How to burn a DVD?

[Magnet]

I am fairly sure at least one person here will be able to help me.

I just got a new laptop that has a DVD burner. The only thing I have burned in the past was CD and that was fairly simple. Just load the mp3 files into the program and tell is to burn. Then you can play it on almost any CD player you want.

What I want to do is burn a DVD so it can play on my DVD player.

I downloaded a couple movies, but they are in .avi file format. I am fairly certain I cant just load the .avi file into the program and hit burn because it will not work on a dvd player.

Do I have to convert the .avi or any other file they might be to to a particular file type? IF so what file type?

I plan on getting DVD+R 16x blank DVD's to burn them.

Thanks for the help.

 

[Imagine]

Never done it myself, but it depends on what you have to work with. If it's a DVD image, burning it straight with a DVD burning software capable of handling image files (I haven't seen one that doesn't yet) should work just fine. If it's a video file, your best bet is finding burning software that can automatically write the necessary meta-data for the DVD player to be able to play the video. There should be plenty of those around, but as I have never done it myself, I can't actually recommend any particular program.

 

[BlueBalls]

Yeah im also interested in how one would do this, I have tried the same thing as Magnet with no results. Someone must know.

 

[Artimus]

What you need is a burning suite capable of converting video files to .VOB files (dvd files).
I use Nero.

Another option is getting yourself a divx compatible dvd player. It'll save tonnes of time and you'll be able to fit in at least 3 times as much content.

One final note - Most dvd players I've encountered are capable of playing VCDs. What that means is if you convert your .avi files to mpegs, and burn those mpegs straight to disc, you should be able to play them.

 

[BlueBalls]

I thought Windows DVD Burner would be my saviour. Ive had this thing running for nearly an hour now and the encoding is just up to 18.3% is it supposed to be this slow?


What can I say this sort of thing isnt my forte :dunno:

 

[Artimus]

I thought Windows DVD Burner would be my saviour. Ive had this thing running for nearly an hour now and the encoding is just up to 18.3% is it supposed to be this slow?

Sounds about par for the course. DVD encoding is not for the feint hearted.

 

[BlueBalls]

Sounds about par for the course. DVD encoding is not for the feint hearted.

32.9% :crash:

 

[Sandman31]

I have used Windows DVD Maker multiple times to burn porn movies and clips. It's a great feature that comes with Windows Vista.

But yes, seems like you can't burn .AVI files which sucks. But you can convert them into WMV in Windows Movie Maker. The quality stays the same.

 

[meesterperfect]

all wmp'ers play avi right?
and most newer dvd players play avi's also I believe, so why convert a smaller file into a bigger one?

 

[tiger1977]

Have you tried using a direct Flame on it yet? Or maybe setting it on a stove for a little while? I'd try the Flame 1st, it usually works best for me.

 

[max0rz]

you have to convert the avi file into dvd format.

the easiest method is using VsoConvertXtodvd
http://www.vso-software.fr/

 

[sleep]

Here is a website that I have found to be most helpful anytime I've needed help with converting video files and burning them to DVD.

http://www.videohelp.com/


I use Nero as well.