Converting multiple xvids to one DVD, how is quality affected?

[mr_jbloggs]

Hi, I have 5 xvid (.avi) files each 700MB and want to convert them to DVD. I'm planning to use either DVD Santa or DivxtoDVD to do this. My question is does it affect the final quality if, say I convert 3 of the xvids to one dvd or should I convert one xvid to one DVD, Does that give better quality?

Thanks in advance

[redwudz]

Most of the time when I convert a 700Mb Xvid to DVD format with DivxToDVD, it grows to about 1500Mb. So you should be able to get 3 on a DVD, but just barely. Usually the quality is similar to a SVCD when converted.

Anytime you reencode, you will lose some quality. However many Xvids from the net aren't that good in the first place, so lose may be minimal.

If you want the best quality, don't convert. Get a Divx standalone player. Hopefully they were encoded properly and will play. (Many of them aren't.)

If the Xvids are PAL or NTSC at 23.97, or have MP3 VBR or AC3 audio you may have better results with other methods than using a All-in-One converter. But I would definitely recommend DivxToDVD over DVDSanta.

[mr_jbloggs]

Thanks, that was very helpful.

[Mr_Odwin]

I think it depends a lot on the source details. The length of the video and quality of the original encode obviously have effects, so it's difficult to say what will definitely happen with your dvd. The best idea is to play around and see what works before committing to burning. (I realise that's not loads of help. )
As an alternative to those programs you mention, I tried using FAVC recently and the results look great on a TV.