Simple Authoring Program (menu question)?

[progrocktv]

Hi All,
Well I got the Hauppague 250 and it's running like a charm (from my previous post) and to my shock, the DVD I authored had out of sync audio. Come to find out it was a problem with Nero (what I authored the disc with) I've tried some of the other simple authoring programs out there (Win DVD, Ulead, etc.) but one aspect I liked about the Nero is the ability to move the thumbnails around when authoring the menu (the other programs force you to use a set format, and you can't move the thumbnails) This is especially helpful when you want the chapter thumbnails to not cover up the background image. I also like the ability to play background audio as well. I don't want anything too complicated but still want the ability to make minor placement adjustments.

Any ideas?

[GeorgeW]

Ulead's DVD MovieFactory 4.0 version allows you to move the thumbnails and thumbnail text around -- you can also resize them...

[guns1inger]

TDA ?

[Stormin Norman]

TDA or DVD-Lab.

[TBoneit]

TDA, Very low learning curve.

[abc-123]

Dvdlab, MUCH more creative control.

[jimmalenko]

TMPGEnc DVD Author is pretty intuitive to pick up and can allow you to move positions of thumbnails, titles, etc, but is limited by a standard set of templates, and often anything slightly complicated (first-play items, menu background audio) can be done, but there's a few tricks involved in doing it.

DVD-lab OTOH is pretty much unlimited AFAIK as to what it can do (even things outside the DVD spec), but it can be a little harder to learn.

[lordsmurf]

Ulead DVD Workshop 2 is excellent. Advanced software with an easy interface.

TDA would be a little cheaper, but a few less options.

[borax]

If you want something free, try GfD...

[jg0001]

TDA Pro just came out... you can try the 'trial' version. I will say that at least in the non-Pro version, while you can change the template you use for the menus (and try to find one that would be unobtrusive), you couldn't manually move the thumbnails.

[Wile_E]

Yes you can move the thumbnails around. Choose "Edit Theme" button, and it opens up this screen, where you can move them to anywhere you choose. Even edit background image and other stuff. Even change all the Play buttons to one of your own images. The problem with TDA, is that it comes with only a few themes and images. If you don't like them, you have to make your own backgrounds/buttons/etc. Not hard, but a lot of newbies may be wanting more pre-made stuff.