MPEG2 to DVD w/o VOB files?

[jimmyjojo]

Hi all, just a quick question about converting avi -> mpeg2 -> dvd video.

I've been reading threads here and I've noticed some people say that they use SonicDVD something or other and convert their mpeg2 into VOB files that are compliant w/ DVD to be viewed on stand alone players.

I was always under the impression that you can burn mpeg2 directly onto dvd and that can be viewed on any stand alone dvd player.

Is this extra SonicDVD-vob file step necessary? After reading this forum extensively, I think this is what I must do:
avi -> mpeg2 (via TMPGEnc) -> dvd (via authoring program, aka Nero).

Am I correct? Or do I have to do the vob file creating?

Thanks!

[Tommyknocker]

Well, if they rip from a DVD then they have to take the VOBs and put them on a DVD. If you have a compliant MPEG, you can have a program like Nero Express or MyDVD burn the MPEG for you.

[Ripper2860]

Some (but very few) DVD Players will support RAW or ISO/UDF burned MPEG-2 files and play them. Typically the player will load a folder list and you use the remote to navigate to the file you wish to play. Few systems will play them from CD-R's, I would guess even less play them via DVD+/- R media.

Best bet -- encode/re-encode (if required), author and burn as a compliant DVD.

[SaSi]

Most players don't really parse the DVD file system. If they find a DVD inside, they consider it to be a valid DVD Video disk and these work with direct sector seek based on the IFO file contents.

(That's why most DVD players won't play MP3s out of a DVD, because they don't read the file system).

Mine, a yamakawa, will play an MPEG2 multiplexed video file off a DVD +/- R(W), but, will only play the first Gigabyte of it. The rest is ignored.

However, it's a good feature to use, since small test clips (200-300Mb each) can be recorded on the DVD+RW for proof viewing on the player and TV. Hate to author a DVD and then find out that the encoding was messy.

[jimmyjojo]

THanks all,

I should be more specific. I have digital video footage captured in avi format on my hard drive. I want to *somehow* burn this onto a dvd and play on dvd players. The guides on this site don't require the mpeg2 to be converted into vob files. But commercial dvd's are all in vob files.

So i was just wondering if this step was necessary? It seems that Nero will adequately burn mpeg2 dvd's playable on dvd stand alones?

Ripper2860: what method do you suggest in burning a "compliant dvd"?

[Ripper2860]

My recommendation based on what I've read and my SVCD experience, would be TMPGEnc to encode a DVD compliant MPEG-2 file and use TMPGEnc DVD Author to author the DVD. Nero can also be used to Author, but it is better used as the tool to burn the DVD.

However, I'll defer to someone with more experience, as I use a Intervideo WinDVD Creator to do DVD's for me. Not very versatile, but easy to use and works.

[jimmyjojo]

Thanks everyone for their help,

After much trial and error, this is what I've found to work:

1) Capture DV footage from Digi Camcorder via Firewire w/ Windows Movie Maker (setting on DV-AVI)
2) Encode the avi to mpeg2 via TMPGEnc (this takes HOURS!!!)
3) "Author" the resulting mpeg2 into vob-dvd ready files w/ TMPGEnc Author
3a) DVDshrink (free!) the vob files if it's over 4.3 gigs
4) Burn w/ Nero
5) Play on standalone dvd player

I'd love to hear what works for other people...