I got a DVD recorder and DVD Author and did my first DVD. I use one video
clip and defined several chapter points.

When I played the DVD, it when right into playing the movie and I was able
to skip from chapter to chapter.

Here are the problems:

1. Why didn't it go to the menu when I inserted the DVD?

2. If it did go to the menu, would there have been I icon for the chapter
points?

I think I see what is going on but want to make sure so I won't make
coasters.

Do I have to use a bitmap for the menu and each chapter point, so when I
insert the DVD it first gives me a menu with icons for the chapter points?

I'm really confused about this, hopefully someone can help.

thanks
Olushola

When you create a DVD the first video file usually becomes the "first play".
This means that video plays immediately when the disc loads in the player.
If you want a menu to appear first then create it first. You have to place
buttons on your menu and link those to your video's and/or chapter points.
Simply defining chapter points does nothing except for placing little
markers in the video which allow you to skip from one to the next using the
proper button on the remote.

When the pro's make a DVD they place some sort of "first play" on the disc.
Usually it is the FBI warning, or some fancy motion logo for the movie
studio, etc. Once that plays some discs are setup to go straight into the
movie, and other to go right to the menu where you find the normal play
movie, chapter menu, and other buttons. It's really very much like visiting
a website where buttons or links lead you to a new page on the site and so
on.

Yes you use a bitmap for the background of your menu. It can be a picture of
anything you want. Keep the size of the picture you use either larger than
or equal to a video frame, and in the same aspect ratio. You can use little
bitmaps for buttons, or if your program has them ones provide there. A good
size for bitmap buttons would be about 160x120 or a little smaller, it's up
to you. Label the buttons just beneath each one with a font you find
appealing and there you go.
--
Larry Johnson
Digital Video Solutions
http://www.digitalvideosolutions.com
"We Know NLE Better Than Dell or Gateway Ever Will!"
877-227-6281 Toll Free Sales Advice
386-672-1941 Customer Service Line
386-672-1907 Technical Support Line
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"Olushola" <balagi@starpower.net> wrote in message
news:3fd7b3bb$0$14961$61fed72c@news.rcn.com...

"Olushola" <balagi@starpower.net> wrote in message
news:3fd7b3bb$0$14961$61fed72c@news.rcn.com...
If the "DVD Author" you are talking about is TMPGEnc
DVD Author then there is a "Firstplay action:" area with a
drop down list of actions you can set. You well find it on
the "create menu" page. You should also click the "display
menu settings" button, and set that up as you want it.

You can pick one of the preinstalled menu "themes" or make
your own. If you pick or make a theme that includes a graphic
box (sort of a big icon) you well be able to click on the box and
bring up a window that well allow you to move through that chapter's
original MPEG clip and select a frame to display as your menu
button.

Luck;
Ken