From 5.1 Surround Mix To Dvd Audio, how to & what to use Options

[gordonmarsh]

Greetings,

Forgive me if this issue has been addressed on macmusic.org, but I've failed to find anything on the archives.

I'm using Cubase SX3 to create 5.1 mixes of original compositions and to add sound to video, all of which I want to produce on DVD. I've only recently noted the difference between burning and authoring, and only recently have a realized that Cubase SX3 appears NOT to have the necessary Dobly encoder to get my mix to DVD. In short, from what I can tell now, Cubase SX requires a $1000 Dolby/DTS decoder plug-in, the same plug-in that's found in Nuendo ($2000). Ouch! Perhaps, if I invest in Final Cut Pro, I wouldn't need to add the plug-in to Cubase - and for the low low price of $1300. Whee!!!

QUESTIONS:

1. Am I right so far? Are things better with either Digital Performer or Logic Audio? I suspect it's the same situation. I'm using Cubase, because I have to work on both Windows and Mac. Bummer.

2. What's the best (most efficient, economical) product/method for me to get from creation to product?

3. If I invest in Final Cut Pro (the only place one can get DVD Studio Pro), will I be able to load my exported Cubase 5.1 mixdown into DVD Studio Pro and author a DVD there, since Studio Pro appears to include the necessary decoder?

My Set-Up
Dual 2.3 GHz PowerPC G5 with 2 GB RAM (OSX 10.4.5)
MOTU 828 Firewire Audio (bundled with Glyph MProject external hard disk)
DVD writer/burner: SONY DVD RW DW-Q28A

I've spent a lot of time on line and reading articles, and I can't find a straight-out description of how to complete the step from mix to DVD. Information from someone would be a welcome revelation!


Thanks in advance!