Do I need a DVD authoring program to make a DVD?

Gonzoman wrote on 3/13/2005, 7:45 PM
That might be a dumb question but I have never made any DVD movies so I have no idea. I am using Vegas 5 - can I Burn a DVD straight from Vegas? I have a 30 minute clip and I don't need any fancy artwork or buttons etc. I just need to be able to throw the DVD in a player and watch it on the television.

Thanks,

Comments

ScottW wrote on 3/13/2005, 7:54 PM
You need an authoring program. You can upgrade to Vegas+DVD or there are a number of standalone authoing programs avalable. I've used DVD Lab and DVD Lab Pro in addition to DVD Architect, I think Encore (from Adobe) is also available stand-alone - not sure about others.

--Scott
Spot|DSE wrote on 3/13/2005, 8:43 PM
There are lots of DVD Authoring tools out there, but if your DVD burner came with Nero's OEM version, you can burn a self executing DVD, but you'll need to purchase their MPEG2 plugin so you can encode to MPEG 2. This will give you a DVD playable in settop players with no menus, it just simply starts. However, you'll likely be happiest if you have an authoring program. It's VERY easy to learn to use DVD Architect, there are a couple DVDs and a couple books out that cover DVD A fairly well, in addition to lots of web tutorials. One really cheap way to accomplish this is to buy the Vegas Movie Studio application, it comes with a consumer version of DVD Architect. About 65.00 at most stores.
craftech wrote on 3/14/2005, 5:27 AM
In addition to the suggestions Doug gave you, you might want to look at DVD Movie Factory 4.
It uses very easy to use wizards and includes an AC3 encoder. It is very inexpensive as well.

John
donp wrote on 3/14/2005, 6:38 AM
Adobe Encore 1.51 is stand alone, I use it exclusively.
Gonzoman wrote on 3/14/2005, 1:34 PM
I decided to go ahead and upgrade to V5 + DVD and just ordered the Vasst instructional DVD for DVDA2 to help me get up and rolling with this program. The more I thought about it the more I thought I might like to have the option of using menus and such for DVDs even though that is not my immediate need. I can't wait to get the Vasst program and get up and rolling with DVDA2.

Thanks again for your advice Spot!