How do I set up a flash drive with a DVD style menu, with videos you can navigate through, and plays on both a computer and Te

[Ashley_58]

I’ve started this massive project as a Christmas present to my parents and I may be in over my head! I’m in the process of converting all our old home movies into files on my computer. Our home videos are from VHS tapes, JVC tapes, and mini DV’s. I’m using a product called Elgato Video Capture to capture and convert them into files on the computer. From there, I’m editing the videos down using a program called Cyberlink Powerdirector 12. Up to this point, I know what I’m doing. After this, I’m lost!
In my head, I picture all the home movies on either a very large flash drive or external hard drive set up with a DVD style menu, where you are able to navigate through movies on both the TV and the computer.
So my questions are, is this possible to create? If so, what product/program will allow me to do this? I’m not completely ignorant about computers, but I’m also not a wiz. I will need a program that the average user can navigate. What file extension will work best when using a flash drive or external hard drive so that I am able to play the home videos on both the TV and computer? The Cyberlink Powerdirector 12 program has the following extensions available; AVI, MPEG-2, AVC H.264, WMV, MPEG-4, MOV, and MKV.
I very much appreciate any help!

 

[elbert]

You're going to need samlogic
http/www.samlogic.net/cd-menu-creator/cd-menu-creator.htm

 

[Alabalcho]

The only "standard" way is to burn DVDs, and play them in standard DVD player. I would still do this, for backup purposes.

For USB drives, there is no standard way. On average Smart TV / Roku / etc, you will navigate thru file names. On computer, you could create web pages to represent menus, and from there to launch a player to play selected videos.

Another options (still working on computer only) would be to store DVD ISO files on the USB drive, and use eg VLC player to play them.

 

[kenrivers]

Adobe Encore, Adobe's DVD creation software, has the option to export as a Flash file (creates a folder with related content and HTML file) which can be played via web browser. It will have the menu options you create in Encore. It may not be the easiest way to do it but it can be done. I use to put the wedding videos I shoot on my web site so the couple can share with relatives or friends who are not able to attend the ceremony.