Yes, you absolutely can burn a digital copy of a movie to DVD, but the process involves understanding video formats, codec compatibility, and appropriate software. This article will guide you through the steps necessary to create a playable DVD from your digital movie files, covering everything from file preparation to troubleshooting common issues.
Understanding the Basics of Digital Movies and DVDs
Before we dive into the process, let’s understand the fundamental differences between digital movies and DVDs. Digital movies are stored as video files (e.g., MP4, AVI, MKV) on your computer. DVDs, on the other hand, use a specific format (MPEG-2) that most DVD players can recognize. Therefore, converting your digital movie to a compatible format is the first crucial step.
DVDs utilize a specific folder structure. A standard DVD will contain two folders: AUDIO_TS (often empty) and VIDEO_TS. The VIDEO_TS folder contains the video files (.VOB), information files (.IFO), and backup files (.BUP). Creating these files and folders correctly ensures proper DVD playback.
Choosing the Right Software for the Job
Numerous software options exist for burning digital movies to DVD. The best choice depends on your operating system, desired features, and budget. Popular choices include:
- DVD Flick (Free, Windows): A simple and effective option, known for its ease of use. It supports a wide range of video formats and automatically converts them to DVD-compatible MPEG-2.
- Burn (Free, macOS): A macOS-exclusive application that offers a clean interface and reliable burning capabilities.
- HandBrake (Free, Cross-Platform): While primarily a video transcoder, HandBrake can be used in conjunction with other DVD burning software to prepare the video for DVD authoring.
- ImgBurn (Free, Windows): An excellent tool for creating ISO images and burning them to DVDs. It offers advanced settings for experienced users.
- CyberLink PowerDirector (Paid, Windows): A comprehensive video editing and DVD authoring suite that offers professional-level features.
- Roxio Creator NXT (Paid, Windows): Another feature-rich option with tools for video editing, DVD authoring, and more.
For this guide, we’ll primarily focus on DVD Flick due to its free availability and straightforward interface. However, the general principles apply to other software as well.
The Burning Process: A Step-by-Step Guide (Using DVD Flick)
- Download and Install DVD Flick: Visit the official DVD Flick website to download and install the software.
- Add Your Video Files: Open DVD Flick and click the “Add Title” button to browse and select your digital movie file. You can add multiple files if you want to create a DVD with several episodes or videos.
- Edit Title (Optional): You can edit the title of your video, add chapter markers, and customize the audio and subtitle tracks.
- Set the Destination Folder: Click on “Project Settings” at the top of the screen. In the “General” tab, choose a destination folder where DVD Flick will save the DVD files. Ensure you have enough free space on your hard drive (at least 4.7 GB for a single-layer DVD).
- Set Burning Options (Optional): In the “Video” tab, you can adjust the target format (NTSC or PAL, depending on your region), encoding quality, and aspect ratio. The default settings are usually suitable for most users.
- Create DVD Structure: Click the “Create DVD” button. DVD Flick will begin encoding the video and creating the necessary DVD files. This process can take a significant amount of time, depending on the length and quality of the video.
- Burn the DVD: Once DVD Flick has finished creating the DVD files, you’ll need to burn them to a DVD using a burning software like ImgBurn (if you chose not to have DVD Flick burn directly). Open ImgBurn, select “Write files/folders to disc,” add the contents of your destination folder (created by DVD Flick – specifically the AUDIOTS and VIDEOTS folders), and start the burning process. Choose a slow burning speed (e.g., 4x or 6x) to minimize errors.
Troubleshooting Common Burning Issues
Burning a DVD can sometimes be problematic. Here are some common issues and their solutions:
- DVD Player Doesn’t Recognize the Disc: This is often due to incorrect formatting or the DVD player not supporting the DVD type (DVD+R vs. DVD-R). Ensure your burning software is configured correctly and try using a different brand of DVD.
- Poor Video Quality: This can be caused by low encoding quality or incorrect video settings. Increase the encoding quality in your burning software and make sure the aspect ratio is correct.
- Audio/Video Synchronization Problems: This may be caused by corrupted video files. Try re-encoding the video file using a different codec or software.
- Burning Errors: This can be due to a faulty DVD burner, damaged DVD media, or overheating. Try using a different DVD burner, different brand of DVD, or cleaning the burner.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What video file formats can be burned to DVD?
Many formats can be burned to DVD indirectly, as most burning software will transcode (convert) them to the required MPEG-2 format. Common compatible input formats include MP4, AVI, MKV, WMV, MOV, and more. However, always check the specific compatibility list of your chosen software.
2. What is the difference between DVD+R and DVD-R? Which should I use?
DVD+R and DVD-R are competing DVD formats. Most modern DVD players are compatible with both. DVD+R offers slightly better burning speeds and features like Lossless Linking, which can prevent buffer underruns. However, DVD-R is generally considered more compatible with older players. Choose based on your player’s compatibility, but DVD+R is usually a safe bet for newer equipment.
3. What burning speed should I use for burning DVDs?
Lower burning speeds (e.g., 4x or 6x) are generally recommended for burning DVDs. Slower speeds reduce the risk of errors and can improve the playback quality, especially on older DVD players.
4. How much video can I fit on a DVD?
A single-layer DVD holds approximately 4.7 GB (4.37 GiB) of data. A dual-layer DVD can hold approximately 8.5 GB (7.95 GiB). The actual recording time depends on the video quality and encoding settings.
5. What is the best video resolution for DVD burning?
The standard resolution for DVD video is 720×480 (NTSC) or 720×576 (PAL). While you can use higher resolutions, the video will be downscaled to these resolutions during the burning process.
6. Can I burn multiple movies onto one DVD?
Yes, you can burn multiple movies onto one DVD, as long as the total file size does not exceed the DVD’s capacity (4.7 GB or 8.5 GB). Most DVD authoring software allows you to create a menu to navigate between the different movies.
7. What is the difference between NTSC and PAL?
NTSC (National Television System Committee) is the standard video format used in North America, Japan, and some other countries. PAL (Phase Alternating Line) is the standard used in Europe, Australia, and parts of Asia. Ensure your DVD burning software is configured to use the correct format for your region.
8. Can I burn a DVD on a Mac?
Yes, you can burn DVDs on a Mac. macOS has built-in DVD burning capabilities, and several third-party applications are available, such as Burn and iMovie.
9. How do I create a DVD menu?
Most DVD authoring software, such as CyberLink PowerDirector and Roxio Creator NXT, provide tools for creating custom DVD menus. These tools allow you to add buttons, text, images, and background music to your menu.
10. What is an ISO image, and why would I use it?
An ISO image is a single file that contains all the data from a DVD or CD. It’s like a digital snapshot of the disc. You can use an ISO image to back up your DVDs, burn multiple copies of the same DVD, or mount the ISO image as a virtual drive on your computer.
11. Why does my burned DVD skip or stutter during playback?
Skipping or stuttering during playback can be caused by several factors, including a faulty DVD burner, damaged DVD media, incorrect burning speed, or compatibility issues with the DVD player. Try using a different DVD burner, different brand of DVD, slower burning speed, or a different DVD player.
12. Is it legal to burn a digital movie to DVD?
Burning a digital movie to DVD is generally legal if you own the digital copy and are using it for personal use only. It’s illegal to burn copyrighted material to DVD for commercial purposes or distribution without permission from the copyright holder. Always respect copyright laws.
By following these steps and understanding the underlying principles, you can confidently convert your digital movie collection into a physical library of DVDs. Enjoy the process and the ability to watch your favorite films on your DVD player!