Where do I start?

Jason Candelora

Hi Guys..biggest HD-DVD noob around here..

I have to build an hd-dvd disc with a slide out menu where you can select from a list of 7 short videos or select a play all feature. I have done this many times in the old scenarist, but I cannot figure out how to start on an hd-dvd! I found many code examples with markup and javascript, however, I have not found a real straight forward example of how to build a basic slide out menu with buttons from scratch! I am also not sure of how to implement the menu once it is built! My assets will be h.264 encoded if that makes any difference whatsoever...

Thanks for anyone that can point me to some info!

Jason

JasonG

Get the Microsoft HD-DVD Jumpstart kit and READ everything. Then load all of the example menu systems. Then open each .XMU, .XML, .XPL, .JS and examine them...If you understand coding you will get it quickly. If not call me and I will walk you through it.

Jason Candelora

OK, I will keep examining those resources..I really like the rotating menu example! I tried to strip it down so it was only one level without submenus but I only managed to crash the code..lol

The main mental block i seem to have is how the advanced content gets linked in with the video / audio files. If are willing I would love to talk to you on the phone if you want to email me with your phone number jasonatsmtc@hotmail.com

Thanks a lot

Jason

Jason T

I have to say, if you are just getting started to try DoStudio MX its $99 right now (http://www.netblender.com). I have worked on a few titles scripting by hand and I have to tell you DoStudio MX is great compared to doing it by hand. I purchased my copy yesterday (Friday) and by today (Saturday) here is what I have:

1. I took my Menus I created in Photoshop and imported them into MX.

2. I added animation to them using their animation editor.

3. Added Sound Effects to the menu.

4. Added the events to change the images when a button has focus, call animations etc.

5. Added the Remote Control buttons to call my menus.

6. Created a full playlist based on my MPEG-2 Video and AC3 audio files.

7. Compiled out to an ACA, DISCID.DAT, and everything esle.

8. Used Nero to burn and now I have my HD-DVD that took me much longer when I did it by hand and I didn't get to do the muxing myself back then, just the scripting and photoshop work.

Using their photoshop importer, JS syntax checker, and logging thing will reduce my work by 1/2 on future projects!

Thats my two cents on getting started. It can handle even complex projects, which is good for me. I have yet to try their memory game sample that comes with it. You the viewer plays the HD-DVD in a game of memory, cool if it works.

Jason Candelora

another quick question..i notice that all of the examples use wmv files for the video/audio..

is that format playable on the major hd-dvd players If so, how would you recommend creating the assets coming from an uncompressed quicktime.

Jason

Jason T

That is because the MS HDi Sim can only play WMV files. This is not a valid format for the final disc. The HDi Sim should be used for basic testing anything complex and it will crash. Try using PowerDVD or WinDVD HD for playback when you are ready and have a muxed video they create a more reliable test then the MS Sim and are more affordable then Sonic's Simulator or the Toshiba one.

Also coming from the DVD world to HD-DVD think you should read the following websites who do a good job comparing the DVD authoring to the HD-DVD authoring:

The HD-DVD Workflow from guys who have being doing DVD work for a long time:

http://dvdafteredit.com/wiki/HD_DVD_Workflow

The Basics for DVD Authors new to HD-DVD:

http://dostudio.netblender.com/network/content/knowledgebase/hddvdfordvd.asp

Jason Candelora

so once your disc is tested and working do you just unplug the wmv files and replace them with your evo files

Jason T

That is what I did to start out many many months ago and would have to hand over my work to be tested by others for the final version.

Then PowerDVD came out so I used that with muxed video and audio that i got from the company I was working for.

Now that I have DoStudio MX and alredy can encode MPEG-2 and AC3 files (using my mac) I'll just be using MX and powerdvd to do all the testing, I'm creating test Titles now that I can use on future projects, found out MX can reuse muxed MAP files so that is what I'm doing now.

I do use the MS Validator a lot though it catches most of my stupid mistakes.

JasonG

Here is where the problem with MX studio comes in. When you are finished with your project you can not create a PlantDirect image (DDP 2.0 Compliant). That is the only thing that replicators can take...so you will need to step up to Scenarist 4.12 for Final Mastering if you want to replicate your project. I have 3 titles replicated so far. You can "play in the sandbox" with apps like MX studio and HDiSim all day and hone your HDi skills...but in an actual production\replication sense they are just for fun.

Jason T

True right now formatting for a replicator for HD-DVD discs is something the tools I'm using can't do. But HDAfterEdit should be doing something for that, and according to the DoStudio Beta Program documentation CMF output will be implemented by the end of August (part of the Beta program). There are also several post houses that will let you do the formatting step if you need.

If you are doing an HD disc on a DVD-9 then you can use something like Toast or the many other tools available.

I wouldn't recommend spending 45k+ on a tool right now because there will be tools that can do it for less in the next six months.

Like I said if you are getting started, I recommend DoStudio MX, Nero, PowerDVD and a mac for encoding (several MPEG2 options out there). All this is much less of a risk then buying the sonic tool set and it gives you more documentation then the jumpstart kit, more samples, and you get access to the Netblender support team for any questions you have. Even if you aren't getting started this is most economical way to go and the way that makes most business sense, I'll get my investment back much sooner then spending 30k on a multiplexing and simulation tool.

When you are ready to replicate there will be tools available to let you do that or work with a post house that will help you and pay the $500. You still come out a head.

eric1969

There are post houses that will mux an advanced content title for $500 Can you give out their names

Jason T

Eric. The $500 was for formatting but if you need some work done shoot me an email.

For replication the DVD-Forum recommends CMF or DDP 3.0 (I think DDP 3.0 is a subset of CMF) All replicators will take both image formats.

As we know Sonic Scenarist HD will output CMF. So will Apples DVDSP 4.1.2 upgrade, At end of August Dostudio MX will, I think the new Nero coming soon will output CMF or DDP 3.0, and HDAfterEdit looks like it will output CMF or DDP 3.0 when it is finally complete (not bad for a $349 tool).

Using the tools mentioned above a HD-DVD author doesn't have to "play in the sandbox" anymore they have the ability to complete the project without Scenarist HD and create real world discs.

eric1969

Get a hold of me when you can....eric at poweragemedia dot com

Eric

Jason Candelora

OK, I have my content and advanced content tested (in the simulator and validated) i am trying to burn the 2 folders to a disc and I used both "sure fire" methods outlined in the thread about burning to a disc..and the discs are not recognized by my toshiba player! It is the HD-A20. I am using DVD+R DVD-5 discs made my Maxell. I have been burning at full speed (about to try burning one as slow as possible..) what other changes would you suggest

The error i am getting just says that the disc is not recognized...

Jason Candelora

I am gonna update my firmware in hopes that it might help as the disc burned at 2.4x did not work..

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