Need suggestions: Good DVD creation software with menu flexability

[Cygnus111]

I've used ReelDVD forever, but since it's no longer supported for a while now I want to upgrade. I'll tell you what I like, please tell me if other software can do this:

I can use Photoshop files to create flexible menus
I can put buttons wherever I like
I can change the order of the buttons (up, left, right down) and therefore put "easter eggs" on a DVD
I can use AC3 or WAV files
Menus can have audio tracks
I can visualize the "flow" of the disc, from menus to movies

These are really the big wins for me. I tried Scenarist, that was WAY too complicated. ReelDVD wasn't difficult once you got the flow, so I'm looking for something with a smaller learning curve. No programming, if possible!

Any suggestions?

[manono]

Except for changing the order of the buttons (which can be done in PGCEdit afterwards), lots of authoring programs will meet your needs (and maybe some even allow changing the order of the buttons, but I've never needed a feature like that). I use the freeware DVDAuthorGUI.

For the Photoshop requirement, I assume you're creating BMPs to be used as menus. If so, then it has a little app within it that takes BMPs and converts them to M2Vs ready to be used as menus.

[videobruger]

DVDStyler is very flexible regarding menu/navigation creation. Don't support psd files - but other image formats.

[Baldrick]

Maybe Dvd-lab pro

[Cygnus111]

Just a follow-up, in case anyone finds this thread later. I went with DVD Lab Pro. I figured out most of it myself and was VERY pleased with the results. In about 4 hours I had created my first project. It has all the functionality I was looking for. Actually, my entire project used WAV files so I'm not positive about AC3 yet. The only thing I couldn't figure out was how to make a button completely transparent except when active (like some DVDs that have a line under the track name or an icon next to it that you don't see until your cursor is on the track name), but I was happy with what I was able to figure out and the time needed to create a functional disc. Highly recommended.

Thank you, everyone, for your suggestions. This site continues to be an invaluable resource for my hobby endeavors.

[tinker]

If you want your button not to show until pointed to, click Button property Icon (menu window, top bar, 12th from left). Than click on Links and choose Invisible Normal in window marked Button Visibility.

[sonicdeth]

I know you've already decided on software, but I tried DVD Styler over the weekend, and I was amazed at the results of this FREE program. Quick and easy, authored quickly... very customizable menus.