couple of questions

[fyreboltx2]

well, i still havnt tried burning too many custom DVD yet but im getting closer!

just a few questions that maybe you gurus can help me with:

1. ive been using DVDit. i like it tho it has losts of problems... anyway, it has an option to convert all audio to dolby 2-channel stereo audio. now, if i use that option, will that effect the compatability of my DVD? i have the files with mpII audio currently.

2. ive noticed that DVDit can only burn to: DVD-r, DVD-rw or DVD+rw...
i have a DVD+R burner!!! arg! can i burn to a DVD+rw and then copy that DVD+rw on to a DVD+r?! (please tell me its possible...)

3. also, this is a matter of opinion but... what is the best DVD authoring software (for DVD+R drives)?

thanks and i hope some of you can help 8)

[fossil]

none of the authoring program i've worked with are exceptionally good.

if you are rich you can try out every single one of them. as for me i use ifoedit.

[txpharoah]

You have an excellent piece of software, DVDit!.

Convert to AC3. Most "hollywood" DVDs are AC3. AC3 is DOLBY DIGITAL or DOLBY STEREO. Unless you have a hardware mixer on your computer (which you don't) just go for the 2/0 stereo (as opposed to 5/1 surround).

The DVD+R drive is considered a DVD+RW drive.

Enjoy. Burn away!

[fyreboltx2]

ok, so i have good software! yay! looks like the 200 bucks i ever spent (way less then 500, got lucky on ebay!) wasnt that much of a waste.

i have two more questions that i forgot.

1. ive created some nice looking menus with custom backgrounds but after the DVD was burned, i noticed that the edges were cut off on 2 of my 3 TVs (its fine on the HDTV). whats that all about?

2. this is quite complacated question. is there a way to make 2-channel stereo (for 2 speakers) and convert it so that one audio track (a mono track if you will) plays through all 5 speakers? is that done through an outside audio encoder or do i need different hardware all together (like you mentioned)?

thanks guys.

[VideoTechMan]

Mono sound usually only comes from only one speaker...hence 'mono'. Usually mono sound when converted to stereo is mixed together....im not sure how that would work since i dont have a dvd burner.

As for authoring packages......while DVDit! is good, the ones that are the best are usually the ones that can break your wallet--seriously. For instance, I have read that Sonic's ReelDVD is much better, and has more DVD standalone compability (around $1,000...though i read that they dropped the price about $300). Scenarist is the best authoring program and includes the entire DVD spec. Problem is, most people (unless you hit the lottery) wont be able to afford it as it's about $8,000.......and two, it has quite a steep learning curve. But most people wouldnt need that much authoring power unless you plan to get into some serious DVD production. Personally, i think why Scenarist cost so much is because you are buying the DVD spec.....i could be wrong though.

VideoTechMan

[fyreboltx2]

no, i ment that one track would play through all five speakers. just as a mono track, when played on a stereo set up, plays the one track thru both speakers.

and the reel DVD software looks very nice, and i would think about getting it. but i systems doesnt meet the minimum requirements (800mhz and atleast 18GB for files?!). oh well...