BD/DVD Authoring Software?

[Byron Jones]

I know this has been asked before...several times, but it seems the last time was over 5 years ago so...

Any recommendations on BD/DVD Authoring Software?

I am a Mac user and have used Encore CS6 for years, but needed to update my OS since I also make mobile apps. Xcode required an OS update for features I needed and now I cannot run CS6 products anymore. Free and/or paid software suggestions are welcome! Thank you.

[Jonathan Pokay]

I'm in the same boat as well. My old computer (12 years) died and after getting a new one, I can no longer access my Encore CS6 program. I was told that Sony DVD Architect was a good program for Blu-Rays, but finding a copy of that has proven difficult.

I need a program that allows custom menus and buttons, flexibility to accept audio streams like DTS and TrueHD, alternate audio tracks and DVD-ROM capability. Many of the software programs out there seem to cater to the average consumer and won't suffice.

It's hard to believe there are no alternatives out there, as if The Powers That Be collectively threw up their hands and said, "Meh, just post your stuff to YouTube, 'cuz everybody's streamin' these days."

[Byron Jones]

Exactly…and I say tell that to my client who will only take a DVD so it will play on her Grandma’s TV. There has to be another way besides keeping a 10+ year old machine going.

[Christopher Young]

Originally Posted by Byron Jones

I know this has been asked before...several times, but it seems the last time was over 5 years ago so...

Any recommendations on BD/DVD Authoring Software?

I am a Mac user and have used Encore CS6 for years, but needed to update my OS since I also make mobile apps. Xcode required an OS update for features I needed and now I cannot run CS6 products anymore. Free and/or paid software suggestions are welcome! Thank you.

If you are running Windows apps on Mac with Xcode then I would suggest Sony DVD Architect as it does everything you are requesting.

I've produced both DVD and BD masters for mass distribution using both disc creation methods. For duplication (burning) or replication (pressing) and have produced both single and dual-layer discs used for Glass Mastering. All done in Sony Vegas and/or later Magix's "DVD Architect Pro". It's a very capable program. There are available a whole bunch of optional menu sets available for download if you want to have a greater selection of themes to choose from. Obviously, you can also design your own graphics/backgrounds etc should you wish in Photoshop or similar.

The best way to work with DVDA is to create compliant DVD MPEG and BD AVC video/audio files that work with DVDA. Then the authoring process is very fast, like a few minutes to create your authored disc.

Alternatively, you can use basically any type of video/audio file and let DVDA work out the file size and compression method to use to create a compliant file for either the DVD or the BD you are authoring. That will take way longer as DVDA has to do all the file rendering to create compliant files. DVDA will do a good job using it this way but expect much longer production times as DVDA doesn't have the world's fastest file render engine.

To the best of my knowledge DVDA is no longer available as a standalone program you can buy from Magix. But you can still find packages out there that still have DVDA as part of the pack.

Chris Young

Like this Vegas Pro 17 bundle that includes DVD Architect. Pretty good value.

https://ebay.to/3CkcXe8

Also, check out these videos for an overview of how DVDA works if you are not familiar with its workflow.

VEGAS DVD Architect Demonstration - YouTube

and part #1 of a four-part tutorial that is available on the Tube.

Basic Training for DVD Architect, Part 1 - YouTube

[Pete Cofrancesco]

It's a pain. I get by using an old mac for DVD authoring. BL is more of pain and I will only produce non menu driven disc on occasion. I tried Vegas DVD Architect, but if you do editing in another program and use a lot of chapters, they won't import, that was deal breaker for me.

[Jonathan Pokay]

Originally Posted by Christopher Young

To the best of my knowledge DVDA is no longer available as a standalone program you can buy from Magix. But you can still find packages out there that still have DVDA as part of the pack.

Chris Young

Like this Vegas Pro 17 bundle that includes DVD Architect. Pretty good value.

https://ebay.to/3CkcXe8

That version does not come with DVD Architect. I know that because I bought the exact same package last week and it was not included, unfortunately.

So, my hunt continues.

[Christopher Young]

Really! sorry for the bum steer. Have a look around. This package has DVD Architect, $35.

https://ebay.to/3kJIgJg

Pete C makes a valid comment about chapter markers. Most NLEs can export a list of chapter marker timecodes and names. I've often had a program someone else has edited in one NLE or another that needs to be authored to disc. I just get them to export the chapter names and TCs from that NLE as a text file and use them in DVD Architect.

When I have had someone supply me a finished video with no ability to generate a chapter list I just throw their finished program on a Vegas timeline and insert chapter markers with the positions and names as required by the client. I then export that chapter list with its names and TCs as a text file for use in DVDA.

If doing it manually from scratch you just type your first chapter timecode into the timecode window in DVDA and that will jump your cursor to the time entered. Then hit M for marker and type in the chapter name. Do likewise for the second chapter timecode marker and enter its name and so on.

All very simple and pretty straightforward really.

Chris Young

[Jonathan Pokay]

Originally Posted by Christopher Young

Really! sorry for the bum steer. Have a look around. This package has DVD Architect, $35.

https://ebay.to/3kJIgJg

No worries; the package that does come with DVD Architect is identical, so it's understandable.

I did check that link, and that version only supports standard-def DVDs, so I'm still hunting. I do appreciate the efforts, though- it's helped me with some due diligence in sorting out exactly what I need.

There's a few packages out there that do have it, but they cost around $500 and I blew my budget last week when I thought I was getting the authoring software.

[Christopher Young]

Understood!

Chris Young