DVD on screen menus......software?
 

All,
Since DVD recording and authoring is some what new, I have limited experience with this type of unit or it's software.....

Here is my question:
How is everyone making the user menus on DVD's?

What software is out there?
Is it Flash ?

We are using the Apple software - DVD Studio Pro. I am sure there are others out there, but this is the one we selected. It is fairly easy to use, if you are used to laying out software menus. The options are easy to figure out.

The down side is that it is expensive.

If you are using a PC, there are numerous programs to choose from - each offering different features. You need to pick a program whose features match your needs. However, the general answer is: You need a DVD Authoring program such as DVDit!.

Most DVD burners come bundled with some simple DVD making
(and thus menu) programs. Most professionals either use a
dedicated hardware device or Scenarist (www.scenarist.com)

Thanks
 

Thanks everyone for the input....this gets me going in the right direction.

Last night I read something about this in a PC magazine I
always read (PC Pro - UK). They mentioned an easy system. I'll
look the article up tonight and see if I can get you the names
of the products they looked at.

Thanks again
 

I would appreciate it Rob.....

I'm still in research mode, and won't buy for a few months

You need to carefully look at the features. If the authoring program won't use or encode AC-3 (Dolby) audio, you will have to use a much lower bitrate when encoding your video (especially noticable over about 80 minutes). If you intend to make 2 hour DVDs, you will need AC-3 audio and FEW offer this option. The cheapest option that will both encode and use AC-3 audio is DVDit PE (SE and LE versions WON't) A few other programs may use it but not encode it.

DVDcrea8 and ulead's DVD workshop are worth looking into.
http://www.dvdcre8.com/Products.asp

The good news about AC-3 dolby is that Sonic foundry will have a utility that will do this conversion as a stand alone product.


Should be out soon. Not sure on the price. My guess would be around $200.00