I was using ffdshow but its really unstable... hangs many programs after prolonged use.

I need something some I can covert things to mpeg2 so I can burn full length films and tv series to DVD that will play in any DVD player.

Virtualdub is a program that can convert anything to anything, but you have to get the codecs elsewhere. It has a learning curve, but it's powerful and free.

I have the programs i just need the codecs.

I used to get a Nimo or Nemo codec pack.