The FilmMachine

The FilmMachine is a software that can convert AVI, MP4, MOV, RMVB and MKV files into the DVD, VCD or SVCD format.

In the intuitive interface you can get started by adding a file to the queue (the "drag and drop" function is not supported). If you add multiple files, they will be merged (so, The FilmMachine is also a video joiner). However, they must share attributes (e.g. same video codec, frame rate) for this to happen.

Before proceeding to the next step, you can view audio and video information on each file. Now you can set the default output folder, as well as select audio and video encoder, aspect ratio, video format, arrange method and optionally edit the AviSynth script file.

You can select the DVD size, audio bitrate and optionally set the program to burn a DVD. You can also use subtitles and configure their properties (e.g. color, position, shadow, alignment).

Finally, you can enable the software to only create files for authoring, to exit or to shutdown Windows when finished. Also, you can preview the result before initiating the DVD-building process.

In the "Options" menu you can set the path to video encoders, select the default TV system (PAL or NTSC), enable the tool to delete temporary files in order to save disk space, and more.

The FilmMachine uses a moderate-to-high amount of system resources and comes with a well-drawn help file which contains snapshots and tells you where you can download codecs from.

A task can take several minutes to complete and The FilmMachine manages to keep a very good image and sound quality. We haven't come across any problems during our tests. However, the tool only recognizes videos of specific frame rates. Even so, we recommend it to all users.