Nero won't let me, TMPGEnc Author won't either

[lennox]

I'm trying to burn a collection of clips onto a DL disc. In N. V. Express 3 (including most recent updates) I get the message 'reduce to fit single layer or expand to double layer?' and obviously I want it on a DL. Then everything stopped at the halway point - where the colour changed in the space bar - though I couldn't tell whether it was transcoding or saving to HD (don't know how many coasters I've made before remembering to do it this way).

So, I try compiling my project in the trial TMPGenc DVD Author. Ha! Can't import file 'a' cos the GOP is wrong: can't import file 'b' cos the resolution is wrong: can't import file 'c' cos the bitrate is wrong.

Apart from the easy answer "burn on single layer discs", can anyone, from this very simplified explanation, give me some hope please?

(In case it's relevant, I've Decrypted a movie to DL so there doesn't seem to be a problem with my burner or media.)
The guy with the hammer is Technology. The guy with the sore head is Me.

[lennox]

I can recomend being hit on the head with a hammer!

It seems that being beaten senseless by technology has had a positive effect:
How do I successfully install my projectclips into DVD Author? Convert them to DVD!

Yea, I'm full of joy at the moment, but I bet something else is going to trip me up later on.

[LT. Columbo]

if you convert the clips to dvd mpeg-2 standard first, they should load without trouble in dvd author.

[jm1647]

It seems that being beaten senseless by technology has had a positive effect:
How do I successfully install my projectclips into DVD Author? Convert them to DVD!

Yea, I'm full of joy at the moment, but I bet something else is going to trip me up later on.

What type of clips were they, avi, wmv...? What did you use to convert them?

[lennox]

Sorry guys - I didn't make myself clear in the second post.
Because I'm not too bright it took me a while to figure out that I had to convert the clips to dvd mpeg2 first! I have been trying WinAVI and can now import the clips.

However, another problem has come up.
Some of the clips started life as Real Video: I have converted them to dvd mpeg2 but I want to do more editing than DVD Author allows. I know I can shorten a scene or clip, but I want to re-arrange scenes (cut a bit out and put it back in another place).

Is there a tool similar to DVD Author that would allow me to edit more than DVD AUthor permits - including transitions - and create the menus and everything and handle the final burn to DL discs, but without losing any more quality?

I hope I've explained myself here: thanks for the assist.

[tigerman8u]

I like Ulead videostudio for editing. you can d/l a trial version from their website. Another excellent program made by womble is mpeg video wizard

[lennox]

Thanks a lot. I'll look for Trial versions and let you know.

[lennox]

Ulead Videostudio: I had a trial when I was doing VHS through Pinnacle and was very pleased with the quality but horrified by the fiddlyness and speed (between actions). Because I was only trying it for the tape to dvd thing I didn't see whether it could import anything else. Will it handle RM? And Vob and Mpeg2? Shame, but obviously I can't install another trial.

I just tried Ulead Movie Factory and my neighbours got sick of banging on the walls to make me shut up: I was constantly screaming at it in despair! What a wierd program: and so limited. But I'm sure the end-product would be good quality.

Installed Womble: felt imediately at home with the interface and it has all the bells and whistles I (have convinced myself I) need. And then I checked the Forum: whoo boy, apart from there being some posters there who have some serious emotional issues, the prog itself is reported to be buggy - and one of the principal problems is with - fades and transitions!

So, although not still at the starting gate, I have yet to move very far. More trials and test-runs loom.

[drfsupercenter]

some of the clips started life as Real Video: I have converted them to dvd mpeg2 but I want to do more editing than DVD Author allows.

How did you convert those clips? I have been looking for a way to convert RM files to any other usable video format like AVI, MPG, WMV etc.

As far as burning goes, try Nero.

[LT. Columbo]

How did you convert those clips? I have been looking for a way to convert RM files to any other usable video format like AVI, MPG, WMV etc.

have you tried RM converter?

[drfsupercenter]

RM Converter is NOT FREE!!! It leaves watermarks and is only good for 15 days. I want something free! Or at least something you can buy at a store - I don't have a credit card.

[LT. Columbo]

you didn't mention you were ON A BUDGET! sorry for trying to help! maybe someone else knows a freeware program to suit your needs AND your budget.

[lennox]

I've been trying both RM Converter and WinAvi, and I can't tell which is giving me the better result. So as they're both nearly through their free trials I'll have to buy one then I'll read that everybody says "buy the other one".

The trouble with working with RM is that by the time it's been converted to Vob, edited and transitioned in Womble, and re-rendered to DVD Pal format(again in Womble) it's lost a lot of detail and there are some things - like skintones, that can look real flat and painted.

Can I use the output file that Womble produces in another program to convert it into a viewable or burnable format?