Need help on slideshow using Photoshop Elements 4

[lakewaytexas]

I am using Photoshop Elements 4 to create a slideshow of our trip to Hawaii. I would like to put the slideshow on a DVD. I selected VCD with menu and it will only let me put it on a CD. It created a wmv file, and I put that on a CD and tried to watch it on my TV. The picture was really bad. I haven't done this before, but "VCD with menu" seemed to be the only way on PS4 to create a slideshow. I don't know if that is true or not...

Do I need a new level of Photoshop to be able create a better quality slideshow and be able to write it to a DVD? I read someplace that wmv files are not good quality.

I have done a lot of work on these pictures (creating captions and tags), so I really want to stay with software where I don't have to recreate all of this.

I was planning to upgrade from PS4 to PS6, but I want to make sure that PS6 will allow me to create a quality DVD for my TV.

Thanks for your help!

[ATR]

This is a classic story told over and over again. Check the search too see all the ups and downs involved in this issue.

The bottom line is this. Whether you stay with Photoshop Elements 4 or upgrade to Photoshop Elements 6, this can get you your slideshow in VCD format on a CD disc (and, a lesser quality alternative).

For DVD-VIDEO (higher quality alternative), you are going to need additional software. The following are two options:

1. Integrate your Photoshop Elements with Premiere Elements which will get you your slideshow in DVD-VIDEO format on a DVD disc (that you know are compatiable with your TV/DVD player).

2. If you have Nero full version with the DVD-VIDEO plugin, create your slideshow in Photoshop Elements, output to wmv (using the appropriate profile), save. Then use Nero to burn this saved wmv to DVD-VIDEO format on a DVD disc.

3. There are all sorts of possibilities. The simplest case, no frills, is put your photos on JPEG CD. That plays on most TV/DVD players and gives good quality, BUT...

If you decide on the Photoshop Elements integration with Premiere Elements route, check out the perks that come along ONLY with certain combos of these softwares. More about that at another time.

ATR

[lakewaytexas]

1. Integrate your Photoshop Elements with Premiere Elements which will get you your slideshow in DVD-VIDEO format on a DVD disc (that you know are compatiable with your TV/DVD player).
ATR

Thanks for the quick reply. If I understand you correctly, I can keep my Photoshop Elements 4 and just buy Premiere Elements. Is that correct? I have my "very large" slideshow done. I just need to put it on a DVD so I have a quality result.

Is PS4 compatible with newest level of Premiere Elements?

Thanks. I am a newbie at all of this...

[ljameso1]

If you are on a mac, just use iphoto to make your slide show. Really good quality. To get on dvd just follow the export to imovie and then import your movie to idvd to burn. I think idvd will also do a slide show.

[lakewaytexas]

Sounds easy, but I am on a PC...

[ATR]

Photoshop Elements and Premiere Elements can be standalone software. I have Photoshop Elements 3 that I think works great with my Premiere Elements 2. Photoshop Elements 4 should work with any of the Premiere Elements.

HOWEVER, when you integrate specific combinations, there are some perks to the combo. Example: if you have specifically Photoshop Elements 4 and Premiere Elements 2 installed on your computer, you gain the option to create (not just edit) your own DVD menus in Photoshop Elements 4 (under File Menu/New/DVD Template). Even though I have Premiere Elements 2, my Photoshop Elements 3 does not show that option since I do not have Photoshop Elements 4.

Another example, if you have Photoshop Elements 5 and Premiere Elements 3 are installed on your computer, then you can send your Photoshop Elements 5 slideshow as wmv or as is to Premiere Elements 3 (this has editing implications in Premiere Elements 3). It is my belief that this perk has been carried over in the combination of Photoshop Elements 6 and Premiere Elements 4.

For just the matter at hand, if you are happy with Photoshop Elements 4, look for a good buy for Premiere Elements 2 or 3 now that the latest version is 4. If you want to look down the roads to future needs, then think Photoshop Elements 5 and Premiere 3 OR Photoshop Elements 6 and Premiere Elements 4.
Check out the programs, prices, and problems/solutions going on.

Good luck.

ATR

[lakewaytexas]

Thanks for the great info. I think I will purchase Premiere Elements 3.0 and keep using PSE4. I found a great price online with free shipping and a $30 rebate. Not bad.

Do you believe I will get a quality finished product by using PSE4 and Premiere Elements 3? I read some reviews saying that the quality was great using Premiere Elements and other reviews saying how bad it was. I have a lot of pictures that I want to be able to show friends and relatives by giving them a DVD. When I press F11 in PSE, I get beautiful slideshow. That is what I am hoping for on the DVD. I would appreciate your opinion.

Thanks again! I am impressed with the speed and depth of your answers...

[ATR]

I think that you should get good results for viewing your DVD-VIDEO on standard TV.

This is my suggestion for now. Do not buy Premiere Elements 3 just yet. OR, If you have or want to put a lock on a sale, buy but do not open the box (make sure you can return it unopened if necessary).

Go to the Adobe web site and download the free 30 day tryout for Premiere Elements 3.0 while it is still available. After the tryout, then make your final decision.

If you do decide on Premiere Elements 3.0, here are some miscellaneous suggestions:

1. After you install the software, install the Premiere Elements 3.0.2 Update from Adobe whether you are using Windows XP or Vista.

http://www.adobe.com/support/downloads/detail.jsp?ftpID=3565

2. Check out following on photo resolution and stress free project

http://forum.adobe.com/webx/.3bbf8a18

http://forum.adobe.com/webx/.3bb8822c

If you run into any problems, do not hesitate to post them.

ATR

[Bill McMahon]

Here's an alternative - I've not yet tried creating slideshows with Elements but I can recommend that you take a look at Pro Show Gold (Photodex). It's an easy to use and great utility for making slide shows.

Bill