Simple DVD Authoring With Subtitles

[Teshia]

I'm interested in creating a DVD-R (no ripping required here). I have audio, I have video, but I haven't bought an internal burner for my PC yet or the software to author the DVD-R with yet. Money is no option - I'm prepared to spend whatever it takes for the software, as I'm assuming some of it costs much more than the average internal burner I'd need.

So here's what I need advice on:

1. I'm looking for something that will give me a fair bit of flexibility when it comes to making a nice opening menu (ie. no set of ten templates to choose from, I'd like to have it custom designed to my liking). What program will give me this? For example, ULead DVD MovieFactory seems simple enough, but it only seems to come with a preset series of menus they've made - if I don't like their arrangement, I'm out of luck apparently.

2. I need something that will allow me to add a simple subtitle track, possibly two. I have idea how to create subtitles but if they need to be made in Photoshop as say, text on a transparency, that's easily understandable to me. I don't need to do multiple audio tracks, ripping other DVDs, etc. - I just need to do simple DVD-R authoring with custom menus and subtitles. What's the easiest software package I can get to accomplish this and where can I find guides to help me get through the process.

3. Finally, how can I be sure that the burner I buy will work with the software package? Does each package have a Hardware Compatibility List? Wouldn't want to buy a burner just to find out it's not supported by the program I bought it for.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[Lord of the Discs]

In general, apps with lot of features are not simple to use (call it a natural
law ). I would recommend ReelDVD from Sonic, for it offers several
audio- and subtitle-streams. You can get a trial and see for yourself.

LotD