Can I extend the length of time an audio plays in PE7 DVD menu?

[AGEEK]

Greetings,

1) Is there a way to extend the length of time an audio plays in a PE7 DVD menu template so I can play more of my own audio file that I want to play in the DVD menu?

2) If not, can I create my own template to allow me to extend the length of time an audio plays in a PE7 DVD menu so I can play more of my own audio file in the DVD menu?

Thanks for your help. :)

[ATR]

In a word, No to both.

Premiere Elements offers max 30 sec for the audio in the DVD Menu Template. You can set what section of the audio to be in those 30 seconds (See Menu Properties/Audio In Point) and designate a transition between the looping (See Menu Properties check box for "apply default transition before loop").

There have been many threads here and elsewhere in which those questions have been asked...same or similar answers.... The following is one from many:

http://forums.adobe.com/thread/389631

ATR

[Chuck Engels]

Another reason why some people have gone to other DVD Authoring software like Encore DVD.

[ATR]

CE

It was my understanding that DVD authoring programs can be found that offer DVD Menu audio max greater than 30 seconds, still limited as well as unlimited time features which are reflected in the price of the program. (See the link that I cited as one example.)

You introduce specifically Encore DVD into the discussion. Just what is the DVD Menu audio max when using Encore DVD as the DVD authoring program? Significantly increased DVD Menu audio max and at what retail cost?

And, if you use Encore DVD, you are not going to be creating a DVD Menu there and then importing it into the Premiere Elements program folder "DVD Templates". That Encore DVD DVD menu is going to be used to author a video file (with menu) to DVD within Encore DVD. Since I have never used Encore DVD, am I correct on that point?

ATR

[Chuck Engels]

There is no limit to the menu audio length. It is possible that DVD Architect has similar features but I don't know that for sure.

With Encore DVD you can use any of the existing DVD Templates from Premiere Elements, modify them, or create new ones using Photoshop Elements (or Photoshop) and Encore together. The process is to do your editing in Premiere Elements (or Premiere Pro) and then all of the DVD authoring in Encore DVD, not the other way around. Encore is not a DVD Template creator it is a DVD authoring program.

[ATR]

CE

Thanks for the feedback from your experiences.

There is no limit to the menu audio length.

According to Hunt (Adobe)..please see link that I cited earlier..Encore has a longer DVD Menu audio duration than 30 sec, but he does go on to say that it does have a limit. Any idea what the limit is so as to determine if it is worth it, in view of the cost consideration?

Another point that you make is that Encore is not a DVD Menu creator, but rather a DVD authoring program. Does Encore include a bunch of "stock" DVD templates that can be used in the DVD authoring or, besides importing your Premiere Elements edited video into Encore, would you have to import a DVD Menu from somewhere outside of Encore? Whatever the case, is Encore still working off the scene markers that were placed on the edited video that was imported into it?

As it is now, isn't Encore a part of the creative suite which I believe would include Photoshop CS4, Premiere Pro CS4, etc? Can you still buy and use it as a "standalone"? Or, is that when DVD Architect jumps into fill the void created by Encore going from standalone to creative suite component?

I have not yet completed my homework on these softwares, so your input on this topic would be of interest to anyone who thinks he/she wants more than 30 sec duration for the audio in his/her DVD menu plus whatever else comes along in that type of decision.

Thanks.

ATR

[Chuck Engels]

Encore does come with some standard menus, and you can use the menus from Premiere Elements as well.

Encore is bundled with Premiere Pro and is not part of the suite other than being part of Premiere Pro now.

I have used audio clips as long as 3 minutes in menus without problems, never had a need for anything longer than that. I will see if I can find out what the limit is. The only thing I can figure would be that there is a limit to the total space a menu can take up, 1GB, on the DVD. So the combination of the number of menus, any graphics, video and audio included in the menu has a limit of overall size. I don't think there is a specific limitation to the length of an audio clip for the menu.

[ATR]

Thanks CE.

I will look forward to any further details.

ATR

[AGEEK]

Thank you both! That was a great discussion. I learned a lot. :) I look forward to following any further discussions as you both have the experience that I can learn from. Thanks again!

[ATR]

AGEEK

The important thing to remember is that people do have differing opinions. Sometimes, answers may need "filler inners" and/or clarification and other considerations. And, there is usually more than one way to achieve a goal. For other problems, there are often workarounds.

So, it is important for all of us to ask questions (big or small, and with significant details). It is in the discussion that we all learn.

Please do not hesitate to ask more questions and contribute your observations that may help other Premiere Elements users.

Please update us on your progress....wishing you much success as you move forward in your Premiere Elements projects.

ATR

[AGEEK]

ATR,

Thank you for your comments. Your discussion has encouraged/inspired me to dig deeper into the many functions of Premiere Elements 7. I have many projects in mind so I will be exploring the many aspects of the software. I will continue post my progress and questions so we can all continue to learn.

Thanks again. :)