DVD Authoring Question

[wjbode]

Just a quick question for those of you with DVD writers: What 
disc authoring program do you use? The software I got with my DVD-
A04 drive is CyberLink PowerDirector Pro (PD), but I can't figure out 
how to use it properly. It seems like the only MPEG-2 format it will 
accept is 720x480 CBR 5000. If your input file is not in this 
format, PD re-encodes it.

I encoded a DivX AVI using TMPEG and got a very nice looking MPEG 
which was about 1.5 GB in size. When I import it into PD, the file 
size shoots up to 4.8 GB and I can't burn it to DVD. I got the trial 
version of Ulead DVD Movie Factory (DMF), and it likes the format (no 
re-encoding). However, DMF has problems with NTSC-Film movies, 
making it a lot less useful. 

So, back to my question. What DVD authoring program is the best 
for entry-level disc creation? Does any program out there support 
all the goodies (NTSC-Film, VBR or CQ MPEG, MP2 audio, chapters, 
etc.) but doesn't cost $5000? Your comments and suggestions would be 
greatly appreciated! Thanks!

-- Wyatt Bode