I dont know if this goes in the instruction section somewhere, it's probably too general.

I like my DVD's to DO something, like play a slide show, when I put them in, and when the movie ends.

Problem 1, When a slide show is playing and I hit play it should play the movie.
Problem 2, The slide show should start by itself using timeouts.
Problem 3, Should have optional control over pics, so can goto next one manually.

Solution uses
ProShow 1.3.13.5
DVD Maestro 2.9
TMPGEnc 2.59.47.155

First I make the slideshow in Proshow. It's really easy to use, saves as a DVD compatible mpg. Save with audio, even if you dont have any, or Maestro wont like it. Here's my plug for ProShow - It has transitions, safe-area setting, transition and display times. Interface is laid out great. It has ram use settings but no processor level, so it'll eat up everything it can get. There's a free trial, Regular / Gold are 30/60 bucks.

Next use TMPGenc to split ProShow's mpg into an m2v. (File / Tools / De-Multiplex) Maestro didnt like the mpg for some reason... Maybe if there's actual audio in it i

Import the m2v to Maestro and place in a movie called 'slideshow' or whatever. For manual advance during playback, setup chapters every so many seconds.

I was going to put more details about setting all this up in Maestro but most of that should be covered in other help, and it's outside the scope here. Feel free to ask, I'm open to questions on using it