Advice on DVD authoring package.

[bruce_lee]

I've noticed the few applications out there for creating dvd's but I'm not sure which one to get. Before I start spending money on one, i'd like to get some advice from those of you with some experience on the matter. I want one that isn't too, hmmm, "beginner". One that allows me to do the kind of things you see on dvd's. Such as menu's with animated/movie backgrounds, movies inbetween options (like when you click "extras" and a lil movie plays moving to the extras screen). Maybe multiple audio tracks, or animated buttons. I dont want one that allready has pre-made templets that you have to use, such as the kind that come free with dvd drives or such. I don't mind if its hard (or easy) to use, just as long as its the best (or one of the better ones) to get the job done.

I also need it to output to ISO rather than burn the dvd itself. I use another program for doing that. And I allready can convert videos (avi, mpeg, capture to mpeg2..) to mpeg2 using another program, so in-program conversion isn't really needed. Also have other programs for editing video, backgrounds etc...

Any advanced stuff such as multiangle, register programming, (such as what would be in other forum) would be nice to have in the program for down the line when I gain more knowledge about those, but for now its no biggie if I cant do them with it.

Thanks for any help you can give.

[Arky]

The best bang for your buck, and the closest thing you're going to get to a 'future-proof' system that grows with your increasing skills, is Apple's DVD Studio Pro 3. Unfortunately it only runs on the Mac, though. DVD SP 3 is basically DVD Maestro, which used to cost tens of thousands of dollars as part of a turnkey PC system. DVD SP, however, costs only $499 and covers 95% of the DVD spec (see here (http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=75359&highlight=Maestro+and+DVD) for a discussion on the relative merits of the program - 13th post down).

...and here is a discussion on the available PC-based authoring systems:

http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=76825&highlight=Maestro+and+DVD

It is important to point out the distinction between idealism and reality (which often goes ignored during such discussions, on this forum!)- if you really do wish to legitimately acquire a DVD authoring program but have limited funds (i.e. no more than $2,000), then Scenairst will not be an option, and DVD SP cannot be beaten, even factoring in the cost of a G4 Mac to run it on. If you insist on staying on the PC platform, however, then, for realistic money, there is Adobe Encore, Ulead DVD Workshop (not quite as flexible, but good mastering support), and DVDLab Pro (excellent potential, but not spec-compliant, as yet).

I never thought I'd hear myself say this, but if I were you, I'd very seriously consider putting any anti-Mac prejudices you may harbour, to one side - DVD SP is just stunning value for money when you consider how much more it offers than ANY of the competition this side of $2,000 (and even a good deal further).


Arky ;o)

[bruce_lee]

Well after reading your post and going through the provided links, I must say that a Mac is actually looking very good. I've always seen Mac's as generally more expensive than a pc with less todo, but it's actually looking like a much more cost effective solution. Thank you for the information.

[SiXXGuNNZ]

I am really liking DVD-lab Pro(the betas) and I think it is only gonna be 100 US when it is released

[auenf]

Originally posted by Arky
The best bang for your buck, and the closest thing you're going to get to a 'future-proof' system that grows with your increasing skills, is Apple's DVD Studio Pro 3. Unfortunately it only runs on the Mac, though. DVD SP 3 is basically DVD Maestro, which used to cost tens of thousands of dollars as part of a turnkey PC system. DVD SP, however, costs only $499 and covers 95% of the DVD spec (see here (http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=75359&highlight=Maestro+and+DVD) for a discussion on the relative merits of the program - 13th post down).

yes it requires a G4 or G5 (suprisingly it runs on a G4 D450 even tho the min spec is a 750)...

http://www9.brinkster.com/sportschook/?ppc-dvdsp3.jpg
(G4 support is in development in pearpc, only thing stopping DVDSP from starting is some FPU bug)

...pearpc might bring it to the pc sooner rather than when apple decides to port it back.

Enf...