DVD Authoring and Menu software? Which is Best?

[mtrichardson]

Here is why I ask... I make all my videos using Sonic Movie Factory (which I really like!) and I had been using Sonic MyDVD to burn and make menus on the DVD. I really don't like the menu set up on MyDVD and how hard it is to make chapters...... I have been using a trial version of TMPGEnc DVD Author and really like it, but two things bother me... 1) You have to convert your AVI file to MPEG2 seperately 2) The audio doesn't work well with my stereo system, only comes through the TV.

What programs do you like and why??? Any guidance would be great.... thanks in advance!

[andkiich]

If you want the best, the I thnk most would say Scenarist. That program is expensive.

I like DVD-Lab myself. It is very flexible and powerful without being overwhelming. DVD-Lab will make you demux your video/audio if they are not already VOB files, but I don't know of any authoring program that will allow you to just import an AVI and author it straight to DVD that way.

[radkid]

can you import DVD compliant mpeg 2 and ac3 audio easily?

[mtrichardson]

If you want the best, the I thnk most would say Scenarist. That program is expensive.

I like DVD-Lab myself. It is very flexible and powerful without being overwhelming. DVD-Lab will make you demux your video/audio if they are not already VOB files, but I don't know of any authoring program that will allow you to just import an AVI and author it straight to DVD that way.

two things,,, how is the menu making? Also, in MyDVD you can import an AVI file and it will automatically convert it to a MPEG2 when it burns the DVD......

[ormejaco]

It takes just a minute, but it works like a charm.

[andkiich]

There is very little in the menu department that DVD-Lab cannot do. The only thing that it is lacking right now is native support for multiple audio streams. I can get around that by using IfoEdit to create the VOB files and then using DVD-Lab to author from there.

I for one am a fan of using specific pieces of software for specific jobs.

I use:
Videostudio for capturing
TMPGENC Plus for encoding
DVD-Lab for menu/authoring
Nero for burning.

I find I get the bets results that way. Out of the tools listed, I bought the retail versions of 2, the other two I got with my burner/capture card.

[housepig]

two things,,, how is the menu making? Also, in MyDVD you can import an AVI file and it will automatically convert it to a MPEG2 when it burns the DVD......

menu making is great.

conversion, no. it has no encoder built in, it expects you to have files ready for dvd. that is one of the features that seems to separate the tools from the toys - most of the robust, flexible and full-featured apps require compliant files, they aren't going to make your files for you.

besides, unless the authoring software is going to give me an encoder with the flexability of TMPG or Main Concept, why would I use it? I'm not going to go to the trouble of making a disc, only to allow some Ulead engineer's idea of generic "default" encoding to run roughshod over my quality...

[racer-x]

housepig wrote:

besides, unless the authoring software is going to give me an encoder with the flexability of TMPG or Main Concept, why would I use it? I'm not going to go to the trouble of making a disc, only to allow some Ulead engineer's idea of generic "default" encoding to run roughshod over my quality...

I second that!

[racer-x]

Those cute little "you can create real DVDs with just 3 mouse clicks" are fine to get your feet wet.

When you want to get serious and create a real dvd that looks and acts the way you want, you need serious tools. DVD-Lab is a serious tool.

[radkid]

Hey,


How about dvd maestro ? how does that compare to dvd lab ?

[andkiich]

DVD Maestro is no longer available, but from what I hear it is supposed to be up there with Scenarist.

[Specialist]

Suggestion for pro-user:

Ulead DVD Workshop AC-3:

http://www.ulead.com/dws/ac3.htm

Suggestion for novice user:

Ulead DVD MovieFactory 2:

http://www.ulead.com/dmf/runme.htm

Advanced MPEG encoding options are available to those who follow the steps to activate them:

On my Windows 2000 computer with DVD MovieFactory 2...

1. I clicked MY COMPUTER;

2. I clicked my C: drive;

3. I clicked the DOCUMENTS & SETTINGS folder;

4. I clicked the ALL USERS folder;

5. I clicked TOOLS > FOLDER OPTIONS and then clicked the VIEW tab to
make sure Windows would show HIDDEN FILES AND FOLDERS;

6. I clicked the APPLICATION DATA folder;

7. I clicked the ULEAD SYSTEMS folder;

8. I clicked the ULEAD DVD MOVIEFACTORY folder;

9. I clicked the 2.01 folder;

10. I clicked the DVDMF i-n-i file and then typed ADVANCE=1 under the
[VIODRIVER] heading;

11. I saved the i-n-i file;

12. Then I closed Ulead DVD MovieFactory 2 and re-opened the program.

Now when I enter the project settings, I see a new ADVANCE button under the COMPRESSION tab.

Similar steps enable the ADVANCED options in Ulead DVD Workshop.

Since the Ulead ADVANCED encoding options are based on the MainConcept SDK, this zipped MainConcept PDF that explains the advanced settings serves as a guide to using the ADVANCED options in the Ulead software:

http://digitalvideo.8m.net/mc-adv-doc.zip

Jerry Jones
http://www.jonesgroup.net

[Gregg]

Do some home work and get Maestro. It will do everything for you...

[housepig]

Do some home work and get Maestro. It will do everything for you...

yeah, for $3,000-6,000 on the second hand market, it better do my dvd authoring, fold my laundry and scrub my back in the shower....

[Gregg]

This is not what I meant. You gonna need more homework.

You are in breach of the forum rules and are being issued with a formal warning. To not supply link to warez in PMs!
/ Moderator tgpo

[turk690]

DVD-lab is one of the tops where menu creation is involved. I do like the way it assigns responsibility to the user for creating DVD-compliant MPEG-2 video ES, and not requiring one to give up an arm and a leg for the privilege of using *.ac3 streams. Although it would be better to have a multiple audio stream capability, I think a more pressing requirement is multi-VTS creation. On older players (like my JVC XVS62) links on menus sometimes inexplicably jump to different movies which DVD-lab has lumped all together into just one VTS (but behaves OK on my newer Sony). (Even) Sonic MyDVD and UL DVDWorkshop creates separate VTS for every *.m2v clip in the project and the resulting DVD behaves identical on both my Sony and JVC DVD players. It is correctly stated on the MediaChance site that a single VTS should not be a concern AS LONG AS pains have been taken to ensure that all the *.m2v and, say, *.ac3 assets have the SAME specifications (resolution, audio bitrate, etc.). Apart from additional work having to be done to ensure this, a multiple-VTS capability would have sidestepped that.

[freestyler]

What exactly do you mean by home work? I think you mean "overtime work" because Maestro is not a cheap piece of software, it may no longer be sold but quite a few people who purchased it are STILL paying for it (try $30,000 with the encoder board)

I remember you getting warned before for asking for warez DVD Maestro, looks like you're the one needing homework eh Gregg?

[dandino]

Hi Freestyler

Do you really not know what Gregg meant by do your homework! He's talking internet homework Seek and ye shall find! Sorry can't be anymore specific than that. If you need anymore help email me

Dan

[carbotex]

Try the new released Encore DVD from Adobe, we have been using so many different authoring software (ReelDVD, Scenarist, Maestro, Ulead Movie Factory, ....) but none can beat Encore DVD. It's an excellent software for their first release.

[andkiich]

Hey turk, FYI

I know that multiple audio and subtitles are an "in the future" addition in DVD-Lab, but nothing has been mentioned about multiple VTS.

[Vejita-sama]

I was able to get a copy of Maestro from a local company that went TU. Looking at the adobe previews and demo/tutorials Encore looks kick ass. I've tried DVD (30day) just for fun and it's actually VERY nice. But the lack of multiple VTS, lack of multiple audio and lack of subtitles is a problem.

Really for me the subs are the big problem. But for most people none of these are problems and at $79 it's really the best program dollar for dollar.

When I 'get a real job' I'll check out Encore (unless there's a student ver that's cost ~$100 )

[freestyler]

I abide by forum rules and support software makers Mr Dandino. Your email would be of absolutely no use to me.

[Thinkoba]

DVD-lab will support multiple VTS as well. In fact this may be before multiple audio.

[alenhard]

Adobe Encore DVD:

AC3 file compatible
Multiple Audio & Subtitle Tracks
Import Timecoded Subtitles
Copy Protection & DLT Replication
Region Codes
Precision Navigation Controls
Double-Sided Disks
Add Data files to DVDs
Interactive Custom Menus
COMPLETE INTEGRATION WITH PHOTOSHOP

It's stable and powerful. Regardless of what
Specialist says about DVD Workshop- I dropped it after one session with Encore. I'll never look back!