Edit the Video

Now that your clips are in the editing software, you can create a custom video to burn onto a DVD. All software has different features for creating the video, so you will have to read the user's manual or just experiment while creating the video.

In the simplest case, if you don't want to edit the video at all by adding pictures, music, etc., just drag all of the video clips in sequence to the 'filmstrip' portion of the software (usually located near the bottom of the window).

If you want to add pictures and music, all you have to do is to drag MP3s or JPGs to the same film strip area. You may have to import them into the software first, but that is usually fairly straightforward. You can also add in DVD chapters if your software supports it.

When complete, play the video in the software to see how it look. If you are satisfied with the results, go ahead and burn the DVD.

Example of PC Video Editing Software

Burn the DVD

The final step in the process is to burn the movie onto a DVD for play in your DVD player.

1. Insert a blank DVD into the DVD burner. Most computer recorders purchased in the last couple of years will record both DVD -R and +R formats, but individual models may vary. If using a diffent DVD player
   for playback, be sure it supports the format of the recordable media by looking in your DVD player user manual. For more information the types of blank DVD media available and what's right for you, read Understanding The Different Types of Recordable DVDs.


2. Start the DVD burning software. This may be the same as the video editing software or may be a completely different program. For instance, on the Mac, iMovie is used to create the video, and iDVD, which can be launched from iMovie, is used to burn the DVD.


3. If the DVD is intended to be compatible with other players, it will need to be recorded in a specific manner. Whatever DVD recording software used should have a setting to accomplish this. Blank discs in the -R/-RW formats will need to be finalized before they will play in other players.


4. Select the 'burn' button, to begin burning the DVD. The time required to burn a DVD varies widely based on several factors including how fast your DVD burner writes to DVD, the speed of your computer, and the size of the video itself.


5. When the burn is complete, the DVD should eject.

The DVD is now ready to be played in your DVD player. Enjoy!

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