What do you use to author your DVD's ?

[spielburg]

currently using dvd lab moved up from spruce seems very good will let you know more as i get into it

[Hardcoreruss]

Ulead worshop and moviefactory here

[funkguy4]

Ulead worshop and moviefactory here

The 2 worst programs ever?

[lukebest88]

Sonic DVD Architect
Excellent software, easy to use.
Motion menus are just amazing with this software.

[funkguy4]

Sonic DVD Architect
Excellent software, easy to use.
Motion menus are just amazing with this software.

DVDLab
Excellent software, easy to use.
All menus are just amazing with this software.

[JasonK]

For video editors:

Vegas Video 4 + DVD Architect (includes AC3 encoding)
Pinnacle Edition 5.1 (fully integrated DVD authoring)

Easy & budget for video editing:
Pinnacle Studio 8 (fully integrated DVD authoring)

[actvlsnr]

Anyone tried Adobe Encore yet.

I have used the Ulead Products and are good but I need more flexibility. I use Adobe Premiere 6.0 and will upgrade to Premiere Pro shortly so I might as well purchase the Adobe Video Collection $800 (which includes Premiere Pro, After Effect 6.0, Encore and Audition) for a bit more.

This can take me from DV-AVI tream to DVD with one package.

Any reviews?

[Nello_AU]

Great thread. Interesting comments.

DVD-Lab gets my vote.
It does everything I need it to and it is easy to use but with the ability to do "harder stuff". The author, also seems to be adding a lot of new features.

I used to use SpruceUp because I could not find anything else that could handle AC3 audio. SpruceUp is easy to use but it DOES NOT HANDLE 16:9 output (see help file). It also returns to the wrong menu when you press menu on the DVD player.

As we all will be getting Widescreen TV's I think that SpruceUp has had its day.

Seems to me that DVDMaestro is the best from all the comments but what good is it voting on a product that cannot be downloaded.[/b]

[Japsu]

About the Poll. How am I supposed to tick Pinnacle Studio 8 as my Authoring Software?

[andkiich]

I startewd out using DVDComplete as that is what came with my hardware whren I first got a Dazzle(my mistake). It works OK as long as you don't want to do anything cutstom.

I've since switched to DVD-Lab and have not looked back since.

[JasonK]

For video editors:

Vegas Video 4 + DVD Architect (includes AC3 encoding)
Pinnacle Edition 5.1 (fully integrated DVD authoring)

Easy & budget for video editing:
Pinnacle Studio 8 (fully integrated DVD authoring)

Just wanted to update that. Pinnacle is just about to release Pinnacle Liquid Edition 5.5 (formerly Edition 5.1), and I've heard rumors that Studio 9 will be released within a couple months. These are great, and have truely integrated editing and authoring for those people that like to do editing. Studio 9 easier to use, Liquid Edition 5.5 lots of power. Some of the other packages that are said to be integrated, such as Sonic Foundry V+DVDA and Adobe Video Collection are not truly integrated.

[donpedro]

Studio 9 easier to use...

I hope that that is not true. Pinnacle Studio version 8 is easy enough and make it easier would mean striped down functionality.

[JasonK]

Don Pedro,

I don't mean it's easier to use than Studio 8, I mean it's easier to use than the other Pinnacle product mentioned... Edition, which is on the low end of the professional apps.

Sorry for the confusion.

[SmooBG]

I recently used DVDLab for a project, and it did everything I needed reliably and quickly. The main thing is converting all of your video into the proper format. I used Tmpcenc(whatever it's called) to .mpa, .mpv files, and everything worked perfectly. I haven't tried any other authoring programs, but I don't think I'll need to. You can't beat it for the price. 8)

[Dude_Son]

I use DVD-LAB this program does it all (Motion Menu's, Full control of your project!) This program is awesome. and they just came out with a updated version 1.3 that makes it even easier. This program can be used for newbies or pro's, its got it all.

[Tilandra]

I used to use DVD Complete exclusively... I liked the way I could layout my menus in that, as well as the integrated label/jacket creation. Now that Pinnacle bought them out and their products and CS are crap in my experience, I've moved over to DVDit. Even if the pre-made menu templates are cartoony, at least you can create some decent custom ones right within the program, which DVDComplete never did.

[psm112]

I dont know why people say that scenarist is too expensive. I found it free on the net. Its a fine package

You are in breach of the forum rules and are being issued with a formal warning.
/ Moderator Craig Tucker

[Craig Tucker]

I dont know why people say that scenarist is too expensive. I found it free on the net. Its a fine package

I would suggest you read the rules before you post again

[crusty]

DVD Maestro and yes it is a legit copy that my compant brought about 4yrs ago it sat there gathering dust untill I found it.Best authoring app ever.

[studawg66]

Has anyone tried DVD-lab??
I hear it is very flexible and powerful, yet only $80.
I plan to begin the trial tonight.

[willy_annand]

Nothing but the best for me.

DVD-Lab from Mediachance. Of course as the author says:

"I think that most of the consumer DVD authoring tools really underestimate users by holding their hands tight while guiding them through the DVD authoring process. In world where I live pre-school boys and girls don't buy DVD burners nor produce DVD movies (yet), they are busy with other things (Fishers Price Little People anybody?). So my question is: Why most of the DVD authoring software tries to appeal to them so badly?"

[Baldrick]

I have made a new updated poll:
https://www.videohelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=191462

[willy_annand]

You left out the best of the lot...

DVD-LAB more power, more flexibility, more creativity than the competition.