DVD PixPlay, DVD/VCD/Photo Slideshow Disk Creation Software          
Dvd PixPlay
Photo and Video Slideshow Creation Software
Frequently Asked Questions

Slideshow Project: General       Slideshow Project: Music       Slideshow Project: Videos
Burning Slideshow Disks       Slideshow Display: General       Slideshow Display: Problems
 

 

Slideshow Project: General
 
How many images/videos/music files can be added to a slideshow?
 
When I am adding text to my images how can I specify where to break it onto multiple lines?
 
How can I specify the DVD chapter breaks, i.e. the frames that are displayed when I use the I< and >I buttons on my DVD player?
 
When I open my project the files are showing as "?" (question marks) instead of thumbnails.  Why is this?
 
How can I output a PowerPoint presentation to DVD so I can play it on a DVD player?
 
Why don't all the transition/motion effects display in the selector?
 
How can I delete an old DVD PixPlay project?
 
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Slideshow Project: Music
 
Where can I get music to add to my slideshow project?
 
How can I make the slideshow match the length of my background music?
 
How can I easily time certain frames with my background music?
 
How can I add music from a CD as background music for my slideshow?
 
How can I make the music fade out at the end of the slideshow?
 
I've downloaded some music from the iTunes store.  Can I add it to my project?
 
I get an error about a missing MP3 driver when previewing my slideshow.  How do I fix that?
 
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Slideshow Project: Videos
 
What video types can I add to a DVD PixPlay project?
 
I have a video in Windows Movie Maker that I captured from my video camera.  How can I output it to DVD PixPlay so I can play it on a DVD player?
 
When I preview a slideshow containing AVI videos from my camera I get sound, but no picture (or "Cannot find vids:mjpg decompressor" error).  How do I fix that?
 
Can I include QuickTime (*.MOV) / Flash Video (*.FLV) / MP4 video files in my slideshow?
 
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Burning Slideshow Disks
 
DVD PixPlay cannot find my CD/DVD burner or always reports "Error locking burner/Drive is not ready".  What should I do?
 
What TV format should I select?   NTSC or PAL?  Standard or WideScreen?  What if I'm sending my disks overseas?
 
If I chose the DVD format, can I write to a CD-R disk instead of a DVD-R?
 
Can I put multiple slideshows on a single CD/DVD?
 
I would prefer to use my own CD/DVD burning software to do write the disk.  Is that possible?
 
I'm getting error messages during the burning process.  What should I do?
 
I have 30 images, but when I generate the slideshow the frame counts up to 450.   Why is that?
 
How can i burn my slideshow to a thumb/flash drive?
 
I have burned my slideshow to disk.  Now I want to add extra photos to it.  How do I do that?
 
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Slideshow Display: General
 
How can I playback the disks I have created on my computer?
 
I don't want the slideshow to automatically display when inserted into my DVD player.  How can I make it show a title page first?
 
How can I make the slideshow loop once it finishes (so it plays continuously)?
 
Is there a web site I can upload my slideshow for friends and family to view?
 
Where can I get a list of all the DVD players that support disks created by DVD PixPlay?
 
Some of my relatives only have a video recorder.  Is it possible to transfer my slideshow to video tape?
 
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Slideshow Display: Problems
 
The slideshow I created will not playback in my DVD Player.  What should I do?
 
When the slideshow is displayed on my TV the top of some frames is cut off (e.g. the top of a persons head is missing).  How do I fix that?
 
When I playback the slideshow disk I created, the timing does not match how it was designed.  What went wrong?
 
When I playback the slideshow on my DVD player, the quality is not as good as on my PC.  Why is that?
 
The sound is not audible when playing the disk on my DVD player.  How do I fix that?
 
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Slideshow Project: General


How many images/videos/music files can be added to a slideshow?
DVD PixPlay creates a movie from your images, so there is not a specific limit on the number of images or videos that can be added, only on the length (in time) of the slideshow.

If you choose a DVD format then you can output a slideshow of around 5 hours (more than 2000 images if each is displayed for ten seconds).

You can add as many music files to play in the background as you like (DVD PixPlay will use as many as required to match the length of the image/video display).


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When I am adding text to my images how can I specify where to break it onto multiple lines?
Insert a double slash (//) wherever you want the text to break, e.g. Line One//Line Two//Line Three.

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How can I specify the DVD chapter breaks, i.e. the frames that are displayed when I use the I< and >I buttons on my DVD player?
To specify the start of a DVD chapter right-click the thumbnail in the main window and select the "Start of DVD chapter" option.  It will be displayed in DVD PixPlay as a red line between the frame thumbnails.

If no chapters are specified then DVD PixPlay will create its own chapter breaks which are evenly distributed at a frequency that depends on the number of images in the show.


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When I open my project the files are showing as "?" (question marks) instead of thumbnails.  Why is this?
DVD PixPlay does not store your image files, only links to their locations on your computer.  If you are seeing a "missing file" window when you open the project then:
  • Your images were added from a disk and it is no longer inserted into your drive
  • You linked directly to images on a digital camera (rather than acquiring them to your computer) and the camera is not connected
  • You have deleted the images or moved them to a new location

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How can I output a PowerPoint presentation to DVD so I can play it on a DVD player?
The steps are as follows:
  1. Run DVD PixPlay
  2. Select File > Open Project, browse to your PPT file and click OK
  3. Edit the project further if desired (e.g. add background music using Edit > Slideshow Properties, Music)
  4. Click "Burn Disk"
For more detail view the visual tutorial on our forum:

http://www.xequte.com/userforum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=3218

Note:
- This procedure requires the Professional Edition of DVD PixPlay
- You can adjust the import quality under View > Options, Folders, Advanced


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Why don't all the transition/motion effects display in the selector?
By default, DVD PixPlay hides any motion or transition effects for your frames that you have not enabled for the project (under Edit > Slideshow Properties).

If you would prefer all effects to be shown go into View > Options, Project and uncheck the "Hide effects that are not enabled for the project"


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How can I delete an old DVD PixPlay project?
Go into the "DVD PixPlay Projects" folder in your "My Documents" folder.  There you will find a filename of the same name as your project and also an associated folder containing files for the project.  You can delete both the filename and the folder if you no longer need them.

Note: The project may still appear in your recent projects list until you load/create new projects


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Slideshow Project: Music


Where can I get music to add to my slideshow project?
You can use any MP3, WAV or WMA file with DVD PixPlay. Here are some suggestions for finding the right music:

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How can I make the slideshow match the length of my background music?
DVD PixPlay can automatically stretch/shorten the visual portion of the slideshow (images and/or videos) to match your selection of background music.

When burning your slideshow to disk (File > Burn Slideshow) choose the option to "Automatically stretch the slideshow to match the background music"

Also:
» How can I easily time certain frames with my background music?
» When I playback the slideshow disk I created, the timing does not match how it was designed


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How can I easily time certain frames with my background music?
Firstly, if you simply want to automatically stretch the slideshow display to match the length of the background music use the "Automatically stretch the slideshow to background music" option.

However if you need much more control over your timing you can use the "Sync to Frame" function.

Let's say you have two songs named "Song_A" and "Song_B" and six frames named "Photo_1" to "Photo_6". You want each song to play for three frames.

1. Go into Edit > Slideshow Properties, Music tab.
2. Select Song_A and click "Sync to Frame"
3. Choose "Photo_3" and click OK
?? Song_A will now play while Photo_1, Photo_2 and Photo_3 are showing

4. Select Song_B and click "Sync to Frame"
5. Choose "Photo_6" as the "Sync to Frame"
6. Specify "Photo_4" as "Don't change time prior to" (so the display times up to Photo_3 are not changed)
7. Click OK
?? Song_B will now play while Photo_4, Photo_5 and Photo_6 are showing


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How can I add music from a CD as background music for my slideshow?
DVD PixPlay can automatically rip music from your music CDs:

1. Insert the music CD into your CD or DVD drive
2. In DVD PixPlay select Edit > Slideshow Properties, Music tab
3. Click the "Music CD" button
4. Select the desired track and click OK

NOTE: Ensure the music tracks you are ripping are not copyright!


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How can I make the music fade out at the end of the slideshow?
DVD PixPlay presently does not automatically fade music out at the end of the slideshow, but you can either:
  • Choose the "Stretch Slideshow to Background Music" function (available on Step 2 of the Burn Disk Wizard) which will make the slideshow length match that of the background music
  • Use a free sound editor, such as MP3Trim or WavePad, to cut the length of your music track and fade it out

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I've downloaded some music from the iTunes store.  Can I add it to my project?
It is not easy to use iTunes files in DVD PixPlay (and other programs) because iTunes files are locked with DRM to prevent them being used for other than playback.

The only way is to burn them to a CD, and then rip the CD music to MP3


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I get an error about a missing MP3 driver when previewing my slideshow. How do I fix that?
You are lacking an MP3 driver.  You should install a codec pack such as:

FFDshow: ffdshow-tryout.sourceforge.net

K-Lite: http://www.free-codecs.com/download/K_Lite_Codec_Pack.htm


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Slideshow Project: Videos


What video types can I add to a DVD PixPlay project?
You can add any MPEG, AVI, WMV, MOV and most others.

MPEG-1 and MPEG-2 are natively supported for (PixPlay can output to MPEG-4 but it can't be used within your slideshow).

AVI is a container format, meaning that it a blanket format for many sub-formats. PixPlay supports the standard ones but for others you need to install a driver. Generally the one that trips most people up is MJPEG as this is commonly used on digital cameras (and Windows does not include a driver for it). If you encounter problems with AVI formats you should install a codec pack.

Other formats are automatically converted to a native format as you add them to your project if you have installed the format plug-in.


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I have a video in Windows Movie Maker that I captured from my video camera.  How can I output it to DVD PixPlay so I can play it on a DVD player?
To output a video from Windows Movie Maker and add it to DVD PixPlay:
  1. Once you have laid out the video to your requirements in Movie Maker, select File > Save Movie File
  2. Choose the output to "My Computer" option
  3. On the Movie Settings tab choose the other settings option and specify the format as: DV-AVI
  4. Click Next
When the file has been created run DVD PixPlay. If you only want to output this video to disk (and no other images/videos) select File > Export Single Video to Disk...

If you want to add it to a project with other images and/or videos select Edit > Add Images/Videos from the menu, select the folder containing the video, check the box below the thumbnail of it and click the Add button


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When I preview a slideshow containing AVI videos from my camera I get sound, but no picture (or "Cannot find vids:mjpg decompressor" error).  How do I fix that?
Your AVI videos are in Mjpeg format. Windows does not include MJPEG drivers so DVD PixPlay is unable to display the video when previewing.

You can either download a Codec Pack:

ffdshow-tryout.sourceforge.net
or
www.free-codecs.com/download/K_Lite_Mega_Codec_Pack.htm
or
www.free-codecs.com/Motion_JPEG_Codec_download.htm
 

Or you can convert them to a compatible format within DVD PixPlay:

  1. Install the Video Conversion Plug-In
  2. Run DVD PixPlay
  3. Right-click your AVI file and choose "Convert Video File"

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Can I include QuickTime (*.MOV) / Flash Video (*.FLV) / MP4 video files in my slideshow?
Yes, but you need to install the Plug-In pack.  DVD PixPlay will then automatically convert video files to a compatible format. You can download the plug-in pack from:

DVD PixPlay Plug-In Page


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Burning Slideshow Disks


DVD PixPlay cannot find my CD/DVD burner or always reports "Error locking burner/Drive is not ready".  What should I do?
  1. Download and install the SPTD Drivers
  2. Restart Windows
  3. Run DVD PixPlay
  4. Go into View > Options, Folders, Advanced and set the DVD Burning Transport to SPTDirect
If that does not resolve the issue, email the following file to support@xequte.com:

PixPlayLog.txt

Alternatively you can use your preferred burning software to output your DVD PixPlay slideshow to disk.


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What TV format should I select?   NTSC or PAL?  Standard or WideScreen?  What if I'm sending my disks overseas?
NTSC format is used in North and South America and Japan, whereas PAL is used in Europe, Australia, NZ and Africa.

However almost all PAL players can also play NTSC disks, so if you are unsure which format to use then select NTSC format.

If you are creating your slideshow primarily for Widescreen (16:9) TVs you can enable the relevant option, otherwise use Standard (4:3) format.


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If I chose the DVD format, can I write to a CD-R disk instead of a DVD-R?
Generally, yes.  A DVD written to a CD disk is called MiniDVD format and is supported by many DVD players.

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Can I put multiple slideshows on a single disk?
Yes.  Select File > Burn Multiple Slideshows to Disk to commence the wizard.  You can supply any slideshow projects or videos as your source.

Note: For compatibility with DVD Players, you cannot add slideshows to an already burned disk.


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I would prefer to use my own CD/DVD burning software to do write the disk.  Is that possible?
Yes. The steps are as follows:
  1. Create your slideshow as normal but on Step 3 of the "Burn Disk" wizard choose the option to output the project to your hard disk
  2. Choose a folder to save your project and click Finish
  3. Start your burning software and create a new data disk layout
  4. Insert a blank DVD and run your Burning software
  5. Choose the "DVD-Video Files" option
  6. Click the "Add..."
  7. Browse to the folder you specified in 2.
  8. Select the two folders VIDEO_TS and AUDIO_TS and click OK (Screenshot of this in Nero)
  9. Start burning
Note: If your Burning software does not offer a "DVD-Video Files" option you can just burn the VIDEO_TS and AUDIO_TS folders to a DVD, however this will be less compatible than a correctly burned disk

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I'm getting error messages during the burning process.  What should I do?
Try the following:
  • Change your "Burn Mode" if you are writing a CD
  • Ensure you are using disks of a type that your burner supports, e.g. some burners do not support +R or RW formats
  • Try burning at a slower speed than "Max"
  • Try different disks.  We often hear of problems burning to cheap, unknown brand disks
If you still have problems, try changing your SPTI setting or burning the slideshow with your own burning software.

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I have 30 images, but when I generate the slideshow the frame counts up to 450.   Why is that?
For each image that is displayed, multiple output frames are used to display it, for example 25 frames for each second that a transition is displayed.

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How can i burn my slideshow to a thumb/flash drive?
As follows:
  1. Select File > Burn Slideshow
  2. Select PC Format (assuming you intend to play it on another computer) and click Next
  3. Specify your PC Slideshow options and click Next
  4. Choose the option to save to your hard disk and click Browse
  5. Browse to your thumb drive and click OK
  6. Click Finish
A good idea if your slideshow is for an important presentation: Repeat the procedure above except at step 2 choose the video file option and save an MPEG version of your slideshow to the thumb drive too. This will give you a Plan B (in case only a Mac is available, for example).

Get further assistance with this issue on our user discussion forum


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I have burned my slideshow to disk.  Now I want to add extra photos to it.  How do I do that?
Many DVD players do not support multi-session disks, so DVD PixPlay does allow you to add extra content to an existing disk.

You will need to insert a new disk and burn your updated slideshow to it (File > Burn Slideshow).  While it may seem wasteful, it is better than creating a disk that many DVD players will not play.


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Slideshow Display: General


How can I playback the disks I have created on my computer?
Firstly, if you are primarily creating Slideshow for playback on computers, use the PC or MPEG format option, which will create a disk that will autoplay on most computers.

DVD format disks will also playback in all computers with DVD playing software (which is almost all modern computers).


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I don't want the slideshow to automatically display when inserted into my DVD player.  How can I make it show a title page first?
Yes, you need to use the Multiple Slideshow function.  Add the current slideshow to the multiple slideshow project then proceed to create a menu with a single "Play" button to start the show.

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How can I make the slideshow loop once it finishes (so it plays continuously)?
You can create slideshows that loop continuously if you burn your slideshow in DVD or PC format (File > Burn Slideshow). The looping option is displayed on Step 2 of the Burn Slideshow wizard (after you choose your format).

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Is there a web site I can upload my slideshow for friends and family to view?
You can share your slideshows with friends and family over the Internet using YouTube:

1. Run DVD PixPlay and open your project
2. Select File > Burn Slideshow Disk
3. Choose the "YouTube" format option and click Next
4. Select the option to save to a file and specify a filename

Once generation completes:

5. Go to the YouTube web site:

www.youtube.com

6. Click the Sign Up option and then follow the steps to become a member
7. Upload your video file from Step 3.

Note: YouTube does not allow video files larger than 100 MB or longer than 10 minutes

Here is a video tutorial outlining the process:

http://www.screencast.com/t/NWJmMzI5M


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Where can I get a list of all the DVD players that support disks created by DVD PixPlay?
DVD format disks will be playable in all DVD players that support writable disks.

For VCD formats here is a list of players that support...

You can also check the compatibility of a specific player.

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Some of my relatives only have a video recorder.  Is it possible to transfer my slideshow to video tape?
Yes.  You need to connect your DVD player to your video recorder (as one of its inputs).  Then put the disk you created with DVD PixPlay into your DVD player and start playback.  Confirm that the video recorder is accepting the DVD player as an input (i.e. it is displaying on the connected TV like when you playback a tape in the video recorder).  Once everything is ready start playback of the disk from the beginning, click record on the video recorder and wait till the disk finishes.

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Slideshow Display: Problems


The slideshow I created will not playback in my DVD Player.  What should I do?
Almost all players will support disks created by DVD PixPlay, however there are certain players that do not support all formats or disk types (e.g. some players do not support DVD+RW disks).

If that does not work, search the compatibility list for your DVD Player and check what formats it supports.

DVD Player Model: 

If the compatibility report states that your player should support the disk type and format you used then:

  • Write the slideshow to disk using your own burning software (in case DVD PixPlay has an incompatibility with your burner)
  • Try different types of disks (e.g. DVD+R instead of DVD-R) and different brands (we often hear of problems with no-name DVD disks)
  • Under View > Options, Folders, Advanced, try changing the DVD audio format

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When the slideshow is displayed on my TV the top of some frames is cut off (e.g. the top of a persons head is missing).  How do I fix that?
There are two possibilities for this occurrence:
  • The image is being "Auto-cropped": Select Frame > Frame Properties and disable the "Automatic Cropping" option on the "Remove Borders" tab
  • Your TV does not display the full frame of the video: Go into View > Options, Folders, Advanced and specify a margin value to add a border area around the frame

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When I playback the slideshow disk I created, the timing does not match how it was designed.  What went wrong?
Firstly, before timing your slideshow using the preview function, go into View > Options, Preview and set "Optimize playback" to "Start each frame at its designed time".

Also, ensure that you have not set the highest quality preview option.

Note: If you simply want to make your slideshow match the background music length, enable the "Stretch slideshow to music option"
 

DVD FORMAT SLIDESHOWS

Timing issues with DVD format slideshows are rare, because DVD PixPlay actually builds your entire slideshow before burning it to the disk (meaning that it should display consistently wherever it is viewed).

However you should note that the preview will only give you an approximation of the final result, for an exact display of the slideshow as it will appear on the DVD player, select File > Burn Slideshow and click the "Test" button.  Naturally it is a lot slower to prepare than a preview because it actually builds the entire slideshow, however if you burn a disk directly after showing the Test it will be very quick (as the build step is skipped).
 

PC FORMAT SLIDESHOWS

With PC format you need to specify that overall slideshow timing has priority over individual image display times: On step 3 of the Burn Slideshow wizard, click the "Other Settings" option and ensure you select the option "Start each frame at the designed time"

Timing problems should not occur when playing slideshows disks on most computers.  If you do encounter problems then that means the computer is unable to display your photos fast enough to keep up.

The cause will be a combination of the following:

  • You use huge digital camera images (and don't let DVD PixPlay reduce their size when burning)
  • You are playing back on a slow computer
  • You have very short display times (e.g. less than 2-3 seconds per image)
  • You are using motion effects

Generally the problem can be resolved by specifying a longer display time for each of your frames.


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When I playback the slideshow on my DVD player, the quality is not as good as on my PC.  Why is that?
Firstly, you need to be aware that the quality supported by DVD players is much lower than that you will get on your computer. DVD format has only 1/10 the quality of an image from your 5 MegaPixel camera.

Here are some things that may improve quality:

  • Specify the highest quality encoding option (using the Alternate encoder) on Step 3 of the "Burn Slideshow" wizard
  • Go into View > Options, Folders, Advanced and try changing the DVD MPEG Audio Setting as that can affect playback on some players
  • It might also help if you minimize your use of transitions and/or motion effects

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The sound is not audible when playing the disk on my DVD player.  How do I fix that?
Go into View > Options, Folders, Advanced and change the "DVD MPEG Audio" setting.  If that fails to resolve it, try specifying the highest quality encoding option (using the Alternate encoder) on Step 2 of the "Burn Disk" wizard.

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