Creating Data, Audio, and Video Discs on your PC This document contains important information about creating data, audio, and video discs on your PC, including: • Creating Audio and Data Discs • Creating Video Discs and Movies This document updates the information found in your Getting Started Guide. Please keep this document with your PC documentation for future reference. Refer to the Getting Started Guide for additional installation information.
The information in this document is subject to change without notice. Hewlett-Packard Company® makes no warranty of any kind with regard to this material, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. HP shall not be liable for errors contained herein or for incidental or consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, performance, or use of this material.
Table of Contents Creating Audio and Data Discs ....................................................... 1 Erasing Rewritable Discs Before Recording ...................................................... 2 Working with Audio CDs .............................................................................. 2 Verifying audio disc recorded without errors ............................................... 3 Audio CD tips .........................................................................................
Creating Video Discs and Movies.................................................. 17 Before You Begin Capturing Video ............................................................... 17 Sonic MyDVD Video Projects ....................................................................... 18 Creating a Video Project ............................................................................. 18 Adding files to a video project ................................................................
Creating Audio and Data Discs This chapter contains the procedures you must perform to record (or burn) music and data files to recordable CD and DVD discs. It also includes information about labeling your discs using the LightScribe labeling technology included on select models. For information about recording video files to DVDs, see “Creating Video Discs and Movies” on page 17. Your PC includes one or more CD, DVD, or combination optical drives capable of recording.
Erasing Rewritable Discs Before Recording Previously recorded files on CD-RW, DVD-RW, or DVD+RW discs must be erased before recording new files. CD-R, DVD-R, and DVD+R discs cannot be erased. To erase a rewritable disc in Sonic DigitalMedia Plus: 1 Open the DigitalMedia Plus program by clicking Start, All Programs, Sonic, and then DigitalMedia Home. 2 Click Tools and then Erase Disc. 3 Insert the rewritable disc you want to erase. 4 Click the Quick Erase or Full Erase option, and then Erase Disc.
For more compatibility information, see “Disc Features and Compatibility Table” on page 13. Both Sonic programs create closed-session music CDs, which means you must record all music files on one CD in one recording session. Music files can be recorded repeatedly on a rewritable CD-RW disc, but all previously recorded files must be erased first. CD-R discs cannot be erased.
• If your recording fails, manually select a slower recording speed, if available, each time you make a recording. Refer to the Help menu in your selected software program for more information about selecting a slower recording speed. • If you try to record more than a standard CD can hold, a message displays warning you that all the tracks may not fit on your disc.
4 Select the songs you want to record, and then click Add. 5 Click the Burn icon when you have added all the audio files to your music CD project. 6 When prompted, insert a blank disc. DVD discs can store significantly more music files than a CD. Jukebox discs can only be played on computers, CD players, or DVD players that support the file format you use to create the disc (MP3 is most commonly supported).
Data disc tips When storing data files on a disc, it is important to note that: • You can add new data files to a CD-R, DVD+R, or DVD-R in a later recording session, until the disc is full. With DVD+R or DVD-R discs, insert your partially recorded DVD, click the Wrench icon to display the Options window, click Data, select the first Write-Once DVD Compatibility option, and then click OK.
You can get detailed online help by clicking the Help menu and then selecting Help. NOTE: An appendable disc can have additional files added to it, if there is disc space available. Recorded audio CDs are closed-session discs that are not appendable. NOTE: You can rename your files in the file selection window by selecting and typing over the current name. This does not affect the original files on your hard disk drive. NOTE: DVD discs can store significantly more files than a CD.
Archiving Files on a CD or DVD To make an archive file copy of files stored on your PC using Sonic DigitalMedia Plus: 1 Open the DigitalMedia Plus program by clicking Start, All Programs, Sonic, and then DigitalMedia Home. 2 Click the Data tab and then Easy Archive. 3 Select the path to the files that you want to archive (or click Browse to navigate to them). 4 Select the type of files you want to add to the archive, or select All Files in the Selected Path.
Creating an image file To make an image file using Sonic DigitalMedia Plus: 1 Open the DigitalMedia Plus program by clicking Start, All Programs, Sonic, and then DigitalMedia Home. 2 Click Copy, select .iso or .gi, and then click Save Image. 3 Insert the CD or DVD from which you want to make an image file. 4 Click Browse to select the location where the image file will be created. 5 Click the Save Image icon to create the image file.
LightScribe requirements Burning a label with LightScribe requires three things: • LightScribe-enabled DVD drive (select models only). • Labeling software that supports LightScribe. • LightScribe discs (sold separately). Burning a LightScribe label with Sonic Express Labeler 1 Click Start, All Programs, Sonic, and then click Express Labeler. NOTE: You can open Express Labeler from within DigitalMedia Plus by clicking Tools, and then Label Disc.
Burning a LightScribe label after burning with iTunes iTunes works with Sonic Express Labeler to allow you to burn labels on a LightScribe audio CD. The playlist you create in iTunes to burn a disc is automatically imported into Express Labeler so that this information is available for you to use on your LightScribe label. To use Express Labeler from iTunes, the music tracks in the playlist you are using must fit on a single CD. 1 Click Start, All Programs, iTunes, and then click iTunes again.
Using adhesive disc labels WARNING: When labeling your CDs and DVDs, do not use sticky labels. They can cause the disc to play erratically. Instead, write on the disc with a felt-tip pen to label it. Or, you can create a LightScribe label for your disc if you have a LightScribe optical drive and you use LightScribe media discs. Refer to “Disc Labeling with LightScribe” on page 9.
Disc Features and Compatibility Table Can be recorded onto Plays in PC Plays in home or car stereo Plays in home DVD player Data No Yes No No Music No Yes Yes Varies by model Data Yes Yes No No Music Yes Yes Varies by model Varies by model Data Yes Yes No No Music Yes Yes Varies by model Varies by model Data No Yes No No DVD movie No Yes No Yes DVD+R and DVD-R Data Yes Yes No No DVD movie Yes Yes No Varies by model DoubleLayer DVD+R/ DVD-R Data Yes V
Optical Drive Quick Reference Table DoubleLayer DVD Combo CD-RW/ DVD CD-ROM CD-RW DVD-ROM DVD+RW/+R DVD-RW/–R Read CDs, CD-Rs, and CD-RWs Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Read DVDs No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Read data on a CD Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Play music Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Record data or music to disc for storage or backup No Yes No Yes Yes Yes View DVD movies No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Record DVD movies No No No Yes Yes No Play games Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Software Quick Reference Table Your PC includes a number of software programs that: • Record and play CDs. • Record data CDs. • Import and edit video files. • Record video CDs and DVDs. • Organize digital media files. The following table describes the functionality specific to each of these programs. Use it to determine which program to use to perform a task. Note that some programs listed may not be included with your model, and that this is not a complete list of all included software.
With this program: You can: Sonic DigitalMedia Plus • Record data and music files. • Record a copy of an existing music or data CD to use on the PC. • Create customized music CDs from CDs in your collection, or from .wav, .mp3, or .wma files. These CDs can be played in your home or car stereo. • Copy and share data files. • Create archive CDs or DVDs from files on your PC. • Capture (copy) video files. • Has setting for verification that the disc has been created without errors.
Creating Video Discs and Movies Your PC may include the following movie-making programs, depending on your model: • Sonic MyDVD • Sonic DigitalMedia Plus (which includes MyDVD) • Windows Movie Maker • muvee autoProducer (select models only) These programs all capture, edit, and manage your home video files, while allowing you to add your own personal touch to your home movies. They come installed on your PC and can be started by clicking Start and then All Programs on your desktop.
For more information, click Start, All Programs, Sonic, and then DigitalMedia Home. When the program displays, click Help and then Sonic MyDVD Help. Sonic MyDVD Video Projects A Sonic MyDVD video project is a way to group, organize, store, play, and burn related video and still digital files. For example, if you went on a family vacation, you might have digital still and video images, and prints from a film camera. You can transfer all these images onto your PC and organize them into a project.
Adding files to a video project You can add files to your DVD or VCD video project from: • An existing DVD or VCD. • Video files already stored on your PC. • Video capture from a digital video camera (as described in the next section). To add files from a DVD, VCD, or from your hard disk drive: 1 Click File, Open, and then select a video project that you created as described in “Creating a Video Project” on page 18. 2 Click Add Files.
Adding slide shows to a video project You can create a slide show (a series of still images displayed automatically) by adding existing still photos to your project or by capturing them with a connected digital video source. To add a slide show to a video project: 1 Click File, Open, and then select a video project that you created as described in “Creating a Video Project” on page 18.
Editing the style of a video project You can change the style of a number of elements within your video project. The elements include: • Background color and graphics on the menus and submenus. • Button styles. • Background music. • Text format (font, color, and size). • Import custom styles. To edit the look of a video project: 1 Click File, Open, and then select a video project that you created as described in “Creating a Video Project” on page 18. 2 Click Edit Style.
5 Click one of the four tabs (Fades and dissolves, Filters, Text, or Themes and backgrounds) next to the preview screen. 6 Drag and drop any of the effects over scenes (or between them for transitions) in the storyboard. 7 Click OK to save the edits. For more information about any of the editing features, click Help and then Sonic MyDVD Help from within the Edit window.
Creating a Video Project with Direct-to-Disc Wizard Sonic MyDVD includes Direct-to-Disc Wizards that guide you through the steps you must complete to create a DVD or VCD video project. A video project is a way to group, organize, store, play, and burn related video and still digital files. 1 Connect your digital camcorder or Web camera to your PC. 2 Click Start, choose All Programs, Sonic, and then DigitalMedia Home. 3 Click the Video tab and then Direct-to-Disc.
Note that the Direct-to-Disc Wizards do not include the editing features that are available from the standard interface. You can edit a project created with a wizard before burning it to a disc as described in: • “Editing the style of a video project” on page 21. • “Editing movie files” on page 21. Video Quality and Disc Size Sonic MyDVD includes four DVD video quality (bit-rate) settings, and a Fit-to-DVD option that can be applied to a video project or to individual movie files.
DVD Recording Time The following table lists the approximate DVD-Video recording time for different disc sizes at different video quality settings (your DVD recorder may not support all these disc sizes). Estimated Time per Disc Size Video Quality Audio Format 8.5 GB 4.7 GB 2.6 GB 1.4 GB HQ Dolby Digital 130 min. 70 min. 40 min. 20 min. PCM 110 min. 60 min. 30 min. 15 min. Dolby Digital 210 min. 120 min. 65 min. 35 min. PCM 160 min. 95 min. 50 min. 25 min. Dolby Digital 310 min.
26 Creating Data, Audio, and Video Discs on your PC
Creating Movies Using muvee autoProducer Creating personalized and professional-looking video movies is simple with muvee autoProducer (select models only). Basic Steps to Make a Movie The basic steps to produce a movie with muvee autoProducer are: 1 Capture digital video: Capture live or recorded video to your hard disk drive directly from a compatible digital video camcorder. 2 Add videos and pictures: Select video and picture files from your PC folders.
3 Add music: Select music files on your PC to add to your movie soundtrack. You can use these music file types in your movie project: File extension File type .mp3 MPEG Layer 3 .wav Windows audio .wma Windows Media audio 4 Select a style: Apply a movie style editing template for different effects and picture transitions in your movie. 5 Add captions: Personalize your movie with opening titles and closing credits.
Using muvee autoProducer Getting started To open muvee autoProducer: 1 Click Start on the taskbar. 2 Select All Programs, muvee Technologies, muvee autoProducer, and then muvee autoProducer to open muvee autoProducer. NOTE: You can also open muvee autoProducer from within Digital Media Plus. Select the Video tab and then muvee autoProducer. 3 Open a project by selecting, from the File menu, either New Project or Open Project.
Button Allows you to See Title/ Credits Open the muvee Title and Credits window to type in an opening title and closing credits for your movie. “Adding an opening title and closing credits” on page 35. make muvee Open the Make muvee window to automatically create and preview the movie. “Making the movie” on page 36. Save muvee Open the Save muvee window to save the finished movie on your PC hard disk drive in WMV or MPEG formats. “Saving the movie project” on page 36.
Capturing video from a DV camcorder You can capture (copy) digital video files to your hard disk drive by using muvee autoProducer either: • Live (known as camera mode) using a compatible DV camcorder. See “Capturing live video from a DV camcorder” on page 31. Or • Recorded (known as VCR mode) using a recorded tape in your DV camcorder. See “Capturing recorded video from a DV camcorder” on page 31. Captured video files are automatically added to your movie project.
3 Click the Get Video from Camera button. 4 Click the Play button on the screen to begin viewing the video. 5 Click Start Capture when you see the start of the video footage you want to use in your movie project. 6 Click Stop Capture to stop capturing. 7 Repeat steps 5 and 6 to capture additional sections of video footage. 8 Click Capture Folder to specify a folder for the captured video file. 9 Click Filename to specify a file name for the captured video file.
• Click or hold down the gray thumb button to undo one second of a selected scene. Shift and click to undo scenes that were marked with the thumbs-up or thumbs-down buttons. • Click or hold down the arrow buttons to navigate backward and forward through the video footage. Video footage left unmarked is still analyzed when you make the movie and may be included in the final version of the movie. For best results with the production of your movie: • Keep each magicMoment to less than 10 seconds.
Selecting the style The muvee autoProducer program comes with a set of style templates for setting the pace, scene transition effects, and caption fonts. The style you use also affects how muvee autoProducer combines the video, picture, and music files in your movie project to produce the final movie. For example, using the Cinema style results in a movie that is moderately paced, color enhanced, and uses a wide-screen format. To select a style, just click on a style from the list.
4 Select the Audio tab to set the sound preferences. Click one of the following settings: • Use all music. Place a check in the check box to use the sequence of sound files in the Add Music window. • smartJoin™ multiple music files. Place a check in the check box to automatically remove silence between music tracks. Normalize music. Place a check in the check box to automatically adjust audio playback volume to the same level.
Making the movie After you have added at least one video or picture file to your movie project, you can have muvee autoProducer make the movie. The muvee autoProducer program makes a movie by combining the video, picture, and music files you have selected, along with the style of movie, and puts together all of these pieces into a professional-looking movie with just a few steps. To make a movie: 1 Click the make muvee button. Click OK as required.
3 Click the Save button. 4 Enter a name for the output movie. Select a folder on your hard disk drive, as required. The movie saves. • You can watch the preview as it saves. 5 Click the Save button. 6 Click Yes to preview the output file in Windows Media Player. Recording the movie project to disc To create a DVD, VCD, or SVCD disc: 1 Click the Burn to Disc button. The muvee Burner window opens. 2 Type the disc title. 3 Select the video(s) to burn to the disc: • Select the order of the chapters.
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