How do I burn avi/mpeg files to DVD-R to play on DVD player?

[btiger]

K, got my DVD burner few months ago and so far I've only been using the burner to make data dvd.

Currently I am using W2K Pro, Nero 6(full) and please tell me in steps to create mpeg/avi files on to dvd-r disc so that they can be played on my Panasonic player...thanks for your help. Also, is it 1 blank dvd-r disc = ONLY 1 avi/mpeg file? even if the file is only 1.2G? or can I combine few files to make up the 4.3G per disc?

[burninfool]

DVD(NTSC)=720x480,MPEG-2 video,48KHz audio.
You could put 3 or 4 videos on one DVDR depending on bitrate.
You could use Nero Vision Express to convert,make menus,author and burn.TMPGEnc DVD Author,Ulead VideoStudio and Pinnacle Studio are other "all-in-one" programs.
Visit www.videohelp.com for guides.

[MadBurner]

Although it costs $29.95, WinAVI Video Converter is another good program that's simple to use.

WinAVI 6.3 Info

MB

[btiger]

Thanks guys for your help....OK I will be using NeroVision Express 3 that came with my burner, a quick question:

1) I've an avi file that's 800MB and Nero is taking about 1 hr and 20 mins to "Transcoding" the file and the actual file size is now 4.3G (on the dvd-r disc), the burning time is only 8 mins, is this about right?

[burninfool]

Burn time sounds right with 8x media.

[btiger]

Thanks "burninfool" (expert Guru) for your help....yes, I was using 8X Maxell -r disc

Well, I am so happy... I just completed my first dvd-r disc and I can play it on both my dvd burner as well as my 4 yrs old Panasonic player (which can only do -r disc) and the image and sound quality just blown me away, not bad for a newbie aeh!

I guess I still have a lot to learn to fine tune the creating/burning process (because when I insert the disc in my Panasonic player, it does not start automatically, it would show an island image with Chapter "1" on the top left corner and I have to press "1" for the disc to play).
Oh, I am using NeroVision Express 3 that came with my Sony burner and it's so simple to use, just select the file avi/mpeg file you want and Nero will automatically "Transcode" it and burn it to either to the burner or your hard drive. In my case my 1st avi file was 800MB (4.3 G on the dvd-r disc) and it took Nero 1 hr and 20 mins to "Transcade" and 8 mins to burn.

I am beginning to like NeroVision Express 3 a lot, you can do all sort of things with it, edit/cut/create/merge/preview plus all sort of advance add ins and sounds options......and best of all it so seemlessly integrated with Nero Burning Rom and I guess it pays to get the Nero Full version and I got it for free with my burner.

[btiger]

Ok, few more questions...what does the followings mean or can you direct me to site to learn more.....thanks.

Current Video Options:
Aspect ratio: Automatic
Video mode: NTSC
Quality : Automatic

Details:
Book Type setting = "Automatic"

Sample format = Automatic
Audio format = Dolby Digital (AC-3) 2.0
Encoding mode = High Quality (2-Pass VBR)

Number of titles = 1
1 Test file
Video mode = NTSC
Aspect ratio = 4:3
Quality = Standard Play (5073 kbps)
Resolution = 704 X 480 (D1)

Number of Menus = 1
-Menu for Test file

More specifically, what's "Book Type", "Aspect ratio" and do you select or de-select "Use Burn-At-Once" option? Thanks again in advance.

[burninfool]

"More specifically, what's "Book Type", "Aspect ratio" and do you select or de-select "Use Burn-At-Once" option? Thanks again in advance."

Booktype is used on DVD+R to set the disc's "bit" to DVD-ROM for better compatibility,I don't think your Sony supports it though(BenQ,Lite-On and Nu Tech do).
Aspect Ratio=4:3(fullscreen) or 16:9(widescreen).
I think Burn-At-Once refers to burning after authoring.
As for your statement regarding the disc not playing auto. in your Panasonic...that's normal because you have a menu.If you want the DVD to play auto when you insert:in Nero select no menus or 0.

[btiger]

Wow, thanks so much.....yup, I see the menu option now, so I will select no menu/"0" and auto play for 1 file = 1 disc, I guess the menu is for burning several small .avi files to a disc so that you have the option to play which movie/file right?

* I can forget about the Book Type if I am not using DVD-ROM, right?

[dodecahedron]

check out the FAQ:
Bitsetting / Booktype