quality loss on decode

[Papigiulio]

I have to create a dvd out of 2 avi files. now ive read on various sites that you need to decode the avi files into mpeg 2 files.

Now ive tried:

Tmpegenc ---> encodes into mpeg files
and
Mainconcept ---> encodes into .m2v files

ive played both files with intervideo windvd and both seem to have lost a lot of quality. The file size has been reduces from 250 mb avi files to 8mb and even less. What am i doing wrong?

t.i.a.

[tigerman8u]

"need to decode the avi files into mpeg 2 files."
encode/re-encode
check to see if you have video and audio checked when you encode. IMO mainconcept is an excellent program. Use the standard dvd template in either mainconcept or Tmpgenc. Do these avi's play on your pc. Use Gspot or avicodec to check the info of the avi's.

[Papigiulio]

"need to decode the avi files into mpeg 2 files."
encode/re-encode
check to see if you have video and audio checked when you encode. IMO mainconcept is an excellent program. Use the standard dvd template in either mainconcept or Tmpgenc. Do these avi's play on your pc. Use Gspot or avicodec to check the info of the avi's.

video files are both without audio!!

fileinfo:
part1
dimensions: 720x576 (1.25:1) [=5:4]
bitrate: 248834 kb/s
fps: 25.000
streamtype: Avi
size: 259 MB (or 266,092 KB or 272,478,288 bytes)
codec....4cc: DIB (_RGB)
codec....name: BI_RGB Raw Bitmap

part2
dimensions: 720x576 (1.25:1) [=5:4]
bitrate: 248834 kb/s
fps: 25.000
streamtype: Avi
size: 205 MB (or 210,201 KB or 215,245,824 bytes)
codec....4cc: DIB (_RGB)
codec....name: BI_RGB Raw Bitmap

What settings should i use for mainconcept then?? default??

Another question, if im done encoding the files, can i just burn them to a dvd and put it in a dvd player to play??? or do i need to import/export it to another program and even make a dvdmenu for it??