Cheap software to burn DVD with AC3

[RWANDREWS]

Is there a sub $100 software that will accept MPEG files using AC3 audio ? I use a CANOPUS ADVC 100 box to capture, TMPGEnc with TOOLAME audio to encode & demux, then I want to use BESWEET to convert the MP2 audio to AC3.

My rationale to do all this is to have 100% compliant DVDs with a little more space saved with better audio compression than MP2.

Ulead's Movie Factory 1 is what I normally use to author menus & burn, but it won't accept Ac3 audio. Nor will Magix Video Deluxe, or NeoDVD, they both want to re-encode the video.

I don't want to get real tricky with menus & editing, just burn files with AC3, so I'm looking for low cost software. Anything out there?

Thanks.

[wwaag]

Use Ifoedit (see tools). Best of all, it's free.

It requires that you input elementary streams for both video and audio. Handles AC3. You can also insert chapter times. However, no menus.

For movies, I think it's great. I also capture with an ADVC-100, then encode with CCE basic which produces M2V and MPA elementary streams, then author with Ifoedit and burn with Nero. I usually insert a chapter point every 5 minutes just to enable me to quickly go through the disc. You can create a file of chapter times using Notepad.

Give it a try.

Incidentally, I have tried what you are proposing--convert to AC3 using Besweet. What I found was that the overall sound level was significantly lower than the source (laserdiscs in my test case). Even when the volume on my receiver was cranked up, it just didn't sound the same. Actually, there a few older threads that discuss this problem--I never found any resolution. I finally just gave up the extra hassle of encoding to AC3 because of this very problem. Moreoever, the only advantage I could really see was a small reduction in file size (over MP2) since you rarely get an AC3 source from satellite, laserdisc or tape. Hope this helps.

If you find a solution, please post. Thanks.

wwaag

[GenePool_]

DVDLab seems promising....

[K2]

IFOedit, use it all the time.

and as to BeSweet, it is pain to get the setting right but once I did I never changed them. Try autogain to correct sound levels.

[ktnwin]

neoDVD Plus rev 4.0 can support AC3 in MPEG file as well as it can encode AVI into DVD with AC3 audio to give more space for video.
This software is only 50$. All in one package.

[DocD]

I wish neoDVD had a preview or trial version fro download. It's tough to keep spending money on different programs and not really know for sure if they are going to be what you need.

[mkelley]

Let me echo DVDLab. With BeSweet (and some kind of editing software if you create your own movies) you'll never need another thing.

It has all the features of a high end authoring program, and will only cost $79 (right now the beta is free, so it can't hurt to try it. It's stable so far that I use it to burn all my disks).

[txpharoah]

Try DVDlab. (I use DVDit! PE, but it's $500 or so).

[ktnwin]

This place is for information sharing.
I was very surprised when I switched to neoDVDPlus (for 50$). It's fast (1X encoding on the 1.2GHz Athlon) ), produced high quality DVD, with AC3 Dolby audio.
I have made lots of DVDs from VHS and DV tapes with this software. VHS tapes produce DVD with same quality as the original and DV tapes produce crystal clear DVD.
I agreed that there should trial version of neoDVD software so the users can try before spending money. I took the risk and it's well worth it.

[DocD]

Does anyone know where you can get a copy of the beta for DVDLab?

[mkelley]

You need to get it off the message board, as things change rapidly there. That said, here is the most current link:

http://www.mmbforums.com/cgi-bin/forums/ikonboard.cgi?s=9247d4f2a2dab3ee65109b0fadc3dd...=28;t=135;st=0

Make sure you get active on the board and give your input to this wonderful new growing program (one of the things I like best is the ability to communicate with Oscar, the developer).

[classfour]

I purchased NeoDVD 4.0 (full version): If you can get your audio in sync, it will burn a DVD, but with limitations in the authoring and final disc: It ONLY supports the creation of 6 chapter points per video segment - and during playback there is a noticeable pause at the intersection of each segment of video. I emailed Mediostream tech support regarding the pause issue: They are aware of it, but haven't offered an update to the product to correct this.

It will handle vob files, providing they are of reasonable size.

It only offers 3 encoding options. good, very good, best - which determine the final DVD size.

I hope the next update corrects some of these issues - for now, I'm authoring with IfoEdit and inserting chapter points manually to retain video quality.

[RWANDREWS]

I just purchased NeoDVDPlus 4.0 and tried to burn a simple disc with 1 file encoded by TMPGEnc, then demuxed then the audio converted to AC3 by BeSweet, then remuxed by TMPGEnc. NeoDvd accepts the file, then tries to re-encode the video, which defeats my whole purpose of using TMPGEnc. NeoDvd seems tohave only a CBR setting of good, better, best. Additionally, the best setting uses a bit rate of 6764, but this INCLUDES the Ac3 audio.

I am not satisfied at all, & will sell this software on EBay, unless someone knows of a work-around.

[DocD]

Let me know when you put it up.....I might want to bid on it

[RWANDREWS]

I just found what for me is a good compromise in quality, compatibility and cost. I use my CANOPUS ADVC100 to capture using DVD Movie Factory v1.0 my analog movies to AVI, TMPGEnc to encode the VIDEO only, leaving the AUDIO as LPCM (WAV), then BESWEET to encode the WAV to AC3, MUX with TMPGEnc, create menus with the new TMPG DVD Author tool. Next, IMGTool to make a ISO file, then burn with DVD Movie factory.

A lot of steps, I know, but I have a movie with one of the best bitrate encoders, AC3 audio so that it is DVD spec and will have maximum compatibility with current & future DVD set top players. The Menu system with TMPGEnc is only adequate, but easy to use, and accepts both TMPG MPEG files & AC3, which I have not found in any other configuration.

I like the new TMPGEnc DVD Author program, & will buy it. I just wish it was a little cheaper. I also wish I had not bought 3 other DVD packages that I don't use.

The best thing about this site & Doom9, is that there are many ways to accomplish what you want & the info is here. All you have to do is find it.

[Bob W]

neoDVD Plus rev 4.0 can support AC3 in MPEG file as well as it can encode AVI into DVD with AC3 audio to give more space for video.
This software is only 50$. All in one package.

Yeah I was going to mention that. Actually it's the NeoDVD Plus version that will do that. Sadly there is no demo for this software. I emailed them about that and they said to simply buy the software and within 30 days they will refund your money no questions asked if your not pleased. I use this fine software for all my video work with awesome results every time.

[Doggiedaddy]

DVDLab
Link is always changing this one was up @ 11:00 PT I just checked
Dd

http://www.mediachance.com/files/dvdlabup0427.exe

[classfour]

Anyone looking for NeoDVD Plus 4.0 - email me, as I'm selling mine: $30 plus actual shipping.