How do you capture still images from DVDs to put in a review?

I am at the end of my rope with something I have been trying to accomplish for some time: I need help capturing still images from DVDs to place in my reviews.

I have tried various things that, according to a plethora of information on the Internet, should be working for me -- but, unfortunately, are not.

I have tried doing Control + I to capture a still while playing the DVD in Windows Media (which many people online have sworn works), but nothing at all happens when I try this.

I've also tried sliding the Hardware Acceleration down to None so that I could attempt a screen capture with Print Screen (another technique that people swear by). But when I slide the Hardware Acceleration down to None, the screen on my player goes completely blank. While can still hear the audio of the video, there is no picture (which means I can't do a still capture).

Not to be deterred by this, I then tried downloading Cyberlink PowerDVD so that I could finally capture stills. I got the program downloaded and running, but when I tried to capture a still, I was not able to open the saved still on my computer. (To tell the truth, I'm not even sure if the files that I am trying to open are even the stills I took...).

I am completely frustrated. Can anyone offer me any suggestions as to why NOTHING I do is working? less

Oh, when I finally am able to take a still shot and convert it to JPEG, I plan on uploading the images to a photo hosting site so that I can link them in my reviews.

Correct me if I am wrong, if that is not the procedure.

But before I get to steps C and D, I first must accomplish A and B . . . so perhaps I am putting the cart before the horse in thinking that far ahead . . . less

Heya!

Here is how I do it, I use the Print Screen/SysRq button that is just right above the numlock button. this works on a lot of media players but not all. If I remember correctly, it is a pain in the ass to get Windows Media Player to work with it.

I use the Print screen with great sucess with the program PowerDVD, which came with my Laptop. When you want to take a screen just press that button, open up an image editor and click "paste" and there you have it.

There is also, FRAPS, it takes screenshots. GIMP also takes screenshots. FRAPS doesn't work with PowerDVD though.

Also try using different programs to paste them in, for example PAINT.NET is pretty good, and sometimes it works when others won't. less

ummmm... are you using a lap top or a desktop?

If a laptop, maybe you can try inputting a keyboard. I know it sounds stupid, but my laptop' F1-F12 buttons double function as Media player controls (skip scene, pause, turn up volume, turn down volume, mute, etc.)

We'll get it figured out.

have you tried FRAPS.com to get fraps? It works with games and stuff.

I use paint mostly when pasting, sometimes it doesn't work. less

I'm using a desktop. I'll give those things you mentioned a try later tonight when we get back.

I haven't tried FRAPS.com yet, but I will. And I'll see if Paint works to paste the captured still. Is Paint the image editor that you use?

Thanks, Viktor! less

Thank you so much, Kindred and Viktor! I got back home entirely too late last night to try capturing screen shots -- and I have a full day again today, so I will give it a shot again sometime tomorrow.

And, if I cannot get the software to cooperate on this old PC, I'll just attempt photographing it on the screen like Kindred suggested, LOL! (It really WAS a great idea!) I will not be thwarted! less