I'm Starting from Scratch: Making a Menu from one AVI

[jdanniel]

Hello.

I'm an experienced computer user, and have used numerous multimedia programs, but I'm brand-spanking new to DVD authoring and am not entirely sure where to start. I've read several threads on this board, and from what it sounds like, Sony DVD Architect is the program to use.

I have a 90-minute AVI that I'd like to convert to standard DVD format, complete with menus and chapters. My main goal is simplicity--I'm not particularly interested in fancy backgrounds, audio backgrounds, or anything like that. I just want a basic menu with chapters.

I want to break the 90-minute video file up into 15-minute chapters. Not literally break it up, as in split the master file into several other files--I mean create chapters.

The first thing that entered my mind when doing research into this is: Is there an open-source program that will do this? So far, the only thing I've found is DVD Flick, but I don't think it creates chapters.

Is there a robust open-source DVD authoring program, in lieu of my investing money in DVD Architect? I really only need DVD authoring software for this one AVI file.

Or should I consider Sony DVD Architect? Will this program allow me to import an AVI file, or must I first convert the AVI file into DVD-compatible formats?

Thank you! Jd

[hpharley90]

A DVD will only hold about 67 minutes.
You can make it fit but with some loss of quality.

I use Encore to make DVD menus and NERO to burn.

Your authoring software will convert it from DV-AVI to mpeg2.

If your using XP you might have Window Moviemaker.
You can make a menu and burn a DVD with that software.
And you don't have to spend any money.

I've also read here at Muvipix that Sony DVD Architect is excellent software.

[jdanniel]

Hi.

I'm not sure I understand. If a DVD can only hold 67 minutes, then how do they get a full-length movie on it?
And doesn't a commercial DVD have little to no quality loss?

Does Windows Movie Maker create chapter points?

By the way...I'm running Windows 7 RC, if that matters.

Thank you. Jd

[Steve Grisetti]

Commercial DVDs are dual-layer discs that hold about twice what standard DVDs hold. They also have more advanced systems for compressing their videos.

(You can compress more with less quality less using the free program DVDShrink, by the way. But I don't believe it makes chapters.)

The best value out there for DVD authoring is DVD Architect Studio which, when downloaded from the Sony site, sells for a mere $39.

I love it so much I wrote a book on it!

[stanatou]

I really only need DVD authoring software for this one AVI file.

If this is just a one time requirement, you might download/install a trial version of DVD Architect Studio...make your DVD and then uninstall.

[Bill Hunt]

As Stever points out, the biggest part of the picture with commercial DVD's (after one gets past the DVD-9 DL), is the Transcoding. In most currently available DVD programs, one can do up to 2-pass Transcoding to get the best quality for the time. Hollywood uses software that might do 90 passes to squeeze the most out of the Transcode. The people who use this software are highly skilled, highly paid and do nothing else all day, except transcode on $200,000 programs.

Hunt

[Steve Grisetti]

Finally, if this is truly a one-off, you may be able to hire and ask another user on this forum to help you out by creating the DVD for you. (We are a community after all.)

That's why it's helpful to post your home town in your member profile, so we can see who your neighbors are.

[jdanniel]

Well...it's a one-off for now. Who knows if this will end up being a recurring thing in the future?
Thanks for the suggestion and offer, but I also believe it is in my best interests to learn how to do this myself. Jd

[Steve Grisetti]

Just let us know what we can do for you, j!

[jdanniel]

Steve,

I feel welcome here. Thank you.

I'm dabbling right now with Ulead DVD Movie Factory. Upon first glance, it seems to be easy to use. I did notice something odd, which I may ask about in another thread if I don't figure it out by myself. Right now, as I type this, the program is transcoding my AVI file into DVD format, so that will take a while.

If I need further assistance with ULead, may I start another thread for the question(s)?

Thank you!

And please feel free to call me Jd.

[Chuck Engels]

Hi JD,
You can ask any questions you like but there aren't too many Ulead users here.
Magix, Vegas, Premiere, Proshow, mostly but we do a pretty good job of finding answers.
Chances are somebody will have an answer, start a new thread and give it a shot.