looking for free sw to convert AVI files to DVD format

If you just wish to convert the .avi file to .vob (DVD format) there are plenty of free converters I use Format Factory because I'm used to it, available at http://www.softpedia.com/get/Multimedia/Graphic/Image-Convertors/FormatFactory.shtml (note may try to add ask tool bar etc, untick boxes where not required.)

If you wish to actually burn a DVD then an authoring tool is required, I use DVD Flick from http://www.dvdflick.net/ but there are others.

Nowadays DVD players and newer TV s will play lots of file types, certainly .avi Xvid, from usb sticks or even directly from external hard drives, so rarely need to convert files or actually burn a DVD.

mencoder will do it fairly quickly and painlessly. Section 7,8.5 tells you how to do it in one step. However, as mentioned you are going to need a dvd authoring tool to complete the process. I of course use Linux, but have farted around with DeVeDe. It is not pretty but it gets the job done; it appears that it will automagically convert the videos for you, but I prefer doing it manually and then using DeVeDe to make the compliant disk. DVDStyler also looks pretty newbie friendly.

Try www.dvdvideosoft.com which is a suite of 47 converters, all free.

I can't be bothered using different sw for separate jobs so I now use 'converxtodvd' which seems to do the whole job with no problems..may be worth checking out

I've used FAVC before which works ok and is free.

http://www.videohelp.com/tools/FAVC

I use the free Freemake Video converter available here:

http://www.freemake.com/free_video_converter/

I use DVDFlick

Two posts suggesting pirating software removed. The OP said 'free' software.