Best Settings for Xilisoft MPEG to DVD Converter — Fast, High Quality

Step-by-Step Guide: Xilisoft MPEG to DVD Converter for BeginnersConverting MPEG files to a playable DVD can preserve your videos and make them viewable on standard DVD players. This guide walks beginners through the entire process using Xilisoft MPEG to DVD Converter, covering everything from preparing files and installation to burning discs and troubleshooting common issues.

What you’ll need

• A Windows PC (the software is Windows-focused).
• Xilisoft MPEG to DVD Converter installed (trial or registered version).
• MPEG video files (MPEG-1, MPEG-2, .mpg, .mpeg, etc.).
• A blank DVD-R/DVD+R (or DVD-RW/DVD+RW if you want rewritable media).
• A DVD burner drive.
• At least 4.7 GB blank disc for single-layer DVDs (or 8.5 GB for dual-layer).

Installing Xilisoft MPEG to DVD Converter

1. Download the installer from the official Xilisoft site or a trusted distributor.
2. Run the installer and follow on-screen prompts (Accept license, choose install location).
3. If offered additional bundled software, decline unless you want it.
4. Launch the program after installation completes. If using a trial, note any limitations (watermarks or time limits on output).

Preparing source files

• Verify your MPEG files play correctly in a media player before conversion.
• Rename files to meaningful names to help with menu creation and track selection.
• If you have multiple files you want in separate chapters or titles, keep them organized in a folder.

Step 1 — Create a new DVD project

1. Open Xilisoft MPEG to DVD Converter.
2. Choose “Create DVD” (or similar New Project option).
3. Set the target disc type (DVD-5 for 4.7 GB, DVD-9 for 8.5 GB) and output format (PAL or NTSC depending on your region and TV standard).
   • NTSC — North America and parts of Asia (29.97 fps).
   • PAL — Europe and many other regions (25 fps).

Step 2 — Add MPEG files

1. Click “Add File(s)” and select your MPEG files.
2. Arrange the file order using the move up/down controls — this sets playback order on the DVD.
3. For each file, you can usually see basic info: duration, size, and estimated output space.

Step 3 — Edit videos and set chapters (optional but useful)

• Trim: remove unwanted start/end segments.
• Crop: change aspect ratio or remove black bars.
• Adjust: brightness, contrast, saturation, or apply simple effects.
• Add subtitles or audio tracks if required (ensure external subtitle files are supported and properly timed).
• Chapter markers: set automatic chapter intervals (e.g., every 5 minutes) or manually place chapters for easier navigation.

Step 4 — Create or customize a DVD menu

1. Choose a built-in menu template or create a custom menu. Templates vary by theme and layout.
2. Customize background image, background music, title text, font, and thumbnail arrangement.
3. Set the default title or playback action (e.g., Play Movie vs. Open Menu).
4. Preview the menu to ensure navigation and text fit correctly.

Step 5 — Configure output and burning settings

• Output folder: choose where the temporary DVD files (VIDEO_TS/ AUDIO_TS) will be created.
• Burning mode: Burn directly to disc or create an ISO image or DVD folder for later burning.
• Video quality vs. disc fit: If your video exceeds disc capacity, choose between compressing video to fit or splitting across multiple discs. Many programs offer a quality slider to balance file size and visual quality.
• Select the DVD burner drive and set the burning speed (recommended: medium/low speeds like 4x or 8x for more reliable burns).

Step 6 — Start conversion and burn

1. Click “Start” or “Convert” to begin encoding MPEG files to DVD-compliant MPEG-2 and building the DVD file structure.
2. Encoding time depends on file length, PC performance, and settings; expect anywhere from several minutes to hours.
3. If burning directly, the software will switch to burning after encoding finishes—do not eject the disc during the process.
4. When complete, test the disc on a standalone DVD player and on your computer to confirm playback and menu navigation.

Troubleshooting common issues

• Disc won’t play on DVD player:
  • Ensure you used the correct TV system (PAL vs. NTSC).
  • Try burning at a lower speed.
  • Use DVD-R instead of DVD+R if your player is older.
• Video quality is poor:
  • Increase bitrate/quality setting or use a DVD-9 disc for more space.
  • Source file quality limits final quality—upscaling won’t add detail.
• Audio sync issues:
  • Re-encode the source with a consistent frame rate or use the software’s audio delay/sync adjustment.
• Subtitles not appearing:
  • Ensure subtitles are in a supported format and properly muxed or burned into the video if necessary.
• Software crashes or freezes:
  • Update to the latest Xilisoft version and ensure your system meets requirements.
  • Close other CPU-heavy apps during conversion.

Tips for best results

• Use original MPEG files rather than re-encoded copies to preserve quality.
• Preview and adjust chapter points and menu layout before final burn.
• Keep a backup ISO if you may want to burn more copies later.
• Label discs clearly with a permanent marker designed for DVDs (avoid adhesive labels).
• If producing discs for distribution, test on multiple players and brand of media.

Alternatives and when to use them

If Xilisoft lacks features you need (modern codecs, cross-platform support, or advanced authoring), consider alternatives like DVD Flick (free), HandBrake (for conversion, then author with another tool), or commercial suites with more advanced menu-authoring and chapter controls.

If you want, I can:

• Provide step-by-step screenshots (describe which OS/version you have).
• Suggest exact settings for a particular MPEG file (share file length, resolution, and desired target disc type).