What file to load for burning dvd ?

[brianbrian]

Hi
Haven't been around for a bit and have just got back into VS10, so I'm a tad rusty - hope you can help with a couple of basic questions.

I've completed my editing of my original .avi file and have, as you have recomended in the past, produced a dvd comptable .mpg file.
File sizes approx: .avi is 10 Gb, .mpg is 1.7 Gb.
I now restart VS10 to clear the timeline, then go straight into Share, then Burn. I now have the option of loading either the .mpg file, or the project .vsp file. I have tried both of them and they both appear to load the correct edited result, but the green bar at the bottom of the screen showing how much space the file will use on the dvd shows different sizes!
The .mpg file says: 1.7 (1.79) Gb 38min 45 sec
and the .vsp file says: 2.32 (2.49)Gb 38min 45 sec.
If both the figures above matched then I would say it doesn't matter which file I load, but as they are different, then I'm confused.
So firstly, could you explain why they are different, and secondly, which one should I use.

Lastly, I'm using VS10, are there any updates available and are they worth getting - I don't ever envisage doing anything more adventurous than what I'm doing above, but perhaps an upgrade would give a slightly more stable package ?

Thanks for any help you can give.

Brian

[weaver]

Hi use always the ready made mpg file. The VSP file will probably restart the finishing process from the video editor.

I know just about a single update (for VS10+) which adds the possibility to rerecord the edited HD video to the camcorder.

[skier-hughes]

With a dvd compliant mpeg file vs knows how big the end result will be, with an avi file it makes an educated guess.

[Black Lab]

First of all, you don't have to restart VS in order to clear the timeline. Simply go to File>New Project.

I think the recommendation here is to never insert the VSP into the burn module. Doing so is basically the same as straight from your project in the editing timeline to the Create Disc phase. Always insert the MPEG2 file. That's why you made it!

As for updates, if everything is working fine I would leave as is. "Don't fix what ain't broke."

[Trevor Andrew]

Hi

When you Share Create Disc - Add Project
The burner module renders the video project to create the Mpeg2 file using the settings under the Options cogwheel
The default settings use 8000kbps

When you Share Create Disc ¡V Add Video there should be no further rendering.
The compliant video file is burned to disc.

The settings you used to create the Mpeg video file may have used a lower bit like 6000kbps.
Right click a clip to select its properties.

So the difference is probably the bit rate.
And I would create the video file first using this in the burner module.

Have a read at My Quick Guides to Dv-Avi
Gives a list of the workflow I use

[Ken Berry]

In particular, when you choose Share > Create Disc > Add Video, click on the middle of the three icons in the bottom left of the burning screen. Make sure the box beside 'Do not convert compliant mpeg files' is ticked. That will ensure the burning module will use your mpeg-2 as is, with no further conversion...

[brianbrian]

thanks to everyone who took the trouble to reply.

brian