Is there a way to convert the avi file with this program to have the same exact output as the original avi file? When I convert it, the output avi file's sound and quality isn't as the original avi file.
Thanks in advance!
Output quality?
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There are 5 choices on the Step3 Encoders screen in Avi2Dvd. The first 4 - QuEnc, FreeEnc, NuEnc, and HCEnc are included when you install Avi2Dvd. The 5th - CCE is the best encoder to select but it must be purchased (and it is very expensive) unless you can find a copy somewhere. 
To get the closest quality to your original source you must select the highest quality option for whichever encoder you choose. Of course the higher the quality you select the longer it will take to convert your file. I've been getting good results using the HCEnc encoder, with the Profile set to best (not sure what Matrix should be set to so I just leave it at it's default.) It takes about 5 hours for me to convert a full avi movie (AMD Athlon 64 3500, 1G ram).
Anyone have other opinions as to which is the best encoder to use and which settings give the highest quality output?
To get the closest quality to your original source you must select the highest quality option for whichever encoder you choose. Of course the higher the quality you select the longer it will take to convert your file. I've been getting good results using the HCEnc encoder, with the Profile set to best (not sure what Matrix should be set to so I just leave it at it's default.) It takes about 5 hours for me to convert a full avi movie (AMD Athlon 64 3500, 1G ram).
Anyone have other opinions as to which is the best encoder to use and which settings give the highest quality output?
Well, multi-passes improve the video quality, given the fixed file size (has to fit on 1 dvd, 4.3G)
As to audio, the BeSweet program used in avi2dvd is generally considered the default and the best when handling audio encoding. So to improve the audio quality, set the bit rate for audio higher in the Step 2. Output part higher.
But first, use Virtual Dub or G Spot to find out exactly what is the audio bit rate of your source file. Say, if your source file has 128 kbps sound (like most mp3 musics), then you should set the output bit rate to 192 or above, to make sure you have the highest quality after encoding. If your source has audio of 160 kbps, then you set the output audio at 256 kbps.
Last reminder, the higher the quality, the larger the ac3 encoded file it produce, which leaves less room on the dvd for the video file. I think anything higher than 256 kbps is beyond human ear distinction (at least mine). So there is no need to get too worried about the audio.
As to audio, the BeSweet program used in avi2dvd is generally considered the default and the best when handling audio encoding. So to improve the audio quality, set the bit rate for audio higher in the Step 2. Output part higher.
But first, use Virtual Dub or G Spot to find out exactly what is the audio bit rate of your source file. Say, if your source file has 128 kbps sound (like most mp3 musics), then you should set the output bit rate to 192 or above, to make sure you have the highest quality after encoding. If your source has audio of 160 kbps, then you set the output audio at 256 kbps.
Last reminder, the higher the quality, the larger the ac3 encoded file it produce, which leaves less room on the dvd for the video file. I think anything higher than 256 kbps is beyond human ear distinction (at least mine). So there is no need to get too worried about the audio.