What DVD authoring software to get?!?!?!

[MYoung]

Okay, I have Sonic's crappy bundle program. Total crap. It's not even working right now. Anyway, I was wondering what DVD authoring softwares can so a simple "play chapters in sequence without any menus". Is there such a thing ala Nero's mechanism for making simple VCDs and SVCDs? I am sicked my these cookie cutter DVD authoring programs that force you to use their button graphics, force you to have a very specific format, etc. I tried IFOEdit and I can't seem to get more than one chapter to work with it. I tried Ulead's DVD Workshop trial. It looked like it had lots of potential - the ability to put buttons and graphics where you want unlike some of Sonic's crap. Unfortunately, at least the demo on my system was riddled with stability problems.

So, I ask, what DVD authoring software to get that's under $200? I heard that SpruceUp will do what I want but because that not being sold one cannot lawfully sell authored DVDs using the demo, right? I'm trying to make a small commercial release of short animations I've made. I got the DVD burner. Now all I need is authoring software that doesn't suck! Anyway, thanks guys!

[Vejita-sama]

If all you have is $200 Ulead is your best bet. The program should be stable so it's most likely your system. What problems did you have?

Spurce Up is so-so, there big program was DVD Maestro. And as you said neither is being sold anymore. You can still buy copies (for like $5000) but I think most people on here got there copies from P2P programs.

[MYoung]

Okay, so are there any programs that can do simple menu-less play video chapters in sequence? I find it baffling that it is assumed that cheesy menus are a must with entry level DVD authoring. All of these programs are toys. It's so frusterating.

[BJ_M]

http://www.mediachance.com/dvdlab/index.html

when this is shortly to be released - i suspect it will become the defacto standard of low to high mid priced authoring apps (sort of them all except 1 or 2) ... in short time ... notice the price ...

the pro version will not be a whole lot more ..

his programs are great - that whole company is one guy who does it all ..

[Bob W]

http://www.mediostream.com/products/neodvdplus/index.html

A simple and very fast program without bugs (it actually works and won't crash or lock up your computer).

[MYoung]

Okay, so I have Ulead's DVD Workshop going. Am I missing something or does it not accept already encoded streams? It seems to want to reencode. Now even Sonic's cookie-cutter crap will work with already encoded streams.

Has anyone made a multi-chapter DVD using IFOEdit?!

Thanks!

[MYoung]

Wow, that DVDLab prog looks very promising! I hope it's successful and really hurts all of the clowns out there that have cranked out these pathetic DVD authoring tools!

[Scheif]

Okay, so I have Ulead's DVD Workshop going. Am I missing something or does it not accept already encoded streams? It seems to want to reencode. Now even Sonic's cookie-cutter crap will work with already encoded streams.

Has anyone made a multi-chapter DVD using IFOEdit?!

Thanks!

MYoung, I am running DVDWS version1.3, and that correctly accepts DVD-compliant MPEG streams, even those with muxed AC-3 streams. Just make sure that you check the "Do not convert compliant file" checkbox on the "Make Disc" dialog.

Verson 1.2 may not support this feature. In any event, the upgrade to 1.3 is worth it.

[MrSnake]

I use DVD Maestro.

I think it has the most user-friendly interface and I never had problems with my backups.

cheers,
MrSnake

[BJ_M]

I use DVD Maestro.

I think it has the most user-friendly interface and I never had problems with my backups.

cheers,
MrSnake

A. its not under $200 as requested by poster
B. its not sold anymore