New to DVD Burning

[Fozzee]

hi
I've been around here a while just doing VCDs.
I'm just about to buy a DVD burner.
I'd like a bit of advice from you nice guys and dolls out there.

I am after a simple but reliable authoring program.
I may not use menus at all but if I do it will be basic menus and chapters.
I want one than doesn't re-encode the movie (I'm happy with my encoder).

And then I'm after a good program to burn the authored DVD, (If the DVD authoring program doesn't do this).

Will DVD MovieFactory2 do the job??

I've done some reading but a nudge in the right direction would be appreciated. I don't want to be creating too many coasters.

Cheers

Fozzee

[andkiich]

My suggestions:

Authoring - DVD-Lab

Burning - Nero

[tompika]

Do not use authoring program for burning.



My suggestion:

Burning VIDEO_TS =
Nero 5.5.10.42---DVD-Video compilation
or
RecordNow Max (or DX) + pxEngine update


DVD5 to DVDR =
DVDDecrypter---ISO Write

[Fozzee]

My suggestions:

Authoring - DVD-Lab

Is DVD-Lab easy to use for a newbie to DVD authoring?

Cheers

Fozzee

[Skynet107]

DVD-Lab is not a program that you will learn in 5 minutes. The interface looks complex and confusing when you see it for the first time. But it is highly recommended. Take the time to read the help files and learn the layout and features it will be worth your time in DVD gold.

The program is not perfect, but overall it is the best I have used so far and I think I have tried 5-6 authoring apps. Worth every penny.

[Fozzee]

The thing is I'm not looking for a complicated program. Like I said I may not even make menus or chapters.
I just want something compatible and reliable.

Thanks for the help so far.

Fozzee

[AarontheRipper]

Check out the trial for TMPGEnc DVD Author. It's simple to use, and the only negative I can find to the program is that the menus aren't as flexible as I would like, but if you don't need them, then that's really not a problem. I sat down and had the program (most of it, at least) figured out in about 30 minutes. Love it.

[fbreve]

I was looking for a software to make simple menus and chapters. That's what I've tried:

- DVD Maestro: too complex
- Sonic Scenarist: even more complex
- Sonic MyDVD: too simple, couldn't make entry chapters in a single movie
- Ulead DVD Workshop: didn't like it at all
- DVD-Lab: I liked it and it is my choice, not too easy, not too complex, not a lot of features, but not a few either. Just what I need.

Yes, it takes some time to figure out, but it's worth it. But it's easier than Maestro and Scenarist, though less powerfull.

I think you should try the easy ones first, and if not satisfied, give DVD-Lab a try. I did and I do not regret, at least until I find something better and as easy to use.

Tip: if you get DVD-Lab, get also the latest Beta version

[HillJack]

I agree with AarontheRipper with respect to TMPGEnc DVD Author. It's simple enough for newbies, does the job perfectly (even better than some other authoring programs imo -- DVD-Lab is FAR too complicated for simple authoring).

Though TMPGEnc's menu creation function is still not very flexible, it has yet to fail me for what I need it to do... Simple motion menu's, chapters etc... Nothing fancyshmancy.

[Fozzee]

Hi

Cheers for the help so far.
I've looked at DVD-Lab and tried the basics didn't find it that difficult.

Now what's the most reliable program for burning the authored file??

Cheers

Fozzee

[fbreve]

For burning I've been using Nero

I like the verification it does after recording.

[Fozzee]

For burning I've been using Nero

I like the verification it does after recording.

Problem is the version of Nero I use 5.9.9.9 does not support the burner I am getting.
I am loathe to update Nero as later versions I have found problems with.

Fozzee

[Bob W]

The thing is I'm not looking for a complicated program. Like I said I may not even make menus or chapters.
I just want something compatible and reliable.

Thanks for the help so far.

Fozzee

If you want it simple but reliable then I suggest NeoDVD Plus.
http://www.mediostream.com/neodvd/index.html

[Fozzee]

It's ok I'm done with authoring advice DVD-Lab does what I need.
It's just burning advice I want now thanks.
Can I use DVD-Lab for burning??

Fozzee

[fbreve]

Can I use DVD-Lab for burning??

Yes, you can. I tried it, and it works fine. However, most people prefer to use dedicated DVD burning software.

[Bob W]

It's ok I'm done with authoring advice DVD-Lab does what I need.
It's just burning advice I want now thanks.
Can I use DVD-Lab for burning??

Fozzee

For burning software most here seem to use Nero or RecordNow Max.

[tompika]

For burning software most here seem to use Nero or RecordNow Max.

Yes because they support more drive and more media.

Authoring programs are not decent at burning.

Do not use authoring program for burning.



My suggestion:

Burning VIDEO_TS =
Nero 5.5.10.42---DVD-Video compilation
or
RecordNow Max (or DX) + pxEngine update


DVD5 to DVDR =
DVDDecrypter---ISO Write

[Fozzee]

I've just installed RecordNow Max 4.5.

An entry in the readme bothers me..........

9. Possible DVD data loss with Windows 2000/XP
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stomp RecordNow MAX allows you to make multiple recordings to a single DVD.
However, a serious problem can occur on Windows 2000 and XP systems
once the total amount of data or music recorded during multiple jobs
exceeds 4 GB. Once the total amount of data or music exceeds 4 GB,
only the first recording job placed on the disc will be visible to
your computer. This problem does not affect single recording jobs
larger than 4 GB.

Microsoft has been working to fix this problem. For more information,
please visit the Microsoft support center at
http://support.microsoft.com and search for document Q329112.

Anyone come across this.
Is it a problem??

Fozzee

[Bob W]

Never ran into that problem but then all my DVDR backups have been a single recording and the discs is closed or finalized with RecordNow Max.

[fbreve]

I don't believe there is any reason someone would want to record a multisession DVD-Video. So it's nothing to worry about. Let me know if I'm wrong.

[tompika]

I don't believe there is any reason someone would want to record a multisession DVD-Video. So it's nothing to worry about. Let me know if I'm wrong.

DVD-Video needs to be finalized so it can play in a standalone player.
Can't really create a multisession movie

[kgaley]

Hmm. Frustrating thing is (for me) that I am interested in multi-sessioning data onto DVDs, not interested in videos whatsoever.

Yeah, yah. I'm "searching the forum".

avoiding lions and christians as I go.