AVI to DVD then DVD Shrink ?

[iceblueboy2003]

Hi Please help me. I do apologize for being a newbie. I've just got a new burner and can't do a thing with it. I've got so many programs and my head is spinning.

I have a number of files which are in the AVI format and what I wanted to do was to burn them to DVD. However when I use Ulead DVD Movie Factory to burn them to DVD I find that they convert to about 5 gig each (some are a bit more). My aim is to just burn my AVI files (most are about 700 MB to DVD format onto a DVD-R...

So I thought great I'll use DVD Shrink and shrink them but it won't let me shrink an AVI file only a DVD ripped file...

I tried using TMPG enc on Winmpg to convert it to a DVD file which I hoped I could use in DVD Shrink but I don't think it's the right kind of file for using in DVD shrink as it wants a DVD Navigation file and everything I do just converts it to a single folder.

I tried using DVD Decryptor but it only lets me open files off a disk. I know that I am doing something wrong and I've tried searching on the site.....PLEASE someone steer me in the right direction so I know what I'm doing

Thanks : )

[Baldrick]

Convert the avi to the right dvdr size directly(4.38GB). You should never convert something twice(every time you convert again you will lose video quality).

In ulead dvd movie factory use compressed mpeg audio instead of uncompressed pcm/wav audio and then it usually will fit. Or use another all in one converter and authoring tool like neodvd and use ac3 audio(also compressed audio). Or convert the avi to dvd mpg using tmpgenc and then author it to a dvd.

[iceblueboy2003]

Hey thanks heaps for that.

The only bid I don't understand is how you were saying to convert the file using TMPGenc to DVD mpeg format and then author to DVD.

I know how to use TMPGenc to get it to the DVD format but not sure what you mean about authoring it to a DVD.

Only joined the site yesterday and can't believe there are so many helpful guys out there that are willing to help. It's great and thanks so much.

[Baldrick]

After you converted with tmpgenc you should have a mpg file or a mpg file with a wav/mp2 file. Use them when you author(=make the dvd structure and optional menus and such). You can for example use ulead dvd movie factory and add the mpg file and create menus and burn it. If ulead still want to convert it again I would recommend another authoring and burning tool like tmpgenc dvd author, add the mpg and author and burn. (click on the software links for guides).

[rlegault]

iceblueboy2003 if you just want to use one prog, get Ulead DVD workshop and it doesn't overestimate the file size. Therefore you can take the AVI and author it to a single DVD.

[overloaded_ide]

Once you get the file to a mpeg2 with tmpgenc, then you use a DVD authoring program to make a DVD

Tmpgenc plus will convert your avi to an Mpeg2 file, You need to open that Mpeg2 file with a dvd authoring program! I like Tmpgenc DVD author program myself. Then you make the actual DVD. What ever you want to do, menus chapters ect, and the program creates the DVD files needed, .ifo .bup .vob files.

[iceblueboy2003]

Thanks Heaps. So basically I need to convert my file from AVI to DVD (mpeg 2) format using tmpgenc and then open it in one of the authoring programs to make all the folders for the DVD. I know heaps more than I did an hour ago that's for sure.

Is there any way instead of burning my DVD files to the hard drive in a format so that I can open it in DVD Shrink and shrink it down......I know there are two options in output settings in ulead dvd movie factory, one that says "create DVD folders" and one that says it creates an .iso file.....or am I just going on about nothing and I shouldn't bother with DVD shrink. Just thinking that I still won't be able to fit them on one disk that's all. I think I better by TMPG dvd author or that NeoDVD thing as it sounds heaps better than the ulead one I have at the moment.

[FOO]

I think you could have done it as you originally wanted IF
you can find and change the encoding settings in MF2. They
were simply set at too high a bitrate
However Most people don't like the encoder in MF2 and use something else.

I always "create folders" for the simple reason that you can easily
play the movie with WinDVD or something to check it out before
you make a coaster.

[iceblueboy2003]

Baldrick or someone....one last final question.

Just wondering about this bit.....
Convert the avi to the right dvdr size directly(4.38GB). You should never convert something twice(every time you convert again you will lose video quality).

Which program is it that I use to convert the avi to the right dvdr size directly (ie. 4.38GB). I couldn't see any options in TMPG that allowed me to select what size I wanted the file.

Also in DVD Movie Factory Two I went to add video file which came up as 5 Gig or something and I couldn't find where the option is to change the audio settings to use compressed mpeg audio instead of uncompressed pcm/wav audio....there were some options in audio but they didn't change the size of the file at all...

Please, everyone's been so helpful I feel like a complete idiot but still can't use my burner cause all the files are tooooooo big.....

[FOO]

If you use the Wizard in TMPGenc, at near the end of it
you will be shown the size of the final result, and be given
the option of adjusting the bitrate to make the size whatever you want.
It will also convert your audio to MP2

If you don't like that there are calculators to figure it out for you on this site

[FulciLives]

Ulead's DVD MOVIE FACTORY 2 has an option section where you can adjust the bitrate. There are preset templates but in the advanced mode you can make the bitrate whatever you want.

So add up the running time of all of your clips and use a bitrate calculator to determine the bitrate you should be using.

For the total size you want to fall a bit shy of the DVD limit so I would try setting the bitrate calculator to around 4200MB to be safe you have enough overhead for the menu design etc.

Here is an excellent bitrate calculator:

https://www.videohelp.com/calc

BTW you will get better quality overall if you use TMPGEnc and master using it then you will using the encoder built into MF2

- John "FulciLives" Coleman

P.S.
Don't use PCM sound in MF2 as it makes the file size REALLY large ... you want to use MP2 audio or MPEG LAYER II

[iceblueboy2003]

OH MY GOD...I actually understand everything about the bitrate and all that now and found where it was in the Ulead DVD Movie Factory 2 so I can change the bitrate and make it fit on a disk. The bitrate calculator rocks and makes it sooooooo easy to work out. Thanks everyone for all your help.....burning my first one now and it FITS....yay....

Thank you all for your help and guidance and most of all PATIENCE with a newbie..... :P