Newbie looking for guidance

[Bubba]

I have recently purchased a HDD camcorder which records in mpeg2 and Dolby Digital 5.1. I am looking for software that will allow me to easily make home DVD's with your typical menus and chapters but be able to preserve my 5.1 audio.
The generic software that came with the camcorder will allow me to make DVD's in 5.1 (which I have done and played successfully on my home theatre system) but every mpeg2 is a different title, it won't let me make one title with multipe chapters.
I have purchased software from two separate companies, both of which said that their software would preserve the 5.1 audio on the final DVD product. Unfortunately neither were able to perform as decribed.
From looking over the Ulead website it appears that Video Studio 10 Plus will be able to do what I am looking for. However, reading through the forum discussions, changing 2.0 to 5.1 is discussed but does anyone know how the software will treat my mpeg2's since they are already in 5.1?
Will I need to go through the same process as assigning audio to particular speakers? I am hoping it will handle it as is and not change anything, but would like some input as well.

Also, I am planning on downloading the trial version and playing with it but is it the same as the full version?

Sorry but one more quick question, I have researched other software and noticed on some forums discussions "activation keys" have been brought up. Something about the software can do a function but you must purchase additioanal "activation keys" for it do so. Does Ulead work in this manner as well?

How it tech support with Ulead?

Sorry to rampbel but bear with me I am new at this.

Thanks

[Bignosetw]

Hi there

What model camcorder is it?

Be aware that VideoStudio 10's trial version doesn't include the Dolby Digital codecs, because there is a fee for that.

If you pull a Dolby Digital 5.1 file into UVS 10, it will maintain its channel separation, and you can burn a DVD like that. You can, however, steer the channels in other directions and adjust their levels if you wish.

There are no additional activation keys in VideoStudio - when you purchase the full version, it's all there

Tobie

[Ron P.]

Sorry but one more quick question, I have researched other software and noticed on some forums discussions "activation keys" have been brought up. Something about the software can do a function but you must purchase additioanal "activation keys" for it do so. Does Ulead work in this manner as well?

How it tech support with Ulead?

Sorry to rampbel but bear with me I am new at this.

Thanks

Hi Bubba,

I would highly recommend if you purchase VS10+ that you either:
1. Buy the full boxed version, or upgrade (which is just a price discount)
2. Buy the full ESD (or upgrade if you qualify).

Using the activation of a TBYB (trial version) seems to have problems with installing patches later on. So when/if you buy, uninstall the trial version and install the full version.

Tech support can be a pain sometimes. Recently I have not had any issues with them, others have. The best way is to use the on-line report form, and not just email them.

Ron P.

[Bubba]

Tobie:

I have the new SONY DCR-SR100 HDD camcorder.
So far I am very happy with it, especially since our last camcorder is an old VHS-C and over 7 years old, what a difference. I have taken it on vacation and have burned DVD's in DD 5.1 using the supplied software just to view. As as I stated earlier I can't make chapters and merge mpeg2's or add transitions and effects, but I am very happy with the final product in regards to audio and video. I really like the DD 5.1 feature with the camcorder because when I view the DVD's in DD 5.1 it sounds so much better than the 2.0. (Sorry for the commercial)
Thanks for the info on the trial version not having DD 5.1 capability, if I didn't know that and tried it out I would never buy the full version.
But since I do know now I might still try the trial version and experiement a little.
From your insight can I assume you have UVS10 and are happy with it?

Ron P.:

I understand what you are saying about uninstalling the trial version prior to installing the full version and I will if I pursue that route.
Sorry for my ignorance but I understand what you mean by buying the full box version but what do you mean by "full ESD".
You mention patches, has UVS10 had many patches?
Does Ulead email you when one is available or is there an "update" option somewhere in the toolbars?

Thanks both of you, you seem to have good insight and knowledge on the software.