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Burning DVDs

This page explains how to make back-up copies of recorded programmes onto DVDs so you can watch them at a later date. There are many types of video material that you are not allowed to copy. Please read the legal warning in your Topfield PVR manual about movie copyright and piracy.

Software Required

For this tutorial we have used:
  • MPEG Streamclip
  • Apple MPEG 2 Codec
  • Toast Titanium 7
Process Steps

The following steps will explain how to transfer a recording from your Toppy and convert it to MPEG 2 (compatible with DVDs) and then how to 'burn' the DVD for playing in your domestic DVD player. I've used this technique a few times now with good success.

If you wish to trim your file or maybe remove the advert breaks, you'll need to follow these steps first.
  1. Connect to your Topfield PVR with MPEG Streamclip and 'Open' the (first) programme you wish to transfer. Save the file onto your Mac using the option 'MPEG with MP2 Audio'. Repeat for any additional programmes you will put onto the disc.

  2. Open up Toast and select DVD video. I use version 7 here, but older versions also support DVD writing. Drag your files into the main window.

    ** Note that there is a limit to how many you can fit on a disc without recompressing them. For the best quality do not over fill the disc. Toast should tell you when enough is enough :)

  3. Choose a menu style for your DVD. You can also choose to autoplay the disc if you prefer. For maximum quality we don't want compression, so select 'Custom' and click 'More'.



    The key settings here are 'Reencoding: Never' to prevent compression and 'Aspect Ratio:' to that of the original. If it was a widescreen program choose '16:9', otherwise '4:3'.



    We need to set the correct sound format as well, which for a DVD is 'PCM'. Your settings should now look something like this:



    To set up meaningful names on your DVD menu screen, double click on the movie clips in the Toast main screen. Edit the lines of text to whatever you wish.



    You're ready to burn, so click the red button and insert a DVD. In a 'few' minutes your DVD will be ready.