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Phate2

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23 years ago

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Phate2

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December 29th, 2003 18:00

DVD + R software 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

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    Posted December 29th, 2003 19:00

    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

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    Posted December 29th, 2003 20:00

    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

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    Posted December 29th, 2003 23:00

    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

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    Posted December 30th, 2003 11:00

    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

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    Posted December 30th, 2003 18:00

    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

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    Posted December 31st, 2003 12:00

    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