DVD and Blu-ray
Finding the Best DVD Authoring Software

When I first began researching DVD authoring software a few years ago, I needed something simple and low-cost that could create professional-looking DVD’s. (Blu-ray wasn’t an option at that time).

Since I work on a Mac computer and needed general software for a variety of video projects, the choice was easy: Apple’s iDVD ($79 with iLife package). iDVD includes widescreen templates for 16:9/widescreen and HD projects.

iDVD has a wonderful variety of templates and the program is a snap. There are a lot of customization options providing plenty of nice choices for the beginner or small business.

I wouldn’t necessarily recommend Apple’s iDVD for a major documentary project simply because you’ll want and need more features than iDVD can provide, such as manual encoding/compression options and Blu-ray.

If you’re planning to share, sell or distribute copies of your documentary or movie project, DVD is currently the most popular format. However, Blu-ray discs, which offer superior video quality, are gaining ground. (Although there is debate in early 2009 as to whether the internet and the ability to download HD content will circumvent Blu-ray.)

For information about DVD Burners, Blu-ray Burners or DVD Recorders, go straight to that page.


What is DVD Authoring?

DVD authoring is the process of creating and combining the various elements of a DVD (video clips, artwork, photo slideshows, music, etc) before it is burned to disc.

It’s the process of telling the DVD what to do when someone inserts the disc in a player. Does a video start playing as soon as the disc loads? Does a menu come up that gives the viewer choices such as “Play Movie, Scene Selections, Bonus Features, etc.” Is there music playing under the menu? Can the viewer skip through to each chapter? Are there subtitles?

These are the kinds of choices made during the authoring process. Depending on the complexity of the DVD authoring software you choose, some software comes with pre-made templates, others can be built from scratch.

Typically, the more control and features you want, the more complex and expensive the software.

How to buy DVD Authoring Software

DVD authoring software doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, it could be "free" if it comes bundled with another item you purchase such as video editing software or a DVD Burner. There are three important factors to consider before purchasing DVD authoring software:

• Your Budget



• Your skill level and/or willingness to learn



• Special features needed for your movie project(s), such as subtitling, copyright protection, customized menu’s & artwork, Blu-ray creation, etc.

If you want a truly unique DVD like the ones you see from the big Hollywood studios, then you’re going to have to learn some new skills (or hire someone who is already an expert).

A great professional DVD & Blu-ray authoring software package with tons of great features is Adobe’s Encore CS4. But those special features come at a price. The whole Premiere Pro CS4 start-to-finish video production package retails at $800.00.


What is Blu-Ray?

Blu-Ray (also known as blu-ray disc or BD) is an optical disc storage format. It is the current standard for recording and playing back High Definition video.

Because it can store large amounts of data, more than five times as much as a standard DVD, Blu-Ray allows for much larger and higher quality video files. Plus lots of advanced features such as video games and interactivity with the Net.

(Blu-Ray discs cannot play back on standard DVD players)

If you are creating a feature length documentary in High-Definition, Blu-Ray should be a serious consideration. Although, there is debate about that as you can read in the New York Times article below.

New York Times: January 2009 "The Fuzzy Future of Blu-ray"

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