Hi there,

I am just wondering, is it possible to burn my mpeg 2 files into a cd-r and yet it can be played on a dvd player.

The problem is this, I would like to put my 10 minutes short film into dvd format. But I do not have dvd writer since its out of my reach at the moment. Since the 10 mins mpeg 2 files can be fitted into cd-r, can I burn them in cd-r?
And most importantly, can it be viewed in a dvd player with dvd qualities from the cd-r?

There are 2 similar formats that you might look into. VCD and SVCD use CD-R's to record to (on the Mac). You will need software and or hardware that is compatable. The process will vary depending on the platform, so maybe post this in the Mac or PC area. VCD is probably a little more compatable with home DVD players, but there is no guarantee they will play.

In order of most compatible to least:

1. VideoCD (VCD)
2. DVD
3. Super VCD (SVCD)
4. MiniDVD

MiniDVD is where you store a DVD like structure on a CD-R. Few
players (and really few) support playing this. See a guide here:
http://doom9.org/mpg/minidvd_guide.htm

The best way probably to go quality vs. compatiblity is SVCD
(480x480 NTSC and 720x480 PAL) ... just do a VERY GOOD QUALITY
resample to get the desired resolution....

VCD should play in any DVD player, SVCD in most, miniDVD in
very few...

I have checked out the url above. Quite complicating , and can the software be downloaded for free?

Well the reason is this. I intend to submit my short film for the film festival here.
But they only receive 2 formats, DVD and Betacam.
So I am not really sure what I should do. I could get some of the local production house to do the transfer, but it'll be quite expensive and not really worth the price.

Any suggestions for me?

Try this link: http://www.vcdhelp.com

They have lots and lots of information about doing dvd/vcd/svcd and all that stuff.

I do not know of any DVD creation software that is free. If they
want DVD perhaps the best thing to do might be to go out and
buy a DVD burner. Make sure it support DVD-R. Pioneer A03 and
A04 (or in OEM models 103 and 104) can be found relative cheap
these days (either new or second hand). MAKE SURE you get
software with it so that you can author your discs. Authoring
software is what that guide was talking about. Authoring software
turns video, music tracks and subtitles together to form a DVD.
And in this process you can add menu's and such stuff.

Good luck.

Hmm I am not too sure. Coz DVD writer is kinda expensive over here at the moment.

Maybe I'll try out the SVCD instead. Since most DVD player could play it, maybe I may be able to get thru with it.

Thanks for all the advice.