How to Convert AVI to DVD: It’s Easy with the Proper Software

In recent years, one type of file conversion has become more and more popular as the use of digital video cameras has gotten more prevalent: AVI to DVD conversions. Recording the video is easy, but many people get stuck there, with no clear idea of how to get that footage onto a computer or a DVD. Here are a few options.

Edit Your Movie

Once you transfer that AVI file to your computer, you will likely want to reauthor it. There are plenty of capable software packages available to assist with this chore, and they cost 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.

Copy 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 produce 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, many 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.

There is no such thing as the perfect software for all of these tasks. The fact is that what is right for me might not be right for you. To determine the best software for you, first determine exactly what your goals are for your software, and choose accordingly. As a guideline, video editing software is large and requires substantial processing power. The more you expect your software to do, the more complex you can expect it to be. Conversely, simple utility programs, while not particularly complete, are simple and inexpensive to use.