DVD-lab PRO 2.52

Overview

DVD-lab PRO is a DVD authoring package for people who excel at producing excellent professional DVD creations. The software features are on the high-end when it comes to DVD authorship.

The created DVD can include multiple aspect ratios to suit different screen ratios, resolutions and orientations. Multiple audio streams and multiple subtitle packages can be added to a DVD disc in order to provide audio in different dubbed languages or a commentary track, and subtitles in a variety of languages as well. Multiple angles can be incorporated into a DVD so that playback can be varied (sporting moments can be viewed from different camera vantage points, for instance).

DVD menus can be created with attractive textured backgrounds. Menus can be delayed so they appear each time the introductory sequence loops through. Chapter lists, play lists, and custom lists can be created to suit the type of DVD project being produced. Splice a complete movie into segments that can be addressed with its own named chapter heading to create natural start and stop points. Use software wizards to help create a DVD just how it is wanted.

Installation

The installation proceeds without any issue. An immediate prompt about the 30 day trial and then another suggesting the creation of a default project appear. The target system needs to be set between European PAL or American NTSC. There is a choice of several different types of movie projects that can be setup or an existing one can be loaded in.

Requires Windows XP, Vista or 7 (32-bit or 64-bit)

Interface

The interface itself is pretty overwhelming at first. Extensive menus and toolbar button options line the top of the application window. The Project pane sits on the left side. The Connections and Movie 1 windows sit nearby. The Assets pane sits near the bottom of the application window. There are mini tabs within the Assets pane which when clicked will display all the different types of assets available in that category from DVD backgrounds, controls, plug-ins, and more.

A preview window is positioned in the bottom-right corner ready to play the DVD creation.

It is clearly a complex package with a huge number of customizable options as is evident with the interface design.

Pros

• Fully-fledged professional DVD creation to turn out commercial-quality DVD packages
• Create dynamic menus, with their own chapters, backgrounds, controls, animations, and more
• Build DVDs for the PAL or NTSC format markets
• Supports multiple angles, languages, aspect ratios, audio tracks and subtitle tracks
• Complex, but well laid out interface

Cons

• Will take time to learn in order to get the most out of this professional-level DVD creation software

Conclusion

DVD-lab Pro is a professional DVD creation package which will deliver a top-grade commercial DVD that could be released to retail channels.