DescentBB

I've done a lot of googling, and there's a lot of contradictory information. As it seems that the D3 community is more than usually competent in these types of things, I was hoping I could get you guys to contribute some of the web resources you find helpful, as well as mentioning any software packages etc.

I'm pretty much brand new to this. I'm interested in learning about the following ATM:

High-End Video Editing Software (Adobe Premiere Pro? Vegas Pro?) Tutorials, etc.

DVD Authoring Software in general. (Is there a package that can start with raw footage/video in various formats and turn it into a DVD playable on my home DVD player?) What is easiest to use, what is BEST to use, etc.

From what I'm finding, there's a lot of 'old' information out there from the pioneering days when it seems like it took 10 different apps to turn one 60 minute video into a DVD playable on most any DVD player. Or is it still that way?

As far as encoding and dvd authoring, I'd recommend the TMPGEnc suite of software. I author all my DVDs with that and it works great. As far as editing is concerned, Premiere is pretty much the standard.

I've been using dvd2svcd (yes it does dvds) along with tmpgenc and virtualdub mod for encoding.

The forums at cdrlabs.com are a pretty good resource on CD & DVD related topics.

I went out and bought the Adobe Digital Video Suite.
it has After Effects, Premiere Pro, Encore, and Audition.
After Effects is an AWESOME post program. Does tons of SFX on text/video/whatever.
Premiere Pro is only the best video editing software out there, IMHO, of course.
Encore is the dvd authoring program. I really like it, and if you have a DLT drive, y ou can create dual sided dvds. Or even if you have the new dual sided dvd burners, it'll work on them. I've created a few commercial dvds with encore, and I really really dig it.
Audition is the sound editor, used to be Cool Edit Pro.
All these programs really integrate well together, but they ain't cheap. DOH
Good luck!

You have the Adobe Video Collection Suite as stated above

then You have Sony's Vegas 5.0 w/Dvd Architect 2.0 programs known as Vegas+DVD Production Suite

For the weekender that does not want to spend 2-3 months learning just the basics of these 2 above then Pinnacle Studio 9

but you can also mix and match programs from any of the suites with an Video Editor like EDIUS

What it all boils down to is your learning curve, your attention span..(hahah )and how deep your pocket is

BTW I would suggest a minimum of two monitors for any of the above