How do I burn a Video DVD?

Introduction.

If you have a bunch of video files, you can burn them as a usual data DVD, which means that the files stay unchanged, exactly in the same form as they are on your hard disk. However, such a DVD is not DVD Video, and your favorite DVD player may refuse to play it.

A proper DVD Video contains additional structure, and its files are in a special format. To make sure that your videos will be played by any DVD player, you should create that structure and convert your files into the proper format. This can be done automatically by DVD-burning software, like ChiliBurner.

Step 1: Download and install the program.

Download ChiliBurner to a known location. Run the downloaded setup package and follow on-screen instructions to install it.

Step 2: Start the program. Add videos to burn.

Launch ChiliBurner. In the "Mode" area (right upper corner), select "DVD-Video". Then drag videos directly from Windows Explorer, or use the "+" button in the left lower corner to invoke a usual "Open" dialog.

Once a video is added, you can edit its chapters, or add more videos if there is enough space left on your DVD. A bar in the lower part of the window shows how much space is used. It shouldn't go into the red area.

In the right part of the window, set options for your DVD: type of DVD (NTSC or PAL), quality, aspect ratio. Set the capacity of your DVD (a usual single-layer DVD contains 4.7 Gb).

Finally, click "Start".

Step 3: Burn a Video DVD.

A simple wizard pops up. Insert a blank DVD into your burner, wait until it is recognized and possible burning speeds are detected. Optionally you can enter some name and change burning speed.

Click "Next".

In this step the wizard asks you were it should save temporary data. It will need to convert your video files into the proper DVD format before burning. Select a volume where you have enough space and click "Next" to continue.

The program will convert files and burn a Video DVD. This process may take some time, depending on your system.

The trial version of ChiliBurner can be launched a limited number of times. Otherwise the DVD burner is full-functional.

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