???Adobe Encore vs. DVD Studio Pro???

Hello dear Encore-forum users ;-)
I've been working with DVD Studio Pro for nine years now and never had ANY trouble with it,
no crashes, no errors, no funny behaviour of DVDs, just smooth and clean!
The only draw-back right now unfortunately is that DVD Studio Pro can't author BluRay-Discs!
But our clients are starting to demand this more and more!
So I was looking around and Adobe Encore OR Scenarist from Sonic seem to be the choice!
Now when I looked through the forum here, I was surprised how many people report lots of
crashes, unpredictable behaviours and all sorts of errors and/or bugs which gave me doubts
about ENCORE. So my question is:
Can some of you guys tell me something about your experience with ENCORE? Is it something
you would recommend? If yes, WHY? Is BluRay-authoring fine or full with problems? Can it do
Multi-Angle and/or Mixed-Angle-Tracks? Can you incorporate other files like PDFs, JPEGs,
.doc-Files etc etc and have them open directly out of the DVD-Menu when you press a button?
(In DVD Studio Pro you have the DVD@ccess-option). What would you guys say would be the
reasons to choose Encore over DVD Studio Pro? (Please no MAC- / PC-bashing since the end
result counts; a fully functional DVD!)
I'm very curious to read your answers, since it will help us to decide which system we'll switch to!
Until then I wish you all pleasant (and successful) authoring and happy clients ;-))))
Cheers,
Steven R

Steven,
I agree with Jeff, that Jon's site would be the place to start.
Also, I think that you'll find very little platform bias here. Now, there are probably many more users on PC, as Encore was PC-only for several iterations, until CS3 went X-platform. That said, the only time that Mac really comes up is when its particular OS might cause something in Encore to fail. Many of the questions get answered, with no indication of the platform being made. I think that I can say that in many years here, I have never read a negative comment against either platform. Also, we probe many of the PC OS's, if they are contributing to errors, etc. The vast majority of subscribers here are just professionals, trying to get our (and other user's) Projects out the door. We don't care if you drive up in a Yugo, or in a Bently (no platform references intended - maybe I should say if you drive up in a Maybach, or a Bently).
I'd offer my positive observations on Encore, but they would be moot, as I am not doing BD, and am using an older version - that will not help you make your decision.
Good luck, and please report what you gather, and on which program you decide. That info might help others (even if they go with a competitor) down the line.
Hunt
PS - welcome to the forum.

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DVD Studio Pro vs. Adobe Encore

Hi folks!
I've been working now with DVDSP for nine years and it ALWAYS did a perfect job, no crashes, no bugs, no strange behaviour on burned discs, no trouble importing .txt-files for subtitles; really a perfect piece of software with awesome opportunities!!!
The ONLY thing that bugs me is it's incapability of authoring Blu-Ray and we're
getting more and more clients asking for this! So my boss told me to look around and find out which application can author Blu-Rays.
I came across Adobe Encore and Sonic's Scenarist. On the Encore-forums there
seems to be a lot of complaints about crashes, bugs, strange behaviour etc. So I'm kinda wondering if that would be the right tool. Or have you guys heard different (positive) things about Encore???
My Question: what do YOU do, when faced with Blu-Ray? I know, Final Cut has an option to turn/burn the content of the timeline into a Blu-Ray-Disc. But you of course have no complex authoring options like scripts and stories. And most of all, you can't view the disc on a MAC (yet)!
So how do you guys deal with Blu-Ray-Jobs?
Ever since HD DVD was "killed", I was waiting for Apple to announce Blu-Ray capabilities for DVD Studio Pro!!! I really hope they won't miss out on it!!!
Let me know what you think, please. This would be very interesting for all DVD Studio Pro users, I guess
Until then, happy authoring!
Cheers,
Steven R.

Encore is useless for BD. You want to look at Netblender's tool:
http://www.netblender.com/main/

Button creation Adobe Encore vs. DVD studio pro (mac only)

I'm sitting here, trying to figure out what to do if you want to create a neat button with transparency quickly.
I remember my time at school where we used DVD Studio pro to create our DVD menues based on photoshop images.
Right now, I am trying to create a menu of that kind but guess what? I can't do it as easyly as it can be made with the other program NOT
designed by Adobe. But, what a shame, I have no mac to use DVD Studio pro -.-
Why isn't it possible to SELECT LAYERS of an image created with a program of the SAME COMPANY to represent the different status on
a DVD menu? It would be soooooo much easier. But no!
"Solid colors only
Elements on these layers must use solid colors and sharp edges. Use one solid color per layer. Do not use gradients, feathering, or anti-aliasing on the subpicture layers. Color gradations are not possible in subpictures." (http://help.adobe.com/en_US/EncoreDVD/4.0/WS2CF5669B-310A-4fa7-A52F-7D01AB25A846.html#WS AC753DA7-21EF-464a-9FC0-8D873658D760)
It's not possible??? Why??? I could create a picture in Photoshop and, later, it would be on your TV just as you saw it already while creating it.
All the annoying prefixes would be needless, too!
Instead I get some ugly colour changes, I have just one colour for a layer (ridiculous!!!) or the writing even disappears for a reason I can't understand...
Encore is a very mighty program, but the button creation is a very nasty work. Like apple showed, There is a way that guarantees a very more easy way.
Please revise this function!
Am I underskilled? Am I wrong? Please comment
sincerely
Elke Kolke

Actually, Button creation is easy in PS, and one can even populate a Menu with Library Buttons in Encore, and then edit them to suit in PS. This latter method saves having to do the Button Layer Set and Layer naming by hand.
"Solid colors only
Elements on these layers must use solid colors and sharp edges. Use one solid color per layer. Do not use gradients, feathering, or anti-aliasing on the subpicture layers. Color gradations are not possible in subpictures." (http://help.adobe.com/en_US/EncoreDVD/4.0/WS2CF5669B-310A-4fa7-A52F- 7D01AB25A846.html#WSAC753DA7-21EF-464a-9FC0-8D873658D760)
This is a limitation of the DVD-specs. and not Encore/PS. One is bound to those DVD-specs. Sub-picture Highlights can ONLY be 2-bit color (either ON, or OFF, plus can have Transparency - think just the opposite of Opacity in PS). There are design ways to create the "illusion" that one has Sub-picture Highlights, that get past the DVD-specs., but those are only illusions. One is still bound to the DVD-specs. This ARTICLE might offer some tips on creating the illusion.
All the annoying prefixes would be needless, too!
Those "annoying prefixes" tell the DVD player how to handle the Buttons. Without those, the player has no clue that you have a Button, and will only display a static graphic.
Jeff Bellune has a great book, The Focal Easy Guide to Adobe EncoreDVD 2.0, Focal Press. Though it was written for an earlier version, 100% of that book still applies, because the DVD-specs. have not changed. He steps one through building custom Buttons in PS for use on a DVD. He also shares a ton of tricks to create illusions within the DVD-specs.
Good luck,
Hunt

Any Mac alternatives to DVD Studio PRO 4

Are there any Mac alternatives to DVD Studio PRO 4.
Well, besides iDVD. It seems like many are switching to Windows to author DVDs and Blu-ray's. I'd rather not do that. Any suggestions?

The only Mac alternative at that level is Adobe Encore. It is no longer being developed but continues to be supported, To get it you need to subscribe to the Premiere Creative Cloud product. Encore is a separate download.
Russ

Why can't I change my subtitles' appearance in DVD Studio Pro?

Hello there.
So, I'm pretty confused. I created an .stl closed caption file in MovieCaptioner which I then imported into DVD Studio Pro. Understandibly (if not, annoyingly), I lost my original subtitle formatting, including font size, color, font, and the black bar I had originally positioned the text over to make it easier to read.
I'm not trying to change the captions within DVD Studio Pro but whenever I select all (or even just select one individual caption) the option to change the coordinates, etc, is greyed out and I can't select anything. And when I hit command + T and change the font, it doesn't do anything to the overall stream. I just want to make the subtitles larger and add a black bar behind them. Not sure what I'm doing wrong..
Thanks in advance!

DVD Studio Pro is only capable of authoring HD DVD, which is an obsolete format, or SD DVD. Unfortunately, it cannot do Blu Ray.
If you want HD, you can make a basic Blu Ray directly from FCPX, or from Compressor, using a Blu Ray burner. If your movie is less than 35 minutes long, you could alternatively make am AVCHD red laser disk, using the Blu Ray template with a DVD optical drive selected as Output Device. (AVCHD disks are HD resolution, but are encoded with somewhat less quality than Blu Ray; nonetheless, they look very good.)
The other HD options for disk delivery rely on third party solutions - including Roxio Toast and Adobe Encore.
Good luck.
Russ

What software does apple have to replace DVD Studio Pro

what software does apple have to replace DVD Studio Pro. have a new imac 27" late 2012 and after data transfer DVD Studio Pro does not work. What can I do? Would it be advisable to go back on the OS to a older vision OS Where DVD Studio Pro was working? Help!!!

Bigdog30 wrote:
what software does apple have to replace DVD Studio Pro.
Afraid they don't have anything to replace DVD SP. Your alternatives are Adobe Encore (which is EOL) or Toast, or IDVD (which can still be found in boxed sets of iLife).
But getting back to DVD SP and your data transfer, what do you mean by that? What exactly did you do and what happened with the application? I'm running it on 10.7 and it works, but it's from the FCS3 suite; is yours FCS2?.
Russ

DVD Studio Pro does BLU RAY? How?

so... i'm using Final Cut Studio 2.
I have an edited footage in FCPRO in this format: XDCAM EX 1080p30
What are the settings in Compressor that i have to use to export my HD project
to make a BLU RAY disc in DVD Studio Pro?
If you don't want to answer me... please give a link to a tutorial or something on this matter...
thanks people!

You can make SDs from HD footage, you can burn HD DVD (sort of) to play on the now defunct HD DVD Player and you can also make hobbled blu-ray discs with the new Final Cut Studio 3. Hobbled meaning not full blown authoring of all the bells & whistles of blu-ray, but basic menu and video stream.
http://www.apple.com/finalcutstudio/whats-new.html (The Final Cut Studio 3 upgrade is $299 in the U.S.)
http://www.apple.com/finalcutstudio/specs/ (blu-ray burner needed if you want to burn blu-ray)
Toast also offers limited blu-ray authoring and so does Adobe Encore (a bit more)

DVD Studio Pro & Blu ray

Hello
I'm hoping someone can help me. I'm looking to start burning BluRay projects, have a burner although after doing a lot of forum searches etc i see DVD studio pro won't burn to blu ray discs. They have HD DVD burning but i'm guessing that's not blu ray. I'm guessing DVD studio pro will never be blu ray compatible or has someone found a way to burn to blu ray? I need to author menus so compressor isn't really an option for me but i haven't a clue what would be a good alternative software. Is there one which has buttons etc like DVD studio pro?
Many thanks
Kaylee

DVD SP was discontinued by Apple over two years ago; there is, unfortunately, no chance that it will ever support Blu-Ray.
One affoordable option for authoring Blu-Ray on the Mac is Roxio's Toast Titanium.
Another, higher end alternative is Adobe Encore.
Good luck.
Russ

July 2014 Blu-Ray Authoring Software comparable to DVD Studio Pro

Well, there have been a number of threads related to this question. The biggest problem with ALL of those threads is they get high jacked with people OPINIONS about the need to author Blu-Ray. SO let me start by saying if you intend to replay with "just use a dvd" or "no one uses blu-ray make downloadable content" or whatever your personal opinion is as to why I shouldn't need to author custom Blu-Rays like I could with DVD Studio Pro (DVDSP), Don't bother posting in this thread. I have a legitimate need with a focused purpose and currently have not found a tool that allows me to do what I need for my business. Although I am getting by with available tools, I am not happy with the product I am giving to customers.
What I would like to find is a blu-ray authoring tool that allows from more than a basic menu and play function. In particular I need my blu-ray to play a short video before showing the menu. In DVDSP, this can be done very easily, but obviously its not HD.
If you know of a current tool, ideally MAC compatible but I am open to a good PC tool. That allows for blue-ray authoring beyond very basic menus like please share it.
Current Software I have tried that don't fit the bill:
Roxio Toast 11 : only allows for very basic menus
FCPX: Again only basic menu.
Compressor: Even Less...
I don't mind spending a a bit on a known good tool, but I don't really want to spend 3000$ to do this simple task either.
Thanks so much for anyone that shares useful information!

I believe Encore is the best option after all my research. It is available once you subscribe to the new Adobe Creative Cloud.
I will say one thing that has worked for me as a blu-ray alternative, is to export the videos into a AppleTV/ iPhone / iPad compatible format (MPEG-4 .m4v) from FinalCut or QuickTime. The format is also windows compatible so it works regardless of the customers computer preference. A number of dvd / blu-ray players also support the m4v format.
I do wish that there was a good Blu-Ray authoring tool for MAC outside of Encore but at least Encore exist for the time being. I do find it interesting that Adobe also chose not to offer an authoring tool in their latest creative suite. If you can afford the 3k the Sony tool is pretty amazing FYI, even though its only PC.

Layered Menu like Apple's DVD Studio Pro

I'm trying to find out if you can create layered menu's like you can in DVD Studio Pro? I don't want to use highlights or subpicture, but a rollover image created in Photoshop.

Yes, you can create layered menus.
I find doing it in Photoshop best.
http://help.adobe.com/en_US/encore/cs/using/WS2C3F3ABD-6457-4ca0-898F-720B7E3D0C10.html
But DVDs use highlghts, with their limitations, so I wonder what you intend? Are you doing bluray?

DVD Studio Pro features in FCX?

DVD Studio Pro being discontinued, does FCX offer (at least) the same features? (Like adding subtitles to an existing DVD)

I don't believe there are switchable subtitle tracks in iDVD. You probably want to look at Adobe Encore.

Need DVD Studio Pro - not Final Cut

I'm doing volunteer work for an organization that trains dogs for the disabled. All I need is DVD Studio Pro.... Why has Apple bundled it? The expense is far too high for someone who doesn't need the rest of the software. Is there any way to get DSP 4? Perhaps used?

On a Mac the only options are iDVD and DVD Studio Pro... unless you want to work in OS9 and can find (or afford) a copy of Sonic Fusion or Sonic Creator.
By far the best way forward is to try to find a copy of DVDSP on eBay, or to invest in the whole bundle...
On a PC the options are far more numerous, with lots of offerings from Sonic, plus Adobe Encore to get you started off. If you are looking for something a lot more sophisticated, then look at DVD Lab which is very reasonably priced and gives great access to the features of the DVD spec.

Apple DVD player cropping Pal DVDs created in DVD Studio Pro

Very strange phenomenon going on here: I own a 17 inch macbook pro, purchased in Canada. I live in the UK now and sometimes am required to make Pal DVDs in DVD Studio Pro. When I do this and pop them in to play, the apple DVD player (in Leopard & Snow Leopard) crops the top and bottom off the 16:9 DVD. When I exit full screen mode and then re-enter it, the DVD appears as it should (without cropping). However, when I produce a Pal DVD in Adobe Encore and do the exact same thing, it always plays perfectly on the first try. This must be some sort of a bug, but it hasn't been reported by anyone on the net. I've tried reinstalling the operating system, as well as deleting the preference files of both DVD Studio Pro and the Apple DVD player. What is going on?

I used to see that too, on my 15" Macbook but put it down to a glitch in the video rendering - it certainly isn's a DVDSP issue, but lots of folk have seen it. Discs that show this on DVD Player should play back fine in a set top box. If they don't there's a further issue to solve!

DVD Studio Pro 4.2.1 and Blu Ray

If I buy an external Blu Ray burner can I burn Blu Ray wedding videos from DVD Studio Pro or do I have to use Toast 9/10?

I want to stick with FCS but need the blue ray option.< </div>
We just don't have a solid grasp of complex BD production around here because this is the Final Cut forum. We've got some dabblers who, you've seen, have contradictory suggestions and their ability to asssit you is limited by their experience and your needs. If you're patient enough, some experts will drop by. But I wouldn't count on it.
If you need sophisticated BD output, you want to hire a BD shop. The economics might not appear to be rational until you evaluate what you will pay yourself to learn a new programming/authoring tool and buy a BD burner.
"Not being to go out for replication" implies the file structure from Encore or Toast is not compatible with the needs of the big duplication houses. You'd want to work with them carefully if you need their services.
bogiesan

What compressor settings settings are best for 1080i to output to DVD using DVD Studio pro?

What compressor settings settings are best for 1080i to output to DVD using DVD Studio pro? I used FCP 6, exported using Quick Time.

DVDs are only SD. There was at one time HD-DVDs, which DVD SP and Compressor can make, but HD-DVDs will only play in Macs and, now obsolete HD-DVD players. HD-DVDs will not play back in standard DVD players or Blu-Ray players. If you want to make a "DVD will be played on DVD player for TV" disc, your only choice is SD.
If you want HD video on a disc, then you want Blu-Ray. You will need a Blu-Ray burner (Apple does not make a Blu-Ray burner so you will have to buy a third-party Blu-Ray burner), Blu-Ray discs and software that will make a Blu-Ray disc. That could be the latest version of Compressor, or FCPX, or Toast, or Encore.

???Adobe Encore vs. DVD Studio Pro???

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