Windows DVD Maker
Windows XP didn't include a DVD-burning solution (with the exception of the Media Center edition), but a CD-burning solution was included. Windows 7 allows for DVD burning directly from several applications, including Explorer and Media Player. You can locate DVD Maker easily by typing in the name at the Instant Search bar.
DVD Maker, however, is more than a burning solution that just enables you to put data on a DVD. DVD Maker allows you to create DVD menus and scene selections, in addition to just burning data. The DVD Maker isn't a fancy tool; it's nowhere near the level of a third-party DVD-creation tool, but it is functional and simple for new users.
DVD Maker is meant to go up against the Apple iLife application (which includes iDVD), although DVD Maker is not quite at the same high level as iDVD.
The interface is pretty simple, allowing you to add your content (movies and photos), make up a disc title, and then choose your theme. (There are roughly 20 themes, called menu styles, to choose from.) You can change the fonts used, the scene button options, the background music, and so forth.
You don't have to settle for the available themes. You can take those themes and build off of them by creating custom styles. To do this, click the Customize Menu button, make your changes to the font, the video, and audio settings and the scene button selections, and then choose Save as New Style. Give it a name, and you will now have the Custom Styles option along with the Menu Styles options.
The Windows DVD Maker supports NTSC and PAL TV formats. It also includes options for both the 4:3 output and the 16:9 widescreen resolutions, which you can alter from the Options settings. You can also change the speed for writing to DVD.