How do I cresate a DVD on a PC?

itgoodson

DVD R / DVD RW / cd ROM RW... I'm a little confused. What sort of drive do I need to buy in a new laptop if I want to create my own DVD videos?

Can anyone tell me the simple answer?!

Thanks!!

JonnyThunder

Ok, this is a multipart answer depending. If you want to create actual DVD video format DVDs then you'll need the following....

1. A DVD -R/+r writer in your laptop

2. Either burning software which allows creation of DVD video format disks, or some DVD authoring software (Pinnacle do some of this type of thing)

Now, lets assume you have Nero installed on your PC. If you already have your video clips in a standard format (AVI or something similar) then you should just be able to create a DVD-Video format disk and drag the clips on. If you're bothered about makin your own menus - then it'll be DVD authoring software you're after.

The actual process is easy, IF you want to create a disk with an easy format and menu. If you want more complicated, you DO get authoring software which does the hard work.

itgoodson

Thanks for that - I think I understand!

Could I make Video Disks (are they called VCD?) that will play on a DVD player? What can I do on Windows XP without buying new software that will give me something I can play on a DVD player?

Thanks again

JonnyThunder

Could I make Video Disks (are they called VCD?) that will play on a DVD player? What can I do on Windows XP without buying new software that will give me something I can play on a DVD player?

Yeah, if you have Nero for instance, you can make pretty much any format DVD (and you usually get Nero bundled with new DVD writers! Check with your supplier what software you'll get. I'd avoid Roxio!). If it's VCD you're after Nero will do that too. You may find however, that unless you supply a MPeg2 movie (I think thats VCD) then Nero will attempt to convert which could take hours depending on the size of the clips.

I don't really use Windows XP burner, but have heard it's pretty poor. I don't think it will do these formats anyway.

but like I say, if you dont wanna buy burning software - but you DO need a DVD writer - then shop around till you find somewhere that gives you nero free with your drive.