How to Burn a Windows Movie Maker File to DVD: A Comprehensive Guide

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Burning a Windows Movie Maker file to DVD allows you to share your creations with a wider audience, preserve precious memories, and enjoy them on standard DVD players. This process typically involves saving your movie as a video file format compatible with DVD burning software and then using that software to create a playable DVD.

Understanding the Process: From Project to Playable Disc

Windows Movie Maker, while simple to use, doesn’t directly burn to DVD. Instead, it allows you to export your project as a video file. This video file then needs to be burned to a DVD using a separate DVD authoring and burning program. Think of it as building a cake (your movie) and then needing an oven (DVD burning software) to bake it into its final, shareable form. The key is selecting the right video format and using reliable software.

The process can be broken down into three key steps:

  1. Saving your Windows Movie Maker Project as a Video File: Choose a compatible format like WMV or MP4.
  2. Selecting and Installing DVD Burning Software: Explore options like Windows DVD Maker (if available on your system), DVD Flick, BurnAware Free, or paid alternatives like Nero Burning ROM.
  3. Burning the Video File to DVD: Using your chosen software, import the video file, create a DVD menu (optional), and initiate the burning process.

Each step offers options and considerations that can impact the final quality and compatibility of your DVD. Let’s delve deeper into these aspects.

Step 1: Saving Your Movie Maker Project

The first and crucial step is to save your project in a suitable video format. Windows Movie Maker offers several options, but some are better suited for DVD burning than others.

  • Recommended Format: WMV (Windows Media Video): WMV is a Microsoft format that is generally compatible with Windows-based DVD burning software. It offers a good balance of quality and file size. Choose a higher quality setting within WMV options for better results.
  • Alternative Format: MP4 (MPEG-4): MP4 is a more universally compatible format. While it might require slightly more configuration in the DVD burning software, it ensures broader compatibility with different DVD players.

To save your project:

  1. In Windows Movie Maker, go to File > Save Movie.
  2. Select “For computer” or “Recommended for this project.” This generally selects a decent quality setting.
  3. Click “Show more choices…” to access advanced settings.
  4. Choose the WMV or MP4 format.
  5. Adjust the bitrate and resolution to your desired quality. A higher bitrate will result in a larger file size but better visual quality. For DVD, a resolution of 720×480 (NTSC) or 720×576 (PAL) is typical.
  6. Give your file a name and choose a location to save it.
  7. Click Save.

Step 2: Choosing DVD Burning Software

Since Windows Movie Maker doesn’t burn DVDs directly, you’ll need dedicated software. Here are some popular choices:

  • Windows DVD Maker (If Available): This was a built-in program in older versions of Windows (Windows 7 and earlier). It’s incredibly user-friendly and integrates seamlessly with Windows. If you have it, it’s the easiest option. However, Microsoft discontinued support for it.
  • DVD Flick (Free): DVD Flick is a powerful, open-source DVD authoring tool. It supports a wide variety of video formats and allows you to create simple DVD menus. It might require some technical know-how, but it’s a great free option.
  • BurnAware Free (Free): BurnAware Free is a versatile burning tool that supports burning data DVDs, audio CDs, and video DVDs. It’s straightforward to use and provides essential DVD burning functionality.
  • Nero Burning ROM (Paid): Nero Burning ROM is a comprehensive burning suite with advanced features like Blu-ray burning and disc ripping. It offers extensive customization options and a user-friendly interface but requires a purchase.
  • CyberLink Power2Go (Paid): Similar to Nero, Power2Go offers a robust set of features and supports various disc formats. It boasts advanced authoring capabilities and a sleek interface.

When selecting software, consider these factors:

  • Ease of Use: Is the interface intuitive and easy to navigate?
  • Format Support: Does it support the video format you saved from Windows Movie Maker (WMV or MP4)?
  • Features: Do you need DVD menu creation, chapter support, or other advanced features?
  • Price: Are you looking for a free option or willing to pay for a premium suite?

Step 3: Burning the Video to DVD

Once you’ve installed your chosen DVD burning software, the process is generally similar across different programs. Here’s a general outline:

  1. Launch the DVD Burning Software: Open your chosen program.
  2. Select “Create a Video DVD” or a similar option: Look for an option that specifically mentions video DVD creation.
  3. Add your video file(s): Use the program’s interface to browse and select the WMV or MP4 file you saved from Windows Movie Maker.
  4. Create a DVD Menu (Optional): Some software allows you to create simple DVD menus with thumbnails and chapter selection. This enhances the user experience.
  5. Configure Burning Settings: Choose the burning speed and DVD drive. Burning at a slower speed (e.g., 4x or 6x) often results in a more reliable burn and better compatibility with older DVD players.
  6. Insert a Blank DVD: Place a blank DVD-R or DVD+R disc into your DVD burner drive.
  7. Start the Burning Process: Click the “Burn,” “Start,” or similar button to begin burning the video to the DVD.
  8. Wait for Completion: The burning process can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the video length and burning speed.
  9. Verify the DVD: Once the burning is complete, the software will usually verify the disc to ensure the data was written correctly.
  10. Test the DVD: Play the DVD on a DVD player to confirm it works as expected.

FAQs: Troubleshooting and Advanced Techniques

Here are some frequently asked questions to address common issues and expand your knowledge:

FAQ 1: Why is my DVD player not recognizing the DVD I burned?

  • Possible Causes: Incorrect DVD format (DVD-R is generally more compatible), burning speed too fast, disc quality issues, DVD player compatibility problems, or incorrect regional coding.
  • Solution: Try burning at a slower speed, using a different brand of DVD-R disc, testing on a different DVD player, or ensuring the disc is region-free or compatible with your player’s region code.

FAQ 2: What is the best video format for burning to DVD for maximum compatibility?

  • Answer: While WMV is a good choice, MPEG-2 is often considered the most universally compatible format for DVD video. However, converting to MPEG-2 requires more processing power and might slightly degrade the video quality.

FAQ 3: How can I add chapters to my DVD?

  • Answer: Most DVD burning software (DVD Flick, Nero, Power2Go) offers chapter creation features. You can typically set chapter markers at specific points in your video during the authoring process.

FAQ 4: How do I reduce the file size of my video if it’s too large to fit on a DVD?

  • Answer: Reduce the bitrate of your video during the saving process in Windows Movie Maker or use a video compression tool before burning. Be aware that reducing the bitrate will lower the video quality.

FAQ 5: Can I burn multiple videos to a single DVD?

  • Answer: Yes, most DVD burning software allows you to add multiple video files. The software will automatically create a menu that allows you to select which video to play. Ensure the total file size of all videos doesn’t exceed the DVD’s capacity (typically 4.7 GB for single-layer DVDs).

FAQ 6: What is the difference between DVD-R and DVD+R?

  • Answer: DVD-R and DVD+R are both recordable DVD formats. DVD-R is generally considered the older and more compatible format, especially with older DVD players. DVD+R offers some technical advantages, but compatibility issues are less common with newer players.

FAQ 7: How do I create a custom DVD menu?

  • Answer: Software like Nero and Power2Go offer advanced DVD menu creation tools. You can customize the menu background, buttons, fonts, and add music. DVD Flick offers simpler menu options.

FAQ 8: Why does my video look blurry or pixelated on the DVD?

  • Answer: This is usually due to low video quality or excessive compression. Ensure you save your video from Windows Movie Maker at a sufficiently high bitrate and resolution.

FAQ 9: Can I burn a Blu-ray disc using Windows Movie Maker?

  • Answer: No, Windows Movie Maker is not designed for Blu-ray burning. You’ll need Blu-ray authoring and burning software like Nero Burning ROM or CyberLink Power2Go.

FAQ 10: Is it legal to burn copyrighted movies to DVD?

  • Answer: Burning copyrighted movies to DVD for personal use might be permissible in some regions, but distributing or selling copies is generally illegal. Consult copyright laws in your jurisdiction.

FAQ 11: My DVD burning process keeps failing. What should I do?

  • Answer: Try a different DVD burning software, burn at a slower speed, use a different brand of DVD disc, and ensure your DVD burner drive is clean and functioning correctly. Check for firmware updates for your DVD burner.

FAQ 12: Can I burn a DVD that plays on both NTSC and PAL DVD players?

  • Answer: Creating a DVD that plays on both NTSC and PAL systems is challenging. You’ll need to convert your video to a common format (e.g., using a video converter) and use DVD authoring software that allows you to create a “region-free” DVD. This is best avoided if possible, targeting the appropriate standard for your audience.

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