Automatically producing two iso files in succession

[Berzelius]

I have VideoStudio 11 running under Windows XP/HE/SP2.

I occasionally use VideoStudio to convert a TV program recorded on my PC to an iso file which I then burn to disk. As my setup requires about 3-4 times the program time for this operation I normally run VideoStudio overnight for such things as films.

Occasionally I have 2 programs to convert and it would be nice if I could run them sequentially (without having to get up at 2 o'clock in the morning!). Is there any way to set up VideoStudio so that it will automatically start work on producing the second iso file when the first iso file is completed?

[Ken Berry]

... and make your breakfast coffee as well

Sorry to make light of it, but how can you automate a program, which requires so much human intervention at just about every step, to (1) select the relevant project you are after; (2) automatically clear the burning module of the previous project; (3) load the new project; (4) select whether or not to prepare a menu with or without chapters; (5) jump the preview step; and (6) untick the default 'create disc' selection on the final page, and select instead Create Disc Image File; and then, of course (7) click the Burn button...

I think that would be asking a lot of a program that a movie studio might used, and they have millions of dollars for such software. We are talking about a program in the $100 range...

I sometimes think I should include in my signature block "Whoever said that video editing was meant to be easy?"!!

However, I am prepared to eat my hat or crow or whatever if someone actually has found a way to do what you want without human intervention along the way.

[Ron P.]

Ken is rock-solid on. The only automation available in VS is the Batch Convert, which does not provide for ISO image files. You can Batch Convert to the following:

• Microsoft AVI (avi)
• AutoDesk Animation Files (*.flc)
• AutoDesk Animation Files (*.fli)
• AutoDesk Animation Files (*.flx)
• MPEG-4 files (*.mp4)
• MPEG files (mpg, mpeg, mpv, dat, mp2, m2p, m2v, mod, h264, m2t, ts, trp, m2ts, mts, tod)
• Ulead Image Sequence files (*.uis)
• Windows Media Video (*.wmv, *.asf)

[Ken Berry]

And the important thing to note is that of course Batch Convert works in just the one module of Video Studio. None of those formats requires the burning module to be opened -- and proceeded through -- to produce the final format.

In that sense too, while an .iso is of course a file, it is not a video file per se. It is, rather, the complete structure of a DVD which contains video files already converted to DVD format.

[DVDDoug]

I used to use an automation program called WinBatch (~$100 USD). You can automate almost anything with it by programming keystrokes & mouse clicks. I'm not sure if there is way for WinBatch to know if the first ISO is done (maybe so), or if you'd have to guess/estimate the time-required and do it with a time delay.

For best / easiest results, you'd probably want to use the same file names, and the same destination directories each time you run the automated process.

There are other Windows automation programs, and you might even be able to find a free one.

[Ken Berry]

I use a second computer which has VS10+ on it. It's a slower computer, but still gets the job done!

[Berzelius]

Thanks for the replies. I realised that I was pushing my luck with this question but hope springs eternal etc.

[sjj1805]

It sounds like a candidate for the Wish List
Seems a sensible idea to me.