What do all of you PC users build your DVD disc with?

I am using Encore at the moment but find it a bit time consuming in Photoshop with the menus and wanted a faster package with built in Menu templates, but with the same amount of options as Encore.

Are you familiar with Ulead DVD workshop and if yes what do you think of it?

Thanks in advance for your help.
Paul

Not Familiar with Ulead.

Pinnacle Studio has a decent DVD process, built into the the editing package. I will often prepare a project in Premiere, render it DV .avi, then pull it into Studio to make a DVD.

Also there is DVD Architect that comes in stripped down version Vegas Movie Studio.

Both have templates you can customize.

I use Ulead Workshop 2 and expected an update (Workshop 3) a while ago, but Ulead have recently said that development is "on hold", so I would suggest that now is the wrong time to think of buying it.

Thanks to both of you for your help.

What do you think of the workshop 2 version Paul at the moment for speed of use and templates etc?

Paul

Paul, Encore comes with templates. In a crunch, I will also mix and match by using my own background but go with a template button.

I use Adobe Encore DVD 2.0 and love it. . .

The older versions of Encore wern't as good - many nice updates in version 2.0

Ryan

DVD Architect.. if u know how to use powerpoint, youll know how to use this.. dead simple and when i do trade shows, i show potential buyers exactly how fast one can create a DVD...
With DVDA, ui can literally create a layout for a DVD with motion menus and scene selction menus in less than 5 minutes... actually when i do the demos i do the "wow factor" thing and pump out a full design in about 3 minutes flat... its that good...

I use DVD Lab-Pro. Is at a good price and does a lot of things only higher priced software does, plus it is very intuitive. You can download a fully operation demo good for 30 days at cnet.

http://mediachance.com/dvdlab/dvdlabpro.html

Paul, Workshop 2 is fine - easy to use and good results. But it can't handle 16:9 menus and certainly if you're shooting in 16:9 it's not the right program.

I've never tried Encore or DVD Architect, but had a trial with DVD-Lab Pro and I couldn't get to grips with it, which may very well be my fault.

Pixel Pops has some beautiful templates, not to mention they are running a sale right now.

http://pixelpops-shop.secure-shops22.com/DVD-Menu-Templates_c_172.html

I also use DVD WS Pro for my PC-based authoring.
Has always worked well and allows easy setup of DVD projects or you can dig in and make more advanced projects too.

I'm moving to FinalCut/DVD Studio Pro since I'm migrating to Mac-based work these days, but have been very satisfied with DVD WS 2 on the PC.

Paul D.'s note about the development being on-hold is something to consider, but if you're just looking to get started on an easy-to-use tool that still packs a lot more power that simple home-grade apps, DVD WS 2 is a good option.

Given that it sounds like you have the Adobe Suite already, it would still be very useful for you to eventually dig into Encore to get the most from your investment. Once you do become accustomed to the workflow, chances are your work (and upgrade path) will go much smoother staying in your "native" suite.

I'm moving to FinalCut/DVD Studio Pro since I'm migrating to Mac-based work these days,

You too? My Mac Pro should be here tomorrow! Been learning FCP Studio for about 2 months now. I have a load of FCP Studio training DVDs I'm selling in the For Sale forum if your interested.

Glen, say it ain't so! Are you no longer using Vegas, or a combo of the two? If not, why?

I also use DVD Workshop 2. I've used many apps and nothing equals its ease of use IMO. Plenty of features to make complex DVD's as well.

I don't understand why the development of this thing is on hold. It gets great reviews and I'd "think" it would be a good seller. I wonder if Ulead is having problems with licensing some codecs from sources or something - that's usually the case.

I also have Encore but for the life of me... I just don't have time nor the patience for it. It's about as intuitive as a Federal Tax Form.

to Paul (or anyone else that knows):

can you possibly confirm that DVD Workshop 2 can't handle 16:9 recordings, or is it just the menu that can't be in 16:9? What will it actually do with these movies?

also, how good is the copyright-facility? Is that tested to work by all those who own this program?

cheers

Richard,

From what I have read and heard, it just uses 4:3 menus and can play back 16:9 footage no problem, its just can't use a 16:9 menu.

Paul

Richard my 16:9 experience with Ulead DVD Workshop 2 is very limited. I tried to do one project recently, but at the final stage I had a problem with (a) it insisted on re-encoding my files which had already been encoded with CinemaCraft Encoder (for some reason the option to tell it not to re-encode material was greyed out) (b) I had a couple of inexplicable crashes.

It was more of a test project than a serious one so I didn't persevere. Anyway it's quite a while since Workshop 2 appeared, so I take the announcement that Workshop 3 is "on hold" as meaning that it is practically dead.

If you want a program to learn now, and with good potential for you still to be comfortable with it in the future then I don't think Workshop 2 is a contender.

My recent bad experiences may perhaps be my own fault, but certainly Workshop 2 cannot do 16:9 menus.

Sorry I should have added that (as with other programs) the copyright protection is only applicable to projects mastered onto DLT and which you then have replicated at a duplication plant.

It's of limited value as there are widely available programs to get round it and you can't use it with discs you burn for yourself.