Comments

Charles Stoddard wrote on 10/11/2008, 1:17 PM
We just did a DDP image output using DVD Arch 5. Our original software, DVDit Pro HD, was supposed to be professional but we discovered when the masters were sent to the factory that DVDit Pro HD output a disc with a smaller layer 0 than the layer 1. The factory said they require layer 0 to be larger than layer 1 or the commercial duplicator will not work. DVDit Pro HD does not output a DDP image either, but we got a free trial of Gear which converted the DVDit Pro output to a DDP image but those did not pass quality control either. We were forced to reauthor the whole project in new software which permits insertion of a manual layer break. After spending several days with Adobe Encore, a very steep learning curve, and then encountering many crashes, I gave up on Adobe and learned DVD Architect 5. It solved our problem and we were able to output DDP image files directly from the software. Yesterday the DDP image disks we shipped to the factory were approved. Some problems were importing subtitles. They were all slightly off and had to be adjusted. Fortunately, once they are in, it is very easy to adjust them. I am still unable to output my Blu Ray though. Keep getting "invalid argument" error message. But the dual layer worked fine. I am now a DVD Architect convert.
freezer wrote on 10/15/2008, 2:00 AM
I had similar experiences with Encore DVD - I have no idea who in the world can work with this instable beast and deliver anything in time. I had crashes where the project couldn't be read afterwards by Encore so I had start all over again.
Years ago I started with DVD Maestro (very stable on W2k) - but its development was stopped and it had its problems with Windows XP during image creation.

So I bought the Sony Vegas package only for DVDA and I have released several complex commercial DVDs successfully (DVD-9 with several subtitle tracks, 5 audio tracks 5.1, 2.0, commentary, hidden features, animated menues, scriptings, etc).
Lyris wrote on 10/15/2008, 11:17 AM
Great to hear it's not just me then!

Revision Studios: did you have the discs replicated at home or abroad? The project leader I'm working with insists on replicating with cheaper facilities abroad, but we're having some troubles playing the final discs...
johnmeyer wrote on 10/15/2008, 12:21 PM
DVD Architect Pro is a great program. While I have lots of small quibbles with Vegas, I have virtually none with DVD Architect Pro (i.e., not the Studio version, which I do not own). Yes, it could do a better job handling subtitles and PSD layers, but it handles just about everything, and the few things it doesn't handle well, you can find easy workarounds or solutions.

It earns an "A" in my book.