[inline:95_ian_shepherd.jpg=Ian Shepherd from SRT]
I've been using this application for several years now, and it has literally transformed the way I work for many of my projects. Don't let the apparent simplicity of the interface fool you - it hides a wealth of powerful, sophisticated features. This is even more true of the new version - HDAfterEdit - I am currently working with our beta-testing team to refine and develop the stunning new Cocoa interface and HD support - Blu Ray and HD DVD formatting and editing capabilities, even the ability to convert Standard to Advanced HD DVD content, so you can add HDi features to any HD DVD.
There really is an amazing scope to the program's feature-set. In fact, the new possibilities it opens up have led regular users to coin an entirely new term for working with the software - "Post-Authoring". This is because, as described in the overview, the software works on pre-existing DVD projects - albeit sometimes created specifically for the purpose. We are making further enhancements and modifications to the DVD after the traditional authoring is completed - hence post-authoring.
So, a typical project might proceed something like this:
When you add to the above feature-set the ability to correct bugs from existing authoring applications, or add and remove CSS Copy Protection flags, or add ISRC Codes to your disc, or significantly speed up navigation by re-authoring from scratch, or exploring other available DVDs to learn more about how they have been authored... I hope you can understand why I'm so excited to be involved with this particular piece of software.
You'll find a variety of my articles here, detailing several of the above topics. One of the main areas I have focused on is expanding and enhancing the capabilities of "abstraction-layer" based DVD Authoring applications like Spruce Maestro and DVD Studio Pro. I think their combination of power and ease-of-use often actually makes them a better choice than some of the most expensive authoring software out there; especially when you can repair all of their little quirks using 'Edit.
Some of the articles are quite specific, for example How To Skip Menu Transistions in DVD Studio Pro, whereas others apply equally to a much wider range of authoring applications - Advanced Techniques - Manipulating Menus contains many ideas which will be useful for post-authoring any DVD project, regardless of how it was authored, for instance.
As far as possible I've tried to make the articles self-explanatory, but as a starting point you'll need to be clear on standard authoring techniques in your chosen software, and of course you should read and re-read Ben, Larry and Uli's PDFs and articles.
The other strategy I can't recommend enough is simply using 'Edit to dig around inside commercial discs to see what you can find. It's often interesting, it's a great way to understand the wealth of information that 'Edit makes available to you, and you might pick up some interesting new authoring techniques along the way. Download the Demo, check out the Guided Tour, and ask any questions you may have in the forums.
I hope you enjoy the articles and find something useful and interesting to you.
Cheers,
Ian