About To Buy--need Advice

[wagonwheel]

I will soon be buying a DVD burner and Premiere Elements 2.0. I am currently using PSE 3.0 and have a Pentium 4, 2.80 GHz with 504 MB ram. I am not very computer savvy; I copied those computer numbers from the computer. I figured I would go today and talk to the person at Best Buy and see what he has to say. I doubt I will purchase anything from Best Buy, but it seems like a good place to start. Any advice anyone can offer will be most appreciated. All I want to do is make slide shows of my photographs that can be viewed on a TV via a DVD player. Thanks in advance for your help.

[mom to 4]

I have a new hp dvd 740. I tried to use it yesterday and it took so long to burn pictures to a dvd, I cancelled the operation. I think the instructions were seriously lacking......but that may just be me.......if anyone knows anything about the HP 740 burner that could help me, I would appreciate that, too.

I bought mine at costco for about $100., which I though was a pretty good deal, considering if I can't figure it out I can return it at any time.

[ATR]

DVD Writer

I have the HP 640 and works wells with the Premiere Elements 2.0 system.

What are you burning to DVD and what software are you using? Is it just jpegs. If so, how many? Any installation problems? What is the format of the DVD disc that you are using? A good resource for those writers is the HP web site under Support Troubleshooting. They have an amazing wealth of info there. Sometimes the full erase or making LightScribe labels with those writers takes a lot of time, but I have not run into anything that was a real problem otherwise.

Premiere Elements 2.0

I have Elements 3.0 and Premiere Elements 2.0. A lot of the helpful information out there is based on the 1.0 version. Although these versions are similar, there are those, what I call, challenging differences. Once you decide on the DVD Writer business, I would strongly recommend that you first do a Premiere Elements 2.0 tryout from http://www.adobe.com. A frequent issue that pops up is "my burner is not compatiable with Premiere Elements". There are others. So, timing on DVD Writer possible returns may be involved.

If you buy any books, make sure they are for the version of Premiere Elements that you are buying. Rather than buy the books sight unseen, I would make a visit to the local bookstore to check them out. Look at the Premiere Elements information in the Learning Center of this web site, if you have not done so already.

Except for some strange happenings with the Help menu, I have been very pleased with my decision to purchase Premiere Elements 2.0.

TV/DVD Player Playback

Here keep in mind: your TV/DVD Player has to be compatiable with the DVD disc format (DVD + or - R/RW) as well as the file format (DVD-VIDEO (MPEG2)...) that is on that DVD disc.

ATR

[mom to 4]

AsI recall, the box said it burns both dvd -R and +R. The software is called Nero oem suite. That is what came with the DVD burner. I didn't have a problem with the installation that I recall, although I did it two weeks ago and just tried to burn yesterday.

It has the lightscribe, but I haven't touched that yet.....don't recall a disk for that....I have to look.

I also have softward called RECORD NOW on my computer that I used to burn CD's and that works just find, but I am not sure if I can use that to burn a DVD........

Sorry, I am just an idiot when it comes to this stuff.........:D

[ATR]

My HP CD Writer came with the Nero OEM software. My HP DVD/CD Writer came with the Record Now software. Check out the screen when you open Record Now. It should show recommended types of disc. The preferences shown in my Record Now setup are: DVD+R, DVD+RDL, CD-R and then DVD+RW, CD-R, CD-RW.

Your writer probably will recognize both Nero and Record Now and ask you to select which one you want to use. Always check to make sure that the desired software is selected. If so, check out both and see if you like one better than the other.

If you are using DVD + or - R or CD-R, make sure to seek out the location where you indicate whether you want to add after (multisessions), otherwise you may be in the "no allowable additions" mode. You may already know, but just a reminder...you cannot erase content of the R type disc, but you can add afterwards if you check off the multisession area in the software.

Also, check the Nero web site for updates. One of the neat features of my Nero, is the InCD...a means to convert a CD into a large floppy disc. Some people put down LightScribe because it takes so long (about 30 minutes) to produce the LightScribe label, and it is not in color. But, you can get some striking labels of various tones using it. Many are going for the Epson printers that print labels in color on special discs.

ATR

[Russinator]

I would recommend going to the web site below and asking your question there. When I first got my DVD burner I had no idea how to use it or what type of blank DVDs to buy. I may be wrong but I'm thinking the software that came with you burner isn't a full burning software [that was the case with me]. I got the full edition of Nero and it works great. The other day I burnt a DVD with 400 pictures--it took about 10 minutes - Russ

http://club.cdfreaks.com/index.php?

[mom to 4]

I am so frustrated I almost cannot type. See my note under general elements, copy/move.

I am so ticked at HP I can't stand it! The thought that yours only took 10 minutes to burn makes me more convinced that something is wrong with mine.

[wagonwheel]

I did not make it to Best Buy today—perhaps this weekend. Following the conversation makes me think this is not going to be as simple as I thought. I am not surprised as anything I do with a computer leads to frustration. Thanks for the insight.

[mom to 4]

Wagonwheel/DW:

I jsut went to your gallery.....beautiful images....don't know if I could pick which one I like best, they are all wonderul. I must tell you the woman in the horizontal stripes making a face at me made me laugh for about the first time in about 36 hours!!!!!!

Thanks!.....and oh, I sent you a PM......

[Chuck Engels]

I would also suggest checking out the Adobe User to User forum, many very knowledgeable and helpful people there. Also check out http://www.chuckengels.com and http://www.videoinasnap.com for Premiere Elements specific tips, tricks, articles and tutorials :)

[gem]

Wagon,

I few thoughts...

I would strongly recommend adding RAM. I would suggest at least one gig. You may be able to use what you currently have installed and simply add more. Crucial manufactures very efficient and trustworthy RAM. A visit to their site and answering a few questions about your computer will result in a selection of the type that you will need. A RAM upgrade is simple and you can find installation instructions on-line. Probably the biggest concern when adding RAM is to make sure you are not transferring any static electricity, as this can fry the memory or other circuitry. You can purchase a grounding strap to ground yourself to the case or even use spare wire.

I'll second your thought of not buying from Best Buy. No offense to them, but they are almost always overpriced when it comes to computer components and software. Free advice is good, but I prefer to purchase on-line. Typically I buy from TigerDirect.com. They are absolutely trustworthy and deliveries average about 2 days. In fact, I checked out their site while writing this and they have the Sony DRU810A 16x multi-format, dual layer burner for $49.99. I'm sure others have greater expertise relative to DVD burners and may be able to speak to that specific one, but it is notable that Sony is highly regarded in respect to DVD drive manufacturing.

I usually go to Amazon for any type of manuals or how to books. I currently have two PRE2 guides on order. If you order is at least $25, then shipping is typically free. While I was there I noticed the PRE2 is on sale for $49.99 with rebate. That was last week and that is an exceptional price. It was a full version and "new". The last time I checked newegg.com they wanted over $90.

I saw that cdfreaks site has been recommended. I agree. I would also recommend videohelp.com. It is really amazing how much information about DVD burning, authoring, etc is available for free on-line.

Just a final recommendation......

I believe that DVD+R discs are preferable. If I remember correctly, Sony developed DVD+R technology because DVD-R discs were experiencing compatibility problems with "set top" DVD players. While DVD+R discs used to be more expensive than DVD-R, that is no longer the case. I usually burn single layer discs and spend under $15 for a spindle of 50. As a matter of fact, I usually buy Officemax's 8X house brand. I have a small program that will tell me who manufactured the DVD media I have in the drive and then can compare this to rated information at videohelp.com (keep in mind that many name brands do not actually manufacture the disc; Fuji, for example does not). I have tried several brands and surprisingly this "house brand" has performed well.

[gem]

"I currently have two PRE2 guides on order"


Btw Chuck, one of those books is the SAM "In a Snap" book coauthored by you. I'm very much looking forward to using it.:D ;) :D

[Chuck Engels]

Be sure to let me know how you like it :)

[wagonwheel]

You guys are awsome! Thanks sooo much. I still have yet to purchase anything. It will not be long though. Final exams will be over next week and I will have more time to figure out what I am going to do. Plus sell it to the wife. Thanks again and I will let you know what I do.

[mom to 4]

I think I got mine sorted out now....just hope I remember how to do it next time!! I better write it down.......So my HP dvd 740 x, works fine......

[gem]

Mr. Engels,

The book is great. I particularly appreciate the "BEFORE YOU BEGIN" and "SEE ALSO" references. Very well done.

Needless to say I'll be trying my hand at the Brady Bunch effect sometime soon.:D

[Chuck Engels]

Thanks Gem, but the Mr. is very not necessary - Chuck will do just fine :)
I am glad you are enjoying the book, Steve and I put a lot of work into it.

[wagonwheel]

Some friends gave me a $50 gift certificate to Best Buy so I think I will get the DVD burner from there. My wife gave me the big thumbs up so I am good to go. It is just a matter of when I am able to get down there. My understanding is it is not too difficult to install. Am I correct? I am a mechanic and have been taking things apart and putting them back together (properly) again for years.

[Chuck Engels]

A DVD burner is one of the easiest pieces of hardware there is to install. Once you get the cover off of the case it should be no problem, especially if you are a mechanic :)

There are only a couple of screws (and maybe no screws depending on the brand of computer) and two connectors (power, and a data ribbon cable).

There is a jumper on the back that will set the unit to Master, Slave, or Cable Select. In most cases Cable Select will work fine. If you have any questions or problems just let us know :)

[wagonwheel]

Update: I now have an LG (Life’s Good) brand 16x Internal Super Multi DVD/CD Rewriter with LightScribe. I got it from Best Buy. I do not usually buy from Best Buy but I had a gift certificate so I only spent a little of my money. I will probably install it tonight. It came with Nero Express and some other software programs. I have not ordered Premiere Elements yet. Looks like I am now committed. Final exams are next week, after that—look out!

[wagonwheel]

I have installed the DVD burner. It was simple. I also installed the NERO software that came with the burner. I took a quick shot at burning a slide show I created in PSE 3.0 to a DVD with no success. Of course I did not try to figure it out for very long, I will look at it again later. If anyone has a “quick start guide for dummies” I am all ears—or eyes—I guess. Thanks in advance for your help. I do not have PE 2.0 yet.

[wagonwheel]

O.K. I have ordered Adobe Premiere Elements 2.0 and the “In a Snap” book. It should be here some time next week. I will have several weeks of down time before school starts again so I plan to learn as much as I can. I hope to put our last two vacations on a DVD to present to my wife. Not as a gift, but to show her what I have done. Mr. Engels, I hope you are ready to help this computer dummy! By the way, I see (from your book which I looked through today in the book store) you are in Atlanta. I am right down the street in Savanna.

[Chuck Engels]

Wagonwheel,
Nice to meet you :) and thanks for buying the book, it will help you a lot. There are also the websites http://www.chuckengels.com that has tutorials and other stuff as well as http://www.videoinasnap.com with articles and more. Savanna is a great place for video, after you get your feet wet send me a sample for the video page ;) But anytime you need help just let me know. And if you ever get to Atlanta give me a yell too.

[gem]

Wagonwheel,

Good luck. I'm sure you'll have fun producing video that your wife, family and friends will all be impressed with.

I nearly forgot to recommend another book, Antony Bolante's "Visual Quickstart Guide: Premiere Elements 2 for Windows". I purchased it when I also bought Chuck's book from Amazon. It was only $8.80 and is very much worth it, imho. It is 440 pages of good visual references.

[wagonwheel]

I think today I will start putting images into a folder for my first “project.” I am a still photographer, I do not shoot video. Am I correct in my understanding that the size for the images to be put onto a DVD to be viewed on a T.V. should be 720 X 533 pixels? Is this the size my images waiting to be brought into PE2.0 should be? Thanks in advance for your help.

gem: Had I known about that book, I would have ordered it too. Maybe next time.

[ATR]

wagonwheel,

Have you seen the comments in this Thread?

http://www.photoshopelementsuser.com/forum/showthread.php?t=10651

ATR

[Chuck Engels]

Image size depends slightly on if you will be doing any zooming. In most cases, keeping your photos to around 1024 x 768 should be fine for most purposes.

[gem]

gem: Had I known about that book, I would have ordered it too. Maybe next time.

Yep. I thought about the timing when I posted.



Is this the size my images waiting to be brought into PE2.0 should be

If I might, I'd just like to recommend the "pan and zoom" effect (of course, you may have already considered this). I believe it is called "motion" with PE2. It's a great feature to give life to photos and add drama. For what it's worth, Microsoft offers a free PowerToy called "Photo Story 3" that does the same thing. It's limited compared to PE2, but it is useful and has almost no learning curve. If I remember correctly, you can render to DV-AVI as well as the various MS formats.

[wagonwheel]

In A Snap came last week, Premiere came today. I am about to install it now. I have a folder of images waiting to be turned into a “movie” we can watch on T.V. I will let you know how it goes. It could be a late night!

[gem]

It could be a late night!

LOL. Yep, been there. Of course I've worked second shift for many years, but once editing gets in your blood, it's hard to walk away from the keyboard.:)

Outstanding images at the site you've linked to. Congratulations on 20 years of marriage. My wife and I celebrate our 19th this fall. I'm blessed and quite fortunate to have somehow convinced her to take what has been a wonderful journey.:) :cool: :)

[Shari]

Hey Wagon,
I just quickly looked at this thread. Never looked in this forum as don't have Premier - but if you want to just make a slideshow easily check out this site. I was completely new at digital and read about it here and it is so simply. Check out the samples on their site. You can pay on line and just download but I used the free trial offer first. I did DVD's for my friends that went on a 23 day cruise with us and they thought I was a Pro!!
Colleen - I hope you worked it out. I have an HP DVD writer and it works pretty fast. I have Sonic Now but just burned the last photos I took of summer o6 by right clicking on the file and doing it through XP. Actually Ward Grant gave me that tip. Thanks Ward.
Shar
Sorry - forgot to post site. I hope it is OK. I got this site from people on the Elements form. It is just for slide shows it is so easy. I don't think it is for making videos.
http://www.photodex.com/

[wagonwheel]

O.K. It all seems to be working as advertised. I have not burned a DVD yet because I am still working on the movie. I figured I would try a little of almost everything. I am having a problem. I have almost 40 stills on the timeline, each shows for the default (4 seconds). I would like to make one last for about 8 seconds so I can try the key frame and pan around the image. I am unable to stretch it out to 8 seconds. The “In a Snap” book says I can grab the right hand side and drag it out as far as I want. I am unable to get the trim icon when I click the left mouse button on the right edge of the image clip. What I am doing wrong?


Thank you for the kind words gem. We will hit twenty years in October. She is still my best friend and gets prettier everyday.

[JoeK]

First thing, I suggest you read Consumers Report. It will probably tell you all you need to know.