Converting AVI files to DVD is a very routine operation, and is most commonly encountered when moving footage from a digital video camera onto your computer. But once you get that file onto your computer, then what do you do with it?
Reauthor Your Movie
Once you transfer that AVI file to your computer, you will in all probability want to edit it. There are plenty of effective software packages available to assist with this job, and they run anywhere from $50 to $500, depending on the features of the software. For most home movie needs, you can find a very capable editor in the $70 to $100 range.
This type of software will enable you to cut your original footage into clips that you can then mark up as you wish. For example, you can add transitions like fade effects, pixelation; you can add track titles or captions; you can even create an entire menu system with custom or supplied graphics.
Burn Your Movie to a DVD
There are a fair number of simple conversion tools available that will enable you to convert that AVI file into the structure required for DVD movies. Once you have that structure, you can use a DVD burning program like ImgBurn or Nero to create your DVD.
Play Your Movie on a Portable Device
Often, you’ll want to watch your movie through a device other than a DVD player. For example, numerous new media devices support video, so a further option you have is to convert your movie so that it plays on iPods, PSP’s, Zunes, and other portable media players. That’s an additional consideration when learning how to convert AVI to DVD format.
No one piece of software is adequate for everyone. But as a rule of thumb, the more conversion options a piece of software has, the more cognitive overhead you can expect there to be associated with it! Simple utility converters do one thing only and usually require just a few clicks; however, multi-purpose converters, while more powerful, will also require you to get your hands dirty in choosing codecs and the like.
