Simple iDVD Alternative

bowjest

Registered
Hello to all,

I'm hoping to find a simple alternative to iDVD that will allow me to burn a chaptered DVD without complicated intro menus.

In short, I've got some mp4 files that I'd like to convert to DVDs, but the problem I keep having with iDVD is that after I import any one of them (they are each just about 1 hour in length) I have the following problems:

1. I have to choose one of the complicated menu themes.

I'm just not interested in having any of these. I'd just like to have the ability to chapter the video and have it start playing when I insert the disk in my DVD player (standalone, not on my MBP).

This morning I figured out (I think) how to ditch the into menus and just have it play, but then it wouldn't allow me to chapter the video. Also, it seems that the menu just comes up at the end after the video finishes, so that's not really a solution.

2. I want the highest quality I can get, but iDVD complains that the data is too large/video is too long and that I should change the quality in the Project -> Info settings.

Again, I'm a bit baffled. I have DVDs made on other systems that are 2-3 hours long that are DVD quality audio and video on the same 4.7/4.3GB disks that I'm trying to use with iDVD. I've created a couple of DVDs so far with iDVD, and although the quality isn't awful, it certainly isn't DVD crisp and clear.

Can anyone advise on how I can get around these issues? I've been through the Help with iDVD time and again, but so far have found nothing that address the problems I've been having.

I really just want a nice DVD with chapters and no menus, if possible.

Thanks.
 
I think I've found a partial solution: ffmpegX.

I've been able to convert one of the mp4 files to VOB format (AUDIO_TS and VIDEO_TS directories and vob files) and burn this to DVD via DVD2oneX2.

Quality is ok, starts playing as soon as inserted into DVD player, just need to figure out how to add chapters. It's better than nothing.

Quality could be better, but if that's the best I can get....

Still open for advice on iDVD or an other product to get this working better.
 
I'll only ever have the occasional need to make DVDs, so $100 is more than I'm willing to spend.

Thanks for the suggestion, though.
 
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