Single Layer To Dual Layer

I was given the taping of my wedding on 2 single layer (4gig) DVDs from
the studio. Now that I have a Dual Layer DVD writer I would like to take
both DVDs and combine them into one (9gig) dual layer DVD. Both discs
have VT_01_1.VOB->VTS_01_3.VOB files along with VIDEO_TS.BUP and.IFO
files etc.

How can I combine these to DVDs on my laptop and then write them out
into one dual layer DVD?

THanks

 

Reauthoring with DVD authoring SW is necessary, it's not just a matter
of simple putting the files together. Also, you may have problems
reading the dual layer DVD on some top set players. Last time I
checked, compatibility was ~50%, which basically means that either it
plays or not I'd go with 2 single layer discs, compatibility is
much better there.

 

I agree with both Barry and Erik. DVD-5 is much more compatible than
DVD-9. This is why your studio puts out single layer and not dual
layer. They don't want unhappy returns.

My software recommendations to re-edit the disks onto single or dual
layer would be:

1) DvdShrink (free) for copying the DVD's to individual Hard Drive
folders.

2) Womble Video Wizard ($100) for editing the .vob files into .mpg
files, adding your own transitions, your own captions, trimming bits,
moving scenes, etc...

3) TmpgEnc Dvd Author ($50) to reauthor the .mpg files into a new DVD
Video_TS folder with your own menus. (NOT the PRO version, the original
one that many of us love)

4) DvdShrink if necessary to reduce the size of the .mpg to a single
layer disk and create the .iso file. TDA to create the .iso image.

5) ImgBurn (free) by Lightning!UK to burn the new DVD. IMB supports
dual layer.

www.mrbass.org (DvdShrink and ImgBurn, also some good tips)
www.womble.com
http://www.tmpg-inc.com/product/tsda.html

A good digital editor for menus and buttons if you are inclined. I use
Paintshop Pro (I saw it advertised locally for $30 a couple of weeks
ago). Ken Maltby uses the freeware Gimp2.

All of the above are about as easy to use as it gets in doing this,
imho.

Cheers...

 

6) DVD Lab to demux VOB to MPG2. Use your favorite MPG2 editor
to create a DVD9 compliant output.


--
Tim.

"Those who give up essential liberties for temporary safety deserve
neither
liberty nor safety." - Benjamin Franklin

"Associate yourself with men of good quality if you esteem your own
reputation. It is better to be alone than in bad company" - George
Washington