Authoring Program: Need expert opinion

[src2206]

Hi

I am still a learner in the DVD Authoring field and I am planning to do it professionally in near future. After going through various authoring programs' descriptions available in our forum, I have zeroed down to two : (i) Adobe Encore DVD 2.0 and (ii) DVDLab Pro 2.0

I mainly work with AC3 5.1 channel audio and encode my MPEG2 files separately using standalone encoders like CCE. The authoring program should be able to give me the opportunity to create very professional quality DVD Menus apart from producing flawless DVDs. I use separate program to burn so I do not intend to use the authoring program to do that.


I have used DLP 2.0 for two of my projects, it is a great program but to create really professional quality menu I need to take help of external program like Photoshop or DVD Menu Studio. But the trouble with this is I can not export the psd file with all the layers, only the "subpictures" are recognized as separate layers which does make the end result a bit sloppy.

The PC on which I work is bit old, with AMD Athlon 1800+ processor and 640 MB of 266MHz RAM.


I would like to have opinions from experienced seniors in this field regarding the following:

1. Is my above two choices are judicious?

2. Provided the two choices above are correct, which one should I finally go for?

Please suggest.

Thank you.

[mats.hogberg]

My fav is DVD-Lab. It lets you do anything within the DVD specifications. The downside is it won't help you along very much...

/Mats

[src2206]

Its good to see you Mats, thank you for your reply.

Can you please show me any thread with comparative reviews between two? In your opinion what are the downsides of Encore except the steep price?

Please advice.

[mats.hogberg]

Never tried, so I can't do a comparision. Just that DVD-Lab "thinks" like me; that's why I stick to it.

/Mats

[GeorgeW]

I think there are some good ideas/questions that are brought out in This Link asking about Encore or DVD Architect

Regards,
George

[src2206]

Thank you Mat for you input, and you know how much I value that.

Thank you George

The only problem with DLP you really can not import all the layers of a psd document, and even if you can, it is very hard and some times impossible to select them separately [for example "PLAY" word on the background], thus making it impossible to link those.

Otherwise I loved DLP for its functionalities.

Thank you George for the thread, and as i can find that you ave used both, could you please provide a comparison? Please note that My needs are not basic, but professional.

Advise please.

[GeorgeW]

The only problem with DLP you really can not import all the layers of a psd document, and even if you can, it is very hard and some times impossible to select them separately [for example "PLAY" word on the background], thus making it impossible to link those.

You should be able to get all the layers. In DLP, try using the Menu/Export/As PSD to see an example of a PSD file. Bring that into PhotoShop, change something and save it as a new PSD. Finally, import the new PSD into DLP to see if you lose any layers. To select a specific layer, on the right side, use the Lyrs tab, and select the object you want -- it might be easier than trying to select an individual layer on the menu. Also, the latest update to DLP2.27 allows you to zoom in to the menu much more than the old way -- that also makes it easier to select a specific object on the menu.

Thank you George for the thread, and as i can find that you ave used both, could you please provide a comparison? Please note that My needs are not basic, but professional.

Advise please.

They both have their pros/cons. Some of the differences I have found:

In DLP2.27
-Buttons Over Video
-Multiple Angles
-Scripting
-Up to 30 Menu Cells
-Object ordering
-accepts DVD-compliant resolutions other than Full D1


In Encore DVD 2.0
-Nice integration with other Adobe products (PPro, PS, etc...)
-Timeline function that allows you to build a Timeline from multiple assets, and also place chapters anywhere along the new Timeline
-Realtime Disc Preview
-Enhanced Slideshow Functionality
-Builtin Encoder (although you don't need that)
-Mastering Options for Replication

There are other differences between them -- if I was forced to pick one of these two, I'd personally go with DLP 2.x. But what works or makes sense to me, might not for others (i.e. you might find that Encore makes more sense in your workflow).

Lastly, I would also mention that DVD Architect 4.0 (Full) offers alot of "Advanced" SD DVD Authoring functionality. At this time it only comes bundled with Vegas 7 (which is an excellent NLE if you happen to be in the market on that end as well -- imho).

Regards,
George

[src2206]

Thank you George

I shall see if a trial versionof Vegas is available and i'll also give a try to Encore before I take the final decision, still it seems that I shall remain faithful with DLP 2.x

BTW, could you point me to a good tutorial make DVD Menu with Photoshop?

[lordsmurf]

DVD-Lab Pro is not a professional authoring application.

You'd want to look more at DVD Studio Pro on Apple, or Scenarist on Windows. Apple is the cheapest solution of the two. You can buy a Mac mini for about $500 and the software for under $1000.

[mats.hogberg]

Professionality lies not in the tools, but how you put them to use. Using Word dosn't make one writer more professional than one using a mechanical typewriter.
DVD authoring is more about creativity and artistery than technology. The tool that restrict you the least is the best, IMO.

/Mats

[lordsmurf]

That's my point exactly.... DVD-Lab has various limitations.

[GeorgeW]

Professionality lies not in the tools, but how you put them to use. Using Word dosn't make one writer more professional than one using a mechanical typewriter.
DVD authoring is more about creativity and artistery than technology. The tool that restrict you the least is the best, IMO.

/Mats

You hit the nail on the head

Outside of Scenarist on the PC, DLP 2.x probably comes closest to offering most aspects of the SD DVD specs. In fact, it has the unique ability to compile your DVD without an Abstraction Layer. Coupled with its scripting feature, you are able to take FULL control over how the DVD should play/navigate.

But if you do plan to use its builtin Abstraction Layer, you will see that it uses streamlined code -- versus other Authoring programs that insert a convoluted Abstraction Layer.

True, it cannot do everything Scenarist can --but at a fraction of the cost, with the ability to compile with/without an Abstraction Layer, its extensive list of SD DVD Authoring features, and the ability to add scripting makes it one of the best "tools that restrict you the least"

Regards,
George

[src2206]

Mac costs horrible in my country, and $5000 scenarist is out of consideration.

I agree with both Mat and George that it is artistry which gives birth to a so called "professional" result, and artistry I do not think can be taught, it is the techniques which can be taught, and those techniques in turn help to take the full advantage of the artistry which is already inherent.

Thank you very much for your inputs.