GPS tech (Garmin, Hammerhead, Wahoo, RWGPS, etc)

Lots of confusion over this on the Garmin forum. Apparently if you own OS maps or City Navigator or whatever you should be able to install them into Basecamp. However Basecamp cannot read the SD or MSD cards, meaning you have to call Garmin and get them to post you a DVD.

Seems like a fail to me.

There is a way to convert the .img file on the sd card to be readable by basecamp using gmaptool and cgpsmapper.
Essentially these split the .img file into tiles and also create an installer for them for mapsource or basecamp.

Not really good enough though is it? Seems unfinished.

So I'm about to purchase CIty Maps Europe but am wondering if getting the DVD or SD card is the better option. I want to plan some routes which I intend on doing in Italy during August, thus can I just get the SD card and plan using Basecamp? From Howard's comments above it doesn't look like it.

If I buy the DVD, how do I transfer to my Garmin 800 as I have no SD card!

Thanks in advance.