Full DVD conversionfrom PAL to NTSC, including menus

[Sonnet79]

Hi Everyone,

I figured I'd throw this topic at all the experts here at Doom9, as I've had a look all over the internet for advice, though it appears what I'm trying is either an extremely laborious task, or not possible.

As some of you may already know, I'm currently backing up the majority of my personal DVD collection from PAL (the region i'm currently in), to NTSC (where I'm moving to).

Now I know it would be a lot easier to buy a player when I move, that is capable of playing PAL DVD's, though i'm very curious as to whether it is possible to convert a PAL DVD, to NTSC (i'm not too worried about region encryption at this stage), and keep the original menus from the title.

My attempts at converting so far have been successful, however I am having to ditch the original menus and re-author my own basic menu structure.

I've been using DVD Decrypter to rip to my hard drive, converting from PAL to NTSC with Canopus Procoder 2, re-authoring with TMPGEnc DVD Author, and then burning the results with Nero.

So, my esteemed colleagues, I put it to you, is it possible to keep the original menus? and if so, what tools would I use?

If any further info on my process is needed, I've got it in bundles!:D

[setarip_old]

I know it would be a lot easier to buy a player when I move, that is capable of playing PAL DVD's... 1) If you have more than 10 such DVDs, I'd suggest to you that this would continue to be the most reasonable solution

2) The majority of Region 2 standalone players have multi-format capability. Chances are, you can simply take yours with you and buy an inexpensive power adapter/transformer (different electricity requirement) to allow you to use it in the US

[MrTroy]

I agree with setarip, just use a multistandard player, saves you a lot of trouble.

Converting incl. menus is gonna be real difficult.
You would first have to separately encode the video, and then put the original menu back in place. But there's a problem: your track markers are lost during the conversion. You have to make new track markers.
Apart from that, you will have to separately re-encode the extras.
Subtitles don't work either because of the framerate change.

[strider01]

Buying a multi-standard dvd player is defiantely the solution. All DVD plaers sold over in Europe are dual system and can handle both PAL and NTSC system DVD's. However, you should be sure that your TV accepts either component or RGB input as most TV's sold over in the US are not designed for PAL. They can handle the PAL resolution, however unless your TV is specifically built to support the PAL color system, you will only get a black and white picture if connecting throught the composite or S-Video inputs.

[MrTroy]

Buying a multi-standard dvd player is defiantely the solution. All DVD plaers sold over in Europe are dual system and can handle both PAL and NTSC system DVD's. However, you should be sure that your TV accepts either component or RGB input as most TV's sold over in the US are not designed for PAL. They can handle the PAL resolution, however unless your TV is specifically built to support the PAL color system, you will only get a black and white picture if connecting throught the composite or S-Video inputs.
That's why he should buy a multistandard player in the NTSC region he's moving to. I think you will have a hard time finding an NTSC tv using RGB SCART (they don't exist) or component (only the most expensive ones).

[Sonnet79]

Thanks for all your advice on this topic guys.

As I will be taking around 450 PAL DVD's to the US with me, a new player is definitely the option!

I never wished to undertake the task of converting all of these, I was more curious as to the possibilities of this.

For the price of all that writeable media, I'm sure I could buy 5 new players!!!

Thanks again guys!