authoring software????

[djtrixx]

Hey ppl,

What is the best authoring software? What I'm looking for is something basic that will allow a m2v stream and 5.1 stream. I am not overly concerned about menus at this point. All of the stuff I have will not allow 5.1, and that is a must to me. Also, I would prefer to find something with a demo, so I don't buy another useless proggie that I cant use... :-(

Thanx

[jdobbs]

You might try SpruceUp. It is the easiest authoring software you'll find anywhare -- and it will handle Dolby Digital inputs. Unfortunately it is no longer supported.

It's a little difficult to get your hands on a copy with all functions enabled, as it is no longer supported. Look here for a demo download that can be made fully functional when you find a way to get a serial number (just a warning -- AC3 doesn't work in demo mode):

http://www.afterdawn.com/software/video_software/dvd_tools/spruceup.cfm

When you see how easy menus are with SpruceUp you won't hesitate to use them anymore.

Most the other packages that support AC-3 are pretty expensive and a little more complex to use. That would include (from least to highest) ReelDVD, DVDMaestro, Scenarist. Creating a disc without a menu is fairly staightforward in these also, but there is a bit of a learning curve.

[Gorr]

Hey,jdobbs clould you please tell what can be the number of audio tracks in Spruce and if it supports audio menus?

Thanks

[jdobbs]

One. It can be PCM, AC3, or MPEG-1 Layer 2. You may be able to import one of each (I haven't tried). I also know of no way to use SpruceUp to switch between them.

DJTRIXX was asking for "something basic" and that is what SpruceUp is. It is very powerful, but in order to make it easy to use they've insulated the user from a lot of the structure of the DVD. That's good when you want to just create a DVD quickly, bad when you need to change something fundamental.

DVD Maestro and Scenarist have lots more capability. But they also have lots more cost and they are a lot more complex. I'd also add that Scenarist has one of the hardest to follow manuals I've ever read.

[Gorr]

Yes, you right.
I don't however think that multilanguage or subtitles feature is an extra in dvd comunity it's a must.

With regard to scenarist can only add that it is the most demanding authoringwhare to video sources.

[jdobbs]

Agree. I certainly wouldn't recommend SpruceUp as a professional tool for DVDs that will be sent for manufacturing and distribution. But for personal use a lot of people don't need subtitles or second languages.