Burning a DVD from Movie Maker on Windows 10 is possible, though it requires a bit of a workaround since the original Movie Maker included a direct DVD burning feature. You’ll need to export your movie as a video file, then use separate DVD burning software to create a compatible DVD.
Understanding the Challenge: Movie Maker and DVD Burning
The original Windows Movie Maker, a staple for home movie enthusiasts, once offered a straightforward “Burn to DVD” option. However, the version most readily available and often referred to as “Movie Maker” on Windows 10 is frequently not the classic version with that functionality. This means you need a two-step process: exporting your project and then using dedicated DVD authoring software. This approach ensures compatibility and provides more control over the DVD menu and structure.
Exporting Your Movie Project from Movie Maker
The first step is saving your finished movie project as a video file. This file will then be used as the source for your DVD burning software.
Choosing the Right Export Settings
Selecting the correct export settings is crucial for achieving the best possible video quality on your DVD. Here’s a breakdown of the key options:
- File Format: Export as MP4 (.mp4). This format is widely compatible and offers a good balance of video quality and file size.
- Resolution: If your original video clips are high-definition (HD), export at 1280×720 (720p). While DVD is standard definition, starting with a higher resolution source generally yields better results after downscaling. If your source material is lower resolution, maintain that resolution to avoid unnecessary upscaling.
- Frame Rate: Use the same frame rate as your original video clips. Common frame rates are 24fps, 25fps, and 30fps.
- Bitrate: This determines the amount of data used per second of video. Higher bitrates result in better quality but larger file sizes. For 720p, a bitrate of 5-8 Mbps is usually sufficient.
Exporting the Video File
- Open your project in Movie Maker.
- Click on “File” in the top left corner.
- Select “Save movie”.
- Choose “Recommended for this project” to let Movie Maker automatically select the best settings, or “For computer” for more control over the export settings.
- Adjust the export settings based on the recommendations above, if necessary.
- Name your video file.
- Select a location to save the file.
- Click “Save”. Movie Maker will now export your project as a video file.
Choosing and Using DVD Burning Software
Numerous DVD burning software options are available, ranging from free to paid. Here are a few popular choices:
- Windows DVD Maker (if available): Some older versions of Windows may still have Windows DVD Maker installed. If you have it, this is a simple option.
- BurnAware Free: A free and easy-to-use DVD burning program.
- DVD Flick: Another free option, known for its support for various video formats.
- ImgBurn: While primarily known for burning ISO images, it can also create DVDs from video files.
- Commercial Software (e.g., Nero Burning ROM, Roxio Creator): These offer more advanced features like menu creation and video editing tools.
Burning Your Video to DVD
The specific steps will vary slightly depending on the software you choose, but the general process is similar:
- Install and launch your chosen DVD burning software.
- Select the option to create a “Video DVD” or similar.
- Add your exported video file to the project.
- Customize the DVD menu (optional). Most software allows you to create simple menus with chapter selection.
- Insert a blank DVD into your DVD drive.
- Select your DVD drive as the destination.
- Start the burning process. This can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the length of your video and the speed of your DVD drive.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQ 1: Why can’t I find the “Burn to DVD” option in Movie Maker?
The “Burn to DVD” option was a feature of the original Windows Movie Maker, which is not always readily available on Windows 10. Modern versions typically require exporting your video and then using a separate DVD burning program.
FAQ 2: What type of DVD should I use: DVD-R or DVD+R?
Both DVD-R and DVD+R are compatible with most DVD players. DVD-R is generally considered slightly more universally compatible, especially with older players. DVD+R often offers better writing performance.
FAQ 3: What is the difference between DVD-R and DVD-RW?
DVD-R is a write-once disc, meaning you can only record data on it once. DVD-RW is a rewritable disc, allowing you to erase and rewrite data multiple times. For burning movies, DVD-R is usually preferred.
FAQ 4: What resolution should I use when exporting my video for DVD?
While your original video can be HD, DVDs are standard definition. Therefore, exporting at 720×480 (NTSC) or 720×576 (PAL) is appropriate for DVD authoring. Exporting at a higher resolution initially (like 720p) can sometimes result in a slightly better-looking downscaled DVD.
FAQ 5: How do I create a DVD menu?
Most DVD burning software includes tools for creating basic DVD menus. Look for options to add chapters, customize the background, and add titles. More advanced software, like commercial options, offers more extensive menu customization features.
FAQ 6: What is the best video format to export from Movie Maker for DVD burning?
MP4 (.mp4) is generally the best format due to its compatibility and efficiency. Ensure your DVD burning software supports this format.
FAQ 7: How long does it take to burn a DVD?
Burning a DVD can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour or longer, depending on the length of the video, the burning speed of your DVD drive, and the capabilities of your burning software.
FAQ 8: What is “NTSC” and “PAL” and which one should I use?
NTSC and PAL are television broadcasting standards. NTSC is primarily used in North America, Japan, and some other countries. PAL is used in Europe, Australia, and most of Asia. Choose the standard that matches your region’s television system.
FAQ 9: My DVD isn’t playing on my DVD player. What could be the problem?
Several factors could cause this:
- Incompatibility: Your DVD player might not support the DVD format or the burned video format.
- Region Coding: The DVD might be region-coded for a different region than your DVD player.
- Burning Errors: The DVD might have been burned incorrectly. Try burning another disc.
- Damaged Disc: The disc could be scratched or damaged.
FAQ 10: Can I burn multiple movies onto one DVD?
Yes, but only if the total size of the video files doesn’t exceed the capacity of the DVD (approximately 4.7 GB for a single-layer DVD). Ensure your DVD burning software supports adding multiple video files.
FAQ 11: Is it legal to burn copyrighted movies onto DVD?
Burning copyrighted movies onto DVD for personal use may be permissible in some regions under “fair use” doctrines. However, distributing or selling copies of copyrighted material is illegal. Always respect copyright laws.
FAQ 12: Why is the video quality on my burned DVD not as good as the original video?
DVDs have a lower resolution than HD video. The burning process inevitably involves some loss of quality. However, choosing appropriate export settings and using high-quality DVD burning software can help minimize the quality degradation.