All of the DVD authoring applications I've found seem quite unreliable or simply don't work. If there is a way I can get iMovie or if someone can point me in the direction of a reliable piece of software I'd be very grateful.
MacBook Pro, OS X Yosemite (10.10.4)
There is no adequate substitute for iDVD.
Why is there no iDVD on my new Mac? How do I get it and how do I install it?
https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-3673
To burn a DVD with iDVD from the latest version of iMovie, you have to export the movie using the Export button and select 480p as the size. Open iDVD and start a new project, then drag that exported movie file into the iDVD menu window, avoiding any drop zones you see.
I make DVDs almost every day. I've tried a lot of substitutes, but there is no comparison to iDVD.
With iDVD you can create discs almost on the level of what Hollywood can do. iDVD is easy to get because it is sold on physical media. You will find it as part of iLife 09 or iLife 11, available on Amazon and eBay.
When you get the iLife disk, just do a custom install, and install iDVD only.
If iDVD was not preinstalled on your Mac you'll have to obtain it by purchasing a copy of the iLife 09 disk from a 3rd party retailier like Amazon.com: ilife 09: Softwareor eBay.com. Why, because iDVD (and iWeb) was discontinued by Apple over a year ago.
Why iLife 09 instead of 11?
If you have to purchase an iLife disc in order to obtain the iDVD application remember that the iLife 11 disc only provides themes from iDVD 5-7. The Software Update no longer installs the earlier themes when starting from the iLIfe 11 disk nor do any of the iDVD 7 updaters available from the Apple Downloads website contain them.
Currently the only sure fire way to get all themes is to start with the iLife 09 disc:
This shows the iDVD contents in the iLife 09 disc via Pacifist:
You then can upgrade from iDVD 7.0.3 to iDVD 7.1.2 via the updaters at the Apple Downloads webpage.
Export the slideshow out of iPhoto as a QT movie file via the Export button in the lower toolbar. Select Size = Medium or Large.
Open iDVD, select a theme and drag the exported QT movie file into the open iDVD window being careful to avoid any drop zones.
Follow this workflow to help assure the best qualty video DVD:
Once you have the project as you want it save it as a disk image via the File ➙ Save as Disk Image menu option. This will separate the encoding process from the burn process.
To check the encoding mount the disk image, launch DVD Player and play it. If it plays OK with DVD Player the encoding is good.
Then burn to disk with Disk Utility or Toast at the slowest speed available (2x-4x) to assure the best burn quality. Always use top quality media: Verbatim, Maxell or Taiyo Yuden DVD-R are the most recommended in these forums.
nor do any of the iDVD 7 updaters available from the Apple Downloads website contain them.
I did not know that! Glad I got them when I could.
Old Toad, could you take a look at the question at the link below please?
For "Old Toad" Only: Photos vs iPhoto: Features and Capabilities
I have to make a DVD menu for a uni project but don't have iDVD on my mac. I've had a look around for other DVD authoring software but it's proving very difficult to find something reliable. Any help?
