mp4 to mpeg-2 and subtitles

[dfarm]

I have an mp4 file that came with a .sub file (which was packed in a .rar file) and also a subtitles.idx file (which I know nothing about). I want to convert the mp4 back to mpeg-2 so I can burn it DVD. I watched most of the movie using both Apple's QuickTime and Nero's ShowTime and the video seemed fine.

So, my questions are:

1) What is an .idx file and is it relevant/needed to work with subtitles?

2) What is the best software to use to convert mp4 to mpeg-2?

3) What is the best software for working with subtitles?

4) When do I actually add the .sub file to the movie, before creating the .ifo, .vob, etc. files or after?

5) Is there a program that will do both, convert mp4 to mpeg-2 and then let me add the .sub file?

Thanks for taking the time to read this.

[bond]

for how to decode avc via .avs look here (http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?p=768992#post768992), i guess mpeg-2 encoders are able to handle .avs input?

about the subs thingie, this would better fit to a dvd forum

therefore moved

[dfarm]

I read the forum page from the link you provided, but I'm a little confused. Do I need both Haali and coreavc? Coreavc has not registered it yet in the "Trove Software Map" on their site.

Thanks.

[Rockas]

I have an mp4 file that came with a .sub file (which was packed in a .rar file) and also a subtitles.idx file (which I know nothing about). I want to convert the mp4 back to mpeg-2 so I can burn it DVD. I watched most of the movie using both Apple's QuickTime and Nero's ShowTime and the video seemed fine.

So, my questions are:

1) What is an .idx file and is it relevant/needed to work with subtitles?

2) What is the best software to use to convert mp4 to mpeg-2?

3) What is the best software for working with subtitles?

4) When do I actually add the .sub file to the movie, before creating the .ifo, .vob, etc. files or after?

5) Is there a program that will do both, convert mp4 to mpeg-2 and then let me add the .sub file?

Thanks for taking the time to read this.
Taka a look at DVD2SVCD (it has an AVI2DVD mode)... it will do everything you are asking for :)

[dfarm]

Thanks Rockas,

Seems like a good tool, but there's one (or many) concerns I have before I install it. I've recently reinstalled Windows and have spent most of my nights and all my weekends getting it configured and installing several different plugins, open-source tools. Being an idiot such as myself, I'm wondering about installing this tool over some of things I already have installed. Obviously, I don't want to go through that (installing Windows) again.

I realize that this particular forum is about DVD authoring and not about installing software on Windows, but I'm just curious if you've know anything about possible conflicts I might encounter?

[Rockas]

Yes... there's one issue... AviSynth...
Be carefull... if you have programs that uses AviSynth you must know that the default AviSynth plugins folder will be redirect to a folder under DVD2SVCD installation one.
Don't install AviSynth included on DVD2SVCD package... Install AviSynth Independently... if you don't have it already :)

[mpucoder]

The best thing to do if you are uneasy about installing something is to make a backup of your system. There are many tools for this, I use Norton's (Symantec) ghost.