authoring tool for HD video -> DVD

[feh]

Hi folks.

I'm looking for an authoring tool that can take my HD home movies (imported as mpeg video) and create DVDs in 16x9 aspect ratio.

I've been using DVD Maker, which comes with Vista, but I'm tired of not having control over the bit rate. With DVD Maker, it takes a 10GB file (1 hour of HD video) and only uses about half of the DVD, compressing it down to something a little over 2GB. I want to control the bit rate so I can use the entire DVD.

I'm not willing to spend a whole lot of money - something under $70 if possible. Free would be even better.

Any suggestions? I'm willing to do this under Linux or Vista.

Thanks!

[tomlee59]

You have many, many options. Here's one to get the thread going -- others will certainly jump in soon with their picks. Quick Media Converter (free) will convert anything into anything (slight exaggeration, of course, but it does do a lot). In the Expert mode, you can override its default bitrate, aspect ratio, etc., so you can fill your DVD.

Then author with GUI for DVDAuthor, burn with Imgburn. All free, all good.

[Baldrick]

I use FAVC(free) or TMpgenc DVD AUthor 3+(all-in-one converter and authoring with menus).