I like Windows DVD Maker snazzy menus but need more control

[KenMcKaba]

Windows DVD Maker, which comes with Windows Vista, automatically creates menus with snazzy animation with clips from various parts of your video, but there is no customization possibilities, choosing chapter points, etc.

I have trials of Adobe Premiere Elements, CyberLink PowerDirector and Ulead VideoStudio, but could only find very simple static menus.

Is there other software (<$200) that creates similar DVD menus but with more customization?

[edDV]

Check ULead Movie Factory. It has less editing features and more menu customization vs. Video Studio.

[sir_rob]

I have been trying ULead Movie Factory 6 for this same purpose, but I cannot find a way to change what the buttons link to.

For example: I want a main menu that has a link to play the movie and a link to the sub-menu to select the chapter. By default it creates the link to the sub-menu, but I cannot find a way to create a link (button or text...) to simply start playing the movie from the main menu. The menu transitions are cool, but if I cannot modify the button links, the menus are not very useful. I have been using Pinnacle Studio Platinum, which does allow changing the links, but the text button highlights are not aligned properly and I cannot seem to find a way around the problem.

If anyone knows what software to use for VERY editable menus, please let us know!

[edDV]

Check out the various levels of DVD-Lab.
http://www.mediachance.com/dvdlab/comparison.html

Also look at Sonic DVDit Pro
http://www.roxio.com/enu/products/dvdit/dvdit.html

and ULead DVD Workshop
http://www.ulead.com/dws/compare2.htm

[LJB]

I use Vegas Studio + DVD because you can set the navigation of the menu buttons.

[sir_rob]

$600! That seems high for home video creation (my personal use), but I know that it is not too high for higher-end usage.

**Aren't there any authoring packages that will let you make great looking and very flexible menus for under $200?** The closest I have found is Pinnacle and DVDStyler, but they both have their issues.

[LJB]

Vegas Studio + DVD comes in two flavors, and both sell for less than $150.

http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/products/studiofamily.asp

Your thinking of the full version of Vegas.

[sir_rob]

Thank you! That makes a big difference. I have now been researching Vegas Studio, and it looks like DVD Architect Studio 4.5 may be the authoring gem that allows users to manipulate menus however they want. I could be mistaken as I have not used either.

Is it worth it to buy Vegas Studio with DVD Architect or just get DVD Architect?

Also, I stumbled upon AVS DVD Authoring. It looks like a very cheap authoring program that will create very flexible menus with no frills. Ever heard of it? I assume DVD Architect would have a lot more features.

[LJB]

Vegas Studio lets you do the edits and mpeg2 encoding.
Just determine if you need the standard or the premium.

[sir_rob]

I understand that Vegas Studio lets you edit and encode, but my question is regarding the authoring stage (menu creation specifically). As far as I understand, Vegas Studio does not have a lot of authoring capacity and that is why Sony includes DVD Architect with it. Please correct me if I am wrong. I already have several programs that can do the editing and encoding. The real trick for me is the ability to create menus how I want them. Thanks.

[LJB]

DVDA will do what you're looking for.

[KenMcKaba]

Thanks for all the replies, I will explore the tools suggested.

Do any of them easily create the snazzy animated menus like DVD Maker does, with clips from various parts of your videos?

Like these:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InhGe4eiWOs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVaDdYip0Nc

[booragal]

Thanks for all the replies, I will explore the tools suggested.

Do any of them easily create the snazzy animated menus like DVD Maker does, with clips from various parts of your videos?

Like these:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InhGe4eiWOs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVaDdYip0Nc

Did you ever get anywhere with this?
I'm in the same boat as you.
I like the Windows DVD Maker menus, as opposed to the ones that Nero and the like offer, however have issues with Windows DVD Maker adding audio to my movie ..... (that's another issue )

Cheers