Creating Menu's

[wristar]

Hi,

I have been trying to learn about burning to DVDs and was hoping to get some advise of software. (i know that there is no BEST software... so any direction to go in would be appreicated)

I have used the trail version of CONVERTXtoDVD and this has done everything that i need it to do. It gives me simple options to create a menu, rename the titles add subtitles and audio tracks.

I am hoping that there is a freeware programme that can do relatively similar things.

My Main concern is getting the Menu's as I will be having multiple videos on my DVDs.

I have looked through the lists of available software but struggle to know which ones give the options for me to chaneg the menu myself. I am reluctant to download them one at a time to do it.

Any one who can give me a few pointers would be much appreciated.

Thanks

[mats.hogberg]

TDA offers some limited (but far more than convertx2dvd) menu capabilities - Authoring apps like DVD-Lab Pro allows you to create any menu you can dream of, but offers no assistance - Menu creation is more about being a computer gfx artist than something to be included in an authoring app.
I think there was (is) a thread like "Show me your menu" (and I'll show you mine!) that may give you some inspiration.
Note that oneclick wonder apps that have built in conversion capabilities are the most limited - they are made with simplicity in mind, and creating custom menus doesn't fall into this category.

/Mats

[louv68]

DVDStyler is a good freeware alternative. Easy to use, but also easy to goof up if you're not entirely sure how to use it or forget a step.

[lordsmurf]

Authoring is not for "making menus" but rather assembling menu assets.

Menu assets include graphics, photos/images, and video clips. Software like Adobe Photoshop is used, along with NLEs like Vegas or Premiere.

Authorware merely assembles these objects to "make menus".

[guns1inger]

If you want something free and similar to ConvertXtoDVD, have a look at FAVC or DVD Flick. Both are capable of converting your files and creating simple menus.

However if you want to create more complex or sophisticated menus, you need to heed the advice of my learned colleagues, and start using a range of tools to prepare you assets, and an authoring tool to bring it all together.