I was thinking of purchasing the Panasonic TZ7 (same as ZS3 in US), I also needed the video to be compatable with Studio 12,  here is a link to a test clip http://img.photographyblog.com/reviews/panasonic_lumix_dmc_tz7/sample_images/panasonic_lumix_dmc_tz7_01.mts which is 1280x720p h264 @ 50 fps (uk model is 50fps, US is 60 ...

I can't vouch for Vista compatability, but there is no issues with Canon XHA1 or HV20 and Studio Ultimate 12 and importing in HD to a PC running Windows XP Professional (32 bit), I have had no problems with both these camcorders.

I wonder if opting NOT to Recode entire movie will make a difference.

I agree with this, for me results have looked better NOT using progressive when outputing (or when filming in the first place) and I prefer the BluRay in MPEG (it'll certainly compiles in Studio a lot quicker as well), I only use BluRay AVC when the project won't fit on the disc because it is too large, Studio12 won't compress BluRay MPEG to fit ...

I would take the disc to a local dvd player retailer (reckon on you want to buy one) and try various players to see if its an issue only with your Sony.

I would try the discs on other makes of dvd player, do they work on your own for instance ? failing that, try a different make of disk AND also try burning the project without the menu incase there is a glitch in it.

sixofus: 2. I have read that all of these tools require lots of horsepower to avoid crashing, studdering, extreme slowness, etc. Do you recommend more horsepower than the following components? i7-920 2.66GHz 4GB DDR3 SDRAM 640GB SATA (7200 rpm) 512MB ATI RADEON HD 4850 I'm not familiar with other software but I know Studio does a good ...

Is your menu the first thing in your Studio timeline (other than a title if you have one) ? Have you tried another menu, maybe a preset one from Studio. ? Also try your discs on a different player.

  In SETUP / CAPTURE SOURCE you can set your tv standard to PAL or NTSC (on European versions of Studio, apparently US versions only have NTSC option) so I figure setting this correctly may set defaults for the output.   fyi:  My copy of S11 Ultimate was purchased here in Oklahoma.  Both PAL and NTSC options are ...

Workaround ? I just put an mp3 in the Music Track (at the bottom) and trim it to length of the menu (slightly shorter) .. works on my BR discs.