Best DVD Authoring Tool?

[robertlankford]

I've been using DVD Complete (free crappy tool that came with a Dazzle capture device) and it has simply become untenable. I have no knowledge of the DVD authoring market and am interested in your opinions.

My typical task involves moving 2 1-hour digital movies from a digital camcorder to a DVD disk that can be played in any DVD player. My movies are shot in wide screen mode. I'd like to add menus (motion is not necessary, but nice) with chapters. Themes are a plus, but I'll throw something together myself if I have too.

Free applications that are stable and not overly complex are perfect. Paying for an application isn't impossible though.

Thanks in advance guys & gals!

[buzzqw]

1) read the forum rules
2) read the guides
3) use avisynth
4) use HC or QuEnc (for dv -> mpeg2)
5) dvdauthor gui or DvDLab (commercial)

BHH

[robertlankford]

Originally posted by buzzqw
1) read the forum rules
2) read the guides
3) use avisynth
4) use HC or QuEnc (for dv -> mpeg2)
5) dvdauthor gui or DvDLab (commercial)

BHH

1) Not trying to be a smart-ass, but I did, and what's your point?

2) I read the guides, but they don't really seem to be written to address strengths and weaknesses between various DVD authoring packages -- they simply walk you through the use of a couple of them. And maybe I missed it, but they didn't seem to mention more than 1 or 2 of them. I was hoping for more ideas from this forum.

2) Ok.

3) Ok.

4) Ok.

Thanks for the reply.

[Guest]

Regarding point 1, the referenced forum rule is #12: Do not ask what's best. Perhaps you overlooked it. There's also a rule against profanity, which you should also observe. Thank you.

[unskinnyboy]

Originally posted by robertlankford
1) Not trying to be a smart-ass, but I did, and what's your point?
His point is that you shouldn't be asking for which is the 'best' tool since there is no 'best' tool. Each tool has advantages and disadvantages from every individual's point of view. So, try everything out and stick to what you feel is the best for -yourself-. No one here will tell you which is the 'best'.:)

[echooff]

Try Tmpg DvdAuthor located here. (http://www.pegasys-inc.com/) It has a fully funcional trial period. It is fairly low end, but should give you a idea of what might work for you.

[robertlankford]

Originally posted by neuron2
Regarding point 1, the referenced forum rule is #12: Do not ask what's best. Perhaps you overlooked it. There's also a rule against profanity, which you should also observe. Thank you.

Wow! Two at once. :eek: OK, you got me. I honestly don't consider 'ass' to be profane/vulgar any longer since it's so commonly used (which, ironically, is the primary definition of vulgar -- but not the one I am referring to), but point taken.

I did miss rule 12 too, btw. But I honestly was asking for people's opinions on what *they* thought was the best. But point taken there too.

Double Sorry!