Converting avi files to dvd format

[Wiseguy]

I had some excellent advice on this board about downloading tv programs off the internet. So, I downloaded some tv programs off the internet and am very happy with them. Problem is, I can't burn these programs to a dvd and watch it on my television.

What is the best way to convert these programs (avi format) so I can burn them onto a dvd??

[Flak]

You can get Nero burning rom and then burn a dvd-video. It takes forever!

Your best bet is to go get a new dvd player, one that plays .avi. I have a Philips that is great, but I think most players come with that capacity now and are rather cheap.

Another option, if your video card has an output, is to get the proper cable and then plug your PC into your tv and just play directly from the PC. I've managed to accomplish this, but am still having problems trying to get the color on the tv right. (everything has a red shift to it.)

Good luck!

[Flak]

Oh, and if you go with the "buy a new dvd player option"...when you burn get yourself some DVD-RW. I ended up tossing so many dvd's cause I only watched the show once, or I had multiple shows on disks and eventually consolidated when the whole season was out.

[Wiseguy]

Thanks Flak - some good advice. Things are a bit tight financially at the moment, so I'm looking for a cheaper option. I am hoping to find a free or very cheap down-loadable program that converts avi to dvd format. Do you know of any? I'm not sure which ones are better than others.

[micashell]

I believe both Winavi and DVD Santa will convert avi to DVD. You can download them, but I don't know whether there is a size limit as to what you can do, and after that you may have to pay.

[L1049]

There are quite a few freeware or burning programs that have free trials. I haven't tried any of them, but a few I found:
DVD Flick
Avi2Dvd (Official page) The Freeware avi to dvd converter tool
Xilisoft AVI to DVD Converter - Burn/Convert AVI to DVD converter
Free AVI to DVD Converter - convert AVI video files to DVD movie.

I haven't tried any of the above, so do a bit of research *becky* just to make sure none of these programs have malware/ run a virus scan and to just be on the safe side.

Or if you really want Nero or another more expensive program, there's always torrents of these programs.

[Wiseguy]

Great advice again. Thanks.

[goldenbee]

wiseguy.... dont buy a new dvd player that plays avi
that's my first advice.

first google.... "any video converter "
I ve got the software and it looks free.. there's no
logo typed over the middle of the output files and no 30 day free trial, anyway get it .. now !

next get "ImgBurn" software, I ve got it and it looks to be free ware.... so far.

open up the any video converter get your TV file into it
convert to dvd format
then burn using ImgBurn... I did all this and it worked Im watching tv and movies on my dvd player now
... this looks like the final solution !!!!

[Novice]

I have a Mac and use some freeware called Handbrake, it converts from most types to most types Inc in a format that I can watch onmy itouch

[goldenbee]

I got ImgBurn installed, ( free I think )

then I installed DVD Flick
both free I think.

(some trial converters will print their logo across
the middle of your movie... until you pay up.... very kind of them ! )

then get dvd flick up, go thru the options
and tick the box... burn to dvd etc

then put the tv file in ( put a dvd in comp ) and set it going,
It converts the file then burns to dvd
(may take hour or two )
and the resultant dvd works on my sony stand alone
dvd player.... how cool is that !

[Wiseguy]

Great - will start looking into these suggestions. Thanks everyone

[goldenbee]

one thing about the dvd flick... it converted
and went on to burn etc but then after about an hour and half, everything stopped
it said something like disc tray closed.

I pressed button and opened the tray
it opened then it closed again and the programme finished off the burn
five minutes later it was all done

[Wiseguy]

Thanks Goldenbee. Will check it out.