Finally! My guide on how to remove ANY Aspect Ratio or Language Start Menu!

[tluxon]

@2COOL,

Unfortunately, our family is in the midst of upsizing our RV and we've spent almost ALL our spare time these last several days researching models and attending the Seattle Winter RV show. I will definitely lock down some time to continue tonight.

Thanks,

Tim

[2COOL]

No problem. Just wanted to see a conclusion to your project.;)

[DMagic1]

Nice guide 2Cool. Wish I saw it about 3 hours sooner. I just tested it with Second Hand Lions. Im a registered MenuEdit user and I used the blank_exe. Worked like a charm.

I have one question. Is the last fake stripping with IFOEdit really needed? I asume its done for a good reason, but is it really need for the movie to work properly? I test played my movie before I did the last fake strip and it work fine before the last fake strip and after it. I saw no difference. So can you explain a little about what could happen if the last one isn't done.

[2COOL]

Originally posted by DMagic1
Nice guide 2Cool. Worked like a charm.Thanks! :D
I have one question. Is the last fake stripping with IFOEdit really needed? I asume its done for a good reason, but is it really need for the movie to work properly? I test played my movie before I did the last fake strip and it work fine before the last fake strip and after it. I saw no difference. So can you explain a little about what could happen if the last one isn't done. I'm assuming you are referring to step 25k. If so, MenuEdit can replace the cell but it doesn't update the IFO. Perhaps in your case the size of your menu equaled the size of your blank. Anyways, it's also documented here (http://menuedit.dimad.net/ht_me_replace_cell.html).

[196joey58]

please help...how do you automaticaly change the default of which aspect ratio format is being played when the "play movie" button is selected?. i ripped out the fullscreen so only the widescreen is present and the default choice is fullscreen which isn't present.... so the only way it will work is if i setup the DVD first by selecting the widescreen format and then going back to the main menu and playing the movie. if i hit play movie before i change to widescreen the movie just hangs

the movie is for my daughter "barbie as rapunzel"

[2COOL]

@196joey58

Welcome to the forum! :D

Though you already did step 32, go ahead and give this guide a go. I've had a lot of newbies come up with success.

[196joey58]

i am honoured that YOU responded to my reply, your guides are excellent..thank you. BUT you did not include the link for you guide with my problem, the guide i posted in is good for aspect ratio menus BEFORE the play movie screen (i used it for stuart little 2)...

but my issue is AFTER the play menu screen... it has to selected and then back to the play menu screen. this would be the same for "audio" selection. i need to change the DEFAULT movie format from FULLSCREEN to WIDESCREEN because if i hit "play movie" the intro loops back because the default format (fullscreen) has been ripped OUT !!!!, i want the "play movie" buttom to play the only format present ....the WIDESCREEN version.

thanks 2cool

JOE

[DMagic1]

Just follow the guide to the letter.

I've never seen a movie with both versions have a default version to play. They normally make you pick.

What movie is it your working on?

[196joey58]

the movie is barbie as rapunzel (it is for my daughter) and yes i am playing back the "DVD files" on my PC as a test before i actually burn the disc. i use POWER DVD and yes the "keep aspect ratio" button is selected

the dvd boots up the the main menu that offers two buttons "movie" and "games", after i select "movie" another menu pops up that has 3 buttons "play movie" "chapters" "dvd set up".

on the original dvd if i just hit "play movie" without going first to "dvd set up" the FULLSCREEN movie is played by default. howevere if i first "set up dvd" and select widescreen in this menu than of course i must go back to the "play movie" menu and then the WIDESCREEN format plays

if i do select the same "play movie" on the ripped dvd (absent of a FULLSCREEN format) the screen remains black (no corresponding default format ... and if i pre-select widescreen than the only format present (widescreen) will play as expected

this jumping to the "dvd set up" menu and back to the "play movie" menu is the procedure i want to ELIMINATE. i want to boot the dvd and selct "movie" and than "play movie" and i want my widescreen to play by DEFAULT. my 5 year old daughter will never understand all this.... not to mention my 32 year old wife (if you know what i mean)

JOE

[196joey58]

i used this great guide for stuart liitle 2 and the aspect ratio menu was at the START of the dvd boot up and it worked fine. i then used this guide with barbie as rapunzel with aspect ratio selection AFTER the "play" button and had NO success

JOE

[2COOL]

@196joey58

Originally posted by 196joey58
but my issue is AFTER the play menu screen... it has to selected and then back to the play menu screen. this would be the same for "audio" selection. i need to change the DEFAULT movie format from FULLSCREEN to WIDESCREEN because if i hit "play movie" the intro loops back because the default format (fullscreen) has been ripped OUT !!!!, i want the "play movie" buttom to play the only format present ....the WIDESCREEN version.Okay...I analyzed the region 1 version and came to the conclusion that this is not the right guide to do this DVD. There never was a "true" Aspect Ratio Menu that pops up as we are accustomed to. This DVD has a very complicated DVD structure that has you jumping all over the place setting and comparing GPregs. When I have time after I get home from work, I'll try to write up a cheat sheet on how I went about getting the widescreen version to play after you clicked on "Play Movie" button.

[2COOL]

@196joey58

Your cheat sheet is at this thread (http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=72396). ;)

On a side note concerning the guide in this thread...
Originally posted by 196joey58
i used this great guide for stuart liitle 2 and the aspect ratio menu was at the START of the dvd boot up and it worked fine. I'm glad you got the guide to work for you on this DVD. :D

[robot1]

I've been using this excellent guide for many backups with no problems.
Now I have a DVD with menu in 2 languages (280 MB), without a language selection menu. How can I blank out the second menu without break the navigation of the dvd?
Should I insert a cell command in the unwanted menu to jump to the right one?
Thanks in advance.

[2COOL]

@robot1

Try using this recent guide (http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?threadid=72547) I've put out. You could possibly delete VOBIDs afterwards on the menus you don't need.

[robot1]

I missed thath guide!
I'll report my results.

[robot1]

What if in the .ifo I find only one LMU (even if the DVD has menus in 2 languages) ?
Ok, it's a difficult one (SW1 Phantom Menace PAL R2)
[00000000] Number of VTSM_PGCI_LUs (Language Units) 1 [0001]
[00000004] End byte of VTSM_PGCI_LUs table 60429 [0000ec0d]

[00000008] LU_1: Video Title Set Menu Language Code en
language_1: English
[0000000b] LU_1: Video Title Set Menu Existence mask 248 [f8]
existant menus:
Root Menu: yes
Sub-picture Menu: yes
Audio Menu: yes
Angle Menu: yes
Chapter (PTT) Menu: yes

[robot1]

I solved.
I found in PGC-Menu2 a command

[00000124] 7.Pre Command Set GPreg<0> mov SPreg<preferred menu language> [61 00 00 00 00 80 00 00 ]

I replaced with:

[00000124] 7.Pre Command Set GPreg<0> mov (set-val)<26996> [71 00 00 00 69 74 00 00 ]

and I think now I'm safe balnking out the other language menus...

[DMagic1]

Originally posted by DMagic1
Nice guide 2Cool. Wish I saw it about 3 hours sooner. I just tested it with Second Hand Lions. Im a registered MenuEdit user and I used the blank_exe. Worked like a charm.

I have one question. Is the last fake stripping with IFOEdit really needed? I asume its done for a good reason, but is it really need for the movie to work properly? I test played my movie before I did the last fake strip and it work fine before the last fake strip and after it. I saw no difference. So can you explain a little about what could happen if the last one isn't done.

Update: I got to see first hand why the last fake stripping is needed. I just did Annie and without the last stripping the menu wouldnt play at all. It would just go straight to the movie.

Wonderful guides 2Cool. Every base covered.

[djan]

This guide is quiet difficult for someone like me. :confused:

[2COOL]

Originally posted by djan
This guide is quiet difficult for someone like me. :confused: At what step(s) are you having difficulties understanding?

[djan]

To say true, I let down when I saw all I had to do. :eek: It's like keeping long time to do all that. No ? :)

[DMagic1]

Its been awhile since I had to refer to the guide so I forgot everything.

I had to do two movies tonight, Annie and Now And Then. Both with ratio select menus. The first one took maybe 5-7 mins cause I had to read each step and go thru them carefully. The second one I flew thru because I then knew all the steps.

Its pretty easy to do, but also easily forgotten if you don't do them often.

[geffroman]

Originally posted by djan
This guide is quiet difficult for someone like me. :confused:

Well... no one says you HAVE TO USE it... and I don't think anyone is going to come to your house and do it for you... :D But if you would try... commit yourself to the steps one at a time you would find it easy to use... and if you truly get stuck someone here will help you... but you gotta be willing to give it an effort...

Don't let the length of the document fool you... It is the detail that makes it possible for you to know nothing about the process and accomplish things you could not dream of on your own...

I would still be looking at IFOEdit and saying DUH if it not for 2COOL and his amazing guides...

[djan]

Ok, I'll take a try soon and tell you if I have problems doing it. Thx.

[2COOL]

Originally posted by djan
Ok, I'll take a try soon and tell you if I have problems doing it. Thx. Great! You decided to take the RED pill. :D

[Dimad]

Just had a chance to read it through :o No I'm not ignorant, just did't have much time to concentrate on long guide :)

Nice guide.

There could be a problem though in some cases. I've tryid my best to look through all the posts in the thread and have not found it discussed.

On some discs menu button action is chousen based on the index of selected button! In this case both buttons would have the same commands.

Workaround: Insert a command like highlighted_button# = XX (where XX = 1024 * index of the button of interest).

Actually for thouse who has DvdReMake whole guide can be quite shortened:
1) import DVD;
2) switch to advanced mode and find PGC with menu;
3) write down command on the needed button (or confirm that they are all the same);
4) "hide" block with menu;
5) switch to "cell commands", "add command" and enter either written command or highlighted_button# = XX
6) the last step would be to change cell comand#, but DvdReMake (1.3) does not let you do it, can be done with IfoEdit. Edited: DvdReMake 1.4 can edit block attributes. So this step is also simple. Just double click on hiden block and set index of added cell command.
7) export DVD.

[2COOL]

Originally posted by Dimad
Nice guide.Thanks!

On some discs menu button action is chousen based on the index of selected button! In this case both buttons would have the same commands. Though I haven't encountered any yet, it is highly probable. When I get the time, I'll amend the guide with your findings.

Actually for thouse who has DvdReMake whole guide can be quite shortenedI was meaning to shortened the guide too at some point and experiment with other tools to make it better. At the time, I wrote it, DVDRemake didn't make the scene yet so I'll look into it and try it fully to improve the guide. Though it won't be as short as what you gave, I still have to fill in all the steps, e.g. clicking specific buttons and including informative reasons on actions done. I have to get real anal-retentive so that newbies coming unto the scene would have a easier time performing and understanding the steps. Perhaps, when I have the time, I'll do the guide in html with pictures. I know geffroman would like to see me do that. ;)

Note: I would like to do a sole DVD Remake version of my guide but ultimately, I have to give the community some options on accomplishing the goal, which will depend on what tools they may have at their disposal in their computer. That's why I provide free and non-free alternatives in my guides for those who have reasons why they can't/won't obtain commercial software. ;) e.g. A teenager without a credit card

[Dimad]

Originally posted by 2COOL
I was meaning to shortened the guide too at some point and experiment with other tools to make it better. At the time, I wrote it, DVDRemake didn't make the scene yet so I'll look into it and try it fully to improve the guide. Though it won't be as short as what you gave, I still have to fill in all the steps, e.g. clicking specific buttons and including informative reasons on actions done.
:) yes, after I wrote the post I realized that specifiyng all the little things needed to do it would at least double amount of steps.


Note: I would like to do a sole DVD Remake version of my guide but ultimately, I have to give the community some options on accomplishing the goal, which will depend on what tools they may have at their disposal in their computer. That's why I provide free and non-free alternatives in my guides for those who have reasons why they can't/won't obtain commercial software. ;) e.g. A teenager without a credit card
Yep, nice approach.

In another post you've said:

When I get the time and motivation, I would like to contribute too.


Can't help with time :), but may be with motivation ;) Just PM

I do think that quite many people will drop one-click approach and do a customized backups if they are given short and clear "how-to" guides, so that they can educate themself on the subject.

Your guides are quite a big step in this direction. :) When you are ready to do guides involving DvdReMake I'll be more then happy to help in any way I can.

[geffroman]

Originally posted by 2COOL
When I get the time and motivation, I would like to contribute too. ;) Thanks geffroman for your PM of opportunity. :D

After what it took to build that guide for editing DVD Text I am not sure I will ever write another one as long as I live...

I am much better at putting things together from parts and pieces than I am from scratch... I think YOU should write this guide and I will contribute if you want me to... Like I'll buy you a cheeseburger if you do all the work... Ha Ha... :devil:

I am still in awe that it took me so long to convey in a guide what takes only 2 minutes to actually do... I got stuck between the wordy and the graphical... I should have just done all graphics with balloons or all words with inset pictures where needed...

I have gained soooo much NEW respect for you, 2COOL...

[djan]

Hi 2COOL,

You remember I didn't want to try it because it looked too difficult and long for me ? So, today I wanted to try and what do I have to say ? It wooooooooorrrrrkkkkkkssssss. :D Really thanks 2COOL, your guide is amazing and very well explained.

[Dimad]

Here is an attempt to move 2COOL's idea under DvdReMake environment: http://www.dimadsoft.com/dvdremake/ug_ht_bypass_menu.php

Of course all credits are given to idea author: 2COOL :)

[2COOL]

Deleted

[FFantasy6]

Fist of all, thanks 2COOL for the guides (in special How To Completely Blank Out a Multi-PGC TitleSet).

I have a problem with a language selection menu.
Like robot1...

What if in the .ifo I find only one LMU (even if the DVD has menus in 2 languages) ?
The movie is Kill Bill (PAL)



[00000000] Number of VMGM_PGCI_LUs (Language Units) 1 [0001]
[00000002] Unknown 0 [0000]
[00000004] End byte of VMGM_PGCI_LUs table 1937 [00000791]

[00000008] LU_1: Video Manager Menu Language Code (ISO9660) en
language_1: English
[0000000b] LU_1: Video Manager Menu Existence mask 128 [80]
existant menus:
Root Menu: yes
Sub-picture Menu: no
Audio Menu: no
Angle Menu: no
Chapter (PTT) Menu: no
[0000000c] LU_1: Video Manager Menu Language start byte 16 [00000010]
[00000010] Number of Menu's for this LU (VMGM_PGCI_SRP) 6 [0006]
[00000012] Unknown 0 [0000]
[00000014] End byte of VMGM_LU_EA table 1921 [00000781]


I tryed also with the DvdRemake enviroment.

[2COOL]

Originally posted by FFantasy6
I have a problem with a language selection menu.
Like robot1...
It's hard for me to work with DVDs that have Language Selection menus as I haven't encountered a NTSC DVD with one that pops up like a Aspect Ratio menu (Widescreen/Fullscreen). Does your DVD have one displaying? It should commonly displays before your menus show.

Also, the IfoEdit info you posted is from your VIDEO_TS.IFO / VMGM_PGCI_UT. I assume your menus are not in your Video Manager but in a VTS. Try looking in your movie's IFO / VTSM_PGCI_UT and see if you see a total of 2.

[FFantasy6]

Yes, the languague menu pop up to select the languague of the menu.

In the IFO / VTSM_PGCI_UT only appears 1 language.

Thanks

[2COOL]

@FFantasy6

Hmmm...since you have a Language Selection menu behaving like a Aspect Ratio menu, why don't you give the guide a try? I know you're a newbie so if you get confused or stuck at a step, just post your status.

I've read some success stories from people who have worked with DVDs with Language Selection menus. There's also a DVDRemake Pro guide (http://www.dimadsoft.com/dvdremakepro/guide_ht_bypass_menu.php) if you have bought the software.

[FFantasy6]

I a newbie posting ^_^ but I did a good job with the multi pgc guide and others.

I tryied the guide because, in theory, the selection menu is like the Aspect Ratio menu, with no luck, also with the dvdremake guide.

The results were,
With your this guide: english menu
With dvdremake guide: film directly to spanish film (without menu and error if you return to menu)

How I can change from
Set GPreg<0> mov SPreg<preferred menu language>
to
Set GPreg<0> mov (set-val)<26996>
With edit (in pre command) in ifoedit I don't have the option to set-val

[2COOL]

Originally posted by FFantasy6
How I can change from
Set GPreg<0> mov SPreg<preferred menu language>
to
Set GPreg<0> mov (set-val)<26996>
Honestly, I don't know why 26996 was used since I didn't know what was in the robot1's IFO commands. He probably got that figure from analyzing the commands. Your value might be different?

With edit (in pre command) in ifoedit I don't have the option to set-val IfoEdit doesn't have this option. You would have to manually hexedit if you're knowledgable and fearless. But you don't have to worry anymore because PgcEdit is around to help you out on this matter.

[robot1]

Originally posted by 2COOL
Honestly, I don't know why 26996 was used since I didn't know what was in the robot1's IFO commands. He probably got that figure from analyzing the commands. Your value might be different?

[b] IfoEdit doesn't have this option. You would have to manually hexedit if you're knowledgable and fearless. But you don't have to worry anymore because PgcEdit is around to help you out on this matter. 26996 in Hex is 6974
69 is the char code for 'i'
74 is the char code for 't'
So i was setting "it" as preferred language.
For example english is 65 6e (in Hex)

For reference 'a' is 61 and 'z' is 7a.
Hope it helps.

[FFantasy6]

Great program PgcEdit, make thinks easier.

But I change the preferred language to 65 73 (es) with no luck.

Any other ideas?

[2COOL]

@robot1

Thanks for the clarification. ;)

[djan]

Originally posted by 2COOL
I've read some success stories from people who have worked with DVDs with Language Selection menus. Right, it worked really nice for me ! Again thx 2COOL.

[2COOL]

Originally posted by djan
Right, it worked really nice for me ! Again thx 2COOL. Great! Maybe when I get the time, I want to do another version of the guide since I tried it out with PgcEdit, which wasn't born then, with success. Steps 11 to 22 were what I was dabbling with.

[jsoto]

@2COOL:
Is there any reason to use a Cell command instead of an additional precommand?

I've sucesfully bypass a language menu with your guide, but it also works with an additional precommand.

The advantages of an aditional precommand are:
- Less manual editing.
- You can "delete playback" in IfoEdit. Do not need to sustitute the cell. (The cell will be kept in the VOB, as unreferenced material, but usually they are stills)

jsoto

[2COOL]

Originally posted by jsoto
@2COOL:
Is there any reason to use a Cell command instead of an additional precommand?

I've sucesfully bypass a language menu with your guide, but it also works with an additional precommand. What pre-command is that? I'm mentally drained right now.

You can "delete playback" in IfoEdit. Do not need to sustitute the cell. (The cell will be kept in the VOB, as unreferenced material, but usually they are stills)Yes, deleting playback does work...if the menu is in its own PGC. But, I have encountered some DVDs in the past with the menu residing with other needed menus in the same PGC.

[jsoto]

What pre-command is that? I'm mentally drained right now.

THE button command. The one you write down in the step 8 of your guide

deleting playback does work.
With precommands, sure, but does it works in the case of cell command?. I didn't test it

if the menu is in its own PGC. But, I have encountered some DVDs in the past with the menu residing within other needed menus in the same PGC
Mmm. I have to digest this...

jsoto

[2COOL]

Originally posted by jsoto
Mmm. I have to digest this... Here's one example. http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=43154

Read past step 8 in RED. I wouldn't want to delete playback on my main menus too, right?

THE button command. The one you write down in the step 8 of your guide Ok, please correct me if I'm wrong but I have dabbled with this countless times in the past using IfoEdit but if there is a LinkTailPGC command in the Pre Commands, the jump doesn't work. But if you have a LinkTopPGC in the Post Commands, that works. Also both, LinkTailPGC and LinkTopPGC, work in Cell Commands.

[jsoto]

Thanks for the clarifications.
Seems I start to work with a simple menu (an isolated PGC containing only the menu I want to bypass)
jsoto

EDIT:
For your info, the button command in my case was LinkPGCN, and seems it works fine as the last (added) precommand

[mikewillnot]

Question: problem at step 23
Trying this guide for first time, on MIB-2, special edition. Everything went just as described, no wrinkles, until step 23, where the test didn't work. The aspect ratio menu came up, and stayed there. no jump. Here's what came up along the way:

menu in VIDEO_TS.VOB
ARmenu: vobid 1, cellid 2
LU menu 1
hex value: 71010009A169000D

I double checked everything; same result. Any suggestions as to what to do when the step 23 test fails? THANKS.

[voo_doo99]

Originally posted by mikewillnot
Question: problem at step 23
Trying this guide for first time, on MIB-2, special edition. Everything went just as described, no wrinkles, until step 23, where the test didn't work. The aspect ratio menu came up, and stayed there. no jump.
You might have forgotten to change your cell time from 255 (infinite = menu stay) to 0 (just a quick passing of the menu). Recheck step 23 instruction.