ii © 2002 MedioStream, Inc. All rights reserved. This manual, as well as the software described in it, is published under license and may only be used or copied in accordance with the terms of such license. The information in this manual is supplied for informational purposes only, is subject to change without notice, and should not be interpreted as a commitment by MedioStream. MedioStream assumes no liability or responsibility for any inaccuracies or errors that may appear in this manual.
iii Table of Contents Page 1 Introduction 1.1 2 3 Printing Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 2.2 Updating Help neoDVD Support 7 ................................... ... MedioStream Online Support ...................................3 .......................... 4 Minimum System Requirements Optional Hardware ..................... 5 .................................. 6 . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
iv 10.4 Working in the Edit Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 10.4.1 Video Frame Capture (Background Snapshot) ....... 25 10.4.2 Video Trimming 10.4.3 Multiple Chapter Insertion 10.4.4 Video Transitions 10.4.5 Audio Overlay 10.4.6 Record Narrative Overlay 10.4.7 Using DVD Recordable Discs With the +VR Feature . . . . 29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 . . . . . . . . . . .
1 1 Introduction Welcome to a new world of sight and sound! Designed specifically for the home camcorder user, neoDVDplus is an innovative, easy-to-use software solution that makes creating DVD or VCD on desktop PCs as easy as audio cassette recording. neoDVDplus will instantly transform the home PC into a digital studio, allowing you to turn any video into a DVD or VCD-ready file. For general information about neoDVDplus, go to the What is New in neoDVDplus section of this manual. 1.
2 There are three ways to navigate through the Help file: Contents: This is the default mode, displaying Help topics in a "Table of Contents" format. To view a particular topic, click on the topic name or the question mark icon at the end of the text. A book icon indicates a section containing several topics. Click on the "+" icon or double-click the section name to open the section contents and display the section topic hierarchy.
3 3.1 MedioStream Online Support For the most up-to-date technical information about neoDVDplus, including: Troubleshooting Tips covering the latest known problems and solutions FAQs covering the most frequently asked questions about neoDVDplus Tutorial describing how to use the various aspects of neoDVDplus Latest revisions of the neoDVDplus User Manual and other documentation please visit the Support section of our Website at http://www.mediostream.com/support.
4 4.1 neoDVDplus 4.0 Enhancements Capabilities neoDVD 3.0 neoDVD 4.0 Create DVD or VCD files x x Create MPEG-1, MPEG-2, and AVI files x x Automatic PAL/NTSC conversion x x Burn DVD or VCD videos onto CD discs* x x Burn DVD videos onto DVD discs* x x Re-edit DVD discs using +VR* x Set video quality with respect to length of playback x Create DVD or VCD slideshow with still photos (.bmp and .
5 5 Minimum System Requirements To ensure optimal performance from neoDVDplus, your system MUST meet the minimum requirements. If your PC does not meet these requirements, you CANNOT use the application successfully. We recommend that your system configuration exceed the minimum requirements. Operating System. neoDVDplus supports Microsoft Windows 98 (SE), Windows Me, Windows 2000, and Windows XP. We suggest that you install the latest service pack for your operating system.
6 5.1 Optional Hardware Digital Video (DV) or Analog Camcorder. This is required if you want to perform a Live Capture session with neoDVDplus . The application supports both PAL and NTSC camcorders. OHCI-Compliant IEEE-1394 Card. This is required if you want to allow neoDVDplus to communicate directly with your Digital Video (DV) camcorder. Analog Capture/TV Tuner Card. This is required if you want to allow neoDVDplus to communicate directly with your analog camcorder, VCR, or TV signals.
7 6.1 Installing neoDVDplus To install neoDVDplus: 1. Insert the neoDVDplus CD into your CD-ROM drive. Windows should detect the installation CD and automatically run the installation program. If the automatic disc detection feature is turned off, use Windows Explorer to browse through the contents of the CD and click on the file named Setup to run the installation. 2. Read the End User License Agreement and click “I Accept” if you agree to continue the installation. 3.
8 3. Double-click on the Add/Remove Programs icon. 4. Click on neoDVDplus, and then click Add/Remove. 5. Follow the instructions on the screen. NOTE: This process only removes the neoDVDplus application files. It does not delete any imported media files, project files, or DVD builds in the neoDVD folder. To delete these files, you will have to use Windows Explorer. 7 Before Starting neoDVD plus After installing neoDVDplus, you need to connect your video capture device.
9 To connect your DV capture device, analog camcorder, or VCR deck to your computer: 1. Connect the IEEE-1394 DV cable connector to one of the external IEEE-1394 data ports on your computer. 2. Connect the other end of the IEEE-1394 cable to the DV IN/OUT or the DV OUT connector of your DV camcorder/VCR. Make sure the DV capture device is switched off while connecting the IEEE-1394 cable. 7.2 3. Turn on your capture device. 4. Launch the neoDVDplus application.
10 To connect your analog capture device: 1. Connect the analog capture card connector to one of the external data ports on your computer. 2. Connect your analog capture device to the capture card using either Composite or S-Video cables. Composite cable connector pins are usually yellow, red, and white. The yellow pin represents video, while the red and white pins represent audio.
11 VTR or VCR mode. This allows for playback of pre-recorded tape. Use the Camera mode setting to capture and create DVD or VCD files from live video Use the VTR or VCR mode setting to create DVD or VCD files from tape Both Camera and VTR/VCR modes can be used with neoDVDplus . To change modes while running neoDVDplus, switch off your camcorder, WAIT FOR A FEW SECONDS, then switch your camcorder to the desired mode.
12 CREATE: This module allows you to import video files, perform basic video editing such as video trimming and video menu layout; and burn your DVD or VCD project onto a CD or DVD disc . You can import video files into the CREATE module from a variety of sources, including: files stored on your computer’s Hard Disk Drive, TV tuner, live video, or on a network . The neoDVDplus Create Wizard walks you through each step required to create a DVD or VCD.
13 9 Using the CAPTURE Module In the CAPTURE module, neoDVDplus allows users to capture their video content directly from a Digital Video (DV) camcorder or analog capture device, such as an analog camcorder, VCR, or TV Tuner card, and save it in a video format that can be stored or edited for DVD or VCD creation. You can use this module to capture your content and save the file in one of these formats: AVI, MPEG-1, or MPEG-2 (all of which are accepted by most video editing applications).
14 9.1 Creating a Video File Using the CAPTURE Module You can create a video file to store and use later using the neoDVDplus CAPTURE module: 1. Select your Video Source. Select the appropriate source from where the video you want to capture is stored. You can use neoDVDplus with the following devices: Analog/Digital Camcorders, VCRs, and TV Tuner cards. If you started your camcorder in the Camera mode, you see live video in the neoDVDplus Preview window.
15 b. Click on the TV Setting button. Select your desired TV channel from the Channel Index, and click OK. You can also change any channel name by clicking in the index table and typing a new name. If you do not have any channels listed in the index, you should perform the following tasks: Select the Country You Reside In. This ensures your channel listing corresponds to the region you reside in. Select the Appropriate TV Signal. This can either be an Antenna signal or a Cable TV signal.
16 5. Select your video capture options. If you are capturing your content from video tape, you can capture the complete contents of the tape or just a section of the tape. To capture a section of your video tape, enter the desired capture time in the TOTAL TIME field. Position your tape to the correct start location using the camcorder controls on the neoDVDplus user interface (if you have a DV capture device), or by using the controls on your analog capture device. 6.
17 10 Using the CREATE Module In the CREATE module, you can work with video files stored on your PC's Hard Disk Drive, DVD+VR disc, DVD video disc, as well as video directly from your camcorder, TV Tuner card, or other capture device. NOTE: neoDVDplus accepts the following video file formats: Digital Video (DV), AVI, QuickTime, .ifo, .vob, and MPEG-1 and MPEG-2 compliant files. Refer to the Helpful Hints section to learn about MPEG-2 compliance.
18 (i.e., backgrounds, frames, layouts, etc.). You have the option of customizing the chapter and menu titles by highlighting them and renaming them. You can also select the font type and font color for the chapter and menu titles. 10.1 Creating Video Files Using the CREATE Module When you are in the CREATE module, you can open up a new project by clicking on the New Project button located above the Preview window.
19 1. Click on the New File button located above the Preview window. A standard Windows Explorer window opens to allow you to browse for video files stored on your PC. 2. Select your desired video file and click on the Open button, or you can double-click on the video name to add it to your file. neoDVDplus supports the following video file formats: DVD-Video files (.ifo and .vob format), DVD+VR disc file, AVI, QuickTime, and MPEG video files.
20 4. You can create multiple chapters from the videotape or live video clip. Indicate how frequently you want the chapters created by entering a specific time interval (i.e., every 30 seconds) in the Every box located in the Settings panel on the right-hand side of the user interface, under the Set Chapter Interval option. Chapter points are automatically inserted at the specified minute-intervals. 5.
21 3. Click on the Video Connector button and select the TV Tuner option from the drop down list. 4. Click on the TV Setting button and select your desired TV channel from the Channel Index. 5. Click OK. If you do not have any channels listed in the index:: Select the Viewing Region You Reside In. This ensures your channel listing corresponds to the region you reside in. Select the Appropriate TV Signal. This can either be an Antenna signal or a Cable TV signal. Click on the Auto Tune Button.
22 10. If you want the disc to go back to the main DVD or VCD menu after playing back each chapter, click on the Back to Menu radio button. 11. Indicate how much of the TV signal you want to record. neoDVDplus allows you to preset how much of the clip you want to record by entering the time in the Total Time box. 10.2.4 Video Quality Settings This option allows you to select the video quality of your DVD or VCD project.
23 The following table lists the amount of video hours that fit on a disc, depending on the quality setting selected. Good Better Audio Output Stream Dolby ® Digital LPCM Bit rate audio + video (Kbps) 1845 Hr Mn Sec 5 39 3 9 3122 Hr Mn Sec 3 2 0 43 3382 Hr Mn Sec 3 5 17 4509 Hr Mn Sec 2 1 8 58 6764 Hr Mn Sec 1 3 2 38 8117 Hr Mn Sec 1 1 7 12 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 DVD 4.7GB 37600000000 bits DVD on CD 650MB 5452595200 bits 0 DVD on CD 700MB 5872025600 bits 0 10.
24 window opens. This window can be opened or closed at any time. 10.3.1 Moving Menus The CREATE module lets you preview your video clips within the main DVD menu when the finished disc is inserted into a PC or set-top player. With the moving menu feature turned on, each thumbnail video clip in the main DVD menu plays for approximately fifteen seconds to give you a preview of what is in each video clip. To turn on the moving menu feature, simply import your video into the CREATE module.
25 In the Edit mode, you can perform the following functions: Video Frame Capture (Background Snapshot) Video Trimming Multiple Chapter Insertion Video Transitions Audio Overlay Record Narrative for Overlay 10.4.1 Video Frame Capture (Background Snapshot) A Menu Background refers to the backdrop design on your DVD or VCD menu. With neoDVDplus, you can select from a group of template menu backgrounds provided with neoDVDplus, import your own menu background, or create your own menu background.
26 and Mark-Out buttons to mark the section of the clip you want to export onto your disc. You can also use the Video Slider Bar to get to your desired section by scrolling through the video clip instead of playing the entire footage. 10.4.3 Multiple Chapter Insertion If you have a long video clip and you want to insert several chapter points (for example, if you want to create five different chapters in a one-hour clip), perform the following tasks: 1.
27 10.4.4 Video Transitions neoDVDplus allows you to add transitional effects to video clips to further customize the look and feel of your DVD or VCD project. To add video transitions to your DVD or VCD project: 1. Add your desired video clips into the neoDVDplus application. 2. Double-click on the thumbnail of the video clip or select the thumbnail of the video clip you want, then click on the Edit button. The video clip opens in Edit mode. 3.
28 1. Add your desired video clips into the neoDVDplus application. 2. Double-click on the thumbnail of the video clip, or select the thumbnail of the video clip you want to work on, then click on the Edit button. This video clip opens in the Edit mode. 3. From the Settings Panel on the right-hand side of the neoDVDplus interface, click on the Select button under the Audio Overlay option. The Audio File window opens. 4. Select your desired audio tracks from the templates provided with neoDVDplus.
29 10.4.7 Using DVD Recordable Discs With the +VR Feature The DVD +RW Video Format, also known as +VR or +RW VR, an industry standard supported by companies such as Sony, Philips, Ricoh, Dell, Yamaha, and HP, is an editable DVD video format. Discs created using the +VR format can be modified after they have been created.
30 3. Edit the video files as desired. For information on basic editing functions in neoDVDplus, refer to the Working in the Edit Mode section of the Help file. 4. Click on the Make Disc button to display the disc writing options. 5. Select the DVD+VR option from the Disc Format drop-down box. 6. Select other desired disc writing options, then click on the Make Disc button to record the modifications onto the DVD+VR disc. 10.4.7.
31 10.5 Thumbnail Image Selection By default, neoDVDplus automatically assigns the first non-black picture in the video clip as the thumbnail for each chapter. However, you can select a different video frame of the video clip to use as the chapter thumbnail. To select a video frame thumbnail: 1. Add your video clip into neoDVDplus. 2. Right-click on the thumbnail that you want to change. 3. Click on the Set Thumbnail option from the pop-up menu.
32 10.7 Customizing Your DVD or VCD Project After you insert and edit the video clips for your DVD or VCD project, click on the Main button to go back to the main menu page. Now you can customize the look and feel of the DVD or VCD menu by changing backgrounds, frames, and layouts. Using the +VR feature allows you to edit your recordable DVD discs after they have been created. For more detailed information about editing DVD+VR discs, refer to the Using DVD Recordable Discs With the +VR Feature section.
33 To import your own menu background: 1. Click on the Modify button located in the Settings panel on the right-hand side of the user interface, under the Select Background option. The Select Background window opens. 2. Locate and select the desired menu background. If you want to add or remove a menu background from this window, click on the Add or Remove button. NOTE: If you want to add your own background image to neoDVDplus, it MUST be in Bitmap (.bmp) or JPEG (.jpg) file format. 10.7.
34 neoDVDplus allows you to arrange your thumbnails in four different ways. To use any one of the thumbnail layouts: 1. Click on the Modify button under the Menu Layout option in the Settings panel on the right-hand side of the user interface. The Select Menu Layout window opens. 2. Select the desired layout. NOTE: You can also drag and drop the chapter thumbnails to change the ordering of the thumbnails in the project menu. 10.
35 2. Select the format you want your video output to be. You may select DVD+VR, DVDVideo, or VCD file output from the Disc Format drop-down menu. NOTE: You can also make your file format selection from within the CREATE module. This allows you to see the estimated disc size. NOTE: Using the DVD+VR format allows you to modify the disc contents at a later time. You can record over information stored on a +VR formatted recordable DVD disc as you would a VHS tape. 3.
36 7. Select the number of copies you want to make. If you want to make more than one copy, click on the Up arrow to increase the number of copies you want to make by one. To reduce the number of copies you want to make, click on the Down arrow to decrease the number of copies you want to make by one. 8. Click on the OK button to begin making your disc. Click on the End button to stop the disc creation process, or wait for neoDVDplus to stop automatically when it reaches the disc's maximum capacity.
37 1. Click on the Copy icon from the NEO TaskBar. The COPY Module window opens. 2. Click on the Copy From drop-down menu and select the location of the DVD or VCD content which you want to copy. Content may be copied from any of the available drives (CD or DVD-recordable drive, or your computer’s Hard Disk Drive). 3. Select the destination to where the copied content is to be stored from the Write To drop-down menu. 4.
38 drive, select the lower write speed. 11.1 6. You can create your own disc label by typing it in the Disc Label text box. 7. Click on the Copy button to create your disc. Copying a DVD Video File or Disc DVD files are always saved to a folder named VIDEO_TS. To copy your DVD files from the Copy Module, you must select the folder that contains the VIDEO_TS folder.
39 the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive. Next, insert the blank media into the CD recordable drive. In the Copy From drop-down menu, select the location of your content disc (e.g. D:\). Refer to the Making a DVD or VCD Copy Using the Copy Module section for more information. 12 Optional neoDVDplus Settings neoDVDplus offers optional software settings for users. To access these settings, click on the Options button under the Preview window. The Option pop-up window features the optional settings.
40 Quick EjectTM: The Quick Eject function can greatly reduce the time it takes to create a short DVD. It usually takes some time to close the DVD creating session (approximately 15 minutes) regardless of how long or short your footage is. The Quick Eject feature eliminates the wait time. The Quick Eject feature is compatible with all commercially available DVD+R and DVD+RW drives. TM Direct-to-Disc Copying : This feature lets you copy a DVD from one disc to another on the fly.
41 Dolby® Digital: This audio stream format, developed by Dolby Laboratories, saves space by transmitting only the data that is necessary to portray the original sound minimizing the space allotted on a DVD for audio soundtracks. NOTE: neoDVDplus also includes a Smart Buffering TM feature that is compatible with all commercially available DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, and DVD+RW drives.
42 NOTE: The miniDVD format is intended for playback on your PC. Most set-top boxes DO NOT support this format. The following media playback compatibility table provides more information about media types and playback compatibility. Media Type 13.
43 14 Optimizing Your Computer for Best Results The following tips will help you to get the most out of neoDVDplus: Defragment Disk (for Hard Disk Drives). Before a long recording session, it is recommended that you defragment the Hard Disk Drive on which you want to save your video file. A defragmented Hard Disk Drive reduces the number of read/write accesses necessary to run neoDVDplus and as a result increases the encoding speed.
44 3. Click on the Hardware tab and select Device Manager. 4. Double-click on IDE ATA/ATAPI controller in the Device Manager window. 5. Right-click and select the Properties option on the available channels corresponding to your drive, e.g. "Primary or Secondary IDE Channel". 6. Select the Advanced Settings tab and then select DMA if available from the drop down box next to the Transfer Mode option. − For Windows XP: 1. Click on Start > Control Panel > Performance & Maintenance. 2.
45 2. Double-click on the Power Management entry. 3. In the Power Schemes tab, go to the System Standby entry and select Never from the drop-down box. − For Window ME and Windows 2000: 1. Click on Start > Settings > Control Panel. 2. Double-click on the Power Options entry. 3. In the Power Schemes tab, go to the System Standby entry and select Never from the drop-down box. − For Windows XP: 1. Click on Start > Control Panel > Performance & Maintenance. 2.
46 Motherboard. Be sure that your motherboard supports fast speed buses so it can take advantage of high-speed peripherals, such as your computer's 133-memory or UDMA100 (and higher) hard drives. 16 Compatibility Analog and Digital Camcorders. neoDVDplus supports Mini-DV, DV8, DVCAM, DVC Pro, analog and digital VCRs (a list of the analog capture cards supported by MedioStream can be found later in this section), and VHS camcorders or tape decks in both the NTSC and PAL video formats.
47 17 Troubleshooting Our goal is to try to ensure your experience with neoDVDplus is successful and productive. We have created this section of the manual to assist you in case you run into any problems using our product.
48 ___ Check IEEE-1394 card type (must be OHCI compliant). ___ Verify that your analog capture card is supported by neoDVDplus. ___ Verify that you have the latest updates for your PC's Operating Systems. ___ Check graphics cards type and memory (AGP, 8MB). ___ Check available disk space on the disk where neoDVDplus is installed (5GB minimum). ___ Verify that your audio card is properly installed and running. ___ Check color depth (True Color 24-bit or higher).
49 17.2 Support FAQs How do I determine what version of DirectX is running on my PC? To work properly, neoDVDplus requires DirectX 8.1 or higher. You can determine the DirectX version installed on your computer by using the DirectX diagnostic tool. Click on Start on the lower left-hand corner: Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Information >Tools > DirectX Diagnostics The DirectX diagnostic tool lists all DirectX files and their versions; it also has some audio video test features.
50 Click on Start on the lower left-hand corner: − For Windows 98 (SE) and Windows Me: Start > Settings > Control Panel > System > Device Manager. − For Windows 2000: Start > Settings > Control Panel > System > Hardware > Device Manager. − For Windows XP: Start > Control Panel > Performance and Maintenance > System. Click on the Hardware tab and then select Device Manager. If your computer has detected a capture device, you should see it listed under the "Imaging Device" entry.
51 what type of graphics card is installed on your computer. − For Windows 2000: Select the Hardware tab under System Properties. Select Device Manager, and click on the Display Adapters icon. − For Windows XP: Click on Start on the lower left-hand corner, Start > Control Panel > Performance and Maintenance > System Click on the Hardware tab and then select Device Manager. Next, double-click on Display Adapters.
52 18 Helpful Hints If you experience problems connecting your camcorder, make sure the camcorder is attached properly. Make sure the FireWire adapter card is seated properly in the computer. To prevent damage to your camcorder, make sure the camcorder is powered off when connecting or disconnecting it from the computer. Do not switch the camcorder's mode (Camcorder or VTR/VCR) while running neoDVDplus. Exit the application and then switch the mode.
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