SIMPLE DVD creation software recommendations?

[Jeff7]

I'd like to get some recommendations for a relative for some terrifyingly simplistic DVD creation software: Put in a file or two, and it'll either burn a disc or an ISO image. I don't need fancy menus or scene transitions. (A Windows Media Center PC would be the proper solution here, but I don't want to put together a college course on how to use such a thing.) Nothing pricey either. I think he's in the <$40 area.

Windows DVD Maker included with Win7 is close, but there are some small problems:
- It can't create ISO images.
- It seems to have a habit of barfing up an error message that it can't create the video, with no further information. It looks like its RAM usage creeps up beyond 4GB and then it shows the error.


Ulead VideoStudio was usable in the past, though its interface was a bit wonky, and it sometimes was crash-prone too. I don't know how it's doing these days, or what it costs.

 

[Mike64]

If I understand your question correctly: www.imgburn.com/

 

[Jeff7]

If I understand your question correctly: www.imgburn.com/

That looks familiar, and I don't think that is capable of transcoding anything into the MPEG2 format, and the proper file structure, that a conventional DVD player needs.

 

[Insert_Nickname]

Well, there is DVD Flick. But its pretty much abandonware now.

The only alternative I can think of is AVStoDVD. Its pretty easy to use, although it requires some background knowledge.

 

[smitbret]

I still use DVDFlick for the extremely rare occasion I need it. ImgBurn won't work in this case. It doesn't transcode to MPEG-2. It is simply a burning tool.

I would ask why you want a DVD since most commercial DVD and BD players will support .mp4 playback of h264 streams.

 

[Jeff7]

I still use DVDFlick for the extremely rare occasion I need it. ImgBurn won't work in this case. It doesn't transcode to MPEG-2. It is simply a burning tool.

I would ask why you want a DVD since most commercial DVD and BD players will support .mp4 playback of h264 streams.

Background:
Those in question still use:
- VCR to record TV shows
- 27" CRT TV
- Several-years-old DVD player
- No significant desire to attempt to learn a new remote control for a new DVD player or, god help us all, a DVR system.

 

[Ketchup]

I used Convertx to DVD before I went to my current setup (Samsung Allshare, so no need for physical discs). Cost is $45, but I good program that lets you add or not add as much as you want.

http://www.vso-software.fr/products/convert_x_to_dvd/
http://download.cnet.com/ConvertXtoDVD/3000-2194_4-10341695.html

I don't know about ISOs, as I have honestly never tried it.

 

[IronWing]

I haven't tried this particular package but I've had very good luck with the company's other software.

http://mediachance.com/dvdlab/dvdlabpro.html

 

[shortylickens]

DVDShrink to make ISO's and Windows Explorer to burn them.

Having said that, I dont think I've burned a disc in at least two years, and that was an operating system.

 

[Kerry56]

That looks familiar, and I don't think that is capable of transcoding anything into the MPEG2 format, and the proper file structure, that a conventional DVD player needs.

If you want a conversion program to go to DVD-video, use AVStoDVD. http://www.videohelp.com/software/AVStoDVD

If you need ISO files as output, or you want to burn straight to a disc rather than keeping the copy on the hard drive, you'll need ImgBurn installed as well.

AVStoDVD can make a menu for you if you wish, but the default setting is to make the DVD without menus. Use the HC encoder that comes with the program and set AVStoDVD to use a two pass encode.

 

[dave_the_nerd]

dvdstyler?

http://www.dvdstyler.org/en/

it's fairly straightforward, and has done everything I've asked it to with aplomb.

 

[abekl]

Convertx2dvd is the best tool out there for what you want to do.

 

[Iron Woode]

I haven't tried this particular package but I've had very good luck with the company's other software.

http://mediachance.com/dvdlab/dvdlabpro.html

that's a full on, Hollywood DVD Authoring program.

I played with it about 5 years ago and it has a steep learning curve. There are lots of guides on their site, but still its a little intimidating for new users.

 

[Mike64]

That looks familiar, and I don't think that is capable of transcoding anything into the MPEG2 format, and the proper file structure, that a conventional DVD player needs.

I wasn't really sure exactly what you were asking, thus the qualification to my answer. You're right, ImgBurn doesn't do what your relative apparently wants to do. It doesn't convert, edit or otherwise "manipulate" media files as such. It is a compact, fairly powerful/flexible (but not especially "user-friendly") iso creation and/or CD/DVD burning utility.

 

[Jeff7]

dvdstyler?

http://www.dvdstyler.org/en/

it's fairly straightforward, and has done everything I've asked it to with aplomb.

:thumbsup: This one looks like it'll take care of everything I needed.
Sometime later this week I should find out if it's accepted or not.

 

[lucia]

I suggest giving free WinX DVD Author a whirl.

Fully compatible with DVD+/-R, DVD+/-RW, DVD DL+R, DVD DL+/-RW