The main problem with iTunes video is that the files are DRM (Digital Rights Management) protected, and as such, it is rather irksome to rip the files or convert to another format. But the question is, if you paid to buy the iTunes, you should be entitled to burn them all onto one DVD and enjoy them as you see fit. Hence the need to convert iTunes video to DVD, and so we list the software programs which enable you to do this.
This process is done in two stages. The first stage is to remove the DRM protection and turn the DRM protected iTunes files into an unprotected file in MP4 or other format. In the second stage, these unprotected files can be converted into a format suitable for DVD burning and burned onto a DVD using a DVD authoring tool.
Listed below are the software applications, which can be used to convert DRM protected iTunes files into unprotected MP4 files. For a listing of software programs to burn MP4 files into a DVD, please find programs that convert MP4 to DVD format.
Tunebite is a re-recording software which records your DRM protected iTunes files, as they are being played, into an unprotected format, such as MP4.
Using SoundTaxi, you can rip protected iTunes files into MP4 format, safely and legally. Supports batch conversions and drag-and-drop integration with windows explorer.
DRM dumpster is a freeware tool to remove DRM protection from iTunes and convert them to a format suitable for playing on portable video players.
Once you have a collection of unprotected MP4 files, use a DVD authoring tool to burn the files onto a DVD.
Creating DVDs from MP4 source files requires professional converting software because the emphasis here is on producing high quality and minimizing loss during the conversion process. As such, we focus here on tools such as the DVD Burning Xpress and TMPGEnc, which are built to create and burn high quality and professional DVDs.
The Xilisoft MP4 to DVD Creator allows for conversion from various video file formats including AVI, MPEG, WMV, DivX, Xvid, VOB, 3GP, ASF, MPG, MP4 into a DVD playable on a standard DVD player. Facilitates DVD authoring, PAL / NTSC specification and settings for video aspect ratios.
DVD Burning Xpress is a DVD authoring tool with editing, conversion and burning capabilites. You can take raw video footage or a collection of your favorite clips in various formats, including MP4 files, add and edit the files to include special effects, select particular segments, split or join videos and make a complete movie, ready for burning on to a DVD. Recommended for professional use.
The TMPGEnc 4.0 XPress encoder includes HD video support, high speed thumbnail scrolling, smart scene search and DVD video subtitling support. No other tool comes close to this one when you want to put together a high quality DVD from a collection of MP4 and other file formats. Needs an Internet connection and an NTFS file system on your IBM compatible PC. Does have a shareware or trial version, so you can fiddle around and get to know the customizations, before you dip into your pocket.
AVS Video Tools will convert video to and from most commonly used formats and burn the output onto a DVD. While this tool is more of a converter than a DVD authoring software, it does have a decent DVD burning engine with lots of goodies to play around with.
Ultimately, which of these or other MP4 to DVD converting tool similar to these you choose, will depend on whether you are focused on the conversion part or on ending up with a snazzy looking DVD.
