Convert AVI to MPEG2

[MDJones1]

I am having audio sync problems with my windvd program, when it burns the dvd. I have a thought about compressing my avi file to mpeg before loading it into windvd for authoring and burning. As the audio is in sync through the editing phase of windvd, I believe the problem is in the compression during burning and am hoping that already having it compressed will solve the problem.
Does anyone know of a freeware program that simply converts dv-avi files to mpeg2 files that works?

[harley2ride]

You already have a post open on this subject. Please refer to it.

[MDJones1]

Hi again Rob,
Actually in this post I am just hoping someone has a lead on some simple but effective freeware program that can compress avi to mpeg2. No bell or whistles needed. Just accurate compression. Then I shall load the mpeg2 file into windvd, so that that program does not do the compression. My hope is that I will get a dvd with audio and video in sync. At the very least I will be able to see if the mpeg2 file is in sync prior to burning the dvd, to help narrow down the problem. Seemed like a separate coarse of thought, but I appologize if I have mis-posted on this forum :P
Thanks,
Mike

[redwudz]

Try ConvertXToDVD. Or the freeware version DivxToDVD. If you are having sync problems after the conversion, you want to first check for MP3 VBR audio. It causes lots of sync problems during conversion. Gspot or VirtualDub will tell you if you have it. AC3 audio is also somewhat problematic at times with AVI to MPEG conversion.

Make sure your AVI plays with no problems before encoding to MPEG-2. If you have sync problems with the AVI, they are much harder to sort out than sync problems with encoding to a different format.

BTW, AVI means about nothing about the format. If you want to identify the video, tell us the codec used. AVI can be DV or Xvid. They are both AVI, but with much different format. AVI is just the name of the container, it tells nothing about the content or makeup of the video. Usually Gspot will tell you the required information.

Finally you asked about DV-AVI files. They are very easy to convert to DVD. You should not be having problems. For quick and easy, I use ConvertXToDVD or DivxToDVD. For higher quality, I use TMPGEnc Encoder. frameserved from VirtualDub Mod. I encode the audio separately to AC3 with ffmpeggui and combine that with the video when I author in TMPGEnc DVD Author.

But there are a lot of other ways to do it if your end product is DVD. Usually a standalone encoder like TMPGEnc or similar will get you the best quality, but it takes a little more learning. Decide what you want.

[MDJones1]

Hi again Redwudz,
OK, I'll admit it. Despite working in television for 14 years and having my own video production company (hobby) since 1998, I am completely new to the dvd burning process. I can tell you that in windvd I have two choices to capture video (MPEG or DV-AVI). I have been capturing video in the DV-AVI format over firewire.
I know MP3 audio is what I load in my jet audio MP3 player, but I have know idea what VBR or AC3 expressions mean. I will try the programs you mentioned to find out what I have though.
My AVI does play flawlessly with no sync problems or any other problems. And yes, I agree that converting a DV-AVI file to a dvd should be a simple process, but since intervideo has all but absent support I am trying to find a way around their programs compression scheme.
You have given me several program names to try, and this weekend I will test them out. I am not against spending money for a program with support and that works (no need to use the support ) What I need is a program that works flawlessly so I can turn jobs quickly. Is the TMPGEnc program the one I want? Have you had difficulties with it? Is it flexible in the editing and authoring as well as input and output? A lot of stuff I produce ends up on TV so it must be of broadcast quality.
Again, thanks for your help. I'll let you know the outcomes of compression outside windvd program.
Mike

[Baldrick]

one similar topic is enough,
https://forum.videohelp.com/viewtopic.php?t=304216&highlight=