Modding IFO to overcome 2xVTS?

[flambot]

Using DVDshrink to connect two titles creates a DVD/ISO with 2 VTS's. Now if this is a 2 disc movie joined, then each VTS has it's own timeline (Not the total of both). Also, once you have skipped through the chapters in the first title and jump into the 2nd VTS, you can't skip back into the first VTS.

1. Is it possible to mod the IFO so that the timeline shows total time of both VTS

2. Can you can jump between each VTS with chapters by an IFO mod?

[blutach]

1. Yes, if you merge the titles together. DVD2One has this feature as does Ner0 Recode, IIRC. Or you can use the good old way of joining via VobEdit - see here (http://web.archive.org/web/20060515075320/www.ifoedit.com/joinclip.html).

2. Yes, using the DVD Shrink plugin to PgcEdit (http://www.videohelp.com/~r0lZ/pgcedit/index.html).

Regards

[setarip_old]

@flambot

Hi!

In addition to the two commercial programs mentioned by "blutach", DVD95Copy Pro (also commercial), provides the same seamless "Join" function capability...

[flambot]

Thx very much for the help.

I've asked these questions to help expand my own limited understanding of DVD stuff. Having previously used DVDshrink as a joining tool, I found these limitations (As I see them). I never liked the idea of two timelines (Not the total being displayed) or not being able to skip back to the first VTS from the 2nd once the player had moved into the 2nd.

So Blutach, just to comfirm...do you mean the titles have to be merged into a single VTS to navigate backwards and forwards with chapter stops? I can't think of any movies I've seen using a 2nd VTS for the main movie (only ones that use another VTS for a different version of the same movie). Trying to be clearer, I was wondering if navigation could take place (backwards and forwards seamlessly) between 2 VTS - even though it's the same movie.

As for a joining tool, I use VOBBlanker. I've used it to join all my two disc movies and it works like a charm without issues. Thx again.

[r0lZ]

It is possible to jump back and forth to the other parts of the movie (the DVDShrink plugin uses several different methods to do that) but not seamlessly. A pause is inevitable. Merging the two parts together is the best way to fix the problem (but you will have to fix the chapter menu if necessary.)

[blutach]

No - they need to be merged in order to play with a single timeline (but really, do you watch the time on the display, anyway?)

In order to chapter skip between VTSs, you can have 2 VTSs but you need to use the DVD Shrink plugin for PgcEdit (http://www.videohelp.com/~r0lZ/pgcedit/index.html). It is very nifty - give it a try.

And yes, VobBlanker can also join if you premake the new cells and replace them with the old. Also, DVD Remake Pro (http://www.dimadsoft.com/dvdremakepro/index.php) can do this in 2 clicks (Copy PGC and Append Copied PGC). That would make your timelines correct.

Regards

[flambot]

Thx very much for the clarification. Makes more sense to me now (Well a little :) )

I've looked at both PgcEdit and DVDRemakePro and for my limited skills they seem pretty intimidating. I only do movie only backup's, so a lot of stuff I haven't needed to learn (like to though).

I've considered purchasing DVDRemakePro to do a couple of tricky movies. They are ones where there is both a theatrical release and a Special Edition. I think they use what is commonly known as Seamless branching?? I like to alternate the version I watch.

Anyway, I'd like to have these types of movies (only a few in my collection like this) so that when they start a menu pops up to give you the choice of either TR or SE. I don't need all the motion menus (that these movies use) or all the extras on the disc and they would run from an ISO. Can I do this with either of these pieces of s/ware? This is one thing I would like to learn.

Also, at the end of the motion menu on these movies, the last frame (menu?) is static. Is this the last frame of the motion video or a still frame? Anyway, that's the frame (Menu?) I'd like to capture for the choice menu. Thx again.

[flambot]

...but really, do you watch the time on the display, anyway?)

Funnily enough, I use the timeline a lot. My wife and I never watch a movie in one sitting and the "Time Remaining" function is a Godsend :)

[flambot]

I've just answered my own questions with DVDremakePro - managed to achieve exactly what I wanted in very quick time. Thx again for your help.

[blutach]

Good to see! Also consider MenuShrink (http://www.dvdr-digest.com/software/menushrink.html) for shrinking menus.

Regards