Trey’s Blog

Apparently I have a buggy DivX avi file. I’ve tried everything I can think of to get it converted to DVD format, but no luck. I have converted over 20 different (DivX) files to DVD, but this has stumped me. Here is what I have tried:

• dvdSanta - straight conversion: program closes itself about 15% into the file
• Intervideo DVD Copy 3 - straight conversion: program crashes and wants to send error report to Microsoft
• NeroVision Express 3 - straight conversion: program just hangs and requires killing of the process (about 15% into the file)
• Sony Vegas 5.0 - convert to DVD MPEG file: appeared to go well, though taking 6 hours to render. In the end, my 43 minute video was a 2 hour 5 minute video with nothing shown for the last hour and 22 minutes.

I’m thinking it is time I give up on this file and either move without completing the project or attempt to download a replacement file that perhaps doesn’t contain this bug.

Update: 02-Jan-2005 I redownloaded the file and tried it again, this time using NeroVision Express 3s Export feature. I exported the file as a DVD compliant MPEG movie, then proceeded using NeroVision to complete my DVD project. There is the slim chance that the Export feature, previously unattempted, could have solved the problem in the first place, but downloading the file again seemed like a good idea.

After getting 3 Windows failures with dvdSanta, I decided to dig through the Nero 6 Enterprise Edition suite of products and I came across this wonder. Apparently, this so-called Express product is not that at all. Not that it is slow, but it is packed with options. I was able to take three DivX encoded television recordings and make a DVD out of them including a fully customizable menu and chapter creation (automatic or manual). So far, this is one of the best products I have seen from this group of programs.

InterVideo may have out done themselves with this release of DVD Copy. They have included several features now that eliminate the need to other programs. To see what features they have included, go to their site. This release is definitely well worth the investment.

dvdSanta is a straight-forward program that will take almost any format video and create a DVD out of it. The most notable conversion I have made was taking 3 Divx encoded TV shows and cranking out one fine DVD with very good quality.

While this application is not free, it most certainly will not break the bank.