Which tool?

[robburne]

Hi,

I have not done any DVd authoring for a few years. Back then I used DVD Maestro, what is the best tool to use these days or does this product still compare well with the new players?

Something I seem to remember was that I had to split the audio and video stream before authoring which is quite time consuming so i'd rather not have to do this.

I have seen TMPGENC DVD Author - is this any good?

The footage I wish to author is in AVI format form ym camcorder.

Any feedback would be appreciated.

Many thanks,

Rob.

[laspis59]

I have seen TMPGENC DVD Author - is this any good?

Thats a very good DVD Authoring tool,you should find it easy to create nice looking menu's and DVD Compliant output.
There is also DVDLab,but its harder to use.

[robburne]

Great thanks... which tool is best for converting AVI to MPEG2?

I have taken a look under 'convert' on the site but cannot find an answer.

Thanks,

Rob.

[Baldrick]

cce sp2.

[Jim44]

You probably want to look under "Video encoders (MPG/DVD)".

I happen to use TMPGEnc Plus 2.5, mainly 'cause it was the first one I used years ago and it does the job for me.

Jim

[Cornucopia]

If you've still got Maestro, I'd use it IIWY. It still can do great things.
Yeah, you need elementary streams (NOT-combined), but most encoders (TMPGEnc included) can do that easily.
Yeah, it was originally meant ONLY for Windows NT, but it'll play fine in Win2k or XP (just set the compatibility setting to "NT").
Yeah, it doesn't support newer burners, but all you have to do is compile and then use something like ImgBurn to burn the VIDEO_TS folder and you're done.

If you want something with a "cuter" UI or a "wizard" or something, go ahead. You still won't find anything inexpensive with the straightforward, raw power of Maestro.

Scott

[robburne]

Ok looks like DVd Maestro it is then, it stills seems to be one of the best even after all of these years.

Are there any free AVI to MPEG converters all will I have to bite the bullet and purchase TMPGENC?


Thanks,

Rob.

[redwudz]

HC and QuEnc are a couple of freeware MPEG encoders. Give them a try, then try the trial version of TMPGEnc encoder. You may find it a little easier to use, but the freeware ones work very well.

[Jim44]

HC and QuEnc are 2 free encoders I keep seeing written/talked about here, although I don't have any experience with them.

Jim
(Edit: next time, I'll remember to refresh the page before replying - redwudz was quicker )