Using DVDA2, I selected single movie, loaded an avi created in V5, allowed DVDA2 to prepare only. This was my first attempt at DVD - project is 1hr35min long. DVDA2 complained that project required too much media space, so I clicked optimize, fit to disc, proceeded to have DVDA2 prepare only. Tthen, clicked for it to burn the DVD.

Result was stunningly successful - I've been complaining that my DV files, printed to VHS or SVHS (either from the computer or dubbed via S-connection from my Digi8 camcorder were noticeably lacking in quality). This DVD yielded a very pleasing image on my TV - woopee.

Questions:

I want to burn more copies. If I open the same project in DVDA2, she's ready to burn, no file preparation required. But, if I navigate to the temp folder, I find two sub-folders, one for audio ts and one for video ts. The audio folder is empty, and there are a number of files in the video folder - none of those files are mpeg - so, where is that compact little file of something less than 4 gb that contains such a wonderfully clear version of my 18+GB avi project? Just curious.

Also, I have a second project of similar size. In my glee, went to prepare/burn it in the same manner. I created a separate default prepare and temp directory for it (is this something I need to do for each project?).

Started the prepare routine and came back 11 hrs later to find a message that there was an unknown error writing a file. What did I do wrong? There is plenty of space left on the drive where I set up the prepare/temp folders.

I'm really excited about the prospect of being able to shrink 18+GB to less than 4GB and still maintain good quality - actually better quality than what I was achieving via VHS/SVHS tape - but need to figure out what I'm doing wrong that causes this unknown error message.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Caruso