• How to encode the WMV file to DVD
• What type of DVD to use
• Labeling your DVD
• Sleeves and packing.
• What type of DVD burner to use.
• Ideas of how to distribute your DVD tract

How to encode the video files to DVD

In order to burn the AVI, WMV, or MP4 files that you download from this site to a disc, you must first encode the files to DVD files. This process is a one time thing, once its done and you have a 'master' copy of your DVD its easy and fast to burn extra copies. There are many ways to do this, usually it takes two programs, one to encode the files to DVD (like Sothink DVD Maker or DVD Santa ), and another to burn the DVD files to an actual disc (like Nero.) Or you can try some free alternatives to Nero. I explain how to do this in another way here BUT I found a much simpler way online that combines two programs in one and does it all for free using DVD Flick watch the video to see what I mean.

You can download DVD Flick here for free.

What type of DVD to use.

If your shopping for blank DVDs you will find you have a choice of different types, Like DVD-R, DVD RW, DVD +/-R, and others. These all have there uses and a good discussion of the differences between each can be found here. For our purposes I have found that DVD -R is the best because they are compatible with the widest variety of DVD players. Even these however occasionally wont work on some players (mostly older ones.) That's why i make sure to put on the label that it can also be played on computers and game systems like Playstation and Xbox so they have another option if it doesnt play.

Where to buy them? Are they expensive?

You can find great deals at places like Ebay Its best to buy in bulk. You can usually find special on pack of 100 at places like Office Depot or Officemax, they also carry there own generic brands, which are pretty decent. I can usually find them for 15 to 30 cents each.
I have recently done some research and found Taiyo Yuden DVD-R to be the best quality for the price.They are made to play on most types of DVD players.

Labeling your DVD

There are many ways to apply a label to a DVD, I have used several methods. The most simple is a Sharpie or another type of marker. I have also used Lightscribe which many newer dvd burners come equipped with. (If your wondering if yours does, check the outer face of your DVD burner, it will have the lightscribe logo printed on it if so. This is a great method, but the downside is it takes a lot of extra time per disk. and you have to buy special Lightscribe enabled discs. (they have a special ink underneath the label.

Many people also use a rubber stamp which is quick and easy, they can be made for you locally or online with very little cost.

You can also use your printer to make labels that you can stick on the disc, these work with most every printer and can be found online or anywhere office supplies are sold.

If you wanted to spend a little extra there are Disc Label Printers that seem like they would be perfect

What to put on the label?

Whatever you want. I decided to be as vague as possible on the ones I hand out because I know some people might not give it a chance if they knew what it was going to be about. So I simply write the following.

This DVD is important. it can be played on most dvd players, computers, or game systems (like Playstation or Xbox)

Sleeves and packing

There are many choices of cases and sleeves. I use very cheap white paper sleeves that I buy in bulk on Ebay but you can buy hard cases if you prefer. Some of you may wish to mail dvds to people you know. if so there are several options. Just remember to tell them its Media Mail at the post office and you get a huge discount.

What type of DVD burner to use.

I have used many types of DVD burners in the past, they are pretty much the same in my opinion. Many computers come with burners already installed. I have also installed a few burners myself on desktop computers, and I found it to be VERY easy.

Either one of these methods will require you to have the dvd files stored on your computer before burning, and even if you have a master copy of the dvd you will need to first load the dvd files (vob, ifo, bup) on to your computer and then take the master dvd out and load the blank dvd and burn copies one at a time. This also has the downside of taking a long time (about 8-10 minutes per dvd.) however it is good to have a master dvd around because it lets you skip the process of encoding the video files (wmv or avi etc.) to DVD files which I described here.

Thankfully I have found a good method for burning DVDs This is the one I use nowadays. I now burn these three at a time! , and its basically its own computer too, so you just pop in the master dvd and the blank dvds and press copy (and verify). and the best part was it was pretty cheap considering your getting 3 dvd burners in one. (about $200)

Ideas of how to distribute your DVD tract.