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06 Numbers and Powers

FLV to DVD Converter: How to Burn FLV Files

Card No. 06·8368 · Updated · Standard formula, shown below

Estimated DVD size 7.03 GB
Total video length
120 min
You entered
You enter
Total video length
You get
Estimated DVD size
Rounding
2 dp

An FLV to DVD converter is a software tool that takes Flash Video (FLV) files and re-encodes them into the MPEG-2 video format with Dolby Digital or MPEG audio, then burns them onto a standard DVD disc so they play in a regular DVD player. You enter your FLV files, choose a menu style and disc size, and the program outputs a playable DVD with a standard file structure (VIDEO_TS folder).

Formula

The calculator estimates the raw data size of an uncompressed video stream based on its length, assuming a constant bitrate of 8 Mbps (megabits per second), which is a common high-quality setting for DVD video. The formula is:

Size (GB) = (Total length in minutes × 60 seconds × 8 Mbps) / (8 bits per byte × 1024 MB per GB)

Where:

  • Total length = duration of your video in minutes
  • 60 = seconds per minute
  • 8 = bitrate in Mbps (megabits per second)
  • 8 = bits per byte
  • 1024 = megabytes per gigabyte (binary)

This gives the raw video size before audio. Audio (typically 192 kbps) adds about 0.02 GB per minute, and menu overhead adds a few MB. A standard single-layer DVD holds 4.7 GB (4.38 GiB), so a 120-minute video at 8 Mbps would be about 7.03 GB—too large for one disc, which is why converters lower the bitrate to fit.

Worked Example

Using the default values from the calculator: total video length = 120 minutes.

  1. Convert minutes to seconds: 120 × 60 = 7,200 seconds.
  2. Multiply by bitrate: 7,200 × 8 Mbps = 57,600 megabits.
  3. Convert to megabytes: 57,600 / 8 = 7,200 MB.
  4. Convert to gigabytes: 7,200 / 1024 = 7.03 GB.

The calculator shows 7.03 GB. This matches the manual calculation. For a 4.7 GB disc, you would need to reduce the bitrate to around 4.5 Mbps or split the video across two discs.

What Is FLV and Why Convert It?

FLV (Flash Video) is a container format developed by Adobe Systems for streaming video over the internet. It was widely used by sites like YouTube, Hulu, and many other video platforms from the mid-2000s to the 2010s. FLV files typically contain video encoded with H.264 or VP6 codecs and audio with AAC or MP3. The format is efficient for streaming but not compatible with most standalone DVD players, which expect MPEG-2 video and Dolby Digital or PCM audio. Converting FLV to DVD involves transcoding (changing the codec) and authoring (creating a DVD structure with menus and chapters).

How the Conversion Process Works

All FLV to DVD converters follow a similar pipeline:

  1. Import: Load your FLV files into the software. You can usually add multiple files to create a single DVD with several videos.
  2. Set output: Choose DVD video (PAL or NTSC) and a target disc size (4.7 GB for single-layer, 8.5 GB for dual-layer).
  3. Transcode: The software re-encodes the video to MPEG-2, adjusting the bitrate to fit the disc. Audio is converted to Dolby Digital (AC-3) or MPEG-1 Layer II.
  4. Author: The program creates a VIDEO_TS folder with the necessary files (VOB, IFO, BUP). You can add a menu, chapter points, and subtitles.
  5. Burn: The final step writes the VIDEO_TS folder to a blank DVD-R, DVD+R, or rewritable disc.

Most converters handle the bitrate calculation automatically. If your video is longer than what fits at a given quality, the software lowers the bitrate. You can also manually set a constant bitrate (CBR) or variable bitrate (VBR). VBR gives better quality for the same file size because it uses more bits for complex scenes and fewer for simple ones.

How to Choose an FLV to DVD Converter

When selecting a converter, consider these factors:

  • Format support: Does it accept FLV from your source? Some converters only take MP4 or AVI, so check the input list.
  • DVD standards: Does it output PAL and NTSC? PAL is used in Europe and much of Asia (25 fps), NTSC in North America and Japan (29.97 fps).
  • Menu and chapter options: If you want a professional look, look for customizable menus and chapter creation.
  • Batch processing: Converting many files at once saves time.
  • Ease of use: A simple wizard is fine for basic burns, but advanced users may want manual bitrate and aspect ratio controls.
  • Cost: Free tools exist, but they often add watermarks or limit output length. Paid converters usually offer more features and no ads.

Always download software from the official website to avoid bundled malware.

Common Problems and How to Avoid Them

Several issues can arise when converting FLV to DVD:

  • Aspect ratio distortion: FLV files are often 16:9 widescreen, but DVD can be 4:3 or 16:9. If you set the wrong flag, the picture will look stretched. Check the source resolution and set the DVD aspect ratio accordingly.
  • Audio sync drift: If the FLV has a variable frame rate (VFR), the converter may misalign audio. Look for a converter that supports VFR or use a tool to make the frame rate constant first.
  • Disc full error: The video is too long for the disc. Use the calculator above to estimate size, or let the converter automatically adjust bitrate. You can also split the video into two discs.
  • Playback issues on old DVD players: Some players are picky about DVD-R vs. DVD+R, or about the burning speed. Burn at 4x speed or lower for better compatibility.
  • No sound: FLV audio codecs like Nellymoser are not supported by DVD. Ensure the converter can transcode audio to AC-3.

Free vs. Paid Converters

Free FLV to DVD converters exist, but they have limitations. Open-source tools like DVDStyler (Windows, Mac, Linux) and DeVeDe (Linux) are reliable and support FLV via FFmpeg. However, they may lack intuitive menus or require manual bitrate settings. Commercial programs like ConvertXtoDVD (Windows) or Toast (Mac) offer polished interfaces, automatic bitrate calculation, and preset menu templates. They cost money, but they save time and reduce errors. Some free trials add watermarks or limit the number of videos you can burn. For occasional use, a free tool is usually sufficient; for frequent burning, a paid converter is worth the cost.

Costs and Legal Considerations

The cost of converting FLV to DVD is mainly software (if you buy a paid converter) and blank discs. Blank DVD-R discs are inexpensive. You might also need a DVD burner if your computer lacks one. Legally, you should only convert and burn videos you have the right to copy—your own recordings, videos with open licenses, or content you have permission to use. Burning copyrighted videos from streaming sites may violate terms of service and copyright law, even for personal use. Always check the source’s license.

Alternatives to Burning a DVD

If you just want to play FLV files on a TV, you don’t necessarily need a DVD. Alternatives include:

  • Smart TV USB playback: Many modern TVs can play FLV directly from a USB drive, but codec support varies.
  • Media players: Devices like Roku, Apple TV, or Chromecast can stream FLV files from a computer or phone, but you may need to convert to MP4 for compatibility.
  • Convert to MP4: MP4 with H.264 video and AAC audio plays on almost everything—smart TVs, game consoles, phones. Use a free converter like HandBrake.
  • Cloud storage: Upload to a private cloud service and stream on demand.

DVDs are still useful for archival or for players that lack modern inputs, but for everyday viewing, digital files are more convenient.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a DVD made from FLV play on any DVD player?

Most standalone DVD players will play a properly authored DVD-R or DVD+R, but very old players may not. Burning at a slower speed (4x) and using DVD-R (instead of +R) improves compatibility. Also, ensure the disc is finalized after burning.

Can I convert FLV to DVD without losing quality?

DVD video uses MPEG-2 compression, which is less efficient than H.264 used in FLV. So there is always some quality loss when converting. To minimize it, use the highest bitrate that fits the disc, and use variable bitrate (VBR) encoding.

How long does it take to convert an FLV file to DVD?

Conversion time depends on your computer’s CPU, the video length, and the software. As a rough guide, it takes about 1-2 times the video length for real-time encoding. A 2-hour movie might take 2-4 hours. Burning adds a few minutes.

Can I put multiple FLV files on one DVD?

Yes, you can combine multiple FLV files into one DVD. The converter will create a menu to select each video. The total length must fit on the disc; the converter will adjust bitrate accordingly.

Do I need special software to play the DVD on my computer?

No, any DVD player software (like VLC, which is free) can play a burned DVD. The disc will also play in a standalone player.

What is the difference between PAL and NTSC?

PAL and NTSC are analog TV standards. PAL uses 25 frames per second and is used in Europe, Australia, and much of Asia. NTSC uses 29.97 fps and is used in North America, Japan, and South Korea. Choose the standard that matches your DVD player and TV. Most modern players handle both, but older ones may not.

Related

Formula used
in t | Total video length | min | 120 | 1 | 600
out size | Estimated DVD size | GB | (t * 60 * 8) / (1024 * 8) | 2

Each line is one input (in, sel, list) or one result (out: label, unit, formula, decimals). How the calculators work

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.

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