What's the best DVD capture/authoring package?

[PeterSteele]

I had been using Studio 8 with MovieBox USB and was reasonably satisfied with this combination of capture hardware and authoring software, although I found the authoring software was a bit unstable. I recently upgraded to Studio 9, hoping it would be more stable, but have been unable to successfully burn a DVD with this version of the software. I've finally got hooked up with Pinnacle support but it's clear they have no idea what the problem is and it is unlikely I'll be able to get the software to work. I could revert to Studio 8 but I'd like to try something else. What's the best capture/authoring system available these days? I've tried Ulead but did not like their authoring software at all.

Anyone interesting in buying my Studio 9/MovieBox?

[sacajaweeda]

Anyone interesting in buying my Studio 9/MovieBox?

I'll give you twenty bucks for the whole shabang...hardware/software...the whole thing.

[PeterSteele]

I think I can do better on eBay. I paid $200+ for the package and for $20 I'd just as soon keep it...

[PhreakPhish]

I also use S8 w/ moviebox - I have problems with the software authoring - which sucks b/c I like the way they do it - So I capture with it and just author with TMPGenc DVD Author

[sacajaweeda]

Okay, you drive a hard bargain. I'll go thirty and that's my final offer

[piano632]

I like my Studio 8. It isn't perfect, but what is? I have the Deluxe version which uses a PCI card rather than the external Movie Box. I think anything that uses a USB connection is going to be unstable. Try creating a DVD folder with Studio then burning with another program.

[turboman]

Scenarist

But I don't have that kind of money. :P

[proxyx99]

I like my Studio 8. It isn't perfect, but what is? I have the Deluxe version which uses a PCI card rather than the external Movie Box. I think anything that uses a USB connection is going to be unstable. Try creating a DVD folder with Studio then burning with another program.

I agree that for some reason firewire is more stable and predictable then USB2. That may be a source of your issues as indicated above.
Create a DVD on your HD, test it and burn with Nero. I never edit, author and burn in one shot. Usually one of these steps is making app. unstable so it is a good idea to close and either reopen it for some final steps or burn with another stable burning program. Just be realistic with your expectations and develop good working habits

[PeterSteele]

My problem has nothing to do with firewire v. USB. The capture part of the process over USB works 100% of the time using Studio 9--I haven't had a single glitch. The problem happens during burning, and it doesn't matter if I burn directly to DVD or render first and then burn later in a separate step. I can burn the exact same content with Studio 8 as well as with another product I tested without problems. Also, Studio 9 has no problem burning CDs, just DVDs.

Pinnacle has asked me to upgrade all my drivers (CPU chipset, video card, everything), run my PC in 16-bit color with 800x600 resolution, disable virus checking, disable my screen saver, and various other suggestions. I've tried some of what they've asked without results. The fact that Studio 8 works and Studio 9 does not tells me it's something to do with their software but it's slow process going through their support system.

I upgraded to Studio 9 from Studio 8 because of instability problems. I hoped Studio 9 would be more stable but it apparently has issues of its own.

[awlchu]

I use Editstudio for capturing, editing, and transitions etc. . Editstudio uses the mainconcept encoder for mpeg2 encoding.

Once I have the mpeg2, I use DVD-LAB (pro soon) for authoring. I create an .ISO image out of DVD-LAB and write it to the DVD+R using DVDdecrypter.

Editstudio www.puremotion.com $99 with the encoder
DVD-Lab www.mediachance.com $99 std, ~$199 pro

[proxyx99]

You problems may be due to the upgrade process (question: did you upgrade or uninstall 8 and put 9 in place?). I shared Pinnacle Edition with Studio 8 under the same OS. Lotsa problems with Studio 8. Uninstalled Edition and put it on a separate part. with fresh OS both work great. Some apps share similar components (but not identical) and that may be the case. Also what other burning progs you have installed? As you see most members use specific apps for specific tasks. Maybe you should stop developing for Pinnacle and start working for yourself by creating workflow that is 100% in terms of results rather then spending weeks debugging your system. There has to be something in your system that Studio doesn't like (as it works for others...). Keep in mind that your soft config is most likely different then mine and many many others plus hardware differences, plus skill level ("feel" for PC's). There may be many reasons for your trouble. Unfortunately, from my experience, it is not the product but the user who is most of the time at fault despite best intentions and commitment. But don't blame yourself, you are not the only one with trouble to solve.

[PeterSteele]

The next step in fact that I plan to do is completely uninstall both Studio 8 and Studio 9 and do a manual registry cleanup to make sure everything referencing Pinnacle is removed. The only other burning software I use is what came with the Dell PC, a freebie called RecordIt! I used it for the first time on the weekend just to see if it worked okay and it did. I suppose I can remove that as well if necessary.

It's been a while and I frankly don't remember if I upgraded in place or uninstalled Studio 8 and then installed Studio 9. I *think* I upgraded in place though.

I do like the workflow offered by Studio 8/9, providing capture/edit/burn features in one product. However, if I can't solve the problem I'll very likely investigate a multi-product solution.