Next-Generation iDVD to Include Support for iTunes LP Creation?

[MacRumors]

Boy Genius Report briefly notes that it has received a tip from a "pretty accurate" source claiming that Apple will be revamping its iDVD software as part of its next iLife release to include support for creation of iTunes LPs, the company's new format for providing enhanced content for music releases.

We've been informed that Apple plans to completely redo their iDVD application (in addition to others in iLife 2010), and besides iDVD not being refreshed in a pretty long time, one of the reasons appears to be the inclusion of iTunes LP creation. This will allow artists (indie and major) to create a custom iTunes LP and submit it directly to Apple right from the new application that will be a part of iLife 2010.

Previous rumors have suggested that the next-generation versions of iLife and iWork may be compatible only with Intel-based Macs and offer 64-bit support. Hints have also suggested that the new versions may not make an appearance until mid-2010 at the earliest.

iDVD's last major update occurred with the release of iLife '08 in August 2007. The application did not received any major changes as part of the iLife '09 suite released earlier this year.

Article Link: Next-Generation iDVD to Include Support for iTunes LP Creation?

 

[dicklacara]

*

This, well done, and flexible enough to help the user design and add themes and templates, is exactly what's needed!

*

 

[zombitronic]

Awesome. If I can figure out how to disassemble my DVD files and reassemble them as iTunes Extras in iDVD I'll be a happy camper.

 

[dicklacara]

Awesome. If I can figure out how to disassemble my DVD files and reassemble them as iTunes Extras in iDVD I'll be a happy camper.

Do you mean:

1) Convert iDVD projects to iTunes Extras
2) Generic DVDs you've purchased

I think that #1 is likely to be supported, #2-- not so much!

*

 

[Freis968]

Very cool! I guess they are trying to find a use for the "declining in use" iDVD app.

I used iDVD this year only one time and the past two years not at all.

With this feature, iDVD would become a very useful app for me.

 

[zombitronic]

Do you mean:

1) Convert iDVD projects to iTunes Extras
2) Generic DVDs you've purchased

I think that #1 is likely to be supported, #2-- not so much!

*

I mean actual authentic DVDs that I've purchased. I'd like to rip the files to my computer and disassemble them; menu images and background audio, video, chapters, special features and everything else that you'd find on a DVD.

I don't expect Apple to include this, but surely there is a way to extract this information, convert it, if needed, and piece it back together as an iTunes Extras file.

I'd love for there to be a simple way to do this, just as it's simple (and legal) to rip and convert a CD that I've purchased to a lossless format on my computer. I don't know why DVDs should be any different.

 

[tri3limited]

I've stopped using iDVD completely. I used to push out simple DVDs with it but now just use Compressor as it does everything I need. Absolutely love the 'Blu-ray on a DVD' feature in Compressor.

Good to hear iDVD hasn't been completely left out.

 

[jaw04005]

This story makes no sense whatsoever. If anything, Apple will add “iTunes Extras” to iDVD, not “iTunes LP.” The addition of iTunes Extras support would allow iDVD’s menus to appear on the iTunes Extra-compatible devices. However, I highly doubt iDVD would get that feature first. Apple would likely update DVD Studio Pro with such a capability before iDVD.

Personally, I think iDVD is pretty much dead until Apple decides to support Blu-ray. The age of burning home video discs is over. It’s much faster to choose export to YouTube, MobileMe, Apple TV, iPhone or iPod touch than to send your iMovie or iPhoto project to iDVD. Where iDVD has to transcode your video/photos into standard definition MPEG-2, create a menu, burn a disc, etc.

The only thing iDVD is good for now is sending a slideshow or movie of your kids to grandma.

 

[MacFly123]

WOW, I really feel the need to quote myself:


"Can we say DUHHH???

This guy who was freaking out about it being limited is a moron. This is the future of digital distribution for music, movies, print, you name it. OF COURSE THEY ARE GOING TO OPEN IT UP! Why does he think they used open standards to implement it? Can't he see that they are setting up the foundation right now?

All of Apple's products are going to revolve around this. The tablet will heavily revolve around this, Apple TV will surely see an update revolving around this, the iPhone, iPod Touch. This is the future of entertainment and I am VERY excited!!!

It is amazing to me that some people can't see the future even when it is literally sitting right at the door step already exposed!" (10/13/09)


"Being that Apple is really the only one that has succeeded at it, I'd say it makes sense that they are blazing the trail. That doesn't mean that they couldn't eventually release LP and Extras to an open standards body for it to replace CDs, DVDs, and BluRay. I think there is logic and strategy behind them basing it all on open standards." (10/13/09)


"I don't think you understand the foundation that Apple is laying. Adding support for iTunes Extras and LP was HUGE!!! I have been waiting for that ever since the Apple TV was announced. The future of movies is digital distribution, and Apple is setting up the gateway with open standards!" (11/2/09)


"You need to look at the platform Apple is putting in place: The Mac, iPhone, Apple TV, and soon the Tablet! This will encompass your entire life and digital lifestyle seamlessly.

I am going to make a prediction right now... Apple will introduce in iLife or the Final Cut Studio the ability to author iTunes LPs and iTunes Extras. CD burning and DVD authoring will become a thing of the past.

Look at the signs and you will see that it has already been planned for a while as Apple lets their DVD authoring apps fade into the past! This is not just some iTunes gimmick, this is an all out war for the future format of digital content and the devices we use. Also note Apple will not deliver Blu-ray. Why? Wait till iTunes Extras go 1080p and you'll see. Wait till Apple releases an SDK and the App Store on the Apple TV. Wait till you use your Tablet or iPhone as a game controller and remote controller with your Apple TV and all its games, and apps, and digital content on the big screen. This is all strategic.

Mark my words!" (11/6/09)


"Apple will make an iLife or FCS WYSIWYG app in place of iDVD or DVD Studio Pro that will let people easily author iTunes Extras and LPs. I predicted it a while ago, mark my words again people!" (11/30/09)


Sorry, but remarkably there are a lot of people on this site that lack vision and I guess I felt the need to give myself some recognition haha!

This story makes no sense whatsoever. If anything, Apple will add “iTunes Extras” to iDVD, not “iTunes LP.”

They are the same thing. The only difference is the branding so as to distinguish between music and movies. It would make both I promise you!

 

[wizard]

Why would you want to do this though?

I mean actual authentic DVDs that I've purchased. I'd like to rip the files to my computer and disassemble them; menu images and background audio, video, chapters, special features and everything else that you'd find on a DVD.

I don't expect Apple to include this, but surely there is a way to extract this information, convert it, if needed, and piece it back together as an iTunes Extras file.

I'd love for there to be a simple way to do this, just as it's simple (and legal) to rip and convert a CD that I've purchased to a lossless format on my computer. I don't know why DVDs should be any different.

Really I can't see any reason to do something like that. What do youbexpect to do, out smart the original developers of every DVD you own? I'm no sure I could ever see this as a useful activity. Then again I could never understand those that spent untold hours producing audio CDs.

Dave

 

[Nitrocide]

WOW, I really fe... etc.

Haha youre good!

 

[dicklacara]

This story makes no sense whatsoever. If anything, Apple will add “iTunes Extras” to iDVD, not “iTunes LP.” The addition of iTunes Extras support would allow iDVD’s menus to appear on the iTunes Extra-compatible devices. However, I highly doubt iDVD would get that feature first. Apple would likely update DVD Studio Pro with such a capability before iDVD.

Personally, I think iDVD is pretty much dead until Apple decides to support Blu-ray. The age of burning home video discs is over. It’s much faster to choose export to YouTube, MobileMe, Apple TV, iPhone or iPod touch than to send your iMovie or iPhoto project to iDVD. Where iDVD has to transcode your video/photos into standard definition MPEG-2, create a menu, burn a disc, etc.

The only thing iDVD is good for now is sending a slideshow or movie of your kids to grandma.

Mmmm...

I have 3 grandkids who play soccer.

That equals:

15 weeks x 2 per week x 3 practices = 90 practice videos
15 weeks x 3 games = 45 game videos
this year 8 Invitational game videos
3 Team party videos

all-in-all, this year 146 videos

I use a Panny AVCHD Camera and each video gives approximately 50 GB of files.


There is no way you can upload anything near to a complete game to YouTube.


I use iMovie/FCS during the week to extract highlights (usually less than 2 minutes) and up load HD (h264) video to YouTube (5-10 minutes, or so, is the largest that YT will accept).


Even if you compress lower-resolution video you could not get it small enough to upload to YT.

During the season(s), as time is available, I try to extract clips for a "season highlights" DVD. The objective, is to get a "video" for each team's season that will fit on a single DL DVD (8.5 GB). That way, at 15 players per team, 45 DVDs handles the job of distribution.

Rather than burn these DVDs, I would prefer to:

1) create an equivalent iTunes Extra
2) upload this to my iDisk
3) make this available through iTunes similar to a Podcast-- files on my server (mobileme) accessible & cataloged through iTunes

That way team members and parents could enjoy and download/view the season as suits their desires!

...there are quite a few soccer-grandpas out there!

*

 

[dicklacara]

WOW, I really feel the need to quote myself:


"Can we say DUHHH???

This guy who was freaking out about it being limited is a moron. This is the future of digital distribution for music, movies, print, you name it. OF COURSE THEY ARE GOING TO OPEN IT UP! Why does he think they used open standards to implement it? Can't he see that they are setting up the foundation right now?

All of Apple's products are going to revolve around this. The tablet will heavily revolve around this, Apple TV will surely see an update revolving around this, the iPhone, iPod Touch. This is the future of entertainment and I am VERY excited!!!

It is amazing to me that some people can't see the future even when it is literally sitting right at the door step already exposed!" (10/13/09)


"Being that Apple is really the only one that has succeeded at it, I'd say it makes sense that they are blazing the trail. That doesn't mean that they couldn't eventually release LP and Extras to an open standards body for it to replace CDs, DVDs, and BluRay. I think there is logic and strategy behind them basing it all on open standards." (10/13/09)


"I don't think you understand the foundation that Apple is laying. Adding support for iTunes Extras and LP was HUGE!!! I have been waiting for that ever since the Apple TV was announced. The future of movies is digital distribution, and Apple is setting up the gateway with open standards!" (11/2/09)


"You need to look at the platform Apple is putting in place: The Mac, iPhone, Apple TV, and soon the Tablet! This will encompass your entire life and digital lifestyle seamlessly.

I am going to make a prediction right now... Apple will introduce in iLife or the Final Cut Studio the ability to author iTunes LPs and iTunes Extras. CD burning and DVD authoring will become a thing of the past.

Look at the signs and you will see that it has already been planned for a while as Apple lets their DVD authoring apps fade into the past! This is not just some iTunes gimmick, this is an all out war for the future format of digital content and the devices we use. Also note Apple will not deliver Blu-ray. Why? Wait till iTunes Extras go 1080p and you'll see. Wait till Apple releases an SDK and the App Store on the Apple TV. Wait till you use your Tablet or iPhone as a game controller and remote controller with your Apple TV and all its games, and apps, and digital content on the big screen. This is all strategic.

Mark my words!" (11/6/09)


"Apple will make an iLife or FCS WYSIWYG app in place of iDVD or DVD Studio Pro that will let people easily author iTunes Extras and LPs. I predicted it a while ago, mark my words again people!" (11/30/09)


Sorry, but remarkably there are a lot of people on this site that lack vision and I guess I felt the need to give myself some recognition haha!



They are the same thing. The only difference is the branding so as to distinguish between music and movies. It would make both I promise you!

+++

You are spot on!

It took me a while to figure out:

1) why do this format (iTunes LB and Extras) at all?
2) why do it with open source constructs rather than proprietary?
3) why no high-level tool?


Apparently, number 3 will be resolved with an iLife-level tool (likely with a windows version, too)

The answers to 1 and 2 (and why Apple needs to do a windows version of the tool) is that the LP/Extras format give users interactive access (from within the package) to the iTunes store(s)-- essentially you have a movie, DVD, Music Video, eBook, Song Album, whatever... that allows you to seamlessly buy stuff!

Finally, it dawned on me, it's not about the content, or even about the package... its about the shopping, stupid!

*

 

[swissmann]

How about adding Blu-Ray support. (Both to iDVD and with Playback through the OS?)

 

[zombitronic]

Really I can't see any reason to do something like that.

I'd like to do this so that if I'd like to watch a movie, I can just fire it up in iTunes (on my Mac Mini connected to my TV) and launch my "DVD." Yes, I know that I could rip a DVD as a disk image, but unfortunately disk image files are not compatible with iTunes.

Why do I need my DVDs in iTunes? Because, presumably, iTunes LPs and iTunes Extras will be compatible with Front Row in the future. I'd like to be able to browse a list and pick my "DVD" and launch it to the menu, without first having to mount the image file. I'm just looking for a seamless experience.

What do youbexpect to do, out smart the original developers of every DVD you own?

I don't think there's really much within a DVD's file structure to 'out smart'. There are already applications to extract individual videos from a DVD. Menu images can't be so encrypted as to be inaccessible.

As far as putting it back together, DVD menus are no more complicated than a web page. In fact, iTunes LP/iTunes Extras home page menus are index.html files.

I'm no sure I could ever see this as a useful activity.

Maybe you're not interested in putting all of your content on a home media server, but many people are. Imagine that you are one of these people. Would you rather repurchase each DVD you own as an iTunes Extras file or convert your DVDs to iTunes Extras files yourself?

 

[dicklacara]

Maybe you're not interested in putting all of your content on a home media server, but many people are. Imagine that you are one of these people. Would you rather repurchase each DVD you own as an iTunes Extras file or convert your DVDs to iTunes Extras files yourself?

I have ripped all my DVDs with MacTheRipper then encoded them with Handbrake. They are stored on a 2TB external drive on a Mac Mini and streamed to an AppleTV. The original DVDs are stored offsite.

This works pretty well! (a poor man's Kaleidescape).

However, your approach would be much better and provide access to the DVD navigation and extras.

Likely, many new DVDs will be sold using the iTunes Extra format (with or without DRM).

I suspect, someone(s) will create tools that allow you to create tools (ala MacTheRipper/Handbrake) that allow you to create the format from your existing DVDs.

*

 

[mcoe19]

This prospect has got me excited about digitising my collection again. I had grown tired of ripping DVDs.

Maybe when I get my i7 iMac I'll be more willing to get everything playing on that screen!!

 

[Porco]

How about adding Blu-Ray support. (Both to iDVD and with Playback through the OS?)

Yes, exactly.

To be seeing the phrase "next generation" without Blu-ray support... just ... lol

 

[ftaok]

I don't think there's really much within a DVD's file structure to 'out smart'. There are already applications to extract individual videos from a DVD. Menu images can't be so encrypted as to be inaccessible.

As far as putting it back together, DVD menus are no more complicated than a web page. In fact, iTunes LP/iTunes Extras home page menus are index.html files.

Even if iDVD doesn't do this automatically, I'm guessing that you'll be able to access and extract the various menu images from a DVD and import them into iDVD as JPEGs and MOV files. Heck, there may even be a vibrant community that creates their own iTunes Extras files for sharing.

I see this as a good thing. This feature alone, will get me to buy the next version of iLife.

 

[zombitronic]

...provide access to the DVD navigation and extras.

And that's the key, to me. I've ripped a few of my DVDs, both as disk image files which can be watched via Front Row when mounted and as standalone h.264 movies, but I've been holding out for a more integrated and complete solution.

I suspect, someone(s) will create tools that allow you to create tools (ala MacTheRipper/Handbrake) that allow you to create the format from your existing DVDs.

In the meantime, I might test myself by attempting to turn a DVD with a simple menu into an iTunes Extra file.

The hardest part, IMO, might be placing the menu options (Play All, Chapters, Language, Subtitles, Special Features, etc.) in the exact same position/coordinates. I'll have to learn more about how a regular DVD menu processes this.

 

[B. Hunter]

???

I will continue to burn DVDs as long as iDVD (whatever is the latest version to come out) allows me to do so.
Because I send them to family across the country. Some of which don't have access to the latest technology, or have high speed internet for that matter.

So whatever you do Apple, spruce up the next version of iDVD to make DVDs please. Before you decide to take things in another direction.

And then, and only then, I will have to figure out a new delivery system for everyone I currently send DVDs.

 

[Silofolous]

I will continue to burn DVDs as long as iDVD (whatever is the latest version to come out) allows me to do so.
Because I send them to family across the country. Some of which don't have access to the latest technology, or have high speed internet for that matter.

So whatever you do Apple, spruce up the next version of iDVD to make DVDs please. Before you decide to take things in another direction.

And then, and only then, I will have to figure out a new delivery system for everyone I currently send DVDs.

I wholeheartedly agree. I make multiple dvds every couple months, and I don't have the kind of money for FCS to get Studio Pro. I couldn't really care less about this iTunes LP/Extras thing, since my use for iDVD is a physical disk that I can take anywhere and show anywhere. I'm really hoping that they've been making iDVD much better. If so, I might get iLife '10 just for that program alone.

 

[libertyforall]

Umm, yea, what about "iBluRay"?!

 

[ildondeigiocchi]

Umm, yea, what about "iBluRay"?!

That's would be the day hell freezes over although, it wouldn't be all that bad

 

[Yelmurc]

I have to admit. This would be really cool.

If the tablet is real and it does come out. Would this get expanded to not just music and video content but to printed media. I could see this having huge benefits to comics, novels, and even textbooks.