<p>Any tech-savvy folks out there?
I just bought a new laptop that has Window 8. On my previous computers, I have made slideshows using Windows Movie Maker and then burned them on to a DVD to play on a TV (DVD player) using Microsoft DVD Burner (I can’t recall if that’s the exact name, but anyway…) It was a super easy process. Well, I just spent a lot of time doing a graduation DVD on the new computer and all went fine until I went to burn it and couldn’t for the life of me find how to do it. After a long time of tooling around, I Googled the issue only to find that Microsoft, in it’s inimitable wisdom, kept Movie Maker, but got rid of the DVD burner in Windows 8. So, now I have the slideshow but no way to burn it.</p>
<p>SO…any suggestions on either free or low cost software that I can use? I really don’t want something that is going to put malware or other bugs on my computer and I’m not sure what might work.
Thanks!</p>
<p>While this is not the solution you are looking for, I have resorted to uploading the movie files to Dropbox and allowing others to download to their own computers. Apple discontinued iDVD, forcing me to this workaround. On the upside, you no longer need to spend five minutes burning each disc, but on the downside, there are people who cannot figure out how to download from Dropbox. (If you haven’t used it, it is super easy and free.)</p>
<p>Thanks, CT - I appreciate the workaround idea. The only problem with this is that I really need it to be able to play on a regular DVD player…there’s no way the elderly grandparents can do Dropbox…they are not tech savvy at all and I know they want a copy that they can play at home.
Anyone else?</p>
<p>I just did a google search on “how to burn dvd in windows 8”.</p>
<p>The results imply that you should be able to do it with the supplied software. The results also seem to have alternative downloadable programs to do it as well. </p>
<p>I use adobe premiere elements to edit and burn video, which is usually available at a discount packaged with photoshop elements. The only problem is that these programs do not have a simply interface, even in the limited “premiere” versions.</p>
<p>I have had parents of my generation unable to download for Dropbox…but those are usually the same people who cannot figure out how to download photos off their own camera! so I completely understand about grandparents. My husband’s solution has been to install something on both of our mothers’ computers that allows him to log into their computers remotely to fix anything that goes awry. Sometimes it is something simple in email or a printer setting, but it has been very helpful for all grandparents. I realize this is off-topic but just thought I would pass along in case you are tech support for your remote parents.</p>
<p>dadx - yes, I can burn a dvd but not one that will play on a regular DVD player (versus on a computer.)
Thanks cobrat, lergnom and artlover - I will check into these. And CT 1417 - that software might be a good solution for MIL - she is forever asking my kids to come over to fix something on her computer. Usually it’s something very simple, so this would be convenient.</p>
<p>I believe my husband installs Log Me In, and I think it is free. The mother/MIL computer needs to be on (out of sleep mode) but other than that, no involvement needed by mother/MIL for my husband to be able to operate the computer as if he is in the room.</p>
<p>He has now set up my mother’s computer so that when she receives photos via email, they automatically back-up to her Dropbox. She lost all the photos during a recent HD failure so hoping to avoid that in the future. </p>
<p>To burn a DVD that will play on a regular DVD player, you need to burn it in UDF format using imgburn or other reasonably comprehensive burner software like Nero, Roxio, Roxio Toast for Mac, etc. </p>
<p>Most simple burning software programs tend to default to other formats which won’t be compatible with the standards needed by regular set top DVD players.</p>