Encore DVD is wildly over looked, and usaully bashed, true, 1.0 was, in comparison to most, poor, but it had some good features. I still use 1.5 now and again, when there is a need to. It has great photoshop support. I've recently been setting up my new DVD authoring company, or at least trying to, I found whats needed is... DVD authoring program - I use Spruce DVDMaestro which I bought a long while ago. There are alot out there. Graphics Suite - Such as Adobe Photoshop (the most important), Gimp, Illustrator etc. Video Editing - I've recently upgraded to Avid HD, but still use Adobe Premiere Pro. Plus you can use the audio functions to edit audio (I think) They're the core, also useful are; Compositing Programs - Such as Adobe After effects, Discreet Combustion, Eyeon [Digital] Fusion etc. 3D Packages - Alias Maya, 3DS Max, Softimage etc. Audio Editing - Adobe Audition, Steinberg Nuendo, Sonic Foundry etc. Software encoders - Canopus ProCoder, TMPEng, CCE, Surcode Hardware - Audio & Video encoders It all depends on what you want and how much money you're willing to spend. Adobe Media Suite is a good buy, with most programs you'll be using.