DVD Authoring software ranking

[ALA]

Hello everybody,

I'm just going to start creating DVD with my own video shootings and have to choose the most appropriate DVD authoring software. So-called “one-click” software with a lot on limitations is not a good choice for me but at the same time I would not like to spend $ hundreds and months accustoming to some “rocket-science” stuff.
I would really appreciate if people who use different DVD authoring software could share their experience and simplify selection for such a situation like mine.

Thank you in advance.

[Dimmer]

For simple DVD authoring I would recommend TMPGEnc DVD Author. I would not recommend Sonic MyDVD, DVDit, or NeroVision Express.

Don't forget that before authoring you might need to encode your video to MPEG-2; that's a different subject.

[ALA]

@dimmer

Thanks for quick reply. I've already taken care on MPEG-2 coding and tried Canopus.
Re authoring, who can advise about DVDlab? Is it deserved to dedicate time and money?

[auenf]

Originally posted by ALA
@dimmer

Thanks for quick reply. I've already taken care on MPEG-2 coding and tried Canopus.
Re authoring, who can advise about DVDlab? Is it deserved to dedicate time and money?

dvdlab has a trial period, and it is a very good app anyway.

Enf...

[Arky]

Since we are discussing the purchase of a legitimate licensed program, here, and a situation where you cannot afford to spend a fortune because it is for personal use, you have a number of options open to you:

Firstly, I agree with dimmer:

Originally posted by dimmer
I would not recommend Sonic MyDVD, DVDit, or NeroVision Express.

1) I also agree with Auenf that DVDlab (http://www.mediachance.com/dvdlab/index.html) is a fine little program, and excellent value. Yes, it has it's faults, but then so does every program on the market (even Scenarist!). It's also under continual development, and Roman (the author, if I recall correctly...) appears to have a very healthy attitude towards both his customers, and the direction in which the program should progress. As Auenf said, try the trial (http://www.simtel.net/pub/dl/64228.html) and see how you get on - you have nothing to lose!

2) Ulead DVD Workshop 2 (http://www.ulead.com/dws/runme.htm). I think this program has serious potential (in the context of the sector within which it is is pitched). It's not ultra-complex, but it does cater for playlists (an essential feature for anyone wishing to go past first base in DVD authoring terms, yet sorely-lacking in many entry-level, and even a few prosumer programs), and offers real speed of workflow. A demo is available (http://www.ulead.com/dws/runme.htm), and I suggest you try it out (not sure which version the link is for. Be aware that version 2 is MUCH improved over version 1, so if the link is for version 1, then I encourage you to seek out a version 2 demo before drawing your conclusions on the program).

3) Adobe Encore (http://www.adobe.com/products/encore/main.html). Getting a little more expensive (but cheaper, relatively-speaking, if you buy it bundled with a hardware card from the likes of Pyro, Matrox, Canopus etc.). This program has more than a few bugs at the moment, but does have genuine potential. My advice would be to check out the Encore user groups on the net, to check out what the current state of play is, before you dive in and buy it. Definitely worth consideration, though. A demo is available (http://www.adobe.com/products/tryadobe/main.jsp#product=76), and I suggest you try it out, but do bear in mind that Adobe has had it coded such that it will only run on Win XP (I can't even begin to describe how disgusted I am about this, but I have no sympathy for them if they lose potential customers as a consequence. At the end of the day, it's in nobody's hands but theirs).


4) I'm going to get frowned upon here, by many of the Doom9 crew, who are predominantly Windows-based (as, indeed, am I), but since we are talking about the real world here, where legitimate licenses for Scenarist and DVDMaestro cost several thousand dollars, I feel it is appropriate for me to point out that a moderate investment in a secondhand MAC from eBay (minimum spec G4 733mhz), would open the door for you to buy Apple DVD Studio Pro (http://www.apple.com/dvdstudiopro/) (approx $500). This may seem a little excessive, and a lot of trouble, which I do not deny. However, the returns on this investment of time, money and trouble are enormous. DVD SP 2 is an almost direct port of the now-discontinued DVDMaestro. Maestro used to cost several thousand dollars, and was Scenarist's only real competitor on the Windows platform. That means that DVD SP2 can do 95% of what Scenarist can do, but for an absolute fraction of the cost. You also get A-pack included, which is a FULL 5-channel Dolby .AC3 encoder (not to be confused with 'integrated' stereo .AC3 encoding, offered in some other windows authoring packages). It's up to you, but if you are considering becoming an experienced DVD author, and don't want to exceed the limits of your authoring software within the first 3months, then you really should strongly consider this program. As far as I am aware, there is no distributable demo available, but I really urge you to get a hands-on-demo at an Apple dealer if you can. Only once you have seen how truly wonderful this program is, will you appreciate why I even broached the subject of considering a MAC! I use the program myself, but do all my editing and encoding on PC. Just try it before dismissing it as an option, and bear in mind that going for a cheaper, Windows-based program, might suit you fine, but if you do decide to get serious, will eventually turn out to be a false economy in comparison to going ahead with the MAC + DVD SP 2 in the first place. Only you can make that decision, based on what your own intentions are. I would just add that DVD SP 2 is incredibly easy to learn and use, despite it's power.

5) ReelDVD (http://www.sonic.com/products/reeldvd/default.asp). Nice program, but, IMHO, overpriced in the current market, in terms of the feature set (only one VTS allowed!). Yes, it's related to Scenarist, but really, it does lack some functionality by today's standards, for the price. No disrespect intended to ReelDVD users, ReelDVD is a solid and respectable program, with plenty of mileage left in it. It's just that the cost needs to be brought more in line with the newer offerings like DVD Workshop and Encore, and the feature set expanded. Incidentally, one of ReelDVD's worst failings is that it is nowhere near as intuitive as many of the abstraction-layer DVD-authoring programs. However, ironically, this is also it's strong point - it forces you to get to grips with the fundamental structure of the DVD spec, right from the outset, which is a very positive thing. In this respect, it's a consideration for anyone contemplating eventually using Scenarist professionally, or anyone wishing to gain a working knowledge of DVD structure, if only a somewhat curtailed one. In the current market, though (and it's picking up pace) there are better value offerings.


Lastly, please let me reiterate that whatever program you decide to go with, you really MUST make sure that it caters for playlists (also known as 'stories'). Trust me, you will thank me in the long run for this!


BTW, you made an excellent choice, going with Canopus for your MPEG encoding.


Arky ;o)


Check out this (http://dvc.uk.com/products/lev2.php?subnav=software&lev1=software_ulead&lev2=workshop2) link for a nice overview of DVD Workshop 2 vs. Encore


P.S. if you have a slow internet connection, then don't forget that you can still find the demos on the free CDs on the front of digital video magazines in your local newsagent.

[ALA]

@Arky

Thank you for spending your time resulting in almost ultimate guide to DVD authoring programs available today. Frankly speaking I did not expect such a quality respond and was really surprised.

Now I’m going to follow your advice and try every demo I can find from your list in order to develop my perception and make decision.

Thanks again

[Arky]

You're welcome, ALA. Of course, everybody has their personal favourite program, but I have tried to be as honest as possible, in order to be fair to you, and to the companies (if they have a good product then they have nothing to fear from this!). It is unfortunate, however, that many companies use too much hyperbole when promoting their products, so it can be difficult for a newcomer to draw a realistic conclusion.

Every product has it's flaws - all I can hope to do is alert you to some of the strengths and weakenesses of each of them, so that you can make an informed decision.

Please let me know how you get on (and what you eventually choose!).

If I can be of any more assistance, then don't hesitate to ask and I will do my level best to help.

Regards,


Arky ;o)

[echooff]

Judging by your answer to dimmer, you seem to have misunderstood his response. He was reccommending the authoring program Tmpg DVDAuthor made by Pegasys the maker of Tmpgenc. It has a free trial and for simplicity IMO it can't be beat.

[Arky]

A free tutorial for Ulead DVD Workshop 2:

http://www.jonesgroup.net/dvdworkshoptwostepone.htm

(thanks to Jerry Jones <AKA 'AlphaChannel'>, from 2pop, for that)


Arky ;o)