What software is best for a begginner trying to create DVD?

[tkelman]

Okay, thanks for the input! After reading those comments I am really afraid to open the box and install it! I am trying to put together a gift and only have two weeks to do it! I have all of my still photos and music lined up, scanned, altered, etc and ready to make a movie on dvd that will place on any DVD player (if possible)! I don't have months for working out problems and getting any more frustrated than I am now! Ha! Can anyone suggest a good "right out of the box" easy software that will accomplish what I want to do? I would like some fancy transitions, and be able to cut up music in the video. What seems to be the best for a beginner? Any tips would be appreciated!!!!!
Thanks,
Tina

[energy80s]

Ulead DVD Picture Show??

[BobK]

I've been using Studio 8 for about 6 months and I like it better than anything else I've tried. There are many (here) who don't like it, but I found it easy to use and workable although it does have some problems.

The biggest problem I had was hang-ups when trying to render a project. I eliminated most of those hangups- after editing I rerender the entire project into a one new avi file, then load that file (add menus if needed) and then render it.

[macleod]

dont know about fancy transistions and cutting audio, but if you want no brainer software, try Movie Factory 2. It works great and will let you do a number of things that it sounds like you are wanting to do.

I also think that spruce ups (MyDVD) is pretty easy to use and does more nifty motion stuff over MF2 right out of the box.

[SaSi]

Pinnacle's Studio is perhaps a good choice.

I haven't tried it myself but a friend who is afraid 8) of what I'm doing has been able to make a terrific holliday video in two days (including capture and encoding). I think this qualifies as out of the box.

[Bodyslide]

I have used both Pinnacle Studio 8 and Ulead Movie Factory 2. I have found it easiest to use Studio, however I get more bang for the Buck using Movie Factory. I have made a few dvd's for my Family and they prefer the ones I have done with Ulead over Studio.

[BobK]

I have made a few dvd's for my Family and they prefer the ones I have done with Ulead over Studio.

[/quote]

What exactly do they prefer? Is the picture quality noticably better? Or something else?

[g_shocker182]

I second, rahter third or fourth, Pinnalce Studio. My 8.6 version gets many errors where I have to restart Studio, but the finished product is worth it.