Burning your precious memories captured in Windows Movie Maker to DVD isn’t as straightforward as it once was, but it remains entirely possible. While Windows Movie Maker itself doesn’t offer direct DVD burning functionality, the solution involves exporting your project as a video file and then using a separate DVD burning software to create a playable disc. This article will guide you through the process, offering detailed instructions and addressing common questions to ensure a successful burning experience.
Understanding the Process: Windows Movie Maker and DVD Creation
The key to understanding why you need multiple steps lies in the architecture of Windows Movie Maker and DVD burning technology. Windows Movie Maker is a video editing program, designed to manipulate and assemble video clips, images, and audio. DVD burning, on the other hand, is a specialized process that encodes the video into a DVD-compatible format and then physically writes it onto a DVD disc. Since Windows Movie Maker is primarily an editor, it lacks the necessary encoders and burning engine to handle the DVD creation process directly.
Therefore, the workflow is as follows:
- Edit and Finalize: Complete your video project within Windows Movie Maker.
- Export (Save) as a Video File: Choose a suitable video format for DVD burning.
- Import into DVD Burning Software: Load your video file into a dedicated DVD burning program.
- Customize and Burn: Set DVD menu options (if desired) and initiate the burning process.
Step-by-Step Guide: From Movie Maker to DVD Player
This section outlines the detailed steps involved in transforming your Windows Movie Maker project into a playable DVD.
1. Exporting Your Video from Windows Movie Maker
The first, and crucial, step is exporting your video project from Windows Movie Maker into a video file format suitable for DVD burning.
- Open Your Project: Launch Windows Movie Maker and open the video project you wish to burn to DVD.
- Save Movie: Click on “File” then “Save Movie.” Choose “For computer” for a generally compatible export.
- Choose File Format: While several options are available, .WMV (Windows Media Video) is generally recommended for ease of use and compatibility with most DVD burning software.
- Adjust Settings (Optional): Before saving, click on “Show more choices…” to customize the video settings. This allows you to select a specific resolution and frame rate. For standard DVDs, a resolution of 720×480 (NTSC) or 720×576 (PAL) is appropriate. Frame rates of 29.97 fps (NTSC) or 25 fps (PAL) are standard.
- Name and Save: Name your video file and choose a location on your computer to save it. The exporting process may take some time, depending on the length and complexity of your video.
2. Choosing the Right DVD Burning Software
With your video saved, you need DVD burning software. Several excellent options are available, both free and paid. Here are a few popular choices:
- Free Options:
- DVD Flick: A popular open-source option known for its simplicity and wide range of supported formats.
- ImgBurn: Primarily designed for burning ISO images, but also capable of creating DVDs from video files.
- Paid Options:
- Nero Burning ROM: A comprehensive burning suite with a wide array of features.
- CyberLink Power2Go: Another feature-rich option offering advanced burning capabilities.
Consider factors like ease of use, features, and compatibility with your operating system when selecting your software.
3. Burning the Video to DVD
The exact steps may vary slightly depending on the software you choose, but the general process is similar. This example uses DVD Flick:
- Install and Launch: Download, install, and launch your chosen DVD burning software.
- Add Title: In DVD Flick, click on “Add title…” to add your exported .WMV video file.
- Edit Title (Optional): You can edit the title of the video, which will be displayed in the DVD menu.
- Project Settings: Go to “Project settings…” and adjust settings such as the aspect ratio (4:3 or 16:9) and encoding profile. Choose the appropriate TV system (NTSC or PAL) based on your region.
- Burning Settings: Ensure you have a blank DVD inserted into your DVD burner. In DVD Flick, click on “Create DVD.” The software will encode the video and then burn it onto the DVD.
- Wait and Verify: The burning process may take a considerable amount of time, depending on the length of the video and the speed of your DVD burner. Once complete, the software will notify you. Test the DVD in a DVD player to ensure it plays correctly.
Optimizing for Quality and Compatibility
Achieving the best possible quality and compatibility requires careful consideration of several factors.
Bitrate Considerations
Bitrate is a crucial factor affecting video quality. A higher bitrate generally results in better quality but also larger file sizes. When burning to DVD, you are limited by the capacity of the DVD disc. Choose a bitrate that balances quality with the disc’s capacity. Most DVD burning software will automatically adjust the bitrate to fit the video onto the disc.
Choosing the Correct TV System (NTSC/PAL)
NTSC (National Television System Committee) is the analog television system used in North America, parts of South America, and Japan. PAL (Phase Alternating Line) is the system used in most of Europe, Australia, and parts of Asia and Africa. Selecting the correct TV system is essential for ensuring proper playback. If you burn a DVD using the wrong system, the video may appear distorted or not play at all. Typically, your software will select this automatically based on your regional settings, but be sure to verify.
Ensuring Compatibility with DVD Players
Not all DVD players are created equal. Some older players may have difficulty playing DVDs created with newer software or using specific codecs. If you experience compatibility issues, try the following:
- Use a widely compatible video format: .WMV is generally a safe choice.
- Burn at a slower speed: Burning at a slower speed can improve the reliability of the disc.
- Try a different DVD brand: Some DVD players are more sensitive to certain DVD brands than others.
- Update your DVD player’s firmware: If possible, check the manufacturer’s website for firmware updates that may improve compatibility.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about burning Windows Movie Maker videos to DVD:
FAQ 1: Why can’t I burn directly from Windows Movie Maker?
Windows Movie Maker lacks the necessary encoders and DVD burning engine to create a DVD-compatible video and write it to a disc. It focuses on editing, requiring a separate DVD burning program for the final step.
FAQ 2: What video format should I export from Windows Movie Maker?
.WMV (Windows Media Video) is generally recommended for its compatibility with most DVD burning software and ease of use within the Windows environment. Other options include .AVI and .MP4, but may require additional codecs in your DVD burning software.
FAQ 3: What is the best free DVD burning software?
DVD Flick is a popular and highly recommended free option, known for its simplicity and support for a wide range of video formats.
FAQ 4: How long does it take to burn a video to DVD?
The burning time depends on several factors, including the length of the video, the speed of your DVD burner, and the processing power of your computer. It can range from 30 minutes to several hours.
FAQ 5: How can I improve the quality of my burned DVD?
Choose a higher bitrate during the encoding process (within the limits of DVD capacity), use a high-quality blank DVD, and burn at a slower speed.
FAQ 6: What is NTSC and PAL, and which should I choose?
NTSC and PAL are different analog television systems. NTSC is used in North America and Japan, while PAL is used in Europe and Australia. Choose the system that corresponds to your region. The DVD software should automatically select this based on your computer’s settings.
FAQ 7: Why is my DVD not playing on my DVD player?
Incompatibility can stem from various sources. Ensure the correct TV system (NTSC/PAL) is selected, try a different DVD brand, burn at a slower speed, and check if your DVD player needs a firmware update.
FAQ 8: Can I add a menu to my DVD?
Yes, most DVD burning software allows you to create menus with chapter selection and other options. DVD Flick is a great free option that provides this feature.
FAQ 9: What is the best aspect ratio for my DVD?
Choose the aspect ratio that matches the original video’s aspect ratio. Common options are 4:3 (standard definition) and 16:9 (widescreen).
FAQ 10: What is bitrate, and how does it affect the quality of my DVD?
Bitrate is the amount of data used to encode the video. A higher bitrate generally results in better quality but also larger file sizes.
FAQ 11: Can I burn multiple videos to one DVD?
Yes, most DVD burning software allows you to add multiple videos to a single DVD, as long as they fit within the DVD’s capacity.
FAQ 12: My video is too large to fit on a standard DVD. What can I do?
You can either reduce the bitrate of the video to make it smaller or use a dual-layer DVD, which has a larger capacity.
By following this guide and addressing these FAQs, you should be well-equipped to successfully burn your Windows Movie Maker videos to DVD, preserving your cherished memories for years to come. Remember to choose the right tools, optimize for quality, and troubleshoot any issues that may arise along the way. Good luck, and enjoy your movies on the big screen!