I've used Pinnacle Studio for 2 years. It's great! I've made dozens of DVDs with it. You can capture, edit and burn DVDs from this one program.
I've read the bad reviews of Pinnacle Studio too. I was worried, but I liked it so much and I haven't had any major proglems with it. The only thing I do differently is that I let Pinnacle Studio render the files for the DVD, but I burn the DVD with Nero 6. The burning portion of Pinnacle seems to take way too long. I discovered how to burn DVDs with Nero, and it's been smooth sailing ever since!
I've been using Pinnacle Studio for a while now, and I love it. I'd like to try ULead VideoStudio too, just to see if does anything else special. Or Roxio VideoWave 7.
One thing to watch out for... When comparing all the different video editing packages out there, they all seem to argue about who has the most effects, transitions or other useless junk. The only effect I have ever used is slow motion, and the only transitions I use are fade-to-black and dissolve. I have no use for star shaped, window-blinds, curtains, etc. That stuff is childs play. Most of the editors can create 5.1 Dolby digital surround sound... who is doing that at home?
It looks like Roxio has the ability to use up to 14 tracks of video and audio. Now that's something that none of the other products have. Things like that will separate the different packages.
It's pretty much a guessing game. Each of the major software makers are touting their product as being the best thin out there. I suggest downloading a trial version of each. They are all similar in what they do. It will take some getting used to, but all software takes some warming up to.
I like Pinnacle Studio... maybe I'm one of the lucky ones.