Posted by Terry Pinnell on 02/10/07 17:58

"Gene" <genes@wildblue.net> wrote:

>Thank you, kind Sir :-)
>
>I vaguely remember the name Stiletto, but it was not
>in my old source program data base (I usually keep a copy
>of ever version of code that I have ever used on a PC to
>the 198x's) - but it looks like I will not need it.
>
>I just successfully downloaded pwrpro47.zip from
>http://powerpro.webeddie.com/ and added it to the source
>file folder.
>
>In that it seems to be the premier product, and is free - I'll
>play with it first, then go to Macro Express if needed.
>
>Hopefully, I can take Power-Pro and create a batch file thing
>that will allow me to "automatically" create two finalized 1.5hr
>DVD-Rs directly from one MiniDV or D8 tape . The goal is to
>plug my camcorder into my PC via TI firewire, place two blank
>DVD-Rs in two attached DVD burners (USB2 & IDE) and start the
>macro playback at bedtime. I hope to awake to a rewound camcorder
>and two open DVD burner trays containing two finalized DVDs
>(preferably verified) both DVDs will be stuffed to at least 95%+
>capacity. Each of the burned DVDs will have a very simple menu,
>and chapter (skip) marks inserted every 5 or 6 minutes. All done
>automatically, while I sleep:-)
>
>It's sad that there are no current software All-in-One packages that will do
>this simple task, that is, be 100% automatic from start to finish. It's of
>no help if you have to get up at 2:00AM to select an option, being the SAME
>option that you select each & every time you perform this simple job.
>However,
>I have reason to believe that a software producer somewhere will "ADD" this
>simple
>feature to their existing package. Please understand that this software
>provider
>would never take away an option that you like. This would be an ADDITION,
>and
>not a replacement, for the old way of manually doing the job with multiple,
>and
>unrelated PC programs, etc.
>LOL - you can still get up at 2:00AM if you are a perfectionist - I choose
>to sleep:-)
>
>Again, THANKS for your help!
>
>Gene

Stiletto is a powerful program. I have it running permanently and I'd
be lost without it. PowerPro is even more versatile. But I had a major
investment in Stiletto and unfortunately the automatic conversion of
my configuration proved problematic, and I didn't want to start from
scratch. So I've reconciled myself to using the obsolete product. It
has a scripting facility and I'm sure the PowerPro equivalent will be
well up to the project you have in mind.

I share your enthusiasm for automating complex tasks! And if you
succeed in your DVD project I'd be grateful for a copy of your script
or macro command listing, as a basis for attempting something similar.

For me, Macro Express has the advantage of being simpler to use for
developing more complex macros. I've turned to it only recently.

However, I've found that with both of these (and other macro/scripting
programs I've used, and VBA with Word and Excel), the development of
extensive macros like the one you've outlined inevitably pose all
sorts of issues and pitfalls. Just when you think you have one running
sweetly, it's apt to run amok. Usually when you've gone for a coffee!
So I'll be keen to hear of your progress please ;-)

--
Terry, West Sussex, UK

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