VLC Media Player is a popular, free, and open-source media player that supports a wide range of audio and video formats. One of the most common questions asked by VLC users is whether it can burn MP4 files to DVD. In this article, we will explore the capabilities of VLC and provide a step-by-step guide on how to burn MP4 files to DVD using VLC.
What Is VLC Media Player?
VLC Media Player is a free and open-source media player developed by the VideoLAN project. It was first released in 2001 and has since become one of the most popular media players in the world. VLC supports a wide range of audio and video formats, including MP4, AVI, MKV, and many more. It is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile devices.
Key Features Of VLC Media Player
VLC Media Player has many features that make it a popular choice among media enthusiasts. Some of the key features include:
- Supports a wide range of audio and video formats
- Can play damaged or incomplete files
- Has a built-in equalizer and audio filters
- Supports subtitles and closed captions
- Can stream media over the internet
Can VLC Burn MP4 To DVD?
The answer to this question is a bit complicated. VLC Media Player does not have a built-in DVD burning feature. However, it can be used to convert MP4 files to a format that can be burned to DVD using a third-party DVD burning software.
Why Can’t VLC Burn MP4 To DVD Directly?
There are several reasons why VLC cannot burn MP4 files to DVD directly:
- Licensing issues: VLC is a free and open-source software, and it does not have the necessary licenses to include DVD burning functionality.
- Technical limitations: DVD burning requires a lot of technical expertise and specialized software. VLC is primarily designed as a media player, not a DVD burning software.
- Format compatibility: MP4 files are not compatible with DVD format. DVD requires a specific format, such as MPEG-2, which is not supported by VLC.
How To Burn MP4 To DVD Using VLC
Although VLC cannot burn MP4 files to DVD directly, it can be used to convert MP4 files to a format that can be burned to DVD using a third-party DVD burning software. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Convert MP4 To MPEG-2 Using VLC
To convert MP4 to MPEG-2 using VLC, follow these steps:
- Open VLC Media Player and select “Media” > “Convert/Save” from the menu.
- Select the MP4 file you want to convert and click “Open”.
- In the “Convert” window, select “MPEG-2” as the output format.
- Choose a location to save the converted file and click “Start”.
Step 2: Burn The Converted File To DVD Using A Third-Party Software
Once you have converted the MP4 file to MPEG-2, you can burn it to DVD using a third-party DVD burning software. Some popular options include:
- ImgBurn
- CDBurnerXP
- Ashampoo Burning Studio
Follow the instructions provided by the software to burn the converted file to DVD.
Alternative Methods To Burn MP4 To DVD
If you don’t want to use VLC to convert MP4 files to MPEG-2, there are alternative methods to burn MP4 to DVD. Some popular options include:
- HandBrake: A free and open-source video transcoder that can convert MP4 files to MPEG-2.
- FFmpeg: A free and open-source command-line tool that can convert MP4 files to MPEG-2.
- DVD burning software: Some DVD burning software, such as Ashampoo Burning Studio, can convert MP4 files to MPEG-2 and burn them to DVD in one step.
Comparison Of Alternative Methods
| Method | Pros | Cons |
| — | — | — |
| HandBrake | Free and open-source, easy to use | Limited features, slow conversion speed |
| FFmpeg | Free and open-source, fast conversion speed | Command-line interface, requires technical expertise |
| DVD burning software | Easy to use, fast conversion speed | May require purchase, limited features |
Conclusion
In conclusion, VLC Media Player cannot burn MP4 files to DVD directly. However, it can be used to convert MP4 files to a format that can be burned to DVD using a third-party DVD burning software. Alternatively, you can use other methods, such as HandBrake or FFmpeg, to convert MP4 files to MPEG-2 and burn them to DVD.
Can VLC Burn MP4 To DVD?
VLC is a popular media player that can play various video formats, including MP4. However, when it comes to burning MP4 to DVD, VLC has limited capabilities. While VLC can convert MP4 to DVD format, it cannot directly burn the video to a DVD disc.
To burn MP4 to DVD using VLC, you need to use a third-party DVD burning software. You can use VLC to convert the MP4 file to a DVD-compatible format, such as MPEG-2, and then use a DVD burning software like ImgBurn or CDBurnerXP to burn the video to a DVD disc.
What Are The System Requirements For Burning MP4 To DVD Using VLC?
To burn MP4 to DVD using VLC, you need to have a computer with a DVD burner drive. Your computer should also meet the system requirements for running VLC, which includes a 1 GHz processor, 512 MB RAM, and a compatible operating system such as Windows, macOS, or Linux.
Additionally, you need to have a DVD burning software installed on your computer. The system requirements for the DVD burning software may vary depending on the software you choose. Make sure to check the system requirements for the software before installing it.
How Do I Convert MP4 To DVD Format Using VLC?
To convert MP4 to DVD format using VLC, you need to follow these steps: Open VLC and select the MP4 file you want to convert. Go to the “Media” menu and select “Convert/Save.” In the “Convert” window, select the DVD format (MPEG-2) and choose the desired settings.
Click “Start” to begin the conversion process. VLC will convert the MP4 file to a DVD-compatible format, which you can then burn to a DVD disc using a DVD burning software. Make sure to select the correct settings to ensure that the converted video is compatible with your DVD player.
What Are The Limitations Of Burning MP4 To DVD Using VLC?
One of the limitations of burning MP4 to DVD using VLC is that it cannot directly burn the video to a DVD disc. You need to use a third-party DVD burning software to burn the video to a DVD disc. Additionally, VLC may not be able to convert all types of MP4 files to DVD format, especially if the file is encrypted or has a complex format.
Another limitation is that VLC may not be able to preserve the original video quality during the conversion process. The converted video may have a lower quality than the original MP4 file. To minimize the loss of video quality, make sure to select the correct settings during the conversion process.
Can I Add Menus And Chapters To My DVD Using VLC?
VLC does not have the capability to add menus and chapters to a DVD. However, you can use a third-party DVD authoring software to add menus and chapters to your DVD. DVD authoring software such as Adobe Premiere Elements or CyberLink PowerDirector can help you create professional-looking menus and chapters for your DVD.
To add menus and chapters to your DVD, you need to import the converted video file into the DVD authoring software. The software will allow you to create menus and chapters, as well as add other features such as subtitles and audio tracks.
How Long Does It Take To Burn MP4 To DVD Using VLC?
The time it takes to burn MP4 to DVD using VLC depends on several factors, including the size of the MP4 file, the speed of your computer, and the speed of your DVD burner drive. The conversion process can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours, depending on the complexity of the conversion process.
Once the conversion process is complete, you can burn the video to a DVD disc using a DVD burning software. The burning process can take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the speed of your DVD burner drive and the size of the video file.
Is It Safe To Burn MP4 To DVD Using VLC?
Burning MP4 to DVD using VLC is generally safe, as long as you follow the correct steps and use a reliable DVD burning software. However, there are some risks involved, such as data loss or corruption during the conversion process.
To minimize the risks, make sure to use a reliable DVD burning software and follow the correct steps during the conversion and burning process. Additionally, make sure to test the DVD disc after burning to ensure that it plays correctly on your DVD player.