A Look At DVDStyler (Mini Review)

Recently I came across DVDStyler to make DVD's from some video files I have.
This is my second time trying this software. My first encounter with DVDStyler was a not very successful. But that was back in the Feisty Fawn days.
Today I take back what I said back then about DVDStyler.

I'm using version 1.7.2 and have had no real problems except for the few I will mention in this article.
It is available for Linux and Windows users which is a major plus for open source software.

The layout is simple and easy to navigate. It uses category tabs on the left to pick backgrounds, buttons and files. It's all drag and drop and allows customizing the size, color and font of the buttons and any text you add such as titles.

It converts almost any file fairly fast and allows auto-chaptering and multiple video files. Just add the file to the time line at the bottom and pop in a few sub-menus. Add text, images and frames by right clicking on the screen and make a selection from the menu.

It also offers options to choose the video aspect ratio, video bitrate, audio output of mp2 or ac3, NTSC or PAL formats. Many features but not overwhelming that it will confuse the new user.

I've been using DVDStyler to create a DVD disk and have it save the resulting disk as a ISO. Then I open the ISO with VLC media player to check it. Once I'm satisfied I burn the ISO to a DVD with k3b or you can use the burner of your choice.

The only drawbacks I have had with this DVD creator are as follows:

Background selection is minimal. This can easily be fixed by adding in your own jpg background files using root access to the DVDStyler folder.

The selection of buttons is also minimal. The buttons are svg graphics so they can be scaled to any size with out loosing clarity. Finding additional svg graphics can turn into a scavenger hunt.

When adding a sub-title (srt file) I thought I had figured it out, details and help are sketchy for doing this, but when running the conversion I received an error saying it couldn't find the font file. After a few hours of trying to find a fix I ended up using avidemux to integrate the srt file into the video then used DVDStyler to create the DVD.

I use the restricted extra codecs on my 'nix box but haven't been able to successfully convert DivX avi video files. For this problem I use WinFF to
convert the avi to a DVD compliant mpeg. That way DVDStyler doesn't have to re-encode the video file. It only needs to turn it into the vob and ifo files which only takes 10 -15 minutes depending on the file size.

That said, I have been very happy with the ease and quality of DVDStyler.
It has done what I needed it to do, is easy to use and is faster then most video converters and dvd creators.

Whether you use Linux or Windows, you should do yourself a favor and try out DVDStyler. You may be pleasantly surprised.
And in case you missed the text link you can find it here;

http://www.dvdstyler.org/

Enjoy!

TaZMAn

Create A Slide Show Video From Your Pictures

Update!
Manslide has a new name. It is now called Smile.

The Smile .deb package can be downloaded from here;
Smile .deb Package Download

There is also a good Smile How-to in the forums found here;
Smile How-To

While essentially the same as Manslide, it adds a few new features and a new GUI but also removed one or two transition effects from the menu.
I also had it lock up on me once. I imagine that since they redesigned it, they still have a few bugs to iron out.
The older Manslide package does not work properly in Ibex due to window display conflicts. The rest of the older article below is still useful for the newer Smile software.
Smile will add a menu entry in the Graphics section.


Manslide is a program that will take your pictures, create a slide show from them and export it to a mpg video file using the mpgv codec.
It has a very easy to use graphical interface.

You select the pictures you want to include in the slideshow.
Then you set the amount of time you want the picture to be displayed.
It even has an effects package that gives you several transitional effects for the picture's entry onto the screen.
Finally it also includes the ability to add an audio track.

This software will be very useful for the photographer who wants to make a video disk to show others their pictures.
Use it to make a presentation video or a recreation of your vacation.
Take the mpeg video it creates and convert it to a DVD format then burn it. Now you have a universal media for play on any DVD player.

There doesn't seem to be an official home page for this project right now but I did find this page that seems to have the most updated info;

Manslide at GetDeb
http://www.getdeb.net/app/ManSlide

Ubuntu users can get this software through the Synaptic Package Manager.
Do a search for manslide and select the manslide package and the manslide-effects for the transition effects used in Manslide.

I know a former Windows user that tried making a video slide show in Windows that didn't turn out very well. I'm sure this package will work much better for him. :-)

Enjoy!

TaZMAn

Create Desktop URL Shortcuts With Deskcut

So I have a former Windows user who wants to clutter up their desktop with URL shortcuts. Go figure? LOL!!
They changed over to Ubuntu and have no complaints other then the inability to easily create url shortcuts on their desktop with Firefox.

Well I came across a Firefox plugin that fixed them right up. It's called Deskcut and can be had from here;
Deskcut
https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/66

It adds a entry in the right click menu shell that easily allows you to make url shortcuts on the desktop. It even allows you to change how it names the shortcut.
So if you are a url shortcut junkie then this plugin is for you.

Enjoy!

TaZMAn