New DVD Authoring System

[zerohash]

Dear Friends,

Hi.We are doing DVD Authoring.Currently we are using Spruce DVD Authoring Solution.We want to put one more Authoring Solution.Since Spruce is no longer available we are thinking for other options.

We are thinking for Sonic Solutions.But the Encoder itself is very expencive yet after so many years.So before we get into this we thought of taking opinion from you all.

Please advice what are the options we can get in.We need Encoder for Video and Audio with 2 channel and 5.1 also.We already have Spruce Maestro with Premastering tools licenced version with 3 extra dongles.

Also intrested in Spruce Encoders if anybody wants to sell.

Thanking you all for your time.

Zerohash.

[ooopandaooo]

Sonic Scenarist should be the most choice for dvd authoring, but it cost about 15000usd right? my company also equiped with scenarist since version 1.5. for the video encoder we using Cinema Craft that really the best for the Mpg2 video encoding.

[zerohash]

i dont think Cinema Craft will work as we need 5.1 Audio also.We are doing professional DVD Authoring.We need somthing of Sonic level.Do u have any other options?

[mp3dom]

High Definition will be the new standard in a couple of years so, to me, is not a good choice to spend a lot of money for standard definition. I think a "second hand" Sonic Scenarist could be good enough but only on the authoring part. For the audio/video encoder I think CinemaCraft could be the best choice for the video encoding (it support almost everything you need for a professional video encoding) and for the audio encoding you can buy a license for Sonic AC3 Audio Transcoder (which is a part of Sonic Scenarist package I think). Also there are others third party AC3 Encoders that supports up to 5.1. Clearly this is good if you need only to encode to AC3 a 6 mono waves. If you need to create your own 5.1 mixes you need a lot more... like a Tascam DA-88/98, a Dolby hardware encoder/monitor and Digidesign ProTools or, at least, Steinberg Nuendo.

[easy2Bcheesy]

Couldn't you just buy a Mac Mini or iMac and use DVD Studio Pro 4? At least then you have half a chance of an upgradable system that will most likely support HD-DVD (properly) and Blu-Ray in the longer term. Both of those machines can be CPU-upgraded to the 'Merom' Core 2 Duo.

Also, add a 'Spruce Maestro' favourite search on eBay as they come up quite regularly.

[kingtim]

Go with Sonic Scenarist, but like mp3dom said, HD is right around the corner, and it would be (IMHO) unwise to upgrade to a SD system just yet. I'm in a similar boat, having Spruce and needing to upgrade, though Spruce still does a good job. I'm waiting for the HD boom to hit and see whats available.

Browse ebay, I picked up a few bits of kit there cheap (sometime saving a few grand!) including a Audio card. Beware of software though, a there are alot of people who sell illegal copies.