First off, I must apologize as I am trying desperately to finish a wedding DVD project before leaving tomorrow evening from Dallas to Indy to visit my parents. So, in a move of desperation I'm posting from work to try to have some help before I get home to try again... I have most of the info I need hopefully and can provide more when I get home as needed... I downloaded VS9 trial version to try to splice together all the footage various relatives shot of our wedding.
Also, please talk to me like I'm a child, I am very new to all this and don't know much. I promise that I read the user manual as best I could understand it with my limited knowledge and have spent many hours on this forum (it's great!) which I used to solve other issues I've had.
After 2 weeks work I got every issue I was having resolved except for my audio. I would burn a DVD and could hear audio on my menus (.wav files) but no audio once the video itself would play. I realized I was not using recommended procedures, so I went back and started ALL over again, with Capture (am capturing from DVD's I had already had DV cartridges turned into by one of those local UEDIT video stores). Here were my settings, which I very carefully used for capture and burn:
Mpeg Capture Properties:
NTSC drop frame (29.97 fps)
MPEG files
24 Bits, 720 x 480, 29.97 fps
Lower Field First
(DVD-NTSC), 4:3
Video data rate: Variable (Max. 8000 kbps)
Audio data rate: 224 kbps
LCPM, Stereo
(additional note: I noticed that after LCPM, on my BURN properties that the word to the right was NOT Stereo, but I found that if I checked "DVD-VR Compliant" that it WOULD give me a dropdown menu so I could select "Stereo"-should I not have checked the 'DVD-VR Compliant' box?)
In my original attempt, (when I was careless and had NOT made sure all my settings matched) at the place where I selected my video file when doing 'create disc' (video file held about 1.5 hrs of footage) I remember it showed around 2MB as the file size in the bottom bar, well beneath the part of the bar that turns yellow or red. On my second attempt (when I had been very careful about my settings) the major change i had made was to change "Dolby" sound (which this forum told me was not always good on Ulead and could be the source of my audio problems) to LCPM (Ken said in a posting to use LCPM if possible- something about 'if your computer has the grunt to handle it', and mine definitely does). Now that I have all my settings matching everywhere, when I select my brand new video file to create a disc, that bar at the bottom of the screen is over 4MB and is all the way up through yellow and red. When I go to try to burn I get an error (wrote down at home, but don't have here now- sorry!). Something about the file being too big, of course. When I try "fit and burn" button I get that "this project will take time to render" which I know is bad, so I cancel.
What am I missing- when I used Dolby I could burn the project easily from my video file, but no Audio. When I change to LCPM it's too big to fit on my disc (which is a standard, DVD-R 8x). Is there some way, maybe for me to 'compress' the project BEFORE I save it as a video file so it will fit? I hope so much there is some easy fix to this as I am out of time if I want to make a gift of this next week.
PS- I noticed in the hundreds of posts I read (it's so hard to find one that matches your exact situation, but lots is helpful) that someone said if you're going to edit your clips you should use AVI instead of MPEG... I'm importing my video from DVD's burned from DV cassettes, if I hurry I could start again and use AVI if that would help... but my major issue is this size thing which became an issue because of my lack-of-audio problems)
LCPM making video file too big?(can render, can't burn)
Moderator: Ken Berry
Are you editing the imported mpegs, or just putting them all together onto one DVD?
Dolby Audio would be best considering your high encoded video bitrate, and the fact that you are having space problems. You could try mpeg audio -- not all NTSC Players will play mpeg audio, but alot of the newer models will. If you're not sure, you could always buy one of those cheap models for about $20.00 (the kind that Bestbuy or CompUSA always sell with a rebate).
The problem is the TRIAL version might not support Dolby Audio (due to licensing costs).
Regards,
George
Dolby Audio would be best considering your high encoded video bitrate, and the fact that you are having space problems. You could try mpeg audio -- not all NTSC Players will play mpeg audio, but alot of the newer models will. If you're not sure, you could always buy one of those cheap models for about $20.00 (the kind that Bestbuy or CompUSA always sell with a rebate).
The problem is the TRIAL version might not support Dolby Audio (due to licensing costs).
Regards,
George
-
Willow
George, thank you so much for a speedy response, I am really stressing over this project.
These are very amature videos so I am capturing the mpegs and then editing out the crummy stuff- also adding in 'fade to black' fx, but that is all for now. I *was* trying to replace parts of the audio track with music but scrapped that idea, thinking it might be causing some of my problems (even though they were .wav music files).
I have spent the time since posting this reading countless posts others have made and have seen a lot of talk about bitrate- do you think it would be possible for me to change it to 6000 or 4000 (quality is not a major issue for me)-would that solve my problem?
if so- here's my NEXT question- do I have to capture everything all over again and start from the VERY beginning, or can I just bring my 'project' back up (which I had saved after my small edits) and just render a new Video File using the 4000 or 6000 bitrate and then try to burn at 4000 or 6000? The posts seem to just reference changing the burn properties to 4000 or 6000... but since the Recommended Procedures say everything must match exactly, I have to build a new Video File (at 4000 or 6000) first, right? and then burn using the same bitrate, am I correct?
(ps- you are my hero for responding to me!!)
These are very amature videos so I am capturing the mpegs and then editing out the crummy stuff- also adding in 'fade to black' fx, but that is all for now. I *was* trying to replace parts of the audio track with music but scrapped that idea, thinking it might be causing some of my problems (even though they were .wav music files).
I have spent the time since posting this reading countless posts others have made and have seen a lot of talk about bitrate- do you think it would be possible for me to change it to 6000 or 4000 (quality is not a major issue for me)-would that solve my problem?
if so- here's my NEXT question- do I have to capture everything all over again and start from the VERY beginning, or can I just bring my 'project' back up (which I had saved after my small edits) and just render a new Video File using the 4000 or 6000 bitrate and then try to burn at 4000 or 6000? The posts seem to just reference changing the burn properties to 4000 or 6000... but since the Recommended Procedures say everything must match exactly, I have to build a new Video File (at 4000 or 6000) first, right? and then burn using the same bitrate, am I correct?
(ps- you are my hero for responding to me!!)
Is the video file still 1.5hrs long (90 minutes)? Or is it shorter or longer after your edits?
How did you "capture" from those DVD's? Did you feed it through a hardware device, or did you do a DVD Import function (which results in mpeg files on your hard drive)?
You should be able to just bring up your current project, and output a new video at the right settings to bring it down to fit on a DVD.
Did you output a video file already, or did you go right into the "Create Disc" mode (which uses your VideoStudio project as a video asset)?
Regards,
George
How did you "capture" from those DVD's? Did you feed it through a hardware device, or did you do a DVD Import function (which results in mpeg files on your hard drive)?
You should be able to just bring up your current project, and output a new video at the right settings to bring it down to fit on a DVD.
Did you output a video file already, or did you go right into the "Create Disc" mode (which uses your VideoStudio project as a video asset)?
Regards,
George
-
Willow
Thanks again, St. George-
I have these 2 DVD's that my family gave to me- they were created by one of those 'U-EDIT Video stores', from those tiny cassettes that come out of video cameras (see how non-technical I am!?). I am putting these DVD's into my DVD player on my computer and capturing them into a new project (so I guess the answer to that question is that I'm hitting "Import from DVD".) That turns the clips into MPEG's then, right? I then edit them for order and get rid of the crummy stuff, add fade to black fx and save. The project is a little under 1.5 hours at this point, once all my edits are done and I'm ready to save it to a video file. Then I go and create my Video File, per the Recommended procedures. Then I close Ulead, open again, have a blank timeline and under Share/Create Disc I add my one big video file. I am even not adding a menu anymore, just to try to get SOMEthing to burn. I don't see anything at this point that tells me how long the video is, I just know the video file is huge because of that bar at the bottom of that screen which is in MB's instead of hours but I can't remember how many MB's it said my project was- it's that bar that's blue at the left and then a little yellow and then scary red! (and believe me, I've stupidly grabbed my video project in error instead of my file, I've stupidly had something in the timeline- through trial and error, I am certain it's the video file I'm putting in once I click Share/Create disc).
OK- so, you think I can just bring the project back up, maybe try to set the Project properties at 6000 bitrate, save a new Video File with that new setting, and then when I burn also select 6000 as my bitrate for my burn properties?
I feel so teased! I can see the project on my computer and it looks so good, I am dying to share it...
I have these 2 DVD's that my family gave to me- they were created by one of those 'U-EDIT Video stores', from those tiny cassettes that come out of video cameras (see how non-technical I am!?). I am putting these DVD's into my DVD player on my computer and capturing them into a new project (so I guess the answer to that question is that I'm hitting "Import from DVD".) That turns the clips into MPEG's then, right? I then edit them for order and get rid of the crummy stuff, add fade to black fx and save. The project is a little under 1.5 hours at this point, once all my edits are done and I'm ready to save it to a video file. Then I go and create my Video File, per the Recommended procedures. Then I close Ulead, open again, have a blank timeline and under Share/Create Disc I add my one big video file. I am even not adding a menu anymore, just to try to get SOMEthing to burn. I don't see anything at this point that tells me how long the video is, I just know the video file is huge because of that bar at the bottom of that screen which is in MB's instead of hours but I can't remember how many MB's it said my project was- it's that bar that's blue at the left and then a little yellow and then scary red! (and believe me, I've stupidly grabbed my video project in error instead of my file, I've stupidly had something in the timeline- through trial and error, I am certain it's the video file I'm putting in once I click Share/Create disc).
OK- so, you think I can just bring the project back up, maybe try to set the Project properties at 6000 bitrate, save a new Video File with that new setting, and then when I burn also select 6000 as my bitrate for my burn properties?
I feel so teased! I can see the project on my computer and it looks so good, I am dying to share it...
ok, you've created a video file that you want to use for your DVD.
How large is that file as it is on your hard drive? And what are its complete properties? Also, how long did it take your computer to produce that video to your hard drive?
If you are going to stick with LPCM audio, then you will have to lower your video bitrate to about 5000kbps (I like to leave a little wiggle room).
If you switch to mpeg audio (about 192 or 224kbps), you can up your video bitrate to about 6500kbps (but 6000kbps should be fine).
Of course, AC3 audio is a better option over mpeg audio (as it is a DVD Standard, so you won't have to worry if your target DVD Player supports mpeg audio). Keep in mind that most newer DVD Players will play mpeg audio.
If you are really short on time, there are other tools that can "Shrink" your video in a fraction of the time (depends on how fast your computer is, and how long your video is).
Regards,
George
How large is that file as it is on your hard drive? And what are its complete properties? Also, how long did it take your computer to produce that video to your hard drive?
If you are going to stick with LPCM audio, then you will have to lower your video bitrate to about 5000kbps (I like to leave a little wiggle room).
If you switch to mpeg audio (about 192 or 224kbps), you can up your video bitrate to about 6500kbps (but 6000kbps should be fine).
Of course, AC3 audio is a better option over mpeg audio (as it is a DVD Standard, so you won't have to worry if your target DVD Player supports mpeg audio). Keep in mind that most newer DVD Players will play mpeg audio.
If you are really short on time, there are other tools that can "Shrink" your video in a fraction of the time (depends on how fast your computer is, and how long your video is).
Regards,
George
-
Willow
As I'm not at home near my project, let me answer with what I can remember...
I do have my properties of the video file:
NTSC drop frame (29.97 fps)
MPEG files
24 Bits, 720 x 480, 29.97 fps
Lower Field First
(DVD-NTSC), 4:3
Video data rate: Variable (Max. 8000 kbps)
Audio data rate: 224 kbps
LCPM, Stereo
and I believe the video file was around 5GB size, but that's a guess from memory. It was definitely more than the 4.3GB max allowed. It took around 2 hours for my computer to render the project into a Video File.
Since this is a gift for my parents, and they always have ancient electronics (ie- dvd player) I want to be sure they can play the DVDs, so I don't want to do mpeg audio as a precaution... and of course I know Dolby is out of the question from previous problems I've had. I think I'm stuck with LCPM, so I will try your recommended settings. (and your next-to-last paragraph was over my head... not familiar with AC3 but I've seen it in other posts).
BUT in case using 6000 bitrate doesn't work, I'm intrigued by your last paragraph, about the programs that will shrink my project. I read in other posts about this... So, I can just go into Google, search for 'dvdshrink' and download a freeware product? Then do I just run my video file through it to shrink (and does this then create a new, shrunken video file that I can then bring back into Ulead for burning to disc?) Is it really as easy as it sounds or will it prove a challenge to someone like me who doesn't even know what AC3 is? : )
I do have my properties of the video file:
NTSC drop frame (29.97 fps)
MPEG files
24 Bits, 720 x 480, 29.97 fps
Lower Field First
(DVD-NTSC), 4:3
Video data rate: Variable (Max. 8000 kbps)
Audio data rate: 224 kbps
LCPM, Stereo
and I believe the video file was around 5GB size, but that's a guess from memory. It was definitely more than the 4.3GB max allowed. It took around 2 hours for my computer to render the project into a Video File.
Since this is a gift for my parents, and they always have ancient electronics (ie- dvd player) I want to be sure they can play the DVDs, so I don't want to do mpeg audio as a precaution... and of course I know Dolby is out of the question from previous problems I've had. I think I'm stuck with LCPM, so I will try your recommended settings. (and your next-to-last paragraph was over my head... not familiar with AC3 but I've seen it in other posts).
BUT in case using 6000 bitrate doesn't work, I'm intrigued by your last paragraph, about the programs that will shrink my project. I read in other posts about this... So, I can just go into Google, search for 'dvdshrink' and download a freeware product? Then do I just run my video file through it to shrink (and does this then create a new, shrunken video file that I can then bring back into Ulead for burning to disc?) Is it really as easy as it sounds or will it prove a challenge to someone like me who doesn't even know what AC3 is? : )
AC3 and Dolby Digital Audio are often used as meaning the same. Some software will say AC3, others will call it Dolby.
The interesting thing about your video is the audio data rate of 224kbps and LPCM, Stereo. LPCM Stereo audio will run at 1,536kbps. I am thinking the 224kbps is Dolby Audio (from the original recording).
The DVD Shrink program will take a dvd structure from your hard drive, and shrink it down to size (and it does it pretty quickly). So in the Authoring program, you would burn the DVD to your Hard Drive -- in the last step of the Authoring module, use the "Create DVD Folders" option (i.e. don't burn to disc). This will output the dvd to your hard drive. Then you can test the playback using a software player like PowerDVD. You can also use that as input to DVD Shrink to bring it down to size.
I'm assuming you have a pretty fast computer to be able to encode a 90 minute video in about 2 hours (that's pretty good). So to avoid multiple re-compression, it would probably be better to open up your VS Project, and output a new video to your hard drive using the lower video bitrate mentioned earlier.
Out of curiosity, does that video you already created have audio? Can you play it in anything, and hear the proper audio? I'm wondering how the TRIAL program handles Dolby Audio in the source videos...
Regards,
George
The interesting thing about your video is the audio data rate of 224kbps and LPCM, Stereo. LPCM Stereo audio will run at 1,536kbps. I am thinking the 224kbps is Dolby Audio (from the original recording).
The DVD Shrink program will take a dvd structure from your hard drive, and shrink it down to size (and it does it pretty quickly). So in the Authoring program, you would burn the DVD to your Hard Drive -- in the last step of the Authoring module, use the "Create DVD Folders" option (i.e. don't burn to disc). This will output the dvd to your hard drive. Then you can test the playback using a software player like PowerDVD. You can also use that as input to DVD Shrink to bring it down to size.
I'm assuming you have a pretty fast computer to be able to encode a 90 minute video in about 2 hours (that's pretty good). So to avoid multiple re-compression, it would probably be better to open up your VS Project, and output a new video to your hard drive using the lower video bitrate mentioned earlier.
Out of curiosity, does that video you already created have audio? Can you play it in anything, and hear the proper audio? I'm wondering how the TRIAL program handles Dolby Audio in the source videos...
Regards,
George
-
Willow
Thanks for the info on AC3=Dolby. Good to know!
And about the 224 kbps- I was copying parts of my settings from an email I had sent myself from home to work so I could beg help in this forum- I am sure I probably typed something wrong and I can't verify since I'm stuck at work. I'm sure you're right about the kbps on my project, it is definitely in LCPM.
I had always wondered what that "Create DVD Folders" option was all about. So, if just creating a new video file to 5000 bitrate and burning at 5000 bitrate doesn't work, I will try this option. So, I don't just use my existing video file and run it through the DVD Shrink? You're saying I have to bring the video file into share/create disc, then on the final 'burn' page instead of 'save to disc' I chose that mysterious 'Create DVD Folders'. I do have PowerDVD, so I will test it there. Then I can just run it through DVDshrink (and I assume that program can be used intuitively since it's freeware? I hope so...) and create ANOTHER new 'shrunken' video file and then I can burn that using Ulead? Do I just bring the shrunken file into share/create disc just like other Video Files?
(I really appreciate all your patience- I know I am asking basic questions and keep repeating myself, but I really am this unsure of myself)
I'm glad to hear our computer is fast/good. My husband built it himself and acts like it was so easy (he's not a techie, I have a more technical job than he does). I am sure the project rendered to video file in around 2 hours because I started it around 8:30p and when he came home from work just after 10p, he said Ulead was already done.
In response to your final paragraph- this is what is so frustrating to me. EVERY incarnation of this project has been just beautiful and played on my PC perfectly. At first, when I had it all in Dolby, it was perfect on my PC- but burning to disc left me sans-audio (menu's played audio for some reason!). With this new video file version I've done, it plays perfectly on my PC but of course now I have the size issues because of my LCPM so I don't know how it's going to be on disc yet. It is so hard to see it exactly wonderfully perfect one place but unable to put into DVD form to share with my family. Thanks for sticking with me and answering my additional questions- I will let you know how it goes when I get home and try all of this (off work in 3 hours...)
And about the 224 kbps- I was copying parts of my settings from an email I had sent myself from home to work so I could beg help in this forum- I am sure I probably typed something wrong and I can't verify since I'm stuck at work. I'm sure you're right about the kbps on my project, it is definitely in LCPM.
I had always wondered what that "Create DVD Folders" option was all about. So, if just creating a new video file to 5000 bitrate and burning at 5000 bitrate doesn't work, I will try this option. So, I don't just use my existing video file and run it through the DVD Shrink? You're saying I have to bring the video file into share/create disc, then on the final 'burn' page instead of 'save to disc' I chose that mysterious 'Create DVD Folders'. I do have PowerDVD, so I will test it there. Then I can just run it through DVDshrink (and I assume that program can be used intuitively since it's freeware? I hope so...) and create ANOTHER new 'shrunken' video file and then I can burn that using Ulead? Do I just bring the shrunken file into share/create disc just like other Video Files?
(I really appreciate all your patience- I know I am asking basic questions and keep repeating myself, but I really am this unsure of myself)
I'm glad to hear our computer is fast/good. My husband built it himself and acts like it was so easy (he's not a techie, I have a more technical job than he does). I am sure the project rendered to video file in around 2 hours because I started it around 8:30p and when he came home from work just after 10p, he said Ulead was already done.
In response to your final paragraph- this is what is so frustrating to me. EVERY incarnation of this project has been just beautiful and played on my PC perfectly. At first, when I had it all in Dolby, it was perfect on my PC- but burning to disc left me sans-audio (menu's played audio for some reason!). With this new video file version I've done, it plays perfectly on my PC but of course now I have the size issues because of my LCPM so I don't know how it's going to be on disc yet. It is so hard to see it exactly wonderfully perfect one place but unable to put into DVD form to share with my family. Thanks for sticking with me and answering my additional questions- I will let you know how it goes when I get home and try all of this (off work in 3 hours...)
5000kbps for 90 minutes with LPCM audio should work, but it's going to fill up almost the entire disc. Since you mentioned a potential for "older" equipment (the dvd player), you might be better off keeping things under 4gb, using quality media, and burning at slower speeds (like 4x or lower -- oh, and don't put a sticky label on the disc).
To keep it under 4gb, you will have to go around 4500kbps.
DVD Shrink can output a DVD ISO Image file. Once you output that file, you can use Ulead to burn the image to disc (no more editing is needed).
Regards,
George
To keep it under 4gb, you will have to go around 4500kbps.
DVD Shrink can output a DVD ISO Image file. Once you output that file, you can use Ulead to burn the image to disc (no more editing is needed).
Regards,
George
-
Willow
Hi again George,
Just wanted to follow up to let you know how it worked out. I am pleased to say that using a lower kbps worked (can burn- and video is fine, audio is fine, all is in sync, too!). As not-picky as I thought I was, I must say that I really could notice a big difference in the quality in the final product, but I am relieved to get something, ANYthing to work! I have what I need for my trip this week. When I return, I may try to get one of those DVD's that have larger than 4.3 GB capacity- double layer, I think (even at 4000 kbps I completely filled the DVD... My project actually was 1.42 long, so I had to even trim it to 1.30 to get it to fit on a DVD-R, even at 4500 kbps!) I am also thinking of trying that DVDshrink we discussed. I assume that it's a popular option because maybe you don't sacrifice the quality you do burning at 4500 kbps... I hope that's the case at least.
I wanted also to post again to thank you so much for your help. It really warms my heart to find out here on the cold, impersonal internet a place where all these people have come together to help each other out. I am so grateful to you.
best,
Willow
Just wanted to follow up to let you know how it worked out. I am pleased to say that using a lower kbps worked (can burn- and video is fine, audio is fine, all is in sync, too!). As not-picky as I thought I was, I must say that I really could notice a big difference in the quality in the final product, but I am relieved to get something, ANYthing to work! I have what I need for my trip this week. When I return, I may try to get one of those DVD's that have larger than 4.3 GB capacity- double layer, I think (even at 4000 kbps I completely filled the DVD... My project actually was 1.42 long, so I had to even trim it to 1.30 to get it to fit on a DVD-R, even at 4500 kbps!) I am also thinking of trying that DVDshrink we discussed. I assume that it's a popular option because maybe you don't sacrifice the quality you do burning at 4500 kbps... I hope that's the case at least.
I wanted also to post again to thank you so much for your help. It really warms my heart to find out here on the cold, impersonal internet a place where all these people have come together to help each other out. I am so grateful to you.
best,
Willow