Is it possible to convert an .avi file to mpeg-2 so that I can burn it onto a DVD and watch it on my stand-alone?

[Nocturnal]

I've read a few tutorials however it seems that there are many steps needed. Also does it degrade the quality if you go from a .avi to mpeg-2?

 

[Heisenberg]

It's possible, and you do lose quality.

 

[NuclearNed]

1. it is very possible. What you are wanting to do is create an SVCD. Not all standalone dvd players will play an SVCD. Most will play a VCD, but the quality is not nearly as good.
2. The quality is degraded some, but if you do it correctly the difference is minimal.

vcdhelp

EDIT: now packed with even more information.

 

[Gurck]

Afaik it won't degrade the quality but the size will increase (or you can keep it the same size and degrade the quality). The function of the divx and similar codecs is to use cpu power in place of actual space, basically. Many newer players will play divx-encoded files, but I can't vouch for how well they do so. Someone else will probably have a better answer, but my advice would be to check out the forums at virtualdub.org. I just watch avi's on my pc with my 7.1 setup, so am not familiar with what you want to do.

 

[NuclearNed]

Instead of editing my post, I'm going to create a new one...

I missed the part where you said you wanted to create a DVD. An SVCD is a high quality video CD that can hold about 35-40 minutes of MPEG2 audio/video. If you want to create a DVD out of an AVI, the process is virtually identical to that of making an SVCD, but you can encode the AVI at a higher bitrate, thus resulting in better audio/video.

See the link I posted above.

 

[yukichigai]

Yes, it can be done. Unfortunately if you want high-quality stuff you wind up having to pay eventually, since I can think of no free MPEG-2 encoders out there. (Some with 30 day trials though)

If you're just wanting to put it on a 4:3 TV you can encode it MPEG-1 at 352x240, which is a valid DVD format. (also the same as the VCD format, at least for the video) There are several encoders out there which will do this. Try TMPGEnc.

Also look into KVCDs, as the format can be used on DVDs and will play in almost all players. You get more bang for your buck.

 

[samgau]

I was just at that site today looking for a dvd player I could hack so as to watch my region2 pal movies.... I had a $30 cyberhome easily hackable but of such a crappy quality that it died in 6 months....
Anyway... great site with plenty of info... the alternate address for that site is videohelp.com

 

[AccruedExpenditure]

Yes indeed use AVI2MPEG