The Windows basded version of Xpress Pro ships with Soresnson Sequeeze for MPEG2 encoding (using the Main Concept encoder) and REEL DVD from Sonic Solutions.
The authoring preference is pretty subjective so it is up to you to decide, but I have made several DVD's using REEL DVD with no problems at all and was very straighfoward. Once you encode your assets, the MPEG2 elementary streams can go to any program of your choice.
Actually it does relate to the question, I separate the three processes of the DVD creation, the video editor, the encoder, and the authoring applications. I equate to buying a stereo system, get the best components you can get that meet the needs of your project and skill set. If Encore is the DVD authoring of choice, so be it!
