[dzp111]

I have an .avi file which I would like to convert in format for burning on dvd.

I'm using ffmegX for file conversion as it was recommended. Problem is all the options I'm given, ie:

AVI to Dv
AVI to mpeg2enc
AVI to dvdlo
etc.

Which to use?

And once converted to correct format, must i open it using iDVD before burning?

Thanks.

[Big Mac]

DVD video is mpeg2. The easiest way to convert AVIs is to use Toast. It does the conversion-burn process in the same single step. I would use a dedicated burning app as opposed to iDVD because iDVD does a lot of things you don't want to bother with when doing simple burns. There is cheaper burning software that is supposed to do the same thing if you don't want to buy Toast.

[dzp111]

Thanks Big Mac.

Have Toast and it is easy, except now it says that I need 4.5 Gigs but my blank dvd only has 4.4 Gigs, so I can't burn. Any way for me to shave down the file to make it fit?

[Sourbook]

If your goal it to play it in a standard DVD player, compression is a bit trickier.

First you must (Save As Disk Image) from the file menu. (This will take hours to convert)
Then go to (copy/image file) in the Toast sidebar.
Mount the .toast image. Check (use Fit-to-DVD compression) at the bottom of the sidebar.
Click the burn button.