I have movie files on my computer. AVIs of home movies and backups of DVDs, etc. I have a DVD burner, but it didn't come with any software and I have absolutely no idea how to convert and burn my files. I've tried a few freeware programs, but none worked well enough to waste blank discs on.

This project of testing different programs on DVDs is getting expensive, as many programs don't offer the option to create a DVD-image.

If I know for sure that a program will work, I'm willing to pay for it, but I just need to know.

What software is best for converting a Divx/Xvid/whatever AVI to MPEG2 or Audio/Video_TS or whatever the DVD format is. Once it's converted, burning them isn't so much of a problem.

Hi gmtyrant You'll need to use a program like "WinAVIVideoconverter" It will convert avi files to dvd format or vcd/svcd, and does it quite quickly. Then you'll have to use your burning software to burn the converted files to disc. I use Nero but most burning software will do the job.
Ian

The only way you will get reliable and trustworthy DVDs is if you pay for somthing. Usually, if you buy a DVD burner, some software will come with it, be it Roxio, or Nero. (If it's Sonic, I feel bad for you.)
If you are running Vista, then vista has a program called Windows DVD Maker. I've never used it, but it's there for your use.

I've tried Winavi, which was truly astounding in speed and quality, but there was no sound. I'm still looking around as to why, but good call there!!!

Buying my home videos on DVD is difficult. Every major producer I've contacted has told me that my Christmas morning recordings are simply too boring. ;-) I am willing to pay for software, I just need to know which software to pay for. No software came with my burner, and I'm running Windows XP. I've been using Infrarecorder for burning, and it has proved to work flawlessly.

Hi I Use ImToo AVI to DVD converter I han't wasted one DVD yet it is the best one I have found and is very reliable and simple to use but not free RegNow Order Form also the AVS software and tutorial at my website will do that as well it has a free trial Mp4Direct Burning movies to DVD, VCD, SVCD

I ended up using ConvertXtoDVD with great success. Winavi has better features, and DVDflick is simpler. IMToo had features AND simplicity, but the most important thing is does it actually work. ConvertXtoDVD did. Thanks all!