What do you use to author your DVDs(part2)?

[Zocky]

Hi guys,

I enjoyed viewing this topic, it was so educational.
We are lucky to have so many software products so that anyone can find it`s own favorite.

You just can`t have one perfect solution to all your`s demands.
It depends on what are you looking for.

Enough blabbering, these are my favorites:

Simple (for me) authoring - TMPGENC DVD AUTHOR (does the work just fine, easy to use, never had a problem at all).

Adding subtitles to original DVD`s - IFOEDIT with the combinaton of other well known programs.

Complex DVD authoring - DVD WORKSHOP, tried version 2 (trial) but without AC3 support dismissed it and returned to version 1.3. But the retail version 2 HAS the AC3 support, and the subtitle support, and they both just have the best MENUS and BUTTONS templates so this should be my favorite program.

Some of you are mixing the point of EDITING video - DVDs, with the AUTHORING of the DVDs. Get your files prepared for the work and then go to AUTHORING process.

I know that when we get used to something, it is not easy to give it up.

But... open your mind... this is the 21`st century...

[Supreme2k]

DVD Maestro <----Simply the best there is, nothing more to said really.

[Stormz]

If dvd-lab were reliable it would probably be the best, but as it is I`ve found TMPGenc dvd author to be my favourite.... it only lacks the option to have menu music as far as I can tell (so far).

[rfielder]

Just learning about DVD building. Tried TMPENcd (sp)?, bought it for encoding and AC3, didn't like the DVD builder.

Own Roxio Easy Media Creator 7, and have been using Roxio for CD burning since prior to EZCD 4. Roxio's DVD burner is badly broken. Audio sync issues.

Played with the demo of Adobe Encore, and it looks very complex, plus you really need other parts of the Adobe suite to make it work its best (menu creation, etc). I use Adobe Premier Pro, and I suspect Encore will be the same - if you don't use it constantly, you have a very steep re-learning curve every time you use it.

Have been playing with DVD-Lab, and DVD-lab Pro. Unless something drastic happens, I will be purchasing one of these. May have to go with DVD-lab, then use the beta, if DVD-lab Pro is not out yet.

Or, I can just install the demo/beta on another machine, and wait another 30 days to see if Pro ships.....not to avoid paying, but to get what I want on the first purchase.

Go Pro Go!

[chickenhq]

I've just had to worst experience in trying to create a DVD

TMPGENc DVD Author

1) The size bar is always wrong, when the vob files are created and loaded in nero you find there's room on DVD for more.

2) DVD playback has been awful for every disk created, first six or so chapter always play ok but after that there's freezing or sometimes just a black screen when going to next chapter.

3) Today 6-21 burned another dvd, not even halfway into the 5th chapter dvd jumps into next chapter. loaded unto computer and launched windvd and does the samething. ARRRRRRRG.


so far 0-4 using this app and 0-6 total in trying to create my 1st dvd from converted media files.

xp pro
amd thorton 2200
256 ddr sdram.

[sjmaye]

I have tried many authoring programs. Right now I would say I am still using what I started with DVD Workshop 1.

DVD Author- Kinda crude. Easy to use, but just too limited

DVD-Lab- Not sure yet. Only tried it a little bit.

Adobe Encore DVD- Pretty complex. Worked on it a while and just got tired. I am pretty sure it would do all I could ever need....with time.

DVD Workshop 2- Loved it, but had a problem with how it rendered the menus. All the menus and menu items were slightly blurry after rendering. Very noticeable and annoying to the eye. I like the program if only I could fix this issue.

DVD Workshop 1- Kind of limited compared to #2, but it works for me.

[sdsumike619]

I've been using Ulead's DVD Workshop 2.011 as I found the program very easy to use, despite how slow and laggy the program itself is. And our project manager at the replication plant said that the DVD-R masters are well below the acceptable "error rate" which agrees with what I just read on a thread on here...

In my opinion, the DVD menus look very home-made/amateur and I'm thinking of going up a level programwise - What, in you opinion would be the next logical step up from DVD Workshop? I've read a lot about DVD Lab, much praise but also a lot of complaints that it creates non compliant dvds which is something I can't afford...


Mike

[absinthecarolinas]

Well I've been using DVD Lab and DVD Lab Pro. I made my first couple of DVDs with TMPGEnc DVDAuthor, which is a very simply program if you don't mind letting it mux your audio. Honestly, I barely knew what I was doing back then. I was so impressed with myself when it spit out the first DVD I made with a menu myself (even if it was from a template).

I love DVD Lab. I mean, I've learned the program so well that I think I could do most anything I wanted, and I've made some mighty impressive DVDs and did it with ease with that program. And that's too bad, because I'm going to quit using it. Too unreliable. I built a huge project, hours and hours of work, in DVD Lab Pro. Had everything perfect. Then when I went to compile I get a "Windows Visual C++ runtime error." The offending module was compile.aux. Nothing I did would change this.

So I went back to the old reliable DVD Lab (regular version). I imported what I could and worked on it some more. This time it compiled, but I got a message at the beginning of compile time saying "cannot packetize audio stream." Now what that meant, I don't know, as I had a perfectly compliant AC3 audio stream in perfect sync. Anyway, I now own a beautiful DVD, with no sound.

So I guess I'm shopping around ...

--abs

[proxyx99]

In my case DVDLab. I love the simplicity, logic and grace with which it was built. Long time ago I've sent a list of suggestions for program improvement together with my user's feedback to DVDLab author (we exchanged few emails). How surprised I was that ALL of them were implemented within less then 18 mnths Even though you may call it a coincidence I felt that someone is listening carefully, truly concerned with product quality and functionality. That made me stick to it until today. I started with SpruceUp, Maestro and Scenarist to end up with DVDlab... and feel good about it. I also use other stuff like Impression, DVDit but DVDLab is my preference. In that respect I'm a simple kinda guy.

[hiptune]

I read and read and read before jumping into DVD Authoring 14 months ago. I setteled on DVD Lab. This one seemed to be one you could do some really slick things with.

Then I got a few paid gigs where everything had to be perfect. DVD Lab let me down in several areas. The biggest area was chapter placement was not as solid and clean as I needed. And some frozen functions when DVD Lab decided I had re-rendered my project too many times. DVD Lab is a very slick looking "fake" professional authoring program. If you are not passing your discs to important clients, go for it. If your discs need to be played on many many players, it is not worth the risk of my reputation.

I was in a very tight situation, I had to get a perfect disc out in 18 hours. I tried TMPGENc DVD Author. MY disc came out with perfect chapters, and the whole feel was a more compatable disc. The program, while being very basic, produces a very very rock solid disc. It saved my ass thank you!

Now I am a man, grown up and ready for more creative control. I bought Vegas 5 with DVD Architect 2 and Acid Pro 4. A complete package.

So far, DVD A seems to have the best of both worlds, rock solid authoring, perfect chapter placement, motion menus, subs, everything one needs to do it right. So I will be using this package for most projects, but I still will return to Tmpgenc DVD A for simple straight projects with no menus, as it has been so solid, and all discs created were flawless. And AC3 comes with it, you need not ask.

Of course I like to burn with Nero when I have time to reload the VIDEO TS files into something else.

Jeff

[hiptune]

I started with SpruceUp, Maestro and Scenarist to end up with DVDlab... and feel good about it. I also use other stuff like Impression, DVDit but DVDLab is my preference. In that respect I'm a simple kinda guy.

I wish I could be a simple guy. Instead I am a paranoid trying to survive in the big city, and afraid something could go wrong.

[sdsumike619]

Hiptune, have you any experience with Ulead's DVD Workshop 2,,, if so, how does it compare to Sony's DVD Architect 2? I'm a current DVDWS2 user and there are a few annoying things about it so I'm wondering if the new DVDA will address those things...

MiKe

[hiptune]

Hiptune, have you any experience with Ulead's DVD Workshop 2,,, if so, how does it compare to Sony's DVD Architect 2? I'm a current DVDWS2 user and there are a few annoying things about it so I'm wondering if the new DVDA will address those things...

MiKe

No, have not tried it. But you should look into DVDA, and read some of the reviews. It get very high ratings here in tools section.

Jeff

[sdsumike619]

Jeff, there's a thread going on now on Sony's forum about DVDA discs playing great on all Sony players but lousy on many others - do you know about this? have you tried your discs made in DVDA with many diff brand players?

[hiptune]

Jeff, there's a thread going on now on Sony's forum about DVDA discs playing great on all Sony players but lousy on many others - do you know about this? have you tried your discs made in DVDA with many diff brand players?

No, I'd not heard about this. Post the thread please or email me direct. I need to know this as I do work for hire.

hiptone@aol.com

Jeff

[hiptune]

Jeff, there's a thread going on now on Sony's forum about DVDA discs playing great on all Sony players but lousy on many others - do you know about this? have you tried your discs made in DVDA with many diff brand players?

I just read that thread. No it's not alousy play on many other players. Its an issue with authoring a PAL disc with Subs not playing on a certain Phillips player. Since I do not do PAL discs, I am not too concerned. But it is nice to know about any issue with a SW program.

Don't scare me like that!

[Dpick]

I read most of the post on this topic, and the quite a few say use TMPGENC DVD author.

I'm new to dvd authoring as I only used VCDeasy to burn (S)VCD cd's.

But so far, Ive been pretty impressed with dvdauthorGUI .5 version.

I tried Ifoedit, but I felt the interface of dvdauthor GUI was superior.

Dvdauthor GUI offers full motion menue authoring along with audio mixing.

I'm a little miffed about buying TMPGENC DVD author as I already bought the TMPGENG MPEG 2 encoder.

I will try TMPGENG DVD author as I have always been happy with the stand alone encoder from TMPGENC.

But so far, I'm happy with dvdauthor that allows me to get my feet wet and learn the differences between (S)VCD authoring and DVD authoring.

[alegator]

I am using Ulead DVD Workshop 2 and I am satisfied with it, specially since it is very user friendly, as opposed to Adobe Encore DVD 1.5.
I would like to hear more feedback on Ulead DVDWorkshop 2 (pros/cons) and also if someone that has experience with both Ulead and Adobe's products can compare both products.

[sjmaye]

I was using DVDWS 2. It is very user friendly. I really loved it except it had a bug I could not seem to solve. Everything worked great, but after rendering the DVD the menus lost a tad of clarity. There was some notable fuzziness in the text, thumbnails, and menu backgrounds.

I never could find how to solve this so I started working with a host of other authoring programs. So far I really like DVD Architect 2. Not buggy at all. Pretty rock solid.

[alegator]

From many DVD authored with Ulead DVDWS2 I never had that problem, maybe it's something specific to your installation.

[van_d_man]

I use Advanced X Video Converter (AC-3 compatible) to convert the .VOB files to MPG or AVI, then edit them in Pinnacle studio 8, 9 or Ulead Visdeo Studio 7,8

[mpack]

I'm playing about with Maestro myself, but it's lack of preview makes it useless, in saying that though...it's great.

This is the easiest thing in the world to fix! Just install a copy of PowerDVD (probably came free with your DVD drive - if not, get a copy!), switch to that when you want to view the newly compiled DVD (click the little padlock icon in PowerDVD to select playback of files on your hard disk).

You can also use IfoEdit to play the DVD - but then you have find and install all the necessary DirectX drivers (MPEG2, AC3 etc)... and I've found that a DVD working in IfoEdit isn't much of a guide as to whether it'll work on a stand-alone player. PowerDVD is less tolerant, which is good if you are looking to "prove" a DVD before burning...

[panuels]

I use both DVD Lab 1.3 and Ulead DVD WS 2. The DVD's i make for personal use i do with DVD Lab. If compatibility with standalone players is an issue or i need accurate chapters i use DVD WS. Also making a DVD with DVD WS saves time because most tasks are automated.

Peter.

[vico1]

TMPGEnc DVD Author...
Does everything I need right now.



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The Devil`s always.....in the Details!

[ann]

I got tired of the program that came with the computer (I think it was made by Intervideo). It transcoded everything. That just didn't seem right to me, so I started looking for an authoring program that wouldn't do that, and wouldn't be too expensive. Downloaded Tmpgenc DVD Author, and it just worked - for me. I got attached to it, and paid for it when the trial was over.

That said, one DVD player (old Toshiba) had trouble with my DVD's. The source MPEG files had MPEG sound, and the Toshiba didn't play the sound at all. I don't know if the fault lies with TDA or the MPEG sound.

I get tired of all the 'old' menus, so if I had a really important project, I will probably look beyond the templates or TDA. But for most DVD's, I use the option of playing all tracks without showing menu.

What irritates me about TDA is that when you go into the menu on the DVD's, you can't play tracks directly. It always goes to the chapter menu first.

But what's good about TDA, is that the discs play on an old, rather finicky DVD player. It refuses to play some other discs, probably if authoring is non-standard in some way.

I have some source files with AC3 sound, and TDA makes DVD's from those too.

Oh, one other thing. When I do real editing - footage I make myself, I use a real editing program. But for cleaning up recordings done with a DVD recorder, TDA is very nice. It offers the perfect balance of control and no transcoding. Just set start and end frame, then add the same clip again, and set start and end frame - if there's a sequence of commercials in the middle. Works fine!

[Wile_E]

How can so many of you guys afford DVD Maestro when it is listed at $5000.00!

I bought the whole TMPEGENC suite + AC3 plugin and use that to encode and author. I use Sony Movie Studio to edit and started using WinDV to capture. And Subtitle Workshop for subtitles.

If only someone would come out with a cheap ALL-IN-ONE Capture/edit/encode/author + AC3 plugin, for cheap and good, but no one has. I must use seperate programs.

But that's funny that DVD Maestro sells for $5000, and yet they don't have domain name for their website. You can only access it by IP address. LOL!

[kj1983]

TMPGEnc DVD Author. the best! Worth every penny.
///////////
Tried DVD it, MY DVD, and Ulead. Horrible!
If you already know how to encode an mpg1/or 2 file,
stay away from these programs, they'll only butcher
your hard work.

ulead takes so long for me to burn my video of 1 GB..

so far 2 hrs and still on 13%

I have fast laptop with 1.33 GHz of 60 GB HD, 512 MB RAM.

[Ron B]

Hello everyone-I've been using Ulead MovieFactory2 since it came out. At first, I liked it, now it feels very limited. It does a good job of making compliant discs, but to me, they all look the same menu-wise, with almost no options.
That said, I don't know which way to go. I don't want to shell out a lot of cash and buy something I'll feel the same about as MovieFactory2 after a dozen discs.
What to do?

[borax]

Try one (or some) of the freeware programs: dvdauthorgui, GUI for dvdauthor or dvdstyler...

[wwjd]

Why isn't Ulead Video Studio 8 on the list?

wwjd