Converting MPEG files to an acceptable DVD format

[exeng]

I have decided to transfer all my old 'video 8' camcorder movies on to DVD.

So I bought a TV capture card to transfer the movies on to the computer. This works fine but they are put into an MPEG format.

I attempted to use 'Nero' to burn them to DVD but alas the format is not accepted.

Can anyone suggest an easy (and inexpensive) method of converting these files into a suitable format please?


Regards
Exeng

[spannersatcx]

Have a look at dvdrhelp.com (www.dvdrhelp.com) all the info you need should be there.

[exeng]

Thanks for that, I'm sure someting there will do the trick.

I will let you know how I got on.


Regards
Exeng

[Scallywag]

WinAVI will convert from/to the formats you require exeng. You can try it free, think it's about £15 for full version. http://www.dvd-guides.com/content/view/58/59/

Once files converted to DVD format you can use your Nero to burn to DVD. If you want to re-author then I use the excellent DVD Shrink (which is free) http://www.dvdshrink.info/index.php
DVD Shrink also allows you to make copies of any DVD's you have, which is particularly useful as you can re-author it without all the "extras"/"trailers" etc. Obviously one must not infringe any copyright laws.

Good luck, Scally

ps. this may be better link for shrink

http://www.dvdshrink.org/where.html

[terrain safe]

Before using DVD shrink however you need to use DVD Decrypter, which I think has been banned, to remove any CSS protection.

Try this http://ath-x.ath.cx/info/dvd/using%20freeware%20utilities%20to%20backup%20your%20movies.h tm for a good tutorial.

DVD Decrpter from Here: http://www.afterdawn.com/software/video_software/dvd_rippers/dvd_decrypter.cfm

Before people slag me off for encouraging piracy I have used this to back up some films that my 3 year old likes so that when they are inevitably ruined, I just copy off another.

Please treat these links in a sensible manner..

TS

[Scallywag]

Thanks TS, I should have mentioned that DVD Shrink doesn't remove all the latest protections, such as Sony's ARccOS™. However, version 3.2 copes with most of them and so it's worth trying it first as I find it is so fast. As you say, DVD Decrypter is no longer being updated due to legal action but a new company have taken over the mantle and for good reason. As you said many of us have children (or dogs who think cd/dvd are frisbees) and of course these plastic discs are not indestructable. For this reason we should be allowed to "copy" something we have purchased provided it is for our own use and not to profit by.

After the sad demise of DVD Decrypter the new kid on the block is DVDFab Decrypter. There are various versions available, and the link is to the free version which, like good old DVD Decrypter, will rip entire disc and remove ALL protections in the process. You can then use DVD Shrink or whichever software you prefer to copy/re-author before burning to DVD. :ok:

http://www.afterdawn.com/software/video_software/dvd_rippers/dvdfab_decrypter.cfm

[criticalmass]

A playable video DVD has two directories, VIDEO_TS and AUDIO_TS.

AUDIO_TS is always empty. Some video DVDs don't even have it, yet they still play.

VIDEO_TS is where everything is stored, both vision and audio, multiplexed in with the vision. It contains .VOB, .IFO and .BUP files. All three must reside in this directory for it to be a playable video DVD.

"DVD Authoring" is the process of converting your MPEG file into the necessary VOB, IFO and BUP files. Authoring software is readily available. (I use Sony DVD Architect - good software.)

Basically, the actual playable files is the Video Object File, or VOB. Each VOB doesn't exceed 1GB in size, and if the DVD needs or has more than one VOB file then they are contiguous, and play seamlessly. Naturally, each menu-item is associated with a single VOB file, so the player can jump straight to it when you select it from the menu.

The IFO file is the table of contents which the player looks up to see in which order to play the VOB files. Also, if the DVD is menu-driven, information about menus etc is contained here.

Naturally, the IFO file is very important, and if it is corrupted (for example by a large scratch) then the BUP file comes into play. It is just a backup of the IFO file. If the IFO file can't be read, the player looks up the BUP file. If it is corrupted as well, the DVD is unplayable.

There may be several VOB filles, but only one IFO file and one BUP file.

Converting an MPEG file into VOB, IFO and BUP actually makes the resulting filesize larger. If I render a production to 3.35Gb as an MPEG file, once authored to VOB, IFO and BUP files it just neatly occupies 4.7Gb, perfect for a single-layer DVD. Actually, Nero allows me to over-burn to a maximum of 4.9Gb on a single-layer DVD. Nero burns ISO-format files, and the VOB files cannot exceed 1Gb under this standard. Each Nero burn gets an ISO-DVD number. I include it on all my DVDs I produce, as well as my copyright where applicable.

Many DVD players will play MPEG files, but you won't be able to insert menus etc, since they are created at the authoring stage rather than the initial production stage.

As I am involved with video production (from camera-work right through to authoring and burning) I will refrain from commenting on "ripping" DVDs and breaking copy-protection.

[spannersatcx]

Why would he want to decrypt a video 8 home movie it's not protected!

[BOAC]

Spanners - have you seen his home movies?:eek: :D :D

[221B]

I use TMPGEnc which has not let me down yet - there are 2 components, the original program which will convert files from one format to another, and should cope with making your MPEGs DVD compliant, and an authoring program which will allow you to add menus, put them into the correct directoy structure, and burn the DVD.

TMPGEnc (http://www.tmpgenc.net/e_main.html)

TMPGEnc DVD Author (http://www.pegasys-inc.com/en/product/tda.html)

There are guides for both of these, plus various alternatives on the DVDRHelp.com site mentioned earlier.

[BOAC]

It appears that Roxio 'EasyCD' will put MPG media onto DVD in DVD format.

Hopefully exeng will be well on the way to sorting out his problems, so for me, who has just rolled up his trouser legs and started paddling in the DVD pool, and is confused by all the VOBs and BUPs:

DVD Shrink sorts out the 'cuts' required. What is recommended for 'editing' of DVDs - ie inserting wipes/fades and the like without converting them to MPG and using Womble?