Thoughts on mp4 to DVD Converter Programs Pleaase.

Okay, after successfully finding a program to download small (sub-5 minute) videos to my computer and edit and composit those into larger videos (around 25 - 30min), I'm now looking for a free mp4 to DVD conversion program (i.e mp4 to VOB) that isn't 'Trialware' and doesn't have any time restrictions, file conversion restrictions (such as 5 files per day) or any output watermarks.

I'd rather install a useful program on my machine than use a cloud-based package.

Ideally the program should either convert single mp4 videos (up to 1.5Gb in size - most clips are around 750Mb or less) into a DVD-compatible format (VOB?) such that the DVD Authoring program can add them (with menus) to a DVD OR an 'all-in-one solution which takes the individual mp4s and both converts them and compiles the DVD before burning the project to DVD.

One final 'ideal' is that the program and interface are easy to understand.

I have found several 'Best Of' lists and wonder what experience folks have had with these.

In no particular order:

1. Video Grabber (cloud-based)
2. AceThinker (cloud-based)
3. File ZigZag (cloud-based)
4. Online-convert.com (cloud-based)
5. WonderFox (output is watermarked and limited to 10 files a day?)
6. WonderFox Free HD
7. Pavtube Video Converter
8. Freemake DVD
9. DVD Flick
10. DVD Styler

So any recommends from anyone?

So far, I have downloaded (but not yet installed) DVD Styler and DVD Flick.

Thanks in anticipation,

Art

Not free...


ConvertXtoDVD

ConvertXtoDVD - AVI to DVD Video Converter to burn on DVD

Thanks Ghot.

It looks good but it is $45 (not free or shareware). I'd have to be really convinced it was the dog's b*ll*cks before I splashed the cash.

At least it has a 7-day trial which I may take them up on if nobody else comes up with any suggestions.

I really don't like putting trial s/ware on my machine because if it is removed at a later stage, it always leaves some junk behing (usually in the registry).

Art

I used DVD Styler Portable in the Win7 days. Not tried on Win10

ArthurDent said:

Thanks Ghot.

It looks good but it is $45 (not free or shareware). I'd have to be really convinced it was the dog's b*ll*cks before I splashed the cash.

At least it has a 7-day trial which I may take them up on if nobody else comes up with any suggestions.

I really don't like putting trial s/ware on my machine because if it is removed at a later stage, it always leaves some junk behing (usually in the registry).

Art

1. Yeah, I mentioned it's not free.
2. It is the dog's....
3. Once you set up a job type, it's a one click process, and you can watch the conversion at high speed.
4. For trial programs and their leftovers... Revo Uninstaller. It finds all the leftovers.

Roderunner said:

I used DVD Styler Portable in the Win7 days. Not tried on Win10

Thanks George.

How did you find it - easy to use?

Art

ArthurDent said:

So far, I have downloaded (but not yet installed) DVD Styler and DVD Flick.

When I was preparing for getting the upgrade from Windows 7 Home Premium to Win10 Home back in 2015 I looked for replacements for the various MS apps that would be lost, in particular Media Player loosing the ability to play DVDs, and Microsoft DVD Maker that would be uninstalled in the upgrade. I chose VLC to play DVDs and DVD Styler to create them. I found DVD Styler to be a better product than the Microsoft DVD Maker I had used previously.

Rather than installing DVD Styler, I went for the Portable Apps version that requires no install.

DVDStyler Portable (DVD menu creator) | PortableApps.com

Bree said:

Rather than installing DVD Styler, I went for the Portable Apps version that requires no install.

DVDStyler Portable (DVD menu creator) | PortableApps.com

Thanks Bree.

Currently doing a 'Test' video compliation using DVD Styler Portable. Taking freakkin ages to transcode the separate videos (12 in total)!

We'll see how that pans out. Watch this space!

Using a single-sided DVD but there is no indication (as far as I could see) as to how much space I had used up or how much space was left on the DVD.

I went with all of the 'standard' options except setting the video to PAL 16:9 and mp2 audio (which I gather is 'standard stereo').

I just added videos to the bottom and the menus seemed to auto-create. In about an hour, I'll see if I've made a playable DVD compilation or a coaster!

Art

UPDATE: Well, after 2hrs 9mins I have a completed DVD which plays on an ordinary SONY DVD player!

I haven't (yet) figured out how to add a title to the main intro screen or to individual chapters (?) on the menu screen so I may try again at some point.

A couple of slightly disappointing things are that I was limited to 720p output (the input videos were 1080p) and the resultant video fills the TV screen but seems to be slightly 'zoomed' (I'm probably overlooking a setting somewhere).

However, as an initial "test", I'd say this is a 95% success!

Art

ArthurDent said:

...I just added videos to the bottom and the menus seemed to auto-create. In about an hour, I'll see if I've made a playable DVD compilation or a coaster!

I use the option to create an ISO for testing rather than risk burning to a 'coaster'. VLC can play an ISO directly as if it were a DVD, if it looks good I'll burn the ISO to a DVD, if not I'll change it until it's how I want it without having wasted a disk.

I haven't (yet) figured out how to add a title to the main intro screen or to individual chapters (?) on the menu screen so I may try again at some point.

Right-click on an empty part of the menu and choose Add > Text. You'll get a text box you can type your text in, and can position and resize it.

...I was limited to 720p output (the input videos were 1080p)...

That is a limitation of the standards for DVD-Video, not a limitation of DVD Styler. The highest resolution supported is 720 × 576 pixels. If you want an HD video you'll need BlueRay authoring software and burn to a BlueRay disc. DVD Styler just supports the DVD standards.

DVD-Video - Wikipedia

ArthurDent said:

Thanks George.
How did you find it - easy to use?
Art

Very easy to use.