mixed-moded DVD

[sadkkf]

I know this is a little off-topic, but I'm hoping someone out there has run into this and has a solution.

I've created a video for DVD, but my customer wants the DVD to also contain PDF documents. Has anyone created a mixed-mode DVD? If so, how and with what software?

Thanks!

[Lew]

Also interested in good DVD software.
Not trying to hijack your thread, but am in the market for a DVD burner and software. Anyone have advice on what to get / not get?

[sadkkf]

Hey, Lew--

I use both the Sony dru-500 and TDK Indi. Both are multi format (+/-). Though I like them both, I favor the Sony only because the TDK has a much slower CD read speed.

As far as software goes, I use Ulead's DVD Workshop. Being a 1.3 version, it's only OK. Actually, a little clunky, but it works. I like the fact I can create buttons of any shape (even with transparency). In fact, you can have a totally transparent button for easter eggs if you choose. Sadly, no support for multi-channel audio or subtitles.

I'm interested in Adobe's Encore. That looks promising, but at more than $500, it's a bit pricey.

[mgrusin]

I've been playing with DVD-Lab (http://www.mediachance.com/dvdlab/). It's still maturing, but is already very usable and I think it will be the best inexpensive burning program out there (it's less than $100 but does MUCH more than similarly-priced software such as DVD-It! et. al. The download also gives you an unrestricted 30 day trial).

Anyway, I haven't used this particular feature, but in the Record window there is a button that lets you add file/folders for hybrid DVD writing.

Give the 30 day trial a shot and see if it works for you. (I'm not affiliated with the company, just happy I found them before spending a lot more money on burning software).

Good luck, -MG.

PS, great quote:"Be ashamed to die until you have won some victory for humanity." -- Horace Mann

[sadkkf]

MG--

DVD Lab looks interesting. Wish I spotted this before shelling out $300 for DVD Workshop. :)

I'll d/l the trial version and put it through its paces.

Thanks for the tip!

BTW: Horace Mann is the founder of Antioch College, the school where Rod Serling attended. Amidst all the international news, this quote becomes more significant to me. :)

[mgrusin]

I was seriously considering DVD Workshop and may still get it - I'd really like to hear your thoughts comparing the two.

So far I've been able to get DVD-Lab to do everything I need, but unfortunately clients are used to Hollywood DVDs and ask about those features. :D

I'd love to be able to do advanced stuff like scripting; things like showing a preview before each clip without resorting to multiple copies of the preview, but so far I've had enough space to fake it. A nice feature of DVD-Lab is that it compiles the DVD to hard disk first, so if you know what you're doing you can edit the files before burning. But I do covet the $1000-class software. ;)

-MG

[sadkkf]

I'll be burning another video this weekend so it'll be a good guinea pig for DVDLab. I'll post my results.

I, too, would love to script, but can't really justify the cost of that software.

You're right about the Hollywood DVDs. My clients think if they see it on one DVD, it must be possible to repeat anywhere.

That's why I'd like to try Encore. With multiple audio/subtitle tracks, it brings me one step closer. Perhaps subsequent versions will have scripting.

There's big talk about DVD WS 2.0. No feature leaks, but the release seems imminent. Keep your fingers crossed. :)