What digital video format is best for burning DVDs?

Resolved question

by motomcgee - 6/26/12 10:57 AM

The following post is about file format or conversion, prior to burning on a DVD; with the ability to watch in a regular, modern, Blu-Ray player. I am not attempting to violate any laws, I am not doing this for profit, etc. This is a personal use only question.

I've tried to find the answer in the forums; however, everyone is confused and confounded about the simple DVD-R / DVD+R / etc... questions.

I know what DVD Disc to use - I am referring to file conversion prior to burning? Do most modern Blu-ray / DVD players, have a specific, preferred, format?

For instance, these are currently in Windows Media Format. Should I maintain that format or convert to avi, DivX, AVCHD, MPEG-4, MOV, etc... I'm not sure what AVCHD even is; however, I do remember seeing it on BD-Player boxes (most current models), but also recall seeing DivX.

I have never had luck with DivX, the whole burning the software to disc in inserting it into the BD-Player, before using, etc...confusing

Is .mov or MPEG-4 consistently recognized formats on a finalized disc?

Also, these were downloaded and purchased in HD and my player/TV is 1080P HD...how do I use that in my consideration in conversion? Which format will keep the best, original HD quality and SRS Dolby Digital sound?

Thank you for your assistance!