What DVD-LAB is better ??

[Noahtuck]

Hi
I was wondering if there is any major diff. between DVD-LAB & DVD-LAB PRO ??
Or is one better than the other ? in anyone's opinion that has tried them ?
Thanks

http://www.mediachance.com/download.htm

[CaZeek]

I have no problem saying that PRO is far better. DVD-Lab was pretty well known for it's user-friendly interface, but it was lacking in a lot of functionality. DVD-Lab pro does pretty much everything I want it to do, and there's still a lot more that it can do that I still haven't explored. The more demanded features include multiple VTSes, subtitles, and multiple audio tracks, but it has many other more subtle features that I find very useful. Keep in mind, I'm speaking from a feature-minded view, but I haven't had a single problem with the authored DVDs yet either. I have heard some reports that sometimes a careless error in the authoring will not be detected by DVD-Lab, which will result in a non-compliant DVD, but I guess I've been careful thus far

[Noahtuck]

Hi
Thanks.
I was looking at doing a dvd with a secondary audio track and from doing a search of the forums found that DVD-LAB did this but then looking at the site i saw DVD-LAB PRO so i was wondering which would be more useful as there was a big price diff.

[non-linear]

Post deleted by me

[CaZeek]

non-liniear, the full version was actually released about a month ago or so. I'm not sure when you last checked, but I just checked the site, and it's up now for a 30-day trial. I never actually tried the beta, and I did here it had a bunch of errors, but I have yet to come across one in the full version, and I have used some of the more advanced features (while certainly not all).

[non-linear]

I just deleted my post after realizing that parts of the DVDlab.net site is not kept upfated, so I was still seeing the "pending release" of the Pro version up to now.

Here's the link I had: http://www.dvdlab.net/dvdlab/dvdlabpro.html

Would have been nice of the author would have made a link to the actual release of the Pro version.

[awlchu]

DVD Lab Pro was under beta and RC development for quite awhile. The author (Oscar) did not want to release the product while there were outstanding reported problems in the code.

Many of the bugs were solved and new RC's were released. As the beta/RC trial began to end (closer to release), the expiration date was tailored (reduced) accordingly. I can remember when several RC's were released within 30 days of each other. I recall the expiration date was not changed (kept ticking from the original 30day install date).

You can create a non-compliant DVD with any authoring tool. For the typical nube it (IMOP) is very difficult to do with DVD lab Pro.

Many users were blaming the tool for problems that were in fact, the problem was with the inputs (questionable mpegs non compliant AC3 streams) etc. . Since DVD Lab pro does not reencode, problems surfaced quickly and everyone wanted to blame DVD lab pro. (TIVO/SAT GOP streams comes to mind as one problem.)

For my customer base (large commercial customers), I have not had one problem with the tool. (I believe the DVD Author also has responsibility to ensure the inputs are compliant.)

Is it worth the $199US? Sit down and compare features with other products and draw your own conclusion.

[CaZeek]

I 100% agree with every word awlchu just said in regards to the non-compliant authoring.

[Baldrick]

DVD-lab only support one audio track(you can add a secondary but it requires other tools also).

If you need multiple audio tracks, switchable subtitles and you want to mix different video sizes, 4:3 and 16:9 on same dvd you should get dvd-lab pro.

[drjtech]

Hi
I was wondering if there is any major diff. between DVD-LAB & DVD-LAB PRO??

If you have to ask, then DVD-Lab is probably a better choice for you to start with. Try the thirty day trial before you buy.

Download the thirty day trial of DVD-Lab Pro when you think you're ready for the professional features. You can then upgrade to Pro for the price difference from Standard.

-drj

[lordsmurf]

I don't think either one of them are very good. In an age where computers are supposed to make tasks easier, it has always seemed to me as archaic software. Sure, it may be modeled after "pro" software, but that stuff was mostly designed back in 1995-2000. Years outdated in interface style. Very engineering-like, and error messages and just the errors themselves, leave much to be desired. To me, it's like using DOS software in the modern age (it's been 10 years since the modern Windows interface debuted).

Looking for powerful software, that has acceptable output and decent interface with few flaws?

$70 - TMPGEnc DVD Author (TDA) 1.6
$150 - Sonic DVDit! PE 2.5.5
$400 - Ulead DVD Workshop 2.011

For most people, one of these will be a better choice than DVD-LAB and all its flaws and follies.

[Sillyname]

I don't think either one of them are very good. In an age where computers are supposed to make tasks easier, it has always seemed to me as archaic software. Sure, it may be modeled after "pro" software, but that stuff was mostly designed back in 1995-2000. Years outdated in interface style. Very engineering-like, and error messages and just the errors themselves, leave much to be desired. To me, it's like using DOS software in the modern age (it's been 10 years since the modern Windows interface debuted).

Perhaps DVDlab is more for those who grew up with traditional interfaces. I love it because there is not as big a learning curve for "me". I could care less how other people take it. Although their embracing it will keep it alive and kicking for me, I won't mislead someone for my own reasons.

[lordsmurf]

I don't think either one of them are very good. In an age where computers are supposed to make tasks easier, it has always seemed to me as archaic software. Sure, it may be modeled after "pro" software, but that stuff was mostly designed back in 1995-2000. Years outdated in interface style. Very engineering-like, and error messages and just the errors themselves, leave much to be desired. To me, it's like using DOS software in the modern age (it's been 10 years since the modern Windows interface debuted).

Perhaps DVDlab is more for those who grew up with traditional interfaces. I love it because there is not as big a learning curve for "me". I could care less how other people take it. Although their embracing it will keep it alive and kicking for me, I won't mislead someone for my own reasons.

I grew up with tradional interfaces. I was turning cartwheels when software began to break away from the archaic style and made things easier.

[Sillyname]

I don't think either one of them are very good. In an age where computers are supposed to make tasks easier, it has always seemed to me as archaic software. Sure, it may be modeled after "pro" software, but that stuff was mostly designed back in 1995-2000. Years outdated in interface style. Very engineering-like, and error messages and just the errors themselves, leave much to be desired. To me, it's like using DOS software in the modern age (it's been 10 years since the modern Windows interface debuted).

Perhaps DVDlab is more for those who grew up with traditional interfaces. I love it because there is not as big a learning curve for "me". I could care less how other people take it. Although their embracing it will keep it alive and kicking for me, I won't mislead someone for my own reasons.

I grew up with tradional interfaces. I was turning cartwheels when software began to break away from the archaic style and made things easier.

I turn cartwheels when I'm angry.

You shoulda seen me trying to get KAI's Powertools to make sense. SHEESH!

[lordsmurf]

I turn cartwheels when I'm angry.
You shoulda seen me trying to get KAI's Powertools to make sense. SHEESH!

Just an expression. If I tried to turn a cartwheels, not being a gymnist, I'd probably pull or break something. I gave up on KAI's stuff in the 90s. Those things always had a kiddie interface, belongs on a playskool computer. I found that a little diligence in Photoshop, with better 3rd party plugins, Kai's stuff was unnecessary.

The interface really can kill a software. That's the biggest hurdle for DVD-LAB, in addition to oddball crashes and authoring quirks.

[Noahtuck]

Well, i've used TDA since it came out & the only thing i was looking for was a program that would allow me to add a second audio track to a dvd-r i am working on and i came across DVD-LAB in the forums so i thought i would try it unless there is another program that is easy as TDA but allows a second audio track ?
Thanks

[lordsmurf]

another program that is easy as TDA but allows a second audio track ? Thanks

You just described Ulead DVD Workshop 2

[byteguy]

You just described Ulead DVD Workshop 2

$500? Yikes!

I have DVD-Lab and had no problem figuring it out. I like that they don't charge an extra fee to move up to Pro; just the difference in price.

Of course, after being happy with the cheaper version I finally realized why I need to get Pro. I just put my parents' wedding video (all 5 minutes of it) on DVD for them. As they watched it with my daughters, they were explaining who everyone was and where they met them. I guess I need a second audio track after all.

[lordsmurf]

You just described Ulead DVD Workshop 2

$500? Yikes!

I have DVD-Lab and had no problem figuring it out. I like that they don't charge an extra fee to move up to Pro; just the difference in price.

Of course, after being happy with the cheaper version I finally realized why I need to get Pro. I just put my parents' wedding video (all 5 minutes of it) on DVD for them. As they watched it with my daughters, they were explaining who everyone was and where they met them. I guess I need a second audio track after all.

Not even close. $350 from B&H (saw a new ad today!), and probably even in the $200's on an academic discount.

I've used the multi-audio several times. Very nice, ultra-super-simple too.

[Noahtuck]

another program that is easy as TDA but allows a second audio track ? Thanks

You just described Ulead DVD Workshop 2

Hmmm.... i'll try it once. I've never liked ulead programs in the past and it does not seem like DVD-LAB has the option for 2 audio tracks, just DVD-LAB PRO.

I see on their site Ulead DVD Workshop Express also does multiple audio tracks.

[DaBarrister]

There are several guides here on how to add a second audio track to DVD-Lab (not Pro). A few extra steps, but you can save a few dollars if you're on a tight budget (like me!). Just look under Guides for DVD-Lab.