mpeg 2 - conversion & authoring to DVD

I need to convert to various files such as mov and avi etc to mpeg-2 and then hopefully author to DVD

I need the flexibilty of being able to load mpeg files onto an atlab media server or to be played in a DVD player or played from a computer.

But unfortunately lost in the maze of romats codec streams and countless variations.
Using Final cut studio 2 - including compressor and DVD studio pro
have mpaeg stream clip
but whats the most efficient way

Shouldn it be easy?

castlemaine