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DVD Authoring Software
Assuming the player has passed the hurdle of recognizing and reading the media, it must then go about the task of finding and successfully
playing the content. Unlike older technologies like VHS and audio CD where the playback experience is very predictable, a DVD Video disc is
designed from the outset with flexibility and interactivity in mind. The designers of DVD Video wanted to provide content developers with
tools to create and interact with rich content. Basic menus were an obvious requirement, but more advanced options such as multiple camera
angles, multiple audio tracks, subtitles, seamless branching, and more, were provided.
The Professional Author
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Professional titles are created on very high-end computers and make use of all the various options open to the DVD author to create a
user experience comprised of the main program, directors commentaries, behind the scenes footage and special audio and video effects.
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All of these elements are merged together and a test disc is created, which is then run through a series of highly iterative tests
with a variety of different players and devices to ensure proper playback experience.
- Only then is the disc duplicated (stamped, not authored) and distributed.
Consumers (you and me)
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A very different situation. Consumers need fewer DVD authoring features and we don't have the time or the opportunity to test on lots
of players for compatibility. Consumers expect to create a DVD that plays back properly the first time, and every time.