Please recommend DVD authoring software

[mudster]

Until I uploaded a DVD here, no one seemed to give a damn how it was authored as long as it played. I have always used a standalone deck, as that is what I could afford at the time. However, I guess the norms change as software improves and people become more used to the improved results. So, I'd like to be able to properly put chapters in and make nice title menus. I have "sonic record-now" on my computer, but it is REALLY slow and cumbersome.

I need recommendations for good software for DVD authoring.

I also need this question answered: With authoring software, can I capture the video on my standalone, then reauthor to create a title menu and correct chapters? If not, I need video card recommendations too, because my video card only allows digital input, so I can't convert VHS.

Thanks in advance. Once I get things converted, my wife will also thank you as I have literally a room full of boxes of great music on VHS@

[pawel]

Mac or PC?

[mudster]

Sorry! PC please

[pawel]

So, you have a link above - in short:
* GUI for dvdauthor = freeware, very good
* DVD-Lab Pro = < $250, has some issues with quality of motion menus; no built-in converter (avi, etc.)
* Pegasys TMPGEnc = most recent is TMPGEnc Authoring Works 4. Probably like any other previous version, except 1.6, may force video re-encoding, and doesn't support non DVD standard resolution like 544x576 (some DVB broadcasts). Very good menu quality; templates; easy. Has built-in video and audio converter, may capture from a camera. It supports Blu-ray as well. $100
* Others like Ulead, Adobe, Nero very often force re-encoding without any control over it.

Here you will find details and reviews of video capturing cards for VHS material.

[bosscheech]

Definately go w/ DVD-Lab Pro or TMPEGEnc. DO some quick research on them both, and see which one you like more. I know DVD-Lab has a free 30-day trial, not sure about TMPEGEnc.