File doesn't fit on single dvd?

[jnr416]

I am new to dv camcorder and movie making. I am using a JVC dv camcorder and VS5. The video is 61 minutes long after capture and editting. The problem is, when I go to burn it to dvd, it says the file is 12gb and I need 3 dvd's. It doesn't make any sence to me. What am I doing wrong, or not doing at all?

[BrianCee]

Sounds as though your trying to burn an .avi file direct to the DVD, can't remember exactly how we used to do it it version 5 thats a bit old now but the recommended procedure is to create an MPEG-2 file between completion of editing and burning a DVD and then use that to create a DVD. 61 minutes should easily fit on one DVD at best quality- but using an mpeg-2 file.

[GeorgeW]

VS5 is out-of-date -- I don't think it had DVD Authoring capability (it might have been an addon as something called GoDVD, or something like that).

Assuming you have a 12-13gb dv .avi file on your hard drive (as a resuklt of your edited video), try the following.

1) download the free 30-day trial of Ulead DVD Moviefactory 3.0
2) import your dv .avi file into a Moviefactory project (DVD project)
3) add your chapters and menus, select a project template, and burn the dvd to your hard drive (create the dvd folders -- hit the down-arrows on the burn step to allow you to burn to your hard drive)
4) playback your dvd from your hd using something like PowerDVD (or Ulead's own software DVD Player)
5) if you are satisfied with the dvd, you can burn it to disc using DMF

Notes:
-assuming you have enough hard drive space
-you might need to update DMF with burner patches (if it doesn't immediately recognize your dvd burner)
-when you create the dvd in Moviefactory, depending on your computer specs, it could take a while