What's the BEST dvd authoring program for around $1,000?

[dvdmiester]

I've got about $1,000 stashed away to get the best dvd authoring program I can get with that amount, and I would like your opion on what the best is.

I'm leaning towards Pinnacle's Impression DVD-Pro ($399) but I've read that it likes to act up once in a while. I've also looked at Sonic's ReelDVD, it's around $1,500 - is it worth the extra over Impression.

Some absolute must's are Motion menus and multiple audio tracks (commentary, lanuage dubs etc.)

I appreciate anyone's input, thanks.

[WilloMan]

Well all i have to offer is that i used sonic reel dvdit PE and it just ate my memory up on my pc for no reason thats when i was running windows ME though. Now im runnign on windows 2000 NT(Best OS ever suggested for programs that need to take pc big resources). I've also used Ulead MovieFactory to convert my movies to be play on vcds or svcds. ITs also a good program to convert whichever movies files u want to better quality or different formats with good to great quality (trust me on this i hate using Tmpeng and Virtual Dub hate those programs). I then use Ulead DVDworkshop to make DVD VCD and SVCD menus titles whatever u want it provides all the tools for what ur imagination can picture even animated backgrounds but i havent made an animated background yet i will try it soon . Well thats my take on how u can spend 1 gran or just buy sonic scenaryi heard its expensive enough to do everything. . Whatever u like its up to u.

[wkc]

I use Impression DVD-Pro and basically it can do whatever you can imagine. That includes the motion menu and all the regular stuff like AC3s, and subtitles. I have no experience with Sonic's so I can't comment on it.

Due to the unlimited control on creating menus, it is not easy to master how to even create a simple menu at first though.

[NeWcS]

If your willing to pay $1000.00 for a program then I've got some beachfront property in Colorado ya may be interested in

[drewson99]

yeah, really. If you aren't in the industry (and if you are asking this question, you aren't) you shouldn't need much more functionality than the software that can be bought for $50-$200. (imho)

Andy

[LordVader]

gimme the 1000$ , i'll download it for you

[Faceman101]

gimme the 1000$ , i'll download it for you

haha, that's what i was thinking.

i'd feel bad if you spent all that money without being in the industry to make your money back (probably only reason why those programs cost so much).

[shoozleboy]

well this post started out ok, but quickly turned into no help at all....

There are others that are interested in a true answer, and more and more I see smartass answers like this....

[LordVader]

MAN, i live in Venezuela .... this a poor damn fuc#$ng country and we don't see that kind of programs , these piece of ignorants don't import so expensive things , because no one is going to buy that.

so you have no idea of how many DVD authoring programs i've tested.

my first program was

-easy cd creator ( when VCD fever )

-then NERO

-then I-Author ( when svcd Fever )

-then DVD quick builder

-then DVD wise ( same history of DVD quick builder )

-then vcd easy ( i still use it sometimes ) but just for SVCDs

-then Spruce Up

-DVD it SE ( thanks god i found it by then , because this program is so BAD that i wouldn't beleive that i was payed for this crap , i mean it )

-DVD it PE ( same shit )

-reel DVD

-movie factory

-dvd workshop

-video studio with the DVD plug-in

-pinnacle express

-pinncle impresion SE & PRO

-Scenarist 2.6 ( i have to say that was a miracle find this thing ) then i even understood a thing of this program )

- finally DVD Maestro ( i'm working with this one right now but i'm still having some problems ( but is the best )

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so i've been dissapointed one by one ( so add all the prices of every program i've tested and tell me how much money are there )

Guys i just wanna say that i love vcdhelp.com (work hard, don't sleep and save money for something that you really need )

Software is something non-tangible , you can get it every where.

----------------

AND YOU : buy me a DV 500 plus , is urgent.

[falco533]

LordVader what a post. My sentiments EXACTLY, and I too have just got to the stage of using Maestro. This has to be the BEST VALUE around

[LordVader]

i agree with you falco.

is hard to beleive, how a program with just 5MB of size could be so powerful.

[shoozleboy]

Thanks for the info LordVader.... I'm sure that's the kind of info that the original thread poster wanted as well as it helped me too.. Thanks.

[dvdmiester]

Thanks for the input fellas.
I guess I'm gonna go with Impression Pro since it seems to be the best (cheaper) solution.

Also to those who commented on "not being in the industry" I'm in video production and I produce top-notch quality work and wanted to be able to put in on DVD so I wanted the best I could afford. Anyway, how do you think you get in the industry - you can't just start off knowing everything about every program. Besides isn't that what this site is for - sharing knowledge and tips.

[Faceman101]

well your normal everyday person will "find" software in that domain, but for industry types you buy it. you never mentioned you make "top-notch" video. we were only looking out for you. since you are in the industry and want to make videos for clients, i would suggest Scenarist 2.6. Impression is very use to use b.c of it's timeline, but personal i found it difficult to link clip links and make extensive menus. to make a no-frills, play at start DVD, i use impression. that's just IMO.

[dvdmiester]

Thanks faceman, I guess I should have mentioned I was in video production in my firt post.

I would love to get Scenarist but I heard it was in the $30K price range (please correct me if I'm wrong) so that's slightly out of my range until i'm more sure of my possible dvd market.

Also I've heard alot of good things about DVD Maestro (better than Impression, ReelDVD ?) but since it's no longer being sold, were do you find it?