Making photo-dvd´s, need advice.

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

07/28/2006 07:31:48 AM · #1

I am making a dvd for my mother-in-law, from our trip to Norway in June, so she can show her friends, using the tv. I have made one, just trying it out, and the picture-quality is crummy.
Maybe I should be saving them differently, different mode/profile?
Any and all advice is more than welcome, thank you.

glad2badad

Apple iPhone 16 Pro

Lensbaby Sweet 35 Optic

07/28/2006 08:01:24 AM · #2

This is a good question, and will be an interesting thread to watch. There are some creative and talented people here at DPC that I'm sure have some experience with this.

I've used a trial version of a software package that did a decent job of automating this. Sorry I can't remember the name at the moment, but I'll follow up after I get home from work tonight. The generated slideshow looked pretty good on our 32" flat panel TV. I was using full-sized JPG files (roughly 3000x2000).

Details from you would be helpful to those that are familiar with creating DVD's for TV viewing, i.e. image size, software used, DPI, type of TV (HDTV?), etc...

Judi

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

07/28/2006 08:42:05 AM · #3

I make a lot of slideshows for the TV/DVD. I always use ProShow. They are available in a couple of different packages...but worth it.

ProShow

Givemeashot

Nikon D200

Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6

07/28/2006 08:50:02 AM · #4

Originally posted by Judi:

I make a lot of slideshows for the TV/DVD. I always use ProShow. They are available in a couple of different packages...but worth it.

ProShow

Judi is the CompuPIC pro like Photo Shop?? and for the Pro Show would you need the Pro Show Producer??

Bugzeye

Fisher Price Kid-Tough Digital

07/28/2006 09:37:25 AM · #5

I have not made many Photo Slide Shows for DVD but I have shot several wedding videos and had the couple give me photos to insert into the video, stills from the wedding and reception some have given me series of photos showing the bride and groom from baby to wedding day which is pretty cool. anyway

try using a video editing program like Sony Vegas or Pinnicle Studio however I wouldn't endorse the later.

the way I do it is a bit of work but the results are about the best i have come up with.

First I take the photos into adobe create a new file while creating i select a TV preset with guide lines (example 1280x720 HDTV 720p) depending on what format my video is. I usually select a dark background color dark grey or black,
I then one at a time copy and paste the photo as a new layer into the new file making sure it is lined up then I save the file as a jpeg. once it is saved i delete the layer I just added and move on to the next photo.

then I use Sony Vegas I insert the new files I made just like I would video clips when I have them set up the way I like. I make an AVI and transfer it to my Casablanca Video Editor where I can do what ever I want with it. at this stage you can also select to save it in a mpeg or quicktime format or burn it straight to a DVD. you would also have the option of music and voice overs and 100s of transitional effects.

I have never had much luck making any photos full screen for television viewing it is always best to give them a healthy border.

07/28/2006 10:32:22 AM · #6

Thanks for good advice. I have prepared the photos in Photoshop and then tried Picasa and then Photostory. Making the slide show is no problem, put the quality once I view it on tv is terrible.
Using the puter is much better. Maybe I'll just have to recommend for her to use her laptop when she is showing the pictures. But I will try some of what you have suggested. She just bought herself a dvd-player (she turned 80 this summer) and it would be fun for her to show her pals all the pics on the tv - gather them around the laptop is different.

yann

07/28/2006 10:47:24 AM · #7

GuGi, if your picture quality is terrible, it' probably because you're using VCD quality.

You need to use SVCD or XSVCD for better slideshow image quality.

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

07/28/2006 11:40:46 AM · #8

Originally posted by yann:

GuGi, if your picture quality is terrible, it' probably because you're using VCD quality.

You need to use SVCD or XSVCD for better slideshow image quality.

Thanks, I'll try that.

Makka

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

07/28/2006 11:45:41 AM · #9

Originally posted by Judi:

I make a lot of slideshows for the TV/DVD. I always use ProShow. They are available in a couple of different packages...but worth it.

ProShow

I'll 2nd Judi on this program. She put me onto it and it's amazing what you can come out with! Definately check it out!

btuck

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

07/28/2006 12:28:17 PM · #10

If you'd like to view a sample of something done in ProShow you can download this executable I did of our gang snowmobiling. I assure you,it is virus free:

//www.hardbread.com/sleddin5.exe

Brian