Windows DVD Maker alternatives?

[x2x3x2]

What are the available software which are simple and creates those nice animated menus using the movies' footage like Windows DVD Maker does? Not that there's anything wrong with it, just that video quality can't be adjusted which means content slightly exceeding the 150 min provided it won't fit.

[Baldrick]

I would try Tmpgenc Authoring Works.

[MourningStar]

any others?

especially this part : " ... creates those nice animated menus using the movies' footage like Windows DVD Maker does?

does that tmpgenc do this?

[guns1inger]

ConvertXtoDVD.

Or you can learn to create your own menu assets and assemble the menus yourself. More work, but not template bound and same ol' same ol' repetition.

[MourningStar]

ConvertXtoDVD.

Thnx! This fills the bill.

Or you can learn to create your own menu assets and assemble the menus yourself. More work, but not template bound and same ol' same ol' repetition.

Nah - I'm basically a 'fire it up, press go, next?' type person. Too much on my plate and 24-hours in one day is not nearly enough.

Another and more important reason I need a Windows DVD Maker alternative is because it has a major flaw regarding wide-screen aspect ratio output from an avi source file. They always come out squished to 4:3 and MS is totally 'silent' regarding a fix. Plus, all of the community provided work-arounds are unacceptable because (1) none of them work for everyone and (2) there are alternative tools available.

I'm gonna give that tmpgenc tool a whirl next.

[edDV]

Corel/Ulead DVD Movie Factory is another. Easy for beginners but has limited advanced customization.

[MourningStar]

Corel/Ulead DVD Movie Factory is another. Easy for beginners but has limited advanced customization.

Thnx - Tried it, but did not come across the 'animated movie footage' feature for the chapter buttons that is so slick to me. If it's in there, I did not have the time/patience to investigate it further. As I mentioned, I'm into 'turn the key, put pedal to the metal and go!'. Take that Windows DVD Maker for a test-drive and you'll see where I'm coming from.

[lordsmurf]

I did not have the time/patience to investigate it further

Video requires patience.

[MourningStar]

I did not have the time/patience to investigate it further

Video requires patience.

haven't you been listening? -

[lordsmurf]

All I can hear is this...

[guns1inger]

I did not have the time/patience to investigate it further

Video requires patience.

haven't you been listening? -

I have. What I hear is "I don't care about quality, just give me fast and easy" (I do like the violin though)

[MourningStar]

source file is already in best quality available. that's all that matters.

enjoy your violin music

[classfour]

I use TDA3, it has a simple learning curve, and creates a full motion menu - chapters and background are moving, and can have background audio as well.

[MourningStar]

I use TDA3, it has a simple learning curve, and creates a full motion menu - chapters and background are moving, and can have background audio as well.

thnx classfour, TDA4 is proving to be time-consuming, and I didn't come across a 'quick-start' mode. It does looks pretty though. Will probably look into it more closely if I find the time, afterall none of these is rocket-science. (I'll assume TDA3 is same as 4?)

[MourningStar]

ConvertXtoDVD.

Thnx! This fills the bill.

Just wanted to take this opportunity to thank guns1inger again for this recommendation. It's simple, fast and the end result looks very pro with no loss in vid quality. Been making a ton of shows for my grandkids and they are very appreciative and overjoyed.

Happy Holidays to all!