How do I create a DVD that can be watched on my TV from a .cdr file?

Hi, thanks for your reply.

It's a file that has been created on my Mac, I don't have CorelDraw, so it's an Apple file - I understand they hold folders and files in a single archive for the purpose of burning data to a disc, much like the ISO format used within Windows.

To be honest I don't know about the DVD player's capabilities, and I doubt my sister will. She has a Windows laptop though, and if it can be played on that, that will be fine.

Thanks, no it's a .cdr file, which the Mac created after I input from a video recorder to the Mac, via iMovie.

I am in UK, and while I get what you mean about outsourcing the job, I know I have managed to create playable DVD's from this type of file before, I cannot recall how I did it now.

I've been thinking it's time I got a new iMac, maybe now is the time, but I am sure this is possible - and there is not much else to do atm.....

Just did a Burn to DVD of the .cdr file and it burnt a .mov file to it. It is playable on the Mac, but it now says I don't have permission to view it! I did a Get Info and am able to watch it via Preview, but that's all so far.

It looks like burning the .cdr file is all I need to do, if I can crack the permission problem. I have not tried it on a Windows PC or DVD player yet, but it feels like some sort of progress.

I changed all users' permissions to Read & Write on the .cdr file before I burnt the DVD this time. Now it has created a .mov file which plays fine on my Mac, so at least I can watch it on here. I will try it on a PC later - the Sony DVD player doesn't like the format, so that's a no go. I do have VLC, and it plays fine through that. I may try something to create another file type.

Is all of this a lot simpler on a new iMac?

I am thinking of buying a new iMac. I switched to Apple in 2011 with an iMac that then had display issues and they replaced it. They replaced it again 3 years ago when it had more display problems, so it is my third but still a 2011 model. In replacing it, they erroneously deleted my Aperture purchase (I got to mainly for photography), and then refused to acknowledge I have a licence, so I can't get the last upgrade. I am heavily invested in Aperture, so that's a big issue for me. I have also done a lot of work on video editing using iMovie, but that still holds a lot of mysteries for me, and my version 9.0.9 has just started to refuse loading as it's incompatible with the OS. I tried the newer version but don't like it as much, so I may keep this iMac on an older OS and just run iMovie 9.0.9 and Aperture on it, while I try to move ahead with more up to date software. I have tried partitioning, but it's a pain when starting up, so I undid it after a while.

I take your point re advances: I started in computing as a programmer probably before you were born, in 1973! I worked on a Honeywell GE115 with 8k (yes, 8k!) of memory with no storage devices at all, on a machine that needed a huge air conditioned room. Input was via punched cards (on a machine that I operated for patches), and the only output was a line printer on green & white lined paper. I followed programmes' progress via two switch lights on the front panel, and diagnosed any problems via machine code in a memory dump. I spent over 40 years in IT, developing first on-line systems, designing & installing one of the first digital networks, installed early PC's, and managed and developed hundreds of staff, in companies that I part owned and managed. I have tried to keep a semblance of technical expertise but would be the first to admit that I still struggle at times to understand some of the nuances of Apple technology. A good deal of my career success was down to always surrounding myself with good technical people, and valuing them highly ..... and not being afraid to ask for help. Hence my presence here, and I thank you and all others who have replied for your help, much appreciated.

Ha ha, nice! Good to know I'm not too old after all :-) Although it progressed my career moving into management roles, none of them were ever as satisfying as the early years of TAB3/APS, RPG2/3, and Cobol.

Well played on the iTunes! Satisfying isn't it!

I've downloaded Burn and am testing that now - looks promising.

Thanks, I will have look at that.