How to Burn a Slideshow to DVD

Are you looking to make a DVD of your slideshow? Look no further! This article will teach you how to burn a slideshow to a DVD quickly and easily.

You can create amazing slideshows with photos, text, and music. And, with the right tools, you'll have the capacity to burn them to a DVD so that you can watch the videos on any DVD player or computer.

We'll walk you through the process step by step. You'll learn how to select the photos for your slideshow, add music and effects, and then burn it all to a DVD. So let's get started!

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How we picked tools to burn a slideshow to a DVD

Here are the criteria we used when choosing DVD-burning software:

  • User-friendly interface. We opted for tools with an intuitive interface, making it easy for users with different skill levels to navigate and use the software effectively.
  • Output quality. We chose options that maintain the original clarity during the burning process, minimizing the loss of quality.
  • Editing capabilities. We looked for tools that offer basic editing features such as adding transitions, text, or audio to your slideshow.

Option 1. Icecream Slideshow Maker

Icecream Slideshow Maker is a software designed for creating videos from images. It allows users to compile photos with various transition effects and background music. Plus, it has a built-in feature to burn slideshows to a DVD.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Visit the official website, download the free slideshow maker for Windows, and install it on your computer.
  2. Import the images you want to include in your slideshow. Arrange them in the desired order.
  3. Customize slideshow settings, such as transition effects, slide duration, and background music if desired.
  4. Preview the video to ensure everything looks as expected and click "Create".
  5. Once the slideshow is processed, you will see the "Burn CD/DVD" option. Click it to burn a slideshow to DVD.

Pros:

  • User-friendly interface. The intuitive interface makes it accessible for users with varying levels of technical expertise.
  • All-in-one program. The software integrates both slideshow creation and DVD-burning features. It provides a streamlined and convenient solution for users who want simplicity.
  • Transitions and effects. The program offers a range of built-in transitions, effects, and other customization options for your slideshow.
  • Background music. Users can create slideshows with music to make it more interesting for the audience.
  • Compatibility. The format used for burning is compatible with standard DVD players, ensuring wider playback options.

Option 2. Windows Movie Maker

Making a DVD slideshow using Windows Movie Maker is a great way to show your photos and videos. It's an easy and efficient way to create a presentation of your memories.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Open the Movie Maker. Select the "Create New Project" option.
  2. Hit "Add clip" and "Photo/Video". Add the images or videos you wish to incorporate into your slideshow.
  3. Arrange the photos and videos in the order you'd like them to appear in the slideshow. Add transitions, effects, and titles as desired.
  4. Click the "Save video" button and export the slideshow.
  5. Go back to the main menu, choose "Create DVD" and install the software from Microsoft Store.
  6. Press "Create DVD from video files" and select the slideshow you've just created.
  7. Tap "Burn DVD", pick the name for the file, and click "OK".

Pros:

  • Free slideshow maker. The software is available for free and comes pre-installed on earlier Windows operating systems.
  • Basic editing features. The program provides essential video editing tools for creating simple slideshows, including options for adding transitions, effects, and background music.
  • Export options. Users can export finished projects in common video formats (WMV, MP4), which could then be used with other DVD authoring software.

Cons:

  • Discontinued. Windows Movie Maker has been officially discontinued by Microsoft, which means no more updates or official support.
  • Complicated DVD burning. The software doesn't have a built-in DVD burner. You need to save the slideshow as a video and then use a separate DVD authoring tool.
  • Price. Although you can use a slideshow maker for free, you will have to pay to burn these slideshows to DVD.

Option 3. Microsoft PowerPoint

Using Microsoft PowerPoint is an easy and fast way to create DVD slideshows to share with others. It is part of the Microsoft Office suite, which includes applications like Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Create or open your presentation in PowerPoint.
  2. Go to the "File" menu and select "Export".
  3. Click "Package Presentation for CD" and type a name for the file.
  4. Insert a blank DVD into your computer's DVD drive and click "Copy to CD" to start burning.
  5. Upon completion, you can eject the disk from your computer and play it in a standard DVD player or other device.

Pros:

  • Familiarity. The software is widely used and familiar to many people, making it accessible for creating slideshows.
  • Multimedia options. Users can add various multimedia elements, including images, videos, and audio, enhancing the visual appeal of the slideshow.
  • OS support. You can make DVD slideshows on both Windows and macOS computers.

Cons:

  • Compatibility. Some older DVD players may not support the format used for burning your slideshows with PowerPoint.

FAQ

What type of file can I transfer to DVD?
To burn a slideshow to your DVD you will typically need a video file, such as an AVI or MP4.
Can I use any DVD type, or are there specific requirements?
Check your DVD burner's specifications; common types are DVD-R and DVD+R.
Can I combine multiple slideshows onto a single DVD?
Yes, you can usually fit several slideshows onto one disc depending on their length and quality settings.
Can I watch my slideshows on any TV or computer?
Yes, you can watch the slideshows you burned onto a disk on any computer with a DVD drive and on any TV with a DVD player.
Do I need to create a DVD menu for my slideshow?
It's optional, but a menu enhances user experience. Specialized DVD software typically supports menu creation.
What is the maximum duration of a DVD slideshow?
The duration depends on the DVD format and the storage capacity of the disc.
What should I do if my DVD burning process fails or encounters errors?
Check for software updates, ensure proper settings, and try burning at a slower speed.
Can I make copies of my DVD slideshow for distribution, and are there any legal considerations?
Making copies for personal use is allowed, but commercial distribution requires permission.

Conclusion on how to burn a slideshow to a DVD

Making a DVD slideshow is an excellent way to save your memories, and now you know how to do it. It's easy and fast, so you can make multiple copies of your slideshow.

So, if you want to keep photos and videos safe and sound, create DVD slideshows. You will be glad you did!

Paul Skidmore

Tech Writer and Photography Aficionado

Paul is a self-professed photography and tech nerd and has years of experience working with various editing software. He has a passion for travel and has taken his camera to destinations including Antarctica, Singapore, Indonesia, and Greenland.
4 min read
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