ready to author/burn first DVD

[feh]

I've managed to convert a DIVX rip to an MPG2 file, using TMPGenc. Next step is to get it written to a DVD-R.

First of all, are there any free authoring/burning tools? And if there isn't, could you recommend a good, inexpensive tool? I've looked at the tools page, but there are so many choices, I'm having trouble making a decision. And I'm also wondering if some of the data/reviews are out of date.

Thanks!

[bugster]

First of all, are there any free authoring/burning tools?
Thanks!

The only Completley free Authoring tool I am aware of is Ifoedit. Basic, simple but does the job.

[Baldrick]

dvdauthor 0.6 is free but it is a command line tool...a gui exists made by liquid but it is an early beta.

I like tmpgenc dvd author and dvd-lab.

[feh]

dvdauthor 0.6 is free but it is a command line tool...a gui exists made by liquid but it is an early beta.

I like tmpgenc dvd author and dvd-lab.

Thanks for the replies!

Could you compare tmpgenc author with dvd lab? I've read the reviews of dvd lab (very positive). Is tmpgenc author similar?

[yara]

i don't think you can compare them, they are both authoring tools, but dvd lab has about 1000 more options.

[feh]

i don't think you can compare them, they are both authoring tools, but dvd lab has about 1000 more options.

Could you describe the functionality present in dvdlab that's not in tmpgenc author? Is it just "frilly" stuff (ie. dancing menu options, which I really don't care much about), or necessary, basic functionality?

Thanks.

[bugster]

It all depends what you want. You can author a DVD with no menus with IfoEdit.

If you are happy with simple menu's from a small selection of templates, them TmpGenc DVD author will do fine.

If you want more flexibility in your menu design with the possibility to do motion menus and fancy menu transitions later in your 'authoring career' then DVD-lab is what you want.


The learning curve for each of these tools increases in the same order too, though non are particularly difficult to use for basic stuff with only DVD-Lab requiring a little more learning than the others before producing your 1st working DVD.

[overloaded_ide]

Also Tmpgenc DVD Author is a free demo that is fully working for 30 days, then it time locks till you buy it.
But hey, download it and use it free for the full 30 days! You'll probably like it and end up buying it. If not well, didn't cost nothing to try it
Same with some of the other stuff, look for trial ware, that's what it's for. To try and see if it suits your needs and if you want ot buy it.

I'm very happy with Tmpgenc dvd author, love this program it'so easy, at least for me. But I am ready for more fancy stuff to try also.

And Tmpgenc dvd author can do some pretty good fancy stuff if you want!
I backup up the 4 Herbie the love bug VHS tapes to DVD's. On the second one, Herbie rides again, I made a 2 minute motion menu of the little bug raceing. Was a clip in the movie. Turned out fantastic! A friend that watched it here at my house even asked where I bought the DVD

I might see if DVD-lab has a free trial, I hear alot about it, I should give it a try.

[andkiich]

DVD-Lab does have a free demo. I think there is a free burning app as well. If memory serves, burn4free is the name. I've never used it so I cannot vouche for it's worth.