VV4 + DVD - When?

RoyS wrote on 1/12/2003, 1:44 PM
This may have been asked already, and the short answer may be "soon", but here goes.

I currently have VV3, and create DVD's using Dazzle DVD Complete (which is far from "complete"). I need to get a new DVD authoring package, and don't want to waste money on something if VV4+DVD is "on the horizon". However, I don't want to wait to long before ditching DVD Complete. I know I WILL be upgrading to VV4 from VV3 (from what I have read it will support 5.1 audio .. that reason enough), but the DVD authroing is top priority for right now.

Anyone have any ideas (30 days, 60 days, 6 months .. longer)?

If it's going to be longer than 30-60 days, can anyone recomend a good DVD authoring package that just "kicks butt"?

Thanks!

Comments

pb wrote on 1/12/2003, 1:50 PM
Doesn't DVD Complete allow you to build from scratch, using the object properties dialog boxes to set size and locations of Menu objects? I bought it because of that feature but haven't tried it yet. In any event, DVD complete can't be as compicated as Icon Author Smart Object editor or Tool Book Instructor, property-wise.

Peter
vonhosen wrote on 1/12/2003, 2:19 PM
With the screen captures shown I' dwait as long as you can.

If you can't wait & 5.1 is important to you , your choices really are Pinnacle's DVD Impression Pro, Sonic Solution's ReelDVD & Ulead's DVD Workshop.
RoyS wrote on 1/12/2003, 2:27 PM
DVD Complete does allow you to set the location of menu objects, but IT controls how many menus you can have based on the video segments. It's not complicated in it's use .. in fact, it's pretty easy to use for the basics. However, it's detection of "valid" MPEG files is very strict, dosent support 16:9 aspect, and does not support AC-3 audio.

If I was to rate it from 1 to 10, I would only give it a 6. It's FAR better than the free SE/LE versions of DVDit or other such products you get with a DVD drive (I would rate thoes at a 2 or 3). I would expect with SoFo track record that it's software would rate about an 8.
RoyS wrote on 1/12/2003, 2:36 PM
>> Pinnacle's DVD Impression Pro, Sonic Solution's ReelDVD & Ulead's DVD Workshop

I have not tried the Pinnacle software, but if it's anything like some of thier other software, I'll pass on them. As for RealDVD, it sould great, but last I checked, they did not have a trail/demo version, and don't want to spend big $$ on something that I don't have a good idea on the features of. I'll have to take another look at the web site to see if any new info is available.

I have tried Ulead's offering in the past, and really liked it, but it seemed limited on the menu creation and positioning. The interface was also a bit clumsy and difficult to modify chapter points. But it is one of the better ones I have tried (with reguards to audio/video support).
vonhosen wrote on 1/12/2003, 2:56 PM
There is a trial of ReelDVD 2.5 (Current version is 3.0 something). It's 30 day fully functioning except for no Dolby encoder (to avoid licensing fees)

Go here for it http://nct.digitalriver.com/fulfill/0030.1

I've used it and it's pretty solid product but very expensive compared to others. You'll get nigh on the same functionality (minus the Dolby encoder) from Impression Pro for a third of the price.

But I'd still wait to see what DVD Architect has to offer !
RoyS wrote on 1/12/2003, 3:41 PM
OK..I'm downloading the trail for RealDVD now, hope it's not a strict as DVD Complete when importing MPEG videos (or AVI).