14 DAY TRIAL // Over the years we end up storing a large number of photos on our hard drive. Unfortunately we forget about them as time passes and the search for a specific snapshot from our lives can become a real pain in the neck. Fair enough, there are programs which enable us to make photo collages and add different effects for the moments captured by the camera. But what about an application that grants us the developing of a complete slideshow presentation and burn it on a DVD? Do you think it will be more useful? Let's find out.
DVD Slideshow GUI is a free software which offers a simple way to make your own slideshows. Graphical User Interface (GUI) is a type of user interface which allows people to interact with computers and computer-controlled devices. Using the soft is not as complicated as it looks, therefore there is nothing to be afraid of because spending as little as 10 minutes of your time can't be but beneficial. Just insert some photos from a storage volume, make a few changes, save the collection and burn the ISO file on a DVD. How hard you thought is going to be? On the other hand, if you want to get under the hood of this software, you will see that there are more complicated feature which can bring enormous improvements to your slideshows. I'm saying complicated not 'cause they not easy to use, but there are so many of them and all can be combined for a unique and pleasant result.
Regarding program's capabilities, the list is quite impressive. You can animate images, add music and AVI files, background and text. Add a border and some video effects, set the subtitles for each component individually, check the transition times for the pics or make your own JPG transitions. There are loads of ways and methods to improve the quality of your compilation and the spectators' entertainment. Don't forget to download a version of ImgBurn (edition 2.4.1.0 is currently available for free) as you will be asked for its location when you wish to burn your slideshow as an ISO file on a DVD.
The software has 5 major windows with too many options to have them all detailed in a review. What we will try is to catch a glimpse from each of them to give the reader a specter of the features the application is powered with.
In the Main Window you are able to make general operations slideshow related. The import of different type of files (WAV, MP3, image-related types) is available as well as exporting your compilation to a wide range of files (M2V, MPG, ISO, AVI, FLV, TXT, etc). The "all" type allows you to export in one go in M2V, AC3, SSA and TXT file types as they are required for DVD author GUI.
You can save the current project, load one from your computer or create a new one starting from scratch. In the Preview mode DVDsGUI will generate an avisynth script and scale images adding images, background and text. As the effects, transitions, sound and avi's are too "heavy" to run in the player, none of them will be available for preview. Try exporting the compilation for a better result.
When pics are added, you can organize them using the Copy/Paste/Cut options. Under Setting you are able to change the properties of a selected slide (Text, Transition style, Exposition and Duration attributes).
The Animation window enables you to move, rotate and zoom an image. Also beneficial is adding keys/bookmarks (and moving between them with ease) and make different changes manipulating the length of the animation. If you end up having a well done motion sketch it can be saved as a preset and loaded later if you consider it useful.
Presets Window allows you to change the properties for the entire compilation or just for the selected slideshows. Have a look in here and you will be able to modify the font of the text, set the resolution. Locate the WAVs and MP3s on your HDD, choose a border and a background, for the slideshow and define the Safearea. If you are unhappy with the default player provided you can opt for another one already installed on your hard drive, although is not recommended as some of them cannot run an AVS (avisynth) file. Also you can choose an Encoder for the compilation and check the EXIF data for the imported pics.
If the Import window does not have too many feature we can talk about, the Slide settings Window is full of them. Check the text for subtitle, randomize the transitions and add new ones from your files, set the exposition and duration or see the program's animation settings. The PAL/NTSC refers to the duration of the transition in frames.
Choosing the best transitions and effect for your slideshow is easy. There is no need to take each and everyone of them to see how they perform. Run once the Library of Transitions/Effects from Help menu and you will be able to see how they behave individually in a HTML file within the Internet Explorer browser. As assistance related, Help menu is well developed, having answers for all your questions and How To tutorials. A bit of extra work for its interface is required though.
The Good
DVD Slideshow GUI is a freeware that comes as an installer with all the necessary files included. It is easy to use and, despite its "complicated" features, it is very light because of the well done Assistance menu. You can import and export compilations in different file formats and you can burn the ISO file with the help of the 3rd party software.
The Bad
The interface needs a major update as it has nothing to do with 3D effects, shadowing or anything related to Vista interface standards. Too bad you can't import small AVI files to be converted into animated JPGs you can adjust at a later time. As the developer says, you might want to insert WAV files but they proved not to be reliable.
The Truth
If you have a lot of free time or just want to make a gift to a friend with some special moments you have lived together engraved in a DVD slideshow, this can be the perfect occasion to try it out and see what the application can do. Personally, I was satisfied, although it wasn't eye-candy. In other words, it's a great free software.
Here are some snapshots of the application in action:
