together.

[r0lZ]

The buttons highlights are stored in the subpic streams, just like real subtitles. However, there are additional infos stored in the nav packs to show only one highlight at a time, and to assign some parameters (such as the button command) to them. You can edit those parameters with PgcEdit, but you cannot edit the subpics.

BTW, I've verified, and DVDSubEdit has just the function you need. See File -> Save current subpic as .PPM.
Also, note that the button highlights are usually transparent in DVDSubEdit, and you have to change the transparency value to see them in the GUI (but you don't need to do that to save them to PPM.)

[BigCondor]

Thanks a lot for that information. I'll check it up to see what I can do with it.

Just tried it out and it worked. So editing menus will be much easier with that, merry Christmas!

[zacoz]

Just came across something interesting when trying to bypass Warning and Distributor cells in Cypher (R4) - a command configuration which by design sends the disc into a never ending loop if you try to kill it with "Kill PGC Playback". Each cell (VTSM1 PGC 7 & 8) has a single button on it which in normal playback is never activated. The cell plays and then the control appears to pass to the post commands and the disc continues on normally. If however you utilise "Kill PGC Playback" you are prompted to select a button - you have no choice but to choose the button which passes control to a different PGC than that in the post commands. This "button" PGC is where the disc goes into a loop.

I've gotten around this by removing the SET button highlight and button command that are subsequently inserted into the pre commands by the "Kill PGC Playback" function, thus ensuring control flows onto the previous post commands which are now at the end of the pre commands.

I've emailed what I hope is the relevant info onto r0lZ to confirm what I've found (I could of course be suffering from too much Christmas cheer). If there's an effective automated way to identify or get around this I'm sure r0lZ will come up with it (the loop issue, not the Christmas cheer).

[blutach]

No, you are not suffering zacoz. I have seen many DVDs like this, too. It's a design to ensure you watch the warning till the end. I think changing the button to NOP and then Kill playback should work. Of course, Jump to PGC Upon DVD Insert is the most elegant way to skip this mess.

Regards

[r0lZ]

Well, it should be possible to select the SKIP button of the menu viewer in such cases, but I'm not sure I have implemented it (like in the trace mode.) The SKIP button is only available if there is no infinite cell time at the end of the PGC, because that means that the PGC can be played until it ends without user intervention.

Thanks for the report! I'll have a look...

[r0lZ]

OK, I have added a "No Button" button :p in the menu viewer when called from the Kill Playback function. This button is similar to the Skip button in trace mode.

That button is disabled if the menu has an infinite still time, but is not disabled for a looping menu (as it's too difficult to check all commands to determine if the menu loops or not.)

Clicking that button instead of the Kill Playback button kills the playback, but does not simulate a menu button. This way, it is possible to kill playback of a menu, and continue the navigation normally with the post commands.

I don't like this solution too much, because it is possible to create an infinite loop if that option is used on a looping menu, but it's the only solution I've found so far.

[zacoz]

I think changing the button to NOP and then Kill playback should work.I hadn't thought of that.
Of course, Jump to PGC Upon DVD Insert is the most elegant way to skip this mess.Would you believe I still haven't tried that function.
OK, I have added a "No Button" button :p ...<snip>... This way, it is possible to kill playback of a menu, and continue the navigation normally with the post commands.Wow, that was quick. Thanks.
I don't like this solution too much, because it is possible to create an infinite loop if that option is used on a looping menu, but it's the only solution I've found so far.I guess that possibility raises question whether it's better to leave it as is or include 'no button' - what's going to be best for new users - there are a lot of looping menu's out there.

I suppose either way, it reinforces the need to test your finished editing before burning in case of unexpected impacts.

[r0lZ]

Sure.

Anyway, a newbie will probably use the "Kill Playback" button, and not try the obscure "No Button". Also, I have modified the description of what the function does (displayed in the OK/Cancel dialog) to include a short warning.

[laserfan]

I routinely use PgcEdit when making backups of my discs, to jump straight to the movie upon insert. Works great, thanks r0lZ!

Is there a way to jump straight to a specific CELL upon insert, e.g. Cell number 2 vs. Cell 1? I have a few music concert discs for which Cell 1 is intro/blather that I'd rather skip.

I know I can blank Cell 1 but I really don't want to do that i.e. I'd like to jump to Cell 2 on insert, but be able to play from the beginning (incl. Cell 1) when selecting the program from the title menu.

Oh, I should add that most times Chapter 2 is the start of the concert--if a "jump to cell" is not possible maybe a "jump to chapter"?

[r0lZ]

Not easy!

The Jump2PGC function initializes a GPRM in the FP-PGC, and checks it later to know that it's the first time a PGCs is executed. When everything has been bypassed, the function restores the GPRM at its default value (normally 0.)

You might try to remove the instruction that resets the GPRM, and use a compare at the end of the pre-commands of the target PGC. If the GPRM still contains the value set in the FP-PGC, you must then reset it to 0 and jump to cell 2.

Of course, everything is easier if there is still a free GPRM. The only thing you have to do is to check if it is 0, and set it to any other value, then jump to cell 2.

Caution! I haven't verified what I've explained above. I had an hard disc crash :scared:, and I haven't restored everything yet. I have currently no IFOs on my hard disc to test! :mad:

[bigotti5]

If there are not all menus used in VTS (e.g. Angle menu) create a dummy Angle menu and jump from FP to the dummy Angle menu and use JumpVTS_PTT in its precommands to enter chapter 2

[laserfan]

I'm glad to know mine wasn't a dumb question, but the replies will take some study for me to figure out. I will try! :scared:

Sorry to hear of your crash r0lZ!!! :(

[blutach]

@laserfan

If you wanna miss the first intro cell using just Jump To PGC, try this:

1. Navigate to the desired PGC (I guess the main menu).
2. Press the setup/audio button (it really doesn't matter) and while you're there, might as well do your audio setup.
3. Return to the main menu and THEN call the J2PGC function.

Normally, when you enter a main menu for the second time, the DVD is programmed to bypass the junky intros.

Or ....

As you say, you could blank the first cell of the menu/chapter of the movie (if you're jumping to the movie first), but you regard this as sub-optimal.

Or ....

You could find the command that actually does the bypassing of the intro cell and program the DVD to mimic it first time round.

Or ....

You could use MenuShrink (http://jean.laroche.free.fr/MenuShrink/) but keep all menus (except tick the option to bypass intros and outros).

Or ....

If jumping to the movie first, you could blank the first chapter as above, or insert in place of all Break commands and the last pre-command in the title a "Link PTT Chapter 2" and use the scene selection menu to select Chapter 1 when you actually wanted to see that one.

Hope this helps.


@r0lZ - bad news! Sorry to hear that. Hope you get it fixed soon. Bonne annee.

Regards

[laserfan]

...You could find the command that actually does the bypassing of the intro cell and program the DVD to mimic it first time round.

Or ....

If jumping to the movie first, you could ... insert in place of all Break commands and the last pre-command in the title a "Link PTT Chapter 2" and use the scene selection menu to select Chapter 1 when you actually wanted to see that one.
Thanks for the ideas blutach; these two might be acceptable except I dunno how to do the first. I will see about trying the 2nd, which sounds best to me if I can get it to work.

To clarify, the "intro" I want to bypass is not a separate PGC, it is the first cell of the main program, kind of a retrospective/setup for the live concert footage which commences thereafter in Cell 2 (also Chapter 2).

Anyway I'll try the Link PTT idea! If it doesn't work, I'll just blank the cell and look at the original DVD if I want to see the intro.

[laserfan]

It *appears* this is easier than we thought: all I've done was go thru the "first play" process, but instead of FPing after selecting the "Play All" button, I simply selected instead the appropriate button in the Chapter menu for Ch2, and the disc starts with Ch2 (slaps self upside the head). Further, I can select the Title menu and "play all" and it starts from the Intro. Maybe I've overlooked something here but it tests good and I'm gonna burn it.

This only works of course because the concert starts with Chapter 2 (as opposed to, say, Cell 2 of Ch1) but maybe my other concerts are done the same way. Going to look now...

Thanks for the inspiration guys...

[jinjin_jp]

It is reported in Forum in Japan, and I tested it.
(below command is what I made from infprmation, not just same as problematic DVD.)

(a)before processing
********** pre commands:
1 Set gprm(0) =(mov) 0
2 Set gprm(6) =(mov) 0
3 LinkPTT Chapter 2
********** post commands:
1 if ( gprm(6) != gprm(0) ) then { (JumpVTS_TT) Jump to TTN 1 in this VTS }
2 (CallSS) Call the First Play PGC, resume cell 1
********** cell commands:
1 Set gprm(6) =(mov) 1

It is consist of 2 cells. Cell_1 is command No.1.
Normally it directly jump to Cell_2(Cahpter 2), next to FirstPlay.
If it is replayed from cell_1, it returns to cell_1 by changed gprm(6) in cell command.

(b)after processing (Blank out all PGCs in domain, "Kill playback when it's safe")
********** pre commands:
1 Set gprm(0) =(mov) 0
2 Set gprm(6) =(mov) 0
3 Goto line 4
4 NOP
5 Set gprm(6) =(mov) 1
6 NOP
7 if ( gprm(6) != gprm(0) ) then { (JumpVTS_TT) Jump to TTN 1 in this VTS }
8 (CallSS) Call the First Play PGC, resume cell 1
********** post commands:
1 if ( gprm(6) != gprm(0) ) then { (JumpVTS_TT) Jump to TTN 1 in this VTS }
2 (CallSS) Call the First Play PGC, resume cell 1
********** cell commands:
1 Set gprm(6) =(mov) 1

I noticed the difference from what I thought.
I have ever thought post-command is pasted after pre-command.
But It seems to be that pre-command of LinkPTT is removed.
I think it is reasonable because "Kill playback" is processed.

I have ever thought that "Kill playback" (safe) is not done when it has cell-command.
But It seems to be when cell-command is jump comman, but not when set-command,
and cell-command is pasted after precommand, too.

So, the problem is to be replayed endless cyclic.

By the way, VobBlanker doesn't done "Kill playback" when setting (safely).

Regards.

[blutach]

A rare case of better to not use Kill Playback when blanking.

There are other cases where it perhaps it is best not to Kill Playback.

Regards

[jinjin_jp]

Of course, it is good way, but it is difficult to judge for almost people.

I hope the feature of the function is ;
*doesn't copy cell-commnd of unplayed cell.
or
*doesn't work "Kill Playback" function if existing cell-command when selecting "safe", like VobBlanker.
if possible.

Regards.

[BigCondor]

So it seems line 3 has to change from

3 Goto line 4 --> 3 Goto line 6

since it directly jumps to cell 2.

[r0lZ]

Unfortunately, it is impossible to know if a comparison is true or false without doing a full trace. Therefore, PgcEdit assumes always that the comparison is true, and change the relevant link to goto.
The first cell-command (if not a LinkTailPGC) is now also added before the post-commands, to face a difficult problem when the cell command is used to quit the PGC, or to set an important GPRM that can be used later.

In this case, the link to chapter 2 should be treated as a dangerous operation, and the playback should not be killed. There is obviously something wrong! I'll see what I can do. Thanks for the bug report!

[r0lZ]

OK, I have tried to fix the problem. Now, all Links that jump inside the PGC (not at the beginning of the PGC) are left unchanged. In this case, the cells are not removed (in the menu domain), but the user is prompted to blank them instead.
The effect is that the PGC is still bypassed if the commands jumping inside the PGC are not executed (due to false conditions), otherwise some blank cells might still be played.

I hope I haven't introduced new bugs, as this function is now rather complex. You can try it. PgcEdit v8.0 beta 14 is available here (http://download.videohelp.com/r0lZ/pgcedit/beta/).

[jinjin_jp]

Thanks　very much new beta ver.
It becomes to work well.

Regards.

Edit;
below is new processed command.
********** pre commands:
1 Set gprm(0) =(mov) 0
2 Set gprm(6) =(mov) 0
3 LinkPTT Chapter 2
4 NOP
5 Set gprm(6) =(mov) 1
6 NOP
7 if ( gprm(6) != gprm(0) ) then { (JumpVTS_TT) Jump to TTN 1 in this VTS }
8 (CallSS) Call the First Play PGC, resume cell 1
********** post commands:
1 if ( gprm(6) != gprm(0) ) then { (JumpVTS_TT) Jump to TTN 1 in this VTS }
2 (CallSS) Call the First Play PGC, resume cell 1
********** cell commands:
1 Set gprm(6) =(mov) 1

[Mr.Bitey]

Hi guys,

I hope this is the right place for bug reports.. please excuse my ignorance of what the correct feature is called..

Version 7.4

The area of concern (bug) can be seen when double-clicking on a VTST TTN entry on the left hand pane (after opening a dvd), and an editor screen is shown (listing all the chapters, programs, cells, flags, layerbreaks, playback times etc - and where you can preview and change vob/cell ID's... If this screen is maximised the bottom row of buttons dissapears underneath the windowsxp taskbar (the one with current domain strams, remove cells, create new cell, del angles, celltimes etc).. If you set the taskbar to auto-hide, or shrink it, then you can see the bottom row of buttons.

Not a biggie, but i frequently use that editor and maximise it, hence see the problem quite often :-)

Im using XP SP2 and have the taskbar set to the default height (not auto-hide).

Cheers,
Bitey

[r0lZ]

I know this problem. It's a Tk bug, and I cannot fix it.
That's why I have disabled the maximize button of the PgcEditor. You should normally not be able to maximize it (but the window can still be resized with the mouse.)
Maybe you have installed a non-standard window manager that adds a maximize button in the title bar, even though it's forbidden?
I may try to limit the height of the editor window to the height of the desktop screen less, say, 30 pixels, but I can't retrieve the height that is really available with Tcl/Tk. If the user has increased the number of rows of the taskbar or installed another taskbar, the "fix" will still be insufficient.

[Mr.Bitey]

Hi r0lZ,

Thanks for the reply, please dont forbid it any more! :-) its really annoying after changing a cellid then the screen 'reloads' back to its original size.. When your changing lots of cell id's at the bottom, you need to scroll down to find them again, if the screen is maximized then you dont need to scroll (rarely) and the screen doesnt reload/resize itself after performing the op.

Im maximizing it using a right click on the title-bar.. this works so long as you remember to double-click the title-bar and pick OK rather than use the X to close the window (which doesnt save the changes :( )

Thanks for such a terrific program :-)

Cheers,
Bitey

[r0lZ]

Oh, yes, funny! You have to resize the window a bit with the mouse, and the maximize option becomes available in the right-click menu! That's obviously a Windows bug.

My method (limiting the height of the window) works fine with a standard one-row taskbar. But if you move the taskbar on top or on a side of your desktop, the editor window is still covered! Sorry, but I don't think I'll try to improve that. Currently, you can safely maximize it with a standard taskbar.

Note that you can also accept the changes simply by pressing return (and escape to cancel.)

[Mr.Bitey]

:-)

The Return button! - ah.. Thanks!

I have the maximise button (in the right click menu from the title-bar) available without resizing the window first. I am running powertoys/tweakui which might have something to do with it... I have a std 1 row taskbar and it still gets hidden (or were you talking about a different version of pcgedit?)

Anyway - thanks for your help! - im sure youve got more important things to do than look at this any more! :-)

Cheers,
Bitey

[r0lZ]

I have power toys too, but maybe I haven't configured it like you.

Anyway, yes, the fix is only available in PgcEdit v8.0 beta 15. See the PgcEdit 8 beta thread (http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?t=119030).

[blutach]

I too, would support some sort of maximise for the PGC Editor, especially when working with these stupid ARccOS DVDs with 70-100 cells, most of which are rubbish.

Regards

[r0lZ]

OK, I've searched the net, and it appear that having a maximize buttons in a transient window is not possible under Windoze. But I have changed my code, and now the size and position of the editor window is saved in the config file, and restored from session to session. The window is not resized any more when the cells list is refreshed. So, you can resize the window the way you like it and keep the setting for ever.

[blutach]

Thanks r0lZ. Et Joyeux Anniversaire! (though it is always us who gets the presents from you)

Regards

[r0lZ]

See the new PgcEdit v8 thread (http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?t=121146).

[Zebrich]

Is there a full istaller programm available that includes the PSL2 plugin, PgcEdit (and its help file), FixVTS and all required VobBlanker files like in the Digital Videos/DVD Decrypter Forum?

Unfortinuately this installer was not updated. The latest versions of software there are:

PgcEdit - 7.4
Plugin - 2.21
VobBlanker - 2.1.1.0
FixVTS - 1.6

[r0lZ]

I don't think so, but you can easily overwrite the programs with the new versions.

Anyway, the PSL plugin is not my job, and, for legal reasons, I can't support it.

[setarip_old]

@Zebrich

Hi!

The PSL2 plugin is VERY much out of date. It is not usable with many of the latest DVD releases and their newer copy protection schemes. Try ripping your DVD(s) using the easy to use "RipIt4me" package (Incorporates RipIt4Me, DVD Decrypter, FixVTS, and DVD Shrink). You can download this excellent freeware from:

www.ripit4me.org

While you're at that site, read the excellent "how to" tutorial...

[r0lZ]

I agree. The wizard cannot work with recent ARccOS protected DVDs.
However, I think the plugin is still useful for educational purposes. It has some good tools to analyse the protections methods, and to remove them manually.