DVDReMake Wish List

[writersblock29]

@Dimad

<"... replace a menu with a bitmap image ..." means having mpeg encoder implemented in DvdReMake. Which is of course possible, but with the amount of available authoring tools around will not happen soon, most probably.>

...Hmm... I get the feeling that you're thinking I'm talking about making a modified animated menu; which I'm not. Let's say I used the "Export Frame" function to collect still frames that I think would look cool as a menu background. I then used a photoediter (Nero PhotoShow, Picture It Publishing, Photoshop, ect) to create button text (pertaining to the features that I've chosen to keep with DVDRemake) and save the final project as a bitmap image. What I'm saying is that it'd be cool to replace the ORIGINAL menu's block with that image, and use DVDRemake to create buttons to go with the text I've made with my photoeditor. This new menu would of course be a still menu, kind of like the older DVDs have.

Since the existing "Hide Block" function only replaces a discarded scene with a black frame, what if 'Remake had the option to -- instead -- replace that block (for a menu in this case) with another, user-created, menu block?

I've done this quite a few times using DVD Maestro (which doesn't have a built-in encoder -- it's merely a DVD authoring program) -- but unfortunately, I can't import VOB files to link the buttons to. Since I can create and modify navigational commands within DVDRemake, the ability to replace a menu screen with a still image which I've previously created would solve this for me.

If this is what you already thought I meant, then I appologize for misunderstanding your reply... that's kinda the problem with the written word sometimes.

[Dimad]

Even still menu is not a bitmap its an encoded one frame mpeg2 video.

If you can encode your modified image and multiplex it with subpicture into vob with some application you can use DvdReMake Pro "replace" action and replace original menu with your authored one. Using export/import buttons (and comming in next release import/export color scheme) you can transfer old buttons to new menu if needed.

[r0lZ]

If it's impossible to import a bitmap file in the menu (I understand that), it may be possible to keep one keyframe from the original menu (which is already MPEG-2 encoded), together with the buttons and colors, and use this frame to replace the whole animation. Something like a combinaison of Cut To Here and Cut From Here, but keeping only one frame. This should make possible to freeze an animated menu and convert it to a still frame menu. No?
And, as an option, it should be possible to keep the audio, too.

[Dimad]

Hi, r0lZ

VidHack was trying to initiate discussion on this subject (conversion of the menu to still) here on DOOM9 and at cdr-zone ( http://cdr-zone.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=687 ). What you say seems reasonable and is more or less what I suggested to vidHack to try. There might be some nuances here which I don't have time to investigate. But approach itself is doable, IMHO.

[r0lZ]

Verry interesting thread, indeed.

I have also noticed that a second pass in DVDShrink was able to convert the remaining GOP to a still frame. This means that it is possible. :) Should be better to have that integrated in DVDRemake, though.

But approach itself is doable, IMHO. Does this means that this function may be integrated in DRM in the future? :)

[Dimad]

Eventually, but it is not clear when it will happen ;)