If it really is this simple I'm considering switching back to PC based editing. Is it this easy if you just use the Adobe Premiere suite? (No Procoder,no Edius)

Kevin Walsh, what is your current workflow with EX1 anyway? Are you on a Mac with FinalCutPro? I heard from other forum that they're doing just fine using FinalCutPro for their EX1 workflow. But from what I know, you can't author bluray disc on the Mac with DVDStudioPro (it's only for HD-DVD). Maybe there are other Mac applications to author bluray?

On the PC, we can import the EX1 (mp4) straight to Premiere Pro, edit away, then export to HD-mpeg2, but lot of users don't like it this way. They like to export the movie file first, then use other encoder such as procoder to give you a better quality encoding to HD-mpeg2.

1.) Import into FCP using the XDCAM transfer.
2.) Edit in native codec but use Pro Rez for renders.
3.) Export as Self contained Quicktime movie.
4.) Import into toast. Toast will encode and burn the disk. Toast 9.02 with BD plug-in.
so-so results due to Toasts lousy encoder. Artifacts stuttering video.
or
1.) Import into FCP using the XDCAM transfer.
2.) Edit in native codec but use Pro Rez for renders.
3.) Export in Compressor using these settings DAV's TechTable: Apple's Compressor & Encore Blu-Ray
4.) Author in Encore and create a disk image.
5.) Burn in Toast
better results when it works. Problems with buttons, hopefully fixed in CS4

Kevin. What do you mean by "...better results when it works..."? Do you mean that your second workflow (using Compressor) doesn't always work?

I do agree Encore has problem (limitation) on button. For sure it doesn't support button transition. Yeah hopefully fixed in CS4.