The avi file size shows incorrectly when DVD authoring

[IceWine]

I have 3 avi files that I am trying to put on a DVD. The files are approximately 350mb each in size. When I bring them into my authoring program (I have tried Roxio Easy Media Creator, Sonic My DVD, and DVDit) it shows that the files take up more than the 4.7GB of the DVD. This makes no sense. If, however, I try to create a VCD and put the files on a CD-R, they show up as the proper size and I can burn one file (350mb) onto the CD. HELP! I really need all 3 files one 1 DVD and there is no reason why they should not fit.

[redwudz]

Drop one of them into Gspot and look for MP3 VBR audio. Many encoders choke on it. Or drop them into VirtualDub Mod and it will tell you right away if that's the problem. AC3 audio can sometimes also cause problems if not handled properly.

[Baldrick]

try convert to dvd with divxtodvd.

sonic mydvd,dvdit,roxio doesn't do downloaded avi to dvd that well.

[IceWine]

0x0055(MP3) ID'd as MPEG-1 Layer 3
is what it says under the Audio section when I dropped it into GSpot.

[Baldrick]

and the source video file size does not matter when you are converting to dvd-video. the total running time of all the video and what bitrate you are using determines the output file size. check if you can change the bitrate or lower the video quality settings in some of those tools, it might help you to fit more minutes/dvd. if not use something else where you can control bitrate/out file size.

[IceWine]

Might be a dumb question here (video newbie) but the resulting files are in the video_ts folder which will not work for burning with my dvd authoring programs. Any suggestions? I know that I can burn directly to DVD but that won't do me much good if I want more than the one file on there and want to author it, right? Thanks...I will also check out the bitrate possible problem.

[guns1inger]

The Video_TS folder contains your DVD. All the files within should compliant in size and structure. All you need to do is burn this folder to a DVD using a DVD Video template or option.

If you used DivxtoDVD you can hold the shift key down when you select the video to convert, and put as many as you like in there. It will convert them all, creating a seperate title for each (but no menus in the free version).

If you do them one at a time you will get multiple video_ts folders, one for each avi. You can then use DVD Shrink in reauthor mode (if you don't need menus) or TDA (if you do need menus) to bring them together as a single disc.

[kschang]

I have 3 avi files that I am trying to put on a DVD. The files are approximately 350mb each in size. When I bring them into my authoring program (I have tried Roxio Easy Media Creator, Sonic My DVD, and DVDit) it shows that the files take up more than the 4.7GB of the DVD. This makes no sense.

Yes it does, because the size of the AVI file has NO BEARING AT ALL to how much space it will take on the DVD. It's like comparing liquid detergent vs. powder detergent. vs. concentrated detergent. They all wash, but are all different volumes.

If, however, I try to create a VCD and put the files on a CD-R, they show up as the proper size and I can burn one file (350mb) onto the CD.

Then you have NOT created a VCD, but rather a DATA cd.

HELP! I really need all 3 files one 1 DVD and there is no reason why they should not fit.

If you burn them as data, they'll fit just fine, but ifyou burn them compliant to DVD video standard, then you have to understand a little bit about compression and all that.

[IceWine]

Don't think I created a Data CD - It was a VCD created with MyDVD and played on my DVD player as a VCD. That's why I was confused about the resulting file size.

[kschang]

Well, maybe MyDVD was a bit smarter about converting to VCD, but MPEG1 with low bitrate can be done easily enough. On the other hand, it's possible that your DVD player plays DIVX files directly too. Hard to say without knowing your DVD player model.

[IceWine]

Thanks for everyone's prompt help at this forum. Excellent. Also thanks for your patience with a video newbie.

FYI...DivXtoDVD worked great converting and burning all 3 of the avi files to a DVD disk (did it all at once) but would have been nice to be able to create menus, etc. I know, beggars can't be choosers. I understand a whole lot more about video after your help and exploring this complex site a bit further. I am sure I will be back with more questions as I explore my video "expertise".


IceWine

[redwudz]

You can always 'reauthor' them with a program like TMPGEnc DVD Author if you want menus, etc. It has a trial version.

Most standalone programs like DivxToDVD are good for starters, but when you learn more about this hobby you will find the individual programs will give you more control and more options. Keep reading.