Cannot burn a DVD without errors!! Plays fine in IMovie and Quicktime.

Question

Have been using IMovie for almost a year and really regretting getting an IMac, as I am having so many issues with it. Initially, I thought the issue was with IMovie (although when I finish a movie it plays just fine on the computer). Then I thought the issue was with the Quick Time export (although when I finish the export and play from the Quick Time file, it perfect).
Then, I burn the DVD, using IDVD. I think this is the issue! Specifically, when I play the new DVD, the following occurs:
1. Some (not all) music tracks are distorted or sound like there are two tracks playing over each other;
2. Some (not all) music tracks don't play;
3. The sound levels of the music is erratic and increases in volume significantly;
4. The DVD (normally towards the end) starts pausing and usually takes me back to the beginning.
I have now made a number of DVDs, some longer than others, some shorter, but all seem to have these issues.
As stated above. The movie plays fine in the IMovie file on full screen view AND in the Quick Time viewer file. It is when the DVD is burnt that all these errors occur.
I have tried changing the settings in IDVD. Even tried the professional quality.
Can some one please help in a relatively non technical way? I am really ready to throw away the IMac and go back to Showtime on windows, which was far easier to use. Please help?

Answer 1

Not sure how to check how much memory?
Click on the icon for your hard drive. Then go to File>Get info; this will bring up a window that will show you what the capacity is for your hard drive as well as the amount of available space. It is this available amount that you need to check.
The source of the music is ITunes. I think they are MP3, not sure, but they are MP3 compatible.
It is possible that this could be the origin to your difficulty; it has been in the past. Convert the format of your music to AIFF. Here are the directions from iTunes Help:
+_Saving a copy of a song in a new file format_+
+You can convert a song to a different file format (and keep a copy of the original). For example, you can save a copy of a compressed song file such as MP3 or AAC in an uncompressed song format (AIFF or WAV).+
+When converting from a compressed to uncompressed file format (for example, from MP3 to AIFF), you shouldn't notice any reduction in sound quality. However, when converting between compressed formats (for example, MP3 and AAC), you may notice a reduction in the sound quality. For the best results, if you want your music encoded in a different file format, import the music again from the original source using the new encoding format.+
+IMPORTANT: Except for iTunes Plus songs, you can’t convert iTunes Store purchases.+
+To convert a song's file format:+
+Choose iTunes > Preferences, click Advanced, and then click Importing.+
+In the Import Using pop-up menu, choose the format you want to convert songs to, and then click OK to save the settings.+
+Select one or more songs in your library, Option-click, and choose “Convert Selection to.”+
+The song in its original format and the newly converted song appear in your library.+
If your music was purchased from iTunes and is not iTunes plus, post back for directions on how to change the format.
What brand of DVD are you using and what speed are you using for the burn?
The very knowledgeable users on this forum recommend Maxell or Verbatim. Also, be sure to burn at 4x or lower. This tends to reduce the likelihood of errors during the burn process. As an added step, close your other applications during the burn process.