While still quite pricey, costs for DVD authoring platforms are coming down steadily as the format gathers momentum.

Microboards Technology Inc., has just announced shipping for DVD AuthorSuite, an affordable, complete DVD creation package which combines DVD authoring software (DVDAuthorQUICK), and Pioneer’s S 20l DVD-R recorder with a Zapex ZP 300 capture and compression card. It is priced at $24,995, and has all the features and functions of authoring systems priced 100 percent higher.

DVDAuthorQUICK version 2.0’s logical hierarchical structure was designed for creating quick and easy informational titles such as KIOSK, corporate presentations, instructional training and video manuals. It also features a multi-task environment and adds authoring for karaoke, cartoon animation, and even full-length feature films.

The Zapex MPEG-2 encoder for video, Dolby Digital, AC-3 two channel and 5.1 Surround Sound has an easy to operate GUI interface that non-MPEG users can implement to frame accurate stop/start encoding. An off-line encoding feature is a plug-in for a non-linear video editing such as Adobe Premiere. The encoder is a board level device that operates on a PCI bus. Pioneer’s S 201 DVD-R recorder has a 4.7 GB capacity and the output and media are compatible with all DVD playback devices.

System requirements include Windows NT operating system with 350 MHz, 128 MB minimum memory, SVGA video card, 18 GB HDD recommended, and DLT2000XT or
DLT4000XT drive are recommended.