Total Newbie here

[groovychick]

Hi all
I have some avi files and would like to burn them to dvd.
Does anyone have a step by step guide of how to do it for complete beginners. I'm using Nero 6, also what software should I be using preferably freeware

My main aim is to play the avi files on a stand alone dvd

[ormonde]

Follow this procedure:

1. Convert the AVI file(s) to a DVD compliant mpeg-2 file using "TMPGEnc" or "TMPGEnc Plus". Use the DVD template (NTSC or PAL) from the “Project Wizard” page to help you accomplish the task.

2. Then use "TMPGEnc DVD Author" (different than "TMPGEnc") to author the newly created mpeg-2 into a DVD-related file structure. (.IFO, .BUP, .VOB). As an alternative, you can use "DVDLab" to author as well.

3. If the combined filesize of the project exceeds 4.37 Gig, use "DVD Shrink" or similar transcoding program to compress.

4. Use "Nero" or similar burning program to burn onto a DVD (r, rw) disk.

[snowtrooper22]

will TMPGE convert the opposite......? dvdr to avi files?

[ormonde]

"will TMPGE convert the opposite......? dvdr to avi files?"

No

[disc-crazy]

To ormonde,

I'm having a bit of trouble burning my converted files, I've done what's needed in TMPGEnc aurthor, I used the DVD writing tool in TMPGEnc Author, but the disc came out as a DVD ROM,

So I'm going to try burning in Nero Express instead (Haven't burned files in before) So just to make sure I'm doing everything right, I've added the files to the Video TS, and I'm about to burn shortly, well when I get a reply to this anyway, I've already thrown 2 discs away today.

One last thing have you any idea why my first disc came out as a DVD ROM which was basically just the files which I created in TMPGEnc Author.

I guess I'll get the hang of all this one day

[ormonde]

"I've added the files to the Video TS, and I'm about to burn shortly"

Switch from "Nero Express" mode to the "Nero Burning ROM" and navigate to where you saved the DVD related files. Simply select "ALL" the files and drag them on top of the "Red" VIDEO_TS folder in Nero then burn the compilation.

"you any idea why my first disc came out as a DVD ROM which was basically just the files which I created in TMPGEnc Author."

I'm not sure what you mean when you say "disc came out as a DVD ROM". "TMPGEnc DVD Author" always creates a DVD related file structure. (e.g. .IFO, .BUP, .VOB). In the "DVD Writing Tool" section, the only choices are: "Write DVD", "Create ISO", or DVD to ISO. Which one of these choices did you use?

[disc-crazy]

Thanks for the info I've successfully burned my project now

"Which one of these choices did you use?"

I chose Write DVD, as I didn't know what ISO was? Please could you tell me.

[ormonde]

"Thanks for the info I've successfully burned my project now"

Glad to hear that.

[disc-crazy]

But on TMPGEnc DVD Author, if I were to select ISO to DVD instead of create DVD, would that be playable on a DVD player?

Sorry to ask so many questions, but I am fairly new to burning and converting, most of it at the moment is like reading another language to me!

[ormonde]

"if I were to select ISO to DVD instead of create DVD, would that be playable on a DVD player?"

Yes, but if you choose the "ISO to DVD" option, you must already have an ISO image created ready to be burned.