ULeads DVD MovieFactory 4

[ann coates]

I'm looking for software to make motion menus and to use for other basic features. Anyone have this or previous versions? Thoughts or opinions? Better options? etc.

[yoda313]

Well Tmpgenc Dvd Author works pretty well and does motion menu. The last Ulead product I used was the first SE version that came with my wintv pvr 250. That version didn't do motion menus so I don't know what the newest version is capable of.

[lenti_75]

it's awsome, just use it.

[ann coates]

Thank you for the replies. Do you have version 4, lenti? Do you know if it can convert mpeg files to DVD?

I'll look into Tmpgenc DVD Author, yoda. Thanks for the suggestion.

Any other thoughts from anyone who has used these programs would be really appreciated.

[lando622]

I've been using v3.5 that came with my NEC burner quite a while back (sometime in late '04?), and like it.

I find it very useful in my converting ReplayTV shows (mpeg) to DVD. You can add motion menus up to 30 seconds, and include video or still pics along with any music or soundtrack (for the video) you'd like. If you're making a DVD VR (I don't), it looks like there's an option to override the 30 second motion menu limit.

It allows buring to DVD file, image or disc. I don't use its editing features for my TV shows (Womble's MPEG2VCR is what I use for this), but after I chop out the commercials, I use MovieFactory to organize my episodes and create menus.

[lenti_75]

Thank you for the replies. Do you have version 4, lenti? Do you know if it can convert mpeg files to DVD?

I'll look into Tmpgenc DVD Author, yoda. Thanks for the suggestion.

Any other thoughts from anyone who has used these programs would be really appreciated.

yes, I use it for final dvd authoring

I use VideoStudio for capture and editing, Procoder for encoding, and then Moviefactory 4 for menu and burning since I can move the icons anywhere I want.

It should convert the files, honestly, I didn't try since I use Procoder for this task, but it should.

[hech54]

I like Ulead MF2SE and still use it occasionally....but mainly for DV capture. The old "edit disc" option was the main reason I bought it...to add menus to a +RW disc right on the disc with no HD space required....cool feature in it's day.

[ann coates]

Thanks again for the replies. So for just making menus is Ulead Movie Factory 4 pretty decent?

Also, does it only make motion menus or can you, say, have a TV complilation with a lot of shorter clips, use your own photo as a background, and simply list each title of whats on the dvd and make each title clickable? Hope that makes sense. I apologize for all the questions, I'm simply lost as to what is the best program to do this with.

[winman42]

I;ve ben using Ulead Move Factory for a number of years. Yes, it can convert your source files to dvd mepeg files, but i prefer using another encoder, because i find the other encoders are MUCH faster. I then put the completed files into ULEAD, and make the menus, etc.

Your menus can be motion, or static. Its all your choice. You can import any picture as a background. its very custom friendly.

As far as making just clickable titles, i'm really not sure, as i alwasy use a litlle clip of the episode, with text underneath that has the episode # and title.

hope this help,

Win

[slacker]

With regard to mid-low end video capture/editing/authoring packages, over the last six months I have installed, used and reviewed Ulead DVD MovieFactory 4, Adobe Premier Elements 2, and Sony Movie Studio Platinum Edition for a local radio show technology commentator.

Sony wins hands down!
In order of features, build quality, performance and speed...

Sony
Adobe
Ulead

IMHO

[winman42]

Also, with Ulead u can get a full featured trial on their site. The othe programs mentioned might allows this as well.

Win

[ann coates]

Thanks for the replies. I took your suggestion, win, and downloaded the trial version of ulead and really like it so far, but I'm still undecided.

Slacker - about Sony Movie Studio. Is the version you are talking about similar to original Sony "Vegas" Movie Studio + DVD? Or is the platinum version far superior? The two versions I see in stores are the Platinum and and original white box version. I'm just wondering the main differences.

Also, does Sony Movie studio work ok with footage from a set top DVD Recorder and .vob files? On the box it only mentions camcorders. I have DVD's recorded from Pioneer and Panasonic set top DVD recorders and need it to work with those. Dumb question maybe, but I'm unsure.

[slacker]

Your questions aren't dumb.

Yes. Sony Movie Studio Platinum is EXACTLY like Sony Movie Studio with the addition of HDV support, more advanced color correction, video effects, additional audio tools etc. I wouldn't call it FAR superior, but it is well worth the additional couple of dollars.

It also has the same "footprint" as the higher end Vegas and Vegas+DVD products. Think of it as a mini-me version of Vegas+DVD!

It will not "reliably" process vobs directly. What I will do is...
1. Rip the vobs to my hard drive using DVD Decrypter (free utility)
2. Edit and export using Womble's Mpeg Video Wizard
3. Add titling, video effects using Sony Movie Studio (if any)
4. Author with the DVD Architect component of Movie Studio

Always works!

[ann coates]

Thank you very much for the info, slacker!