Question About joining files using DV-Tools.

[BMT]

I have several Videos that I want to join into One big file and then Convert to DVD format using WinAVI.

I used the How to's on this Site and Downloaded DV-Tools for my joining/merging needs.

Ive come across a problem however, When I merge the files, it doesnt say there are any errors, and the Output file is a bigger file size (500mb video and 300mb video output at 800mb video) yet, no matter what I do, the actual video is only the length and everything of the first clip in the merge window.

Im trying not to confuse so I will try to write it in perspective.

Video1 is 500mb Video2 is 600mb

I put Video1 and Video2 into DV-Tools and Merge them together, in Numerical order. This New file of both Video1 and Video2 Will be called Video3.

Video3 is the combines Size of Video1 and Video2 (1100mb) yet plays the exact same as Video1. And in all aspects, is the same as Video1, aside from the bigger file size.

Could you guys either tell me what I am doing wrong/how to fix this, or reccomend me a better joining/merging program that I can download from a free, non-illegal website?

Thanks a bunch,

Mike.

[daamon]

Hi BMT,

Once it's joined and you've got an MPEG2, what do you plan to do?

I ask because, if you're going to have continuous running footage then there's no need to join the source clips.

Convert each source clip to DVD compliant MPEG2 (making sure that the MPEGs all have the same specs as each other) and then, in the authoring tool, load the MPEGs separately.

Authoring will then create the VOBs etc. and you will (should) have seamless playback.

You don't mentuion what you're using to author, but I know that TMPGEnc DVD Author (among others) will do this.

Do a trial on a few small clips to test the process.

Hope that helps. Good luck...

[BMT]

I just use WinAVI to convert the files to DVD format (.ifo, .vob, ect.)

And If I were to convert each file seperately, they would be named the same. (VOB_1.vob, ect) and would overwrite eachother. I use Nero Burning rom to Authorize them, and I just Drag and Drop the VOB files from my harddrive into the Video_TS folder in Nero. All that other stuff you said doesnt make much sence to me, I just started with this DVD stuff. And dont know what DVD compliant Mpeg2 is, because I burn/write all DVD's with VOB files using WinAVI.

[daamon]

Hi BMT,

I don't know WinAVI, but as it's outputting VOBs then you could try this:

1. Ignore all that stuff about DVD compliant MPEG2s.
2. Create separate VOBs from the separate source clips, and (obviously) store them in different folders.
3. Just to be safe, rename them and then put them all in one folder (just for ease of access).
4. Use DVDShrink (free) in "Re-Author" mode to bring in the separate VOBs and to produce what you want.

This may not be the best / most efficient way, nor will it produce a menu. But it's just my thoughts... Others may be able to help better (sorry).

Of course, you could always use a different tool(s)... I make my DVDs differently.

[BMT]

do you know of any other programs/tools that will properly merge my files without hassle?


Also, Let say I Convert both Video Files using winAVI, they each convert into 8 VOB files. Named VOB_1.vob through VOB_8.vob (just an example)

If I leave the IFO and other files of the first video, and rename the VOB files of the second video from VOB_1.vob - VOB_8.vob to VOB_9.vob - VOB_17.vob Will it play the whole video consecutively with the proper beginning and title and whatnot?

I find it really hard not to make anything I type sound confusing.

Anyways. if you could just link me to a merging program that works properly I would appreciate it.

[daamon]

do you know of any other programs/tools that will properly merge my files without hassle?

Sorry, can't think of any off the top of my head. It's not usually a simple case of "join files"... They usually have to be consistent in terms of format, framerate etc.

Also, Let say I Convert both Video Files using winAVI, they each convert into 8 VOB files. Named VOB_1.vob through VOB_8.vob (just an example)

If I leave the IFO and other files of the first video, and rename the VOB files of the second video from VOB_1.vob - VOB_8.vob to VOB_9.vob - VOB_17.vob Will it play the whole video consecutively with the proper beginning and title and whatnot?

No. You need to take the individual VOBs and re-author them so that new VOBs are created. Part of the process of re-authoring automatically includes producing IFO files that then tell the player to play the VOBs in order.

I find it really hard not to make anything I type sound confusing.

You're doing OK. You'll pick it up as you go along...