Microsoft Photo Story 3 has long been our favorite photo slide show creation program. Not only is it free, but it’s also powerful in it’s simplicity for quickly creating shows that include transitions, motion effects (like Ken Burns), voice-overs, and a soundtrack.
The fact is, we think so much of it that we offer a special 2-hour class at our Computer Education Center in Lincoln, Nebraska.
A few years ago, I created a 7-part video tutorial on how to use Photo Story 3, that you can still see over at www.PhotoStorySkills.com (CLICK HERE).
But just recently, after many student requests, I added this bonus video that shows how to use a special Photo Story 3 add-on called Sonic DVD for Photo Story 3.
The plug in, which you can purchase for $19.99 directly from Sonic (now Roxio), integrates with Photo Story 3, allowing you to quickly and easily create set-top playable DVDs of your photo slide shows.
You can learn more about the Sonic plugin by CLICKING HERE.
Hi John
I download the Sonic plugin. It is in PhotoStory3. Every time I try to burn to DVD keep getting a notice “Sonic cannot create DVD because an error occurred”
I use an HP Touch Smart 610-103CA Computer 64 bit. Changed the compatibility mode to XP Service Pack 3. DiDiag 11 is running on my computer and have updated my drivers, but still unable to burn to DVD. think I have wasted my money?
Muriel
John,
I would also like to know why the DVD won’t burn from the Sonic Plug-in.
Your advice and videos are outstanding.
Thanks John,
Norman
Hi Norman:
I’ve never had any issues on multiple computers from the plug-in burning, so I Googled it and have found a few other comments on people who had the same problem. Potential solutions included:
(1) Uninstall and reinstall PS3 AND the plugin
(2) Disable your antivirus, then start the program and try burning
Not sure if either of those solutions worked, but they are probably worth a try.
What version of Windows are you running? And, are you using DVD+R or DVD-R discs? Just curious.
John Lortz
Trying to use roxi sonic dvd for photo story 3 with windows 7. think i bought and downloaded for windows XP. it is telling me that I need directx8a to run that program. I have directx11 with Windows 7. what can I do to fix this?
Hi there…
I Googled your problem and found a few other Windows 7 users having the same issue, but really, no good solutions. Wayne (my Lincoln instructor) and I have run it on multiple Windows 7 computers without issue, but since the plug-in WAS initially made for XP, there must just be a fluke for some Windows 7 computers. I’m not sure I have good solution for you!
The only real work around would be in the last step, to create the highest quality video file you can (say in WMV format), and then use the build in Windows 7 DVD creator program to create the DVD. I know that’s more of a hassle, but at this point, it may be the only thing you can do.
Wish I could be more help!
John Lortz
On March 26th my friend using her credit card paid for a Sonic DVD burner for Photostory3 the recipte came thru, the $26.99 was taken from her account but, I never received the DVD burner to this computer, and neither did my friend.
Her emaiL was katherine@idl.com.au.
I cannot find any Email for them,
Can you help
On March 26th my friend using her credit card paid for Sonic DVD burner
for Photostory 3 the recipt came thru , the $ 26.99 was taken from her account but, I never received the DVD burner to this computer , and neither did my friend .
Her email was katherine@idle.com.au.
I cannot find any Email for them .
Can you help please.
Sorry I’m just responding to this.
The Sonic Photostory 3 DVD add-in is delivered via download. As soon as you made the purchase, you should have been taken to a page to download the program. Also, they send you a confirmation email that includes the link to download the product. Since it’s only a download product, you won’t be getting any type of physical product.
I would first go back through your email to see if there is a message from Sonic (Roxio) that includes the download link.
Good Luck!
John Lortz
I just downloaded Sonic DVd plugin for photostory3 for my HP touch smart 64 bit windows 7 machine and I get error “Sonic DVD cannot create the Dvd because an error occurred. Directx11 on machine. I have tried running as admin to no avail. Any suggestions? Thank you, Bruce
Right click the icon for Pstory. Select Properties. Select the Compatibility Tab. Check the box to run this program in compatibility mode for windows XP.
I have new Dell Computer running windows 8 and have had photo story for a few years. Now it wont burn to DVD, I’ve always used Roxio software to enable me to burn to DVD., coming up with an error msg saying I need DIrectX8A. I currently have Directx11 which is newer and better. When trying to install Roxio Plug in I keep getting the same msg error you need DirectX8A. I’ve installed and uninstalled numerous times with no results. What can I do?
Hi Debra…
As we move into newer versions of Windows, especially ones like Windows 8 that really change things, our good-old, reliable long-time software becomes more likely to be left behind. I have a feeling that might be the case here… with the older DVD burning software. I’ve not yet tried using Photo Story or the DVD add-on with Windows 8, so I don’t yet have direct experience.
However, I do have experience with some other types of older programs having issues on Windows 8… and in most cases, was able to solve the problem by changing the compatibility mode.
Here’s what you do:
You may have to experiment with this a bit, trying different Windows versions.
Also, if you don’t have a desktop icon, over on the Start Screen side of Windows 8, find the tile for the program and RIGHT click it. From the OPTIONS bar across the bottom, chose Open File Location, and then when the folder window opens, RIGHT click the existing shortcut for the program and choose SEND TO… Desktop.
Hope this helps… I’ll keep my fingers crossed!
I tried to purchase Sonic (Roxio) as suggested above, but was told by their representative that they do not have/support it any more. Do you have another suggestion to burn my photo story to a dvd?
Hi there…
I’m afraid that I don’t have any suggestions for a “direct plugin” replacement. One benefit the Sonic program has was that it’s integration made it a one-click solution for creating a DVD. Too bad that Sonic just doesn’t “public domain” the program.
But… an alternative for making a DVD would be to simply render the Photo Story to a high quality video file (WMV), and then use any 3rd-party DVD burning program (such as Nero or Roxio) to create a DVD. It’s a bit more involved, but still very doable.
Thank you for the reply. I think Sonic and Roxio are the same. I tried everything, but I think my new Windows 8 doesn’t support Sonic (though Photoshop is pretty slick). When I change to wmv, the disc only plays on the computer, not the TV DVD player. Bummer.
Hi again… The problem lies in the fact that DVD movie discs (those that will properly play in a DVD Player) require special formatting beyond just burning a video file (like the .wmv file) to a computer DVD disc. The old-time Sonic add-on program for PhotoStory actually took the movie file and created this special DVD movie disc.
Without that program, your goal will be to make the DVD movie disc manually, using some other program. Roxio Easy DVD Creator is just one example of this type of software (it’s what I use on my Windows 7 and 8 machines). You might also be able to find DVD burning software over at http://www.download.com (CNet’s shareware site).
So to summarize, the steps would be…
(1) Create your PhotoStory
(2) Render the story to a high quality .WMV video file
(3) Use a DVD burning program to use the .WMV file and create a DVD playable movie disc
Hope that helps a bit.
Dear Sir: I bought DVD for photostory3 last night December 9, 2016 I could not begin downloading your soft ware For your information I paid $19.99 my order is 11072185934
Hi Cyrus…
As I’m not at all associated with Roxio/Sonic (who is now owned by Corel), I have no way of helping you with an order you placed with them.
In looking at the Sonic DVD sales page at…
http://www.roxio.com/enu/products/photostory/overview.html
If you click on the SUPPORT menu option at the top of the page, you are taken to this support page…
http://www.roxio.com/enu/support/default.html?rTrack=m_sup_home
It looks as though there are useful links there for contacting them about your problem, and even having them issue you a refund.
I wish I could be more help, but again, I have no affiliation with the company or product, other than to have been a user myself back in the days when I still used Photo Story 3 for slide shows.
Anyway, I hope those links will help.
John Lortz
DiscoverSkills.com