Need help, advice on creating my own "extras" on DVD

[b5stdwjag]

Pardon me if this is in the wrong place or has already been addressed. I searched and browsed, couldn't find it.
What I would like to do is for my own authored DVD's (created from AVI, MPEG, etc), encoded mainly with ConvertXtoDVD or Nero Vision create an extras page.
On commercial DVD's there is sometimes, in the Special Features section still pictures, pages of text as in actor bios, character history, etc.
I am wanting to, as an example, create a DVD with a movie(s) and as an additional menu item, a page that doesn't play an actual video but displays some text, stills and the like.
I started this "project" with some Bruce Lee AVI's.
I want to have a selection or selections off the main menu that will take the viewer to a page with a page of text with a short bio of Bruce.
Another menu item will go to a series of stills (either timed to move from 1st to 2nd to 3rd, etc.) (or button activated progression from pic to pic.
I have tried using a text file opened in Irfanview, saving it as an image and trying to pull it into the authoring app but it's really lame. I would like to learn how to do it like the commercial DVD's
Some DVD'd have extras that contain conceptual art from the art director, production notes, stuff like that.
I realize this may be kind of advanced for the average joe but I have so far done a fair job authoring, creating pretty good menu backgrounds, styles, editing and adding subtitles.
I tried to "hack" into a commercial DVD to find out the format, how they did it, any information I could get but no luck.
I am thinking maybe this stuff has been converted or created as Flash or something.
Any help or advice would be a big help.
Thanks in advance...
Glenn

[guns1inger]

Have a look at DVD Styler, GUIForDVDAuthor or DVDAuthorGUI if you want a free solution.

The process is called authoring. You create menus, link then to objects (other menus, videos etc), then compile these, with your video assets, into a DVD structure.

[b5stdwjag]

Thanks Guns1inger,
I appreciate to help.
I have tried DVDStyler before. I don't much like it. It isn't very intuitive, the options and usability are limited and it hangs up, freezes and generally performs poorly for me.
I looked over GUIforDVDAuthor and DVDAuthorGUI and they look like they have what I need.
I'll play with them and post my experiences for the next person.
If anyone else any suggestions or feedback, they are always welcome.

[turk690]

The level of sophistication you want for creating the extras page and all else will only be barely addressed by the programs you have mentioned like DVD Styler, etc. You have to climb up a few rungs and get with, for example, DVD Architect, Adobe Encore, or even DVDLab Pro. Payware, but that's what it is.

[guns1inger]

The freebies can easily do what the OP is asking for. creating a couple of extras and a basic menu to support them is bread and butter authoring for these tools. There is little sophistication required for something so very basic. The payware options might make it a little easier, but unless the OP is going to do enough to make the investment worthwhile, they are a waste of money.

[b5stdwjag]

Gentlemen (and/or ladies),
Thanks very much for the help. My financial situation will not allow for any of the pay utilities so I will need to try to work with the freebies.
Since I am fairly new and have been using the apps that tend to make one lazy, I see now I have some learning to do.
I was hoping to have an easy solution but professional work requires work so it's learning time.
In the long run, I will learn more than with Nero or ConvertX, but the result will be worth it.
DVD Author and GUI for DVD seem to be a good starting point. DVD Structure and terminology are a weak point for me.
GUI for DVD looks good to help with the structure and terms.
Thanks much and if you all have any further advice, I'll be here.
Thanks!