Help with .avi conversion to .mpeg to DVD-R with Menu.

[TheEverLiving]

Hi. What I would like to know is; if there is a way I can convert .avi(s) to .Mpeg files to DVD-R to watch on my stand alone player.

I have heard/read about multiple programs but I would just like to know if there is one that stands out above the rest. The program(s) would need to allow me to join other converted .avi to the DVD'R.

Fistly...I would prefer using .Mpeg, so I would basically need a program to convert .avi to .mpeg. I would also be joining maybe 3-4 700mb .avi's to fit on 1 DVD-R (With Menus but not essential at the moment). I am aware of stand alone dvd players that play these .avi files but I don't want the extra cost of buying a new dvd player when I have a perfectly good working Sony player. (Would be great if I could also use DVD Shrink to fit more on the DVD-R).

Lastly...Some information to actually join split .Mpeg files for preperation of DVD-R.

If Possible..
P.S. I would usually get a link to a guide after posting but I would be greatful if someone who actually uses this kind of method; would share with me their favorite programs and maybe a short guide of their own.

Thank you for taking the time to read.

Any help greatly appreciated.

TheEverLiving

[Nilfennasion]

See that section on the left that says "Guides"?

[TheEverLiving]

Hi Nilfennasion.

See that section on the left that says "Guides"?

Did you read my post?

If Possible..
P.S. I would usually get a link to a guide after posting but I would be greatful if someone who actually uses this kind of method; would share with me their favorite programs and maybe a short guide of their own.

P.S. I don't mean this in a nasty way at all.

Thanks.
TheEverLiving

[redwudz]

TMPGEnc encoder and TMPGEnc DVD Author will do what you want, including merge MPG's.

[teegee420]

Fistly...I would prefer using .Mpeg, so I would basically need a program to convert .avi to .mpeg. I would also be joining maybe 3-4 700mb .avi's to fit on 1 DVD-R (With Menus but not essential at the moment).

I wouldn't try to put any more than 120 minutes on one DVDR. Quality will really suffer. Also, encode at 352x480(Half D1 res). Use a bitrate between 4000kbps-5000kbps.

TMPGEnc encoder and TMPGEnc DVD Author will do what you want, including merge MPG's.

I second the use of those two programs.

[TheEverLiving]

Thanks teegee420. Much appreciated.

Would there be any difference to 120 minute quality on a DVD+R? - I mean.. Would I fit more than 120 Mins and keep quality? Is this even possible for DVD Writing and would DVD Shrink Help me in any way? I'm Pretty new to DVD Media etc, just curious, have seen the DVD+R Media but never stopped to ask the differnce.

Thanks again.
TheEverLiving

[teegee420]

Would there be any difference to 120 minute quality on a DVD+R? - I mean.. Would I fit more than 120 Mins and keep quality? Is this even possible for DVD Writing and would DVD Shrink Help me in any way? I'm Pretty new to DVD Media etc, just curious, have seen the DVD+R Media but never stopped to ask the differnce.

Makes no difference. Both formats have the same capacity.

[teegee420]

Forgot to add one thing, if you calculate your bitrate correctly, you won't have to use DVD Shrink. The DVDRhelp Bitrate Calculator will prove very useful for this task.

[TheEverLiving]

@teegee420 Thanks.
And DVD Shrink?

Sorry for all the questions I'm complete noobie with DVD.

TheEverLiving

[TheEverLiving]

oop's... Seems I was making a post as you were...lol

Okay, I'll check the programs out.

Great help!
TheEverLiving

[plumser]

Hi there!
I don't know if this helps alot but maybe. Because I have been where you are, I have had 2-3 avi's that I would like to watch on a standalone DVDplayer with perfect 5.1 audio and perfect picture.
What I basically do when I want to do this is this:

1. I join the AVI's into one big file (with Boilsofts avi joiner).
2. I convert the avi to an mpeg2 file (actually M2V as in mpeg2 without audio) with TMPGEnc.
3. I extract the audio from the AVI file with Virtualdub and then transcode it in AC3Machine so that DVDMaestro accepts it.
--
(If I have subtitles I want to include in the movie, I do this now but thats an other story)
--
4. Then I start DVDMaestro and simply add the two files (The M2V and the AC3 or perhaps MPA/MP2 file), if I have the time I often make a simple menu, and then I compile it.
5. Now I have the structure for a DVD but it's often a bit too big for a regular DVD+RW 4.7 gb so start up DVDShrink and shrink it to a comptible size.
6. This is not entirely nescesary but I sometimes do this, I make an ISO from the newly shrinked DVD with ImgTool.
7. Burn it with NERO and enjoy!

Now I know that this is probably not the best way to make a DVD from an AVI but it works for me. I hope that someone found this useful.

[TheEverLiving]

Hi plumser. Thanks for the info, very useful indeed. Where can I get those programs, are they freeware/shareware/trial versions?

Thank you for your reply.

TheEverLiving

[plumser]

Thanks, glad that someone found that useful.
Well anyway heres some links to the applications I described.
AC3 Machine http://www.doom9.org/Soft21/Audio/AC3Machinev0.41.zip
TMPGEnc (Trial, cost some bucks but well worth it) http://www.tmpgenc.net/e_news.html
DVDMaestro (Unfortunately DVDMaestro is unavalible but *don't read admin* pm me about it)
VirtualDub http://easynews.dl.sourceforge.net/sourceforge/virtualdub/VirtualDub-1.5.10.zip
DVDShrink http://www.dvdshrink.org/where.html
Img Tool (Requires Nero) http://www.coujo.de/ib/index.php?act=html_include&incl_name=download
Nero Burning Rom (Same as tmpgenc, it costs some dollars) http://www.nero.com/en/index.html

You could ofcourse just search around on this wonderful page for some of the tools...
Please apologize me for my bad enlish, it's just to damn hard to write with a guitar in the hand ;D