DVD + R software question

Question

Hi. I recently purchased a Dimension 4600 with a DVD burner. I got the RecordNow Software as well as whatever other software is included. My question is, is it me or is this software very limited? I tried to create a DVD from home movies that I transfered on the computer from my Digital camcorder. Imported it fine. The problem I have is that none of the software lets me create chapter points. I want to create them like you see on DVD movies where you can seperate different events on the DVD so you can click on that event from a main menu and skip right to it. For example, if I have my kids playing in the snow then video of my dog then video of my car ect. can I make them all seperate chapters using the included software? If so, how do I do this? If not, what do any of you recommend? I dont need a hardcore editing software. Thats the basic function I want.

Thanks

Jim Hardin · Answer

Phate: It is probably there in the form of MyDVD from Sonic.

Record now is for authoring a Data or Music burn on both CD and DVD media, but you are needing to do Non-Linear Video Editing and that require a program like MyDVD.

Phate2 · Answer

I tried the MyDVD thing.  It seems almost like a trial version that has very limited functionality.  You would think that Dell would sell you software that serves its purpose.  I paid extra for this software mind you.  Didnt pay much but paid something none the less.  What do you use for DVD Authoring?

Jim Hardin · Answer

Depends on your real needs.

I used MyDVD and was quite happy with it. I upgraded to Roxio's V6 which includes DVD Builder in the bundle. That is all I use now, but like MyDVD it is entry level software.

If you want features they start at around $300 and go up to and past $10,000.

Study the specs download and use the trials if possible and decide what is right for you.

Phate2 · Answer

Thanks.  I downloaded the MyDVD trial last night and played with it.  Seems like it has what I am looking for.  Like I said I just want to be able to ad chapters so there is a menu in the begining of the disk to jump to scenes.,  I want to be able to seperate different events that I put on the DVD.  I am going to try EZ CD/DVD 6 today on my friends machine.  Do you like EZ CD/DVD?

Jim Hardin · Answer

I like the simplicity and rock solid stability of DVD Builder. For what I am doing at the moment it suits my needs.

Been testing their Beta V7 and it is quite different. Edit/Capture is gone, placed into Video Wave. It is far more powerful with attendant complexity. Keep in mind this is Beta but some pluses are 4 compression settings, 12(?) menus and custom placement of menus.

I would consider the Video Wave as a good mid-range software. Depending on the final cut of V7, I may purchase it myself…

Sadly Roxio does not offer trial versions.

Phate2 · Answer

Thanks for the response Jim. I did burn my first DVD last night with MyDVD. I was a little disappointed with the quality of the picture. I think I get better quality when I use VHS tap[es to transfer. I have a Canon Elura 40mc digital camcorder and I transferred via Firewire. The capture was done by MM2. I save to hard drive in (I believe) DVD quality setting on MM2. I then added chapters and burned using MyDVD. the problem is, in some places on the video it seems pixilated (sp?) almost cartoonish. Do you know what I mean? Do you have any suggestions on better quality? I like the ease of use with MyDVD. Do you think EZ CD/DVD is better for quality? I am using the trial version of MyDVD and do you think that could be the problem?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

Storage, Drives & Media

DVD + R software question

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