DVD on screen menus......software? at DVinfo.net

Dan Holly · August 8th, 2002, 01:34 PM

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 ?

Paul Sedillo · August 8th, 2002, 02:10 PM

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.

Edward Troxel · August 8th, 2002, 02:43 PM

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!.

Rob Lohman · August 19th, 2002, 09:08 AM

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)

Dan Holly · August 19th, 2002, 09:40 PM

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

Rob Lohman · August 20th, 2002, 02:06 AM

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.

Dan Holly · August 20th, 2002, 10:46 AM

I would appreciate it Rob.....

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

Edward Troxel · August 20th, 2002, 02:28 PM

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.

Rick O'Brien · August 28th, 2002, 08:53 AM

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

August 8th, 2002, 01:34 PM	#1
Dan Holly Major Player Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Anchorage, Alaska Posts: 336	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 ? __________________ Dan Holly Anchorage, Alaska

August 8th, 2002, 02:10 PM	#2
Paul Sedillo Major Player Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 607	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. __________________ Paul Sedillo Image::Studio http://www.image-studio.com Houston, Texas

August 19th, 2002, 09:08 AM	#4
Rob Lohman RED Code Chef Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Holland Posts: 12,514	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) __________________ Rob Lohman, visuar@iname.com DV Info Wrangler & RED Code Chef Join the DV Challenge \| Lady X Search DVinfo.net for quick answers \| Buy from the best: DVinfo.net sponsors

August 19th, 2002, 09:40 PM	#5
Dan Holly Major Player Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Anchorage, Alaska Posts: 336	Thanks Thanks everyone for the input....this gets me going in the right direction. __________________ Dan Holly Anchorage, Alaska

August 20th, 2002, 02:06 AM	#6
Rob Lohman RED Code Chef Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Holland Posts: 12,514	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. __________________ Rob Lohman, visuar@iname.com DV Info Wrangler & RED Code Chef Join the DV Challenge \| Lady X Search DVinfo.net for quick answers \| Buy from the best: DVinfo.net sponsors

August 8th, 2002, 02:43 PM	#3
Edward Troxel Sponsor: JET DV Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Southern Illinois Posts: 7,953	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!.

August 20th, 2002, 10:46 AM	#7
Dan Holly Major Player Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Anchorage, Alaska Posts: 336	Thanks again I would appreciate it Rob..... I'm still in research mode, and won't buy for a few months __________________ Dan Holly Anchorage, Alaska

August 20th, 2002, 02:28 PM	#8
Edward Troxel Sponsor: JET DV Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Southern Illinois Posts: 7,953	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.

August 28th, 2002, 08:53 AM	#9
Rick O'Brien Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 36	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 __________________ Rick O'Brien -Multimedia Producer See the NLE Motherboard configuration site. www.2behold.com/NLE.htm -Stable working systems motherboard configurations-