Complete process ???

[MetalHead]

OK here goes, I have my AVI files and I have My DVD Re-writer. All I need is everything else!!! How as a complete Novice do I go about converting these AVI`s to DVD by useing totaly free software programs?
Which is the best Encoder? The Best Audio Program etc??
I Dont mind paying for Software but I DO mind paying for Crapware!!
so bearing this in mind which programs do you guys (and girls) recommend that I should be downloading??
Thanks in advance and a Happy Christmas to all on this site
Pete (MetalHead)

[Treebeard]

Wow, there are so many choices for doing this. I will just list what I use, this does not mean its the absolute answer, its just what I like.

Virtualdub - free ( for extracting audio )
Tmpgenc - free trial ( for encoding ) $40 after trial i think
Tmpgenc DVD Author -- free trial (for dvd authoring) $70 after trial.

thats what i like ,but nice thing is you can try lots of stuff (trialware) and decide what software you like before you invest.

enjoy the holidays!

[bugster]

My opinion of the best tools for the job. Here goes:

Virtualdub - free ( for extracting audio )
Tmpgenc - free trial ( for encoding ) $40 after trial i think
DVD-Lab for authoring $99 I think these days - 30 day free trial. More difficult to learn than Treebeard's suggestion of TmpGenc DVD AUthor, more expensive too, But a LOT more flexible.

How as a complete Novice do I go about converting these AVI`s to DVD by useing totaly free software programs?

I Dont mind paying for Software but I DO mind paying for Crapware!!

Do you want to pay for your software or use only freeware?

Then only completley free mpeg encoder that I know of is bbmpeg. And it is so slow it makes TmpGenc look fast! Not so sure about its quality either.

Free Authoring, IfoEdit, but very basic.

Several free burning tools around, check the tools section.