Clients still ask for DVDs. Or you found a stack of MiniDV tapes and want a physical backup that will last 20+ years. Here's how to burn a proper Video-DVD in 2026.
1. Software that still works
- Toast 20 Titanium ($60) – easiest, still updated, does DVD-Video and DVD-Audio
- DVD Styler (free, open source) – cross-platform, menu templates
- ffmpeg + dvdauthor (free, command line) – most control, no menus
- Burn (macOS) – free, simple, but no menus
2. Step-by-step with ffmpeg + dvdauthor (no menus)
# 1. Convert any video to DVD-compatible MPEG-2 (PAL example)
ffmpeg -i input.mov -target pal-dvd -aspect 4:3 output.mpg
# 2. Create DVD file structure
dvdauthor -o dvd/ -t output.mpg
dvdauthor -o dvd/ -T
# 3. Burn to disc (adjust /dev/dvd to your drive)
growisofs -dvd-compat -Z /dev/dvd -dvd-video dvd/
ffmpeg -i input.mov -target pal-dvd -aspect 4:3 output.mpg
# 2. Create DVD file structure
dvdauthor -o dvd/ -t output.mpg
dvdauthor -o dvd/ -T
# 3. Burn to disc (adjust /dev/dvd to your drive)
growisofs -dvd-compat -Z /dev/dvd -dvd-video dvd/
3. Making menus with DVD Styler
Download DVD Styler (dvdstyler.org). Import your MPEG-2 files, choose a template, customize buttons, and click Burn. Works on macOS, Windows, Linux.
4. DVD-Audio for super high quality
If you have 24-bit/96kHz audio, DVD-Audio can store it. Use Toast 20 or DiscWelder Chrome 2.0 (old but works in XP/VirtualBox).
📀 Media tip: Use Verbatim AZO discs (gold or purple). Cheap discs delaminate after 5 years. AZOs last 20+.
5. Hardware compatibility
Most DVD players from 2000-2010 play DVD-R. Newer Blu-ray players often dropped DVD support. Test with a cheap used DVD player if you're delivering to clients.