Avi to DVD software recommendation

[Voltaire1694]

Hello

I have multiple .avi files transferred from a Camcorder using a Firewire connection and WinDV. My next step is to get them on to a DVD for easier viewing. I'll keep the original .avi files for archives.

So I would like to convert the multiple .avi to .vob and make a simple CD, maybe with chapters to help navigation. I guess I could do these in stages, but can anyone please recommend a current software option that might be an all-in-one option?

I'm not looking to spend a lot of money on software as my ongoing video needs are limited. I'd prefer up to the US$50 range.

I am using Windows Vista (as that has the Firewire connection), although I could transfer the files to a Windows 10 PC.

Thank you for any suggestions.

Craig

[DB83]

avstodvd to create the files with simple menu
imgburn to burn the files to disk


Can be done in one process when both are installed as the former checks for the installation of the latter.


Total cost = nil


No more than 2 hours of video on one disk pls

[nicholasserra]

I use DVDFlick on the rare occasions I need to burn something to DVD. Just drag and drop basically. Not sure if chapters are supported.

[orsetto]

DVDflick supports chapters, but not at custom points in the video. You can either choose the number of chapters for each avi (which will be spread out evenly across the running time) or you can choose the number of minutes between each chapter (smallest increment 1 minute). Either of these choices results in chapter stops at random points in the video, instead of exactly where you want them. Fine for quick navigation or general-purpose speedy skipping fwd/rev, but not good if you need chapters in exact spots you choose yourself.

I don't remember if AVStoDVD allows choosing custom chapter points exactly where you want them, or uses the same generic timing system as DVDflick. Both AVStoDVD and DVDflick can integrate with imgBurn for streamlined burning of the final dvds.

AVStoDVD has more options in terms of video encoders and other factors, DVDflick is more simplified but gets the job done easily if you don't need more elaborate disc menus or a specific encoder. With either, you simply import your AVI files, arrange them in the playback order you want, choose how many chapters you want in each AVI, choose a menu thumbnail image for each AVI, choose a menu layout for the dvd, then push a "create dvd" button. An hour or two later, you'll have the AVIs converted into VOB and formatted into a dvd player compliant structure with menu. If you chose to integrate with ImgBurn, AVStoDVD or DVDflick will ask you to insert a blank disc when the files are ready.

As DB83 noted, you want to keep the total running time below 120mins if possible. The more minutes you try to cram into a dvd, the more quality you'll lose from the source AVI (the AVI gets converted to MPG/VOB format and compressed to fit the video DVD standard). Depending on the running time of each AVI, you could vary how many fit on each dvd (so some dvds might run an hour or 90 mins, others might total two hours or perhaps 130 mins). I'd try to keep it below 130 mins, preferably below 100 mins for camcorder sources. But use your own judgement and run a few tests at different dvd capacities: depending on the source AVI quality (and who will be viewing the dvds with how much of a critical eye), you might prefer an average dvd running time of one hour per disc or three hours per disc instead of 120 mins. IMO, excellent quality source files can tolerate up to 140 mins per dvd with minimal quality loss using DVDflick. I'll occasionally push that to about 195 mins for casual viewing on screens 32" and below, but generally above 130 mins per dvd you begin to see a noticeably increasing quality penalty in tandem with increased running times.

[videobruger]

DVDStyler is highly flexible with regards to making chapters (& menus). You can find tutorials on Youtube.

[Voltaire1694]

Many thanks for all suggestions and advice provided