mpg to dvd software question, plus a warning about Chiliburner

[monkeypack]

Hi.

I have some .mpg video and want to put it on a dvd. A few people recommended ConvertXtoDVD softtware. I downloaded a trial and tried to use it, but it doesn't recognize the mpg files in my folder so I can't select them. I also tried another software called Video DVD Maker - same problem.

I downloaded something called Chiliburner on a free trial and that one recognized the files and converted them and burned. It was very very slow on the conversion, but I'm not sure if that is common. For 2 hrs of video, it took more than 2 hrs to convert and burn, and the first couple of times it errored out. But I kept trying, investing a lot of time in the software. I finally got it to work, and I burned a couple copies of the dvd and was going to ask my brother today (burning the stuff for him) to give me the $50 to buy the software if he wants more.

THEN I put one of the dvds in to see it (should have done that after the first copy) and they all have CHILI BURNER TRIAL VERSION PLEASE REGISTER in big letters in the middle of the screen, throughout the entire dvd. I was livid.

I have test driven a lot of software in the past and never had that experience. Is that common for video softwaress? Why wouldn't they warn you that anything you do during your trial is going to be garbage?

Now I'm so mad that I will not give them my money. SO - What I want to know is why do you think that ConvertXtoDVD would not work for me? Or do you have any other suggestions? I'm more than willing to pay for something (but not to Chiliburner).

I appreciate the help and the chance to let me vent.

Thanks, Brooke

[Baldrick]

What is the error message in convertxtodvd? (I guess you have tried change to "All files" when open your video files)

What is the video and codec in your mpg files? Like mpeg1, mpeg2 video and ac3,wav,mpa audio. Identify using mediainfo.

[jagabo]

THEN I put one of the dvds in to see it (should have done that after the first copy) and they all have CHILI BURNER TRIAL VERSION PLEASE REGISTER in big letters in the middle of the screen, throughout the entire dvd. I was livid.

I have test driven a lot of software in the past and never had that experience. Is that common for video softwaress?

That's quite common for trial software.

Why wouldn't they warn you that anything you do during your trial is going to be garbage?

Why didn't you check the first "successful" burn before making more? The world of video is full of crap software.

[monkeypack]

THEN I put one of the dvds in to see it (should have done that after the first copy) and they all have CHILI BURNER TRIAL VERSION PLEASE REGISTER in big letters in the middle of the screen, throughout the entire dvd. I was livid.

I have test driven a lot of software in the past and never had that experience. Is that common for video softwaress?

That's quite common for trial software.

Why wouldn't they warn you that anything you do during your trial is going to be garbage?

Why didn't you check the first "successful" burn before making more? The world of video is full of crap software.

Well, obviously I should have. I couldn't find any online user reviews of the software, so that should have given a clue that it isn't terribly popular.

I didn't know this was common for trial software. I have tried other types of Trial softwares that might put a stamp in the corner, but never anything that put the name across the screen the whole time.

[Nelson37]

Yes, that is very common. However, you have managed to find and attempt to use some DVD software that I have never heard of whatsoever, and that takes some effort.

Highly recommend you spend some time browsing the tools section, where you can find some excellent, reliable, reputable, FREE tools to do what you want to do. Also try checking the Guides section for thorough explanations of how tu use various progs, and some explanations how to do this much more efficiently.

Detailing some info on the files, such as mpg type, resolution, source, and method of creation might also help to get some usable answers.

[monkeypack]

What is the error message in convertxtodvd? (I guess you have tried change to "All files" when open your video files)

What is the video and codec in your mpg files? Like mpeg1, mpeg2 video and ac3,wav,mpa audio. Identify using mediainfo.

There is no error msg, it just doesn't recognize the files as compatible. I admit I left the default "All Compatible/Readable Files" setting. I considered changing it to ALL but figured it needed to be compatible. First mistake.

This is what MediaInfo said: MPEG-PS: 709 MiB, 20mn 10s, 1 video streams: MPEG Video; 1 audio s treams: AC-3.

Should I just change it to ALL files and that will take care of it? I'll reinstall now and give it a shot.


Brooke

[monkeypack]

Yes, that is very common. However, you have managed to find and attempt to use some DVD software that I have never heard of whatsoever, and that takes some effort.

At least I have *some* skill...

Highly recommend you spend some time browsing the tools section, where you can find some excellent, reliable, reputable, FREE tools to do what you want to do. Also try checking the Guides section for thorough explanations of how tu use various progs, and some explanations how to do this much more efficiently.

Okay. But the checking around I did previously indicated there was nothing free that wasn't really hard to use. And as you can tell, I'm no expert.

Detailing some info on the files, such as mpg type, resolution, source, and method of creation might also help to get some usable answers.

Again, not an expert here. Didn't know how to even do that until Baldrick advised me to use MediaInfo, which I appreciate. But now I know....Thanks.

[monkeypack]

Okay, reinstalled ConvertXtoDvd and changed the selection from "supported files" to "any files" and added the MPEGs. I guess I'm too literal and figured if it wasn't showing up as "supported" it wouldn't work.

But it is converting now. It gave me a warning before going about the watermark, so that was nice. It is giving me an estimate of 35 mins to convert about 2 hrs of video, which is way better than the Chiliburner time. So far, so good.

I'm sorry to take up your time with something so simple and silly. I think this is going to work, and I will buy the registered version.

Thanks bunches.
Brooke