Newbie Conversion - AVI to DVD

[Chich]

Hi Guys,

I'm completely new to the conversion game, and have read through the guides trying to find a single program that will convert AVI to DVD and burn.
I've decided to go for WinAVI Converter.

So far I'm very happy with this program. I've converted AVIs and burnt them without a hassle (thanks to the guides on here).
However, I can't get them to play in my standalone DVD players. When I insert the disc, the DVD player just says "Can't Play".
I know these DVD players are capable of playing burnt Discs, as they've worked fine before.
The avi files work fine on my PC using WMP.
Is there something that I'm missing? Do I need any special codecs or something?

Any help would be great.

Thanks.

[tmh]

What is the file structure on your DVD. Explore it and see what folders and file extensions you have. Without knowing what is actually on your DVD it will be tough to know where the problem is.

Also, what brand of media is it? Some players are very particular with different brands of burned DVDs, so I've heard here many times.

[Chich]

Hi,

Yes - I've explored the file structure on the DVD and compared it to a working DVD. Both contain the same file structure (VIDEO_TS and AUDIO_TS) directories.

As for the brand of media - I have many burnt DVDs using the same brand of media that work perfectly fine in my DVD player.

I'm lead to believe that it's got to be something in the way that it's converting from AVI - DVD.

[redwudz]

A single program to convert AVI to DVD will sometimes give you problems because it makes so many compromises to be a all-in-one. It could be any of dozens of things causing your problems.

It takes a little reading, but you might try the 'hard' way. Something like TMPGEnc encoder and TMPGEnc DVD Author. (Or equivalent)

Or try DIKO or TheFilmMachine or other all-in-ones. You never said what kind of AVI. DIVX, XVID, DV, Huffy, etc. Makes a difference. Also the type of sound in the file, PCM, AC3, MPEG layer 2, MP3 VBR. Lots of choices.

The problem may be in the original file, the encoding, the burning program or the burner, or the media.

BTW, WMP will play about anything, DVD compatible or not. You should try WinDVD or PowerDVD to play them.

Also take the original video and check it with AVIcodec, Gspot or Virtualdub and they will tell you the attributes of the file.

[xycer]

do you know if your DVD player will play blank media for sure? i used winavi for a while before and ive never had any problems but now i use Cinema Craft Encoder/TMPGEnc DVD Author for better quality.

[Chich]

I don't know what type of AVI it is.
- How can I find this out?
- What's the difference?
- Do I need to do something different depending on the type of AVI that it is?
- Do I need to change something if the sound is different?
- Is the Pope Catholic?

Yes - I am 10000% sure that it's not the media. I have played burnt DVDs on this media previously.
This is the 1st time that I'm attempting to covert an AVI to DVD, and it's not working..
I know it's not a problem with the burner as I've burnt DVDs on it previously..
I have tried different AVI files, and they all do the same.. This leads me to believe that it's something wrong with my process.

[monzie]

Isnt the Pope Polish? Where's Cathol, is it an island?