Best way to convert a mp4 to dvd format?

[sunshinetise]

I d/l mpg4 files (they are movies) and I want to burn them to a dvd. What is the best way to go about it, program to use, concerter, etc? Thanks!

[victry1]

Well, when I want to do that I use iDVD on my Mac. If you have Windows I'm not sure of how to go about it.

[fogdrip]

Originally Posted by sunshinetise

I d/l mpg4 files (they are movies) and I want to burn them to a dvd. What is the best way to go about it, program to use, concerter, etc? Thanks!

sunshinetise -

For Windows - It kind of depends!!

If you are looking to play those downloaded movie files on your computer you don't need anything. Just burn as a data disc and use the codec from your computer to play them.

However, if you are looking to play these files back on a "Regular" TV using a "Regular" DVD player, some work is required. The standard DVD format is MPEG 2. So you will need to transcode your MPEG 4 file into the MPEG 2 format. If you have a commercial program (such as Adobe Premier Elements, Pinnacle Studio 12 and so on) they will do this conversion for you, then output and burn your standard DVD. One of the problems with MPEG4 is that it has many "flavors" (.H264, DivX, etc.).

If you are looking for a freebie - VLC (Video LAN Client) may do it. That program is widely used to view still and video files and it's strong suit is the wide variety of file formats it can understand. It is available here There is also a FAQ and forum there where additional help may be found. They have some info on transcoding, so it may assist you. VLC will just prepare the file - you will still need DVD authoring software to burn to DVD.

I know this seems like a pretty simple thing to do but it can turn complicated real quick with all the different formats that are available.

I have never tried this VLC method myself - so I have no direct experience - I have transcoded with both Premier Elements and Studio 12 with good results.

Good luck,

Steve

[Dave_H]

Originally Posted by sunshinetise

I d/l mpg4 files (they are movies) and I want to burn them to a dvd. What is the best way to go about it, program to use, concerter, etc? Thanks!

Try ConvertX2DVD

http://www.vso-software.fr/?ap=avangate&aid=2202&afs=ijna03gi

It converts nearly everything.