2 Avi Files With ConvertX2DVD

[thomfam]

When I have previously included 2 .avi files to convert to DVD with ConvertX2DVD I have finished up with 2 separate menu items on the finished DVD. To play from one file to the next the menu comes up and I have to select the second file and hit 'Play". How can I get the two files to merge and become just one menu item within ConvertX2DVD?

I have searched several Forums for How To's to do this all unsuccessfully!

[Skelsgard]

It seems to me that the simplest solution is to losslessly join the 2 avis into 1 and load that one only avi into ConvertX2DVD.
But this is possible if both avis have the same specs: frame size and frame rate. If audio is MP3 CBR audio, then it must be the same audio specs for both: bitrate, frequency, channel number. Some software (i.e. VirtualDub) might have problems joining 2 clips with VBR audio some times, in that case you'll have to decode the audio stream into wav and join them in a separate app. You could recode the audio to CBR MP3 but it would mean a further and pointless loss in quality.

Later

[netmask]

Under settings-> Authoring tick the following two options only Auto-start playback and Sequential playback. This way the second video title will start after the first has completed. :)

[thomfam]

Thanks for both answers. Skelsgard, I have found that when I join two avi files I seem to lose some quality in the joined avi file (but I can't see how to join 2 avi files with VirtualDub). I will hunt for that now.

Netmask, this looks to be the easiest way out. I found your suggestions in "Menu" rather than "Authoring".

You would have thought an 'paid for' program like ConvertX2DVD would have the option (as in Winavi) to "Merge Files"?

Thanks for the help.

[netmask]

I have version 2.1.5.173 and it's definitely under Settings/Authoring
anyway the method I've outlined does in effect merge the 2 files so no recoding or loss of quality takes place. If you want to join the files in VirtualDub make sure you select Direct Stream Copy and you use Append AVI segment (second down under File) to insert the next file.

[thomfam]

Thanks netmask, Just checked my version and it is ConvertX2DVD 2.2.3.258 so that explains it. Will do it your way.

During my online investigation I discovered another little program called NanDub (a Virtualdub add-on?). It losslessly joined 2 700mb avi files in about 3 and a half minutes. VirtualDub took a little longer (4 1/2 mins).

Thanks very much netmask. Your help is greatly appreciated.