DV Tape to DVD, edit video & create menus

[cicada]

I am trying to convert a DV Tape to DVD, it is the first time i do this but i have experience in other video related stuff like DVD backup to SVCD and DivX using software like Avisynth, Virtualdub, DGMPGDec... and I also know how to do basic edition with Premiere and Vegas. Currently I am using Premiere but I am planning to start using Vegas because I think it is easier to use. What i want to do is to edit the video and then create a nice DVD with motion menus and chapters.

Until now, i have captured and editted my tape using Premiere. I want to know which of this methods is the best to create my DVD now, keeping my video at the best quality possible and creating amazing menus:

1. Export to DV AVI (Premiere) -> Import AVI file with DVD authoring software and create DVD (?)
2. Export to DV AVI (Premiere) -> Encode to MPG 2 (CCESP/TMPGEnc) -> Import MPG 2 file with DVD authoring software and create DVD (?)
3. Export to MPG (Premiere) -> Import MPG 2 file with DVD authoring software and create DVD (?)

Also i want to know which program can i use to author my DVD, something professional but not hard to use. Is it better to use DVD Encore since I am using Premiere, or DVD Architect when i use Vegas? or is it better to use another product like somehting from Sonic?

Please give me your recomendations and opinions for getting the best results, Thanx

[reboot]

I use method 2. Better quality from DV, easier to edit.
I do all my authoring in DVDLab Pro.

[edDV]

I do #3 mostly. Abobe's version of the Mainconcept encoder works fine for me.

Which version Premiere are you using?
If 6.x be sure to update to mainconcept v1.3 here
http://www.mainconcept.com/adobempeg.html

Once you have your MPeg, any authoring software will do. I didn't care for DVDiT from Sonic. Motion menus are becoming more widely supported.

I'm mostly using Vegas 6 + DVDA3 these days but still have many projects on Premiere.

[lantern]

I use method #2, but I frameserve with Debugmode Frameserver to TMPGenc. I prefer to use TMPGenc for encoding even if it is slower then the encoders in Premiere or Encore. For DVD authoring, I use both Tsunami DVD Author and Adobe Encore. I use TDA for quick authoring and Encore for more involved menus.

[cicada]

Thanx for your answers, I think I will use method 2 from now on.