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TribeLeader · Jan 8, 2009, 04:51 PM

Wasn't sure where to post this; I thought maybe here because I may need an application to convert my AVI file.

I have a 1.26GB AVI video file on a secure digital card that I need to get onto a DVD (one that can be read by any DVD player). Unfortunately, I still have my 5+ year-old PB without DVD recorder (I'm getting a MBP sometime this year). So I'll have to find someone around here who can burn it for me.

Anyway, the research I've done so far says I need to convert the AVI to VOB. I also came across ffmpegX as a possibility.

Is that the best route? Is there anything else I need to know?

Now, having never done this before, I assume I just convert the file, then burn onto a DVD. Is that it or am I missing anything? I assume it won't matter if it's burn onto a DVD on a PC once I have the file converted, is that right?

BTW, I have up to a week to figure this out.

Spheric Harlot · Jan 8, 2009, 05:02 PM

or Handbrake to convert to an iMovie/iDVD-compatible format and then burn to a disk image using iDVD (I believe it was option-click on the burn button?).

This will take AGES on your PowerBook, btw, but handbrake is free, and you probably have a *fairly* recent version of iDVD on your machine...

TribeLeader · Jan 8, 2009, 05:20 PM

Thanks. I have iDVD 3.

If I go that route, would I still be able to burn to a DVD on a PC?

TribeLeader · Jan 8, 2009, 05:25 PM

Another thing I need to verify I suppose is that I was planning to convert the AVI to VOB and then put it on my secure digital card and then take it to another computer (probably PC) using a USB card reader -- unless there are other options. I suppose I could get a larger flash drive if I need to, but I'm assuming the secure digital card will work, too.

Thanks again.

mduell · Jan 8, 2009, 06:04 PM

Steal a copy of VisualHub

Spheric Harlot · Jan 8, 2009, 06:04 PM

You will stick the disk image you've burned with iDVD onto the USB stick and burn that on any computer that has a DVD burner.

TribeLeader · Jan 8, 2009, 10:05 PM

I wasn't able to load my AVI file into Handbrake. Am I missing something?

I downloaded an older version (for OSX 10.4).

besson3c · Jan 8, 2009, 10:13 PM

Well, for starters, you're missing providing us with some details!

TribeLeader · Jan 8, 2009, 10:55 PM

Originally Posted by besson3c

Well, for starters, you're missing providing us with some details!

Well, I guess I was wondering if (this version of) Handbrake doesn't work with AVI. I dunno.

Anyway, when I opened Handbrake, I was directed to choose my source file. When I chose my AVI file, Handbrake told me there was "no valid file" (or something like that). Tried that multiple times.

Thus, I wasn't able to load my AVI file into Handbrake.

TribeLeader · Jan 8, 2009, 11:55 PM

Okay, I finally have a disk image (thanks to VisualHub). I will put that on portable media and try burning it onto a DVD tomorrow on the PC is my wife's office. Hopefully it works.

Thanks!

Spheric Harlot · Jan 9, 2009, 04:23 AM

Originally Posted by TribeLeader

I wasn't able to load my AVI file into Handbrake. Am I missing something?

I downloaded an older version (for OSX 10.4).

Only the current version handles video files.

Older versions ONLY rip DVDs.

TribeLeader · Jan 9, 2009, 11:10 AM

Thanks all. Success.

While my deadline for this project is next Friday, I really needed it done so that I can focus on other parts of the project.

Thanks again!

TribeLeader · Jan 9, 2009, 07:39 PM

Out of curiosity: the conversion (using VisualHub) from AVI to VOB took 158 minutes (according to VisualHub) on my PB G4 (512 MB RAM). About how much quicker would it have been on any one of new MBPs? :-)