True, but you don't get full 5.1 surround ac-3 encoding in a $59 cheapie, either. Last time I looked, $300 *might* get you ac-3 stereo in some competitor's products. With the limited time upgrade from Vegas 3, I have effectively just spent $150 on an authoring app that blows the competition out of the water.
It's a balancing act, but I suspect 5.1 is of use to more people than multiple soundtracks, and that's the decision SF made. Nonetheless, can you imagine how good version 2.0 of DVD-A will be?
Yes a stand alone 5.1 encoder with some companies will retail at $1,000.
If an earlier thread is to be believed as well DVDA uses multiple title sets which means you can have 4:3 & 16:9 video on the same disc.
You'd be looking at spending $15,000 for that with Sonic Solution's Scenarist.
For me the biggest worry at present is not being able to choose wher navigation goes at the end of a file. You really should be able to choose the end action to go to another file rather than have to return to the menu.