Menus VS4 - What am I doing wrong

[MikeA]

I have created a movie successfully and wish to burn a DVD. I go into Share and successfully burn a disk. Only I messed up somewhere and want to go back and try again. Now, when I go into Share and DVD, my old menu isn't there - it seems I have to create anew. Is one's created menu supposed to be saved with the project file after the burn (Close share), or did I miss a step. Or am I not seeing a step when I open up the menu editor?

[Ken Berry]

When you finish burning and close the burning module, you get a little box indicating it is saving something. The only problem is that none of us here have ever known exactly what is saved, much less where it is saved!!

The only way you can actually save everything, including the menu, is to close the burning module, let the automatic saving routine do its thing, but then manually select File > Save (or Save As) to actually save the entire project to a folder which you have designated or the Working Folder indicated by default in Preferences.

[MikeA]

Thank you. You guys are great! Prompt assistance.

I believe I have got it going right. But there was a slight twist to the problem. My chapters were set within one project, and as far as I can see, if one chooses not to have a title menu, the chapter menu is not saved. The title one is, but shows only the start of the project, not the second chapter. My workaround was to split my project into two projects, add both during the menu creation, at which time both projects/chapters became visible in the title menu (only one was before - the start of the original project).

The implication from this is that VS thinks of chapters differently to the way I do. To me, any point at which one wants to create a menu item at which the movie will start is a chapter. This could be multiple points within one project file or multiple projects/files, or both. To VS, a chapter appears to be something only within a single project file, and this can only be shown within a secondary menu. Or am I missing something?

[Ken Berry]

To VS, a chapter appears to be something only within a single project file, and this can only be shown within a secondary menu.

Exactly right! And a 'single project file' in video editing terms is called -- admittedly confusingly! -- a title.

[MikeA]

Many thanks, again. Why does it have to be so confusing? Why is there not a detailed manual or equivalent (or maybe there is and I haven't seen it - don't want to cast blame if underserved). The standard manual gives only the basics.

One last question (for now) - how does one set it so that the movie returns to the main menu after any 'chapter'?

[Ken Berry]

how does one set it so that the movie returns to the main menu after any 'chapter

I'm afraid you can't. You can only set it to return to menu after each clip (i.e. 'title'). See the Project Settings cogwheel icon in the bottom left of the burning screen and untick the box at the bottom beside 'Auto repeat when disc playback ends'. Then the very bottom box becomes active, and you can choose between Back to Menu and Continue to Play the Next Clip...

[MikeA]

Good enough for me! Yet more thanks!