Dana's Animated Mind

Whoever coined that phrase knew what they were talking about. You take a guy like myself, give him bronchitis, and what does he do? Does he sleep in bed? Does he eat chicken noodle soup? Does he sleep?

Hell no, He is sitting in front of his computer creating. On the bright side, the doctor gave me one hell of a dosage on antibiotics. In a way, I am greatful since I hate these damn infections, but man, the amount of yogurt I have to eat to offset things.

Yesterday, I finally got a license for Vegas 8 Pro and DVD Architect 4.5, and I began to play around. Now one of my pet peeves about DVD making software is they give you a pre-defined theme, or they give you little boxes that will be your video. That's it, that's all. That's all fine and dandy, but when it comes to having it look like the big boys it tends to scream "Home Computer".

Now this is the one time I will apologize if anybody misunderstands that. I am under the fond impression that a good deal can be done by todays home systems that is far more interesting then a big multimillion dollar budget. I think a lot of that has to do with that typical home users have to figure out how to solve an issue that normally take prosumer cameras, high-end audio, and sound stages that will create a world unreal. Some of it is quite innovative, and the effort can be seen.

But have you ever experienced MyDvd-ish type menu option, and go "I wish I had ..." I have made those statements now and then before I got DVD Architect. Now, another disclaimer, I only really started playing with it yesterday and I had the license (with upgrade) since 2005 I think I initally got it. You probably going "Holy hell...", but I would rather have the option should I need it then worry later and really need it.

The one thing that really draws me to it is the fact I can use a PSD file to import a menu. I have to remember to name layers in a particular fashion, but I like that option. What's happening that it is now playing on my strength to create pictures, rather then my weakness to understand deep bellies of DVDs. I did the above image in Carrara and Paint Shop Pro.

The possibilities are endless.

The day is ours.