Ubuntu: Creating a DVD Slideshow Using Imagination

One item I had always wanted to perform back in my Microsoft Windows days was to be able to create a photo slideshow, complete with background music, and have this be playable on a standalone DVD player. Unfortunately, any software I found which claimed it could do this was either 1) too expensive for me or 2) did not do what it claimed it could do. It took me switching to Ubuntu Linux to find such a program that does what it claims and is free to use. The name of the program is Imagination. Version 2.1.1 is available in the 10.04 repository.

Easy to Use

Simply open the program and click the picture icon. Navigate to where your pictures are and select the images you want. Use the shift key to select multiple images in a row or the control key to select multiple images not grouped together under a folder. Click Open and your pictures will appear in the time-line across the bottom of the screen.

Timer, transitions, and text

For each image you can set just how long you wish for the image to display on the screen. This time does not include the transition time applied to the image, so the finished project will be longer than adding the timer for each images together.

You can also add transitional effects. Version 2.1.1 offers 15 categories of transitions for a total of 70 transitions (including none). Along with choosing an effect for each image, you can also set the transition speed: slow, normal, or fast.

You can add text for each image and choose the font, color, and position for the text to display. If desired, you can even add an animation for the displayed text. There are six options (besides none) and an option for animation speed (in seconds).

Adding Music

Imagination allows you add music to your slideshow. This makes it a much more pleasant experience then simply viewing a bunch of pictures. This to me completes the package as far as what I was looking for. Imagination support several different audio formats, including MP3s. To use MP3s, make sure you have libsox-fmt-all, which is available through the Synaptic Package Manger.

Exporting

When you have completed adding photos, setting the time for the image to display, added transitions and text, you will want to export the project into a viewable format. I mentioned that I like having the option to export to DVD format, in this case straight to a VOB file. Other options include OGV (Theora/Vorbis), FLV (Flash Video) and 3GP (Mobile Phones). Choose the format you desire to export your project. These are available from the Slideshow menu, under Export.

Saving a Project

So you've created your project, made all the changes you wish to make and possibly even exported the project, but you are not sure you want to keep it like you have it. Why not save the project you have created? From the Slideshow menu, choose Save. Navigate to where you wish to save your project and enter a name for it in the Name text box at the top of the window. Click Save.

Now that you have saved your project, you can reopen it later using the Slideshow menu, Open command.