• Platform:   Windows XP / 98 / NT / Me
• Media: CD-ROM
• Item Quantity: 1

This is one of the simplest DVD authoring tools, not because it doesn't have enough tools (it has all you need for simple DVDs) but because it's very easy to use, guiding you through the process step by step. You start by gathering the content you want on the DVD: you can add existing movie clips (including AVI, MOV, QuickTime and MPEG formats), capture video from a camcorder or import video that's already in DVD format. There are simple editing features so you don't have include a whole video; you can set the start and end points for each clip. You can also replace the video sound with your own audio, split one video into multiple chapters, or join two clips together.

DVD Movie Factory 2 can now create slideshows of still images too, with background music. You get useful tools, like buttons to rotate images if they're the wrong way round, and you can add a whole directory of images and then choose the order to show them in. If your photos need more editing, there's a version of Photo Express on the CD. More detailed commands are on pop-up menus, hidden behind colourful icons so if you want you can choose the video quality, customise the navigation or turn off the anti-flicker filter, but you get good results on the default settings.

If you don't have a large hard drive, you don't need to fill it up with captured video files; Disc-Direct lets you pick a menu template and transfer the video straight from your camcorder to the DVD. There are plenty of good-looking menu templates so you can just type in your titles and burn the disc, but if you want more options you can pick your own background picture, choose some background music and customise the menu by picking position, number and size of the buttons (from around 50 layouts) and changing the style of the controls and the frame around each button. You can also choose which frame you use for the button images. It's simpler than drawing the layout from scratch and gives you lots of options for the look you want.

If you split a video clip into chapters, you get a sub menu for the chapters; if you're choosing your own background image you can decide if you want it on one menu or on all of them, but if you're picking from the templates you choose that for each menu individually. When you finish the menu the DVD player lets you see how your menu will work, and you can go back a stage at any point to change things; you can even edit video clips you've already burned onto CD to trim out sections you don't want. If you're not ready to burn a DVD, you can save an image to burn later, or save the whole project, and you can copy DVDs you've already created.

There are plenty of new features in this version and it's easier to use as well as being more powerful. The friendly new interface makes it more obvious what you can do and how to do it; if you want a simple way to create good-looking DVDs from video clips that don't need much editing, DVD Movie Factory 2 is ideal. ––Mary Branscombe

Manufacturer's Description
With your own videos, make DVDs and Video CDs that look and act just like Hollywood DVDs to share with friends, family and business associates. Ulead DVD MovieFactory 2 uses the latest in DVD technology to give you professional results, while making the process fun and easy.

Get Video from Anywhere Get video from camcorders, VCRs, TVs - even from finished DVDs! Easily grab pictures from your digital camera, scanner or camcorder, using Photo Express 4.0 My Custom Edition Plus.

Technology the Pros Use Separate your child's birthday video from your cousin's wedding video with automatic scene detection. Make changes and add video when you like with powerful re-editing features to re-recordable discs. Clean up video and eliminate commercials with easy trim, cut and remove tools. Replace existing audio in your video with music or other sounds.

Get Results Fast Capture video directly from camcorders and other video sources to DVD or CD saving valuable hard drive space! Fix not-so-great photos with Photo Express. Then assemble photo slideshows with your videos and add them to your personalized DVD in minutes! Automatically create scene selection menus just like professional DVDs.

Maximum Creativity Choose from over 60 professional-looking, ready-to-go menu templates. Customize menus with over 150 frames, navigation buttons, backgrounds and preset layouts. Add special text and music for a truly professional DVD. Mix an assortment of these elements to make unlimited DVD menu combinations. Save your favorite customized menus to use for future projects.

Edit your DVD Again and Again Modify any project you make directly on a DVD disc saving you time and hard disc space. Add more episodes of your favorite TV show and cut out the commercials. Save completed projects as a disc image and burn multiple copies for friends and family.

Powerful SharingPlay DVDs or Video CDs on home DVD players or any computer with a DVD-ROM drive and DVD playing software. Store valuable data, such as pictures, word documents and PowerPoint files. Copy your DVDs for family, friends and business associates. Give your discs that polished look with disc labels made with Photo Express 4.0 My Custom Edition Plus.