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What Software To Buy That Will Work Like iDVD?

I bought a mid 2011 iMac and found there’s no iDVD to get my home video to DVD to share and watch on TV. Any suggestions on software that is darn close to iDVD. Or if I bought iDVD 9 online, could I just install the iDVD part of the disc and would it run properly with Mountain Lion? I’m frustrated to say the least. Why have iMovie and no way to burn it to disc?
Thanks, any feedback will be appreciated as I just switched over from being a PC user and so far I love everything about this Mac except this problem and not being able to use musicnotes. Thanks
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Lori

Comments: 6 Responses to “What Software To Buy That Will Work Like iDVD?”

    12 years ago

    If you do have an iLife 09 disc, and a Mac with an optical drive, you should be able to install iDVD from there.
    Otherwise, search for "DVD creation" in the Mac App Store and you'll see several options. I haven't tried any, myself, but I use Toast for many things and I know it will take video and let you create DVDs. So that is the only one I can recommend.
    Another option is to "go with the flow" and try to move on from DVDs like Apple clearly wants us to do. Is there another, better, way to put your video on the TV or to get it to others? Using an Apple TV or hooking your Mac to your TV via a cable has the advantage of letting you see HD (DVDs are SD, not HD). And YouTube makes it easier to share with friends (and is also HD).

    Lori
    12 years ago

    Thanks for the prompt reply Gary. Using Apple TV at home is great for me, but unfortunately most of my friends aren't quite "on the train" yet. So if I record a piano recital or birthday party, the friends expect to pop a DVD into their home DVD player. If it's the Toast 11 you have I've been really looking at that one although it's a bit pricey. People online talk about buying iDVD 9 online.
    I'm certain as you described Apple won't support it as I know they really are trying to steer clear of optical media as we knew it. So I could buy iDVD 9 and just install the iDVD and not the Garage Band and iWeb and so forth that will also be on that disc? I wouldn't want the entire suite to install, I only need the iDVD. Thanks again.

      12 years ago

      Right. If you get iLife 09 discs, you can install just iDVD from that, not the rest of the apps which are outdated. Finding those old iLife 09 discs is tough, though.

    Lori
    12 years ago

    I was also looking at that Wondershare DVD creator for Mac which claim to work better than iDVD but there's a lack of customer review feedback so I'm a bit leery what I put on my Mac. I just switched over from being a lifetime PC user. Love my mac but just need to get this issue resolved. I have watched and learned a lot from the time you invested in your fantastic videos. I really appreciate your expertise!

      12 years ago

      I wouldn't worry about "what I put on my Mac" if you buy from the Mac App Store. They are very easy to install and then uninstall. Those apps have to follow a lot of rules to get into the App Store in the first place.

    kaki4125
    12 years ago

    Hi

    There are two structures of DVDs

    • Data-DVD - as burned from DeskTop/Finder

    • Video-DVD - to be played on a DVD-Player - Needs a program that can do this
    One can in iMovie - Export as QuickTime .mov and save this via DeskTop/Finder onto a DVD - BUT this will only play on a Computer and if it is a Window-PC this needs to download QT-player or VLC-player.
    But no DVD-player for TV can play back this.
    To get a Video-DVD then You need

    • iDVD (not from Apple any more) - or -

    • DVD Studio Pro (not from Apple any more) - or -

    • FinalCut Pro-X (can do simple Video-DVDs) - or -

    • Burn - iFunia DVD Creator - Fairly advanced - and costs a bit - still very Good and lot's of great tool's included. (I love it) - Can also back convert home made DVDs to an editable mode in an OK quality.

    AppleMan1958
    You can also buy Compressor from Apple for $50 US. It will also create DVD and BluRay but without the nice themes.

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