Locate help converting AVI file to DVD format. This may be useful if you love taking digital home videos and sharing them with friends and family. Most digital video cameras save footage as AVI files. This is ideal for viewing the files on your computer. But what if you want to burn a DVD to watch on your television? Let’s take a look at how you can do this.

Can’t I just burn a DVD with an AVI file on it?
No. AVI files are compressed files that contain both audio and video data. They can be burned onto a CD as a data disc, but they cannot be directly burned onto a DVD disc for viewing because the DVD player cannot read data files. In order to do this, you need data file conversion software to convert the AVI file into something that a DVD player can read.

Where can I get data file conversion software?
Many programs are available as freeware, shareware or commercial download. The programs AVI2DVD and ConvertXtoDVD are available for free trial downloads. However, ConvertXtoDVD places a watermark over your video unless you upgrade to the pay version.

Do some research, and find the software that best fits your needs. Some higher-end software may get you the best quality, but this software may be difficult to use and designed for professional video editors. On the flipside, some of the freeware or shareware products may be junk, so it pays to know what you’re getting into.

What are the downsides of converting AVI to DVD?
Unfortunately, no matter which program you decide to use, the quality level of the picture and audio won’t be the same on DVD as it was on the original AVI file. Also, these programs usually take a while for the conversion process to complete, so don’t get frustrated if it seems like it’s taking forever. Plan on having something else to do while the software is at work.

And, as always, using software like this should be designated to home videos only. It’s illegal to download pirated movies and distribute them as DVDs.