Looking for an authoring program that doesn't re-encode..?

[CAnn12]

Hmm..after I have all of the edits & transitions done & I've encoded to an mpeg2...I've noticed that after I've added my menus and chapters..there seems to be a decrease in quality when I output to DVD. I have been using Ulead VideoStudio 8 to author and burn. Does anyone know if this re-encodes? I also have Pinnacle Studio 9 but have never tried to author/burn becuz I've read this it is buggy. I'm thinking that I could try the trials for TMPEGnc DVD Author or DVD Lab but if Ulead doesn't re-encode..I don't see if it would make a difference..? Any comments/suggestions would be appreciated! Thanks!

[guns1inger]

Generally you can tell by the time it takes. If it takes more than an hour to compile, it is re-encoding. You should look for an option or preference to turn off encoding - many apps have this.

Otherwise, look seriously at DVD LabStudio or it's bigger brother, Pro. Very powerful, and they don't screw with your content.

[wwjd]

Ulead VideoStudio 8 will not re-encode compliant mpeg2 files provided you have told it not too. The option is there and I think the default is for it to be selected. That being said, if you have adjusted the contrast or brightness ect... for a video clip then it will need to be re-encoded. Also, some re-encoded will need to be done relative to the transitions.

Pinnacle Studio 8 re-encodes no matter what but I am not sure about PS9.

If you want to add transitions then TMPGenc DVD Author will not work for you. TDA is an excellent authoring program. Accurate cutting and trimming at 'I' frames, add chapters, decent menus, will NOT re-encode no matter what, fast and best of all reasonabley priced.

I used to add transitions and sometimes I still do, but I got away from doing it all the time because of the audio sync issues it sometimes caused.

[Lester Burnham]

Hmm..after I have all of the edits & transitions done & I've encoded to an mpeg2...I've noticed that after I've added my menus and chapters..there seems to be a decrease in quality when I output to DVD. I have been using Ulead VideoStudio 8 to author and burn. Does anyone know if this re-encodes? I also have Pinnacle Studio 9 but have never tried to author/burn becuz I've read this it is buggy. I'm thinking that I could try the trials for TMPEGnc DVD Author or DVD Lab but if Ulead doesn't re-encode..I don't see if it would make a difference..? Any comments/suggestions would be appreciated! Thanks!

Nerovision Express has smart encoding, so shouldn't need to re-encode, so long as the mpeg is compliant.

Personally I use the excellent GUI_for_dvdauthor, and that doesn't re-encode.

[CAnn12]

I've given the DVD Lab a try. I've followed the Quick Tutorial. A few questions...I have 2 compliant mpeg files that I want to put one one DVd (When capturing, editing etc. I split it into 2 files and then encoded both (separately). How do I get the menu to show both "movies" ? I take it that i would have 2 separate groups of chapters..? Also..can you add music to the menus or chapters? Thanks

[Stormin Norman]

Yes, two groups of chapters. Yes you can add music to any menu page. Might want to draw connection (in connection tab) between the two movies so it doesnt go back to the main menu after movie #1. Try reboots guides: https://www.videohelp.com/guides.php?tools=&madeby=reboot&formatconversionselect=&howto...or+List+Guides

[FulciLives]

TMPGEnc DVD Author is a great simple program and will not re-encode your video. There is an optional AC-3 plug-in that will convert your audio to AC-3 if it is not already. That can actually be very usefull.

Definately give it a look see.

- John "FulciLives" Coleman