Playback issues of DVD movie disks (Optorite DD0203)

[tig2002]

I purchased my Optorite DD0203 about two months ago from Accupc.com mainly for creating my home movies on DVD disks and backing up my DVD movie collection, and burned 20-30 DVD video disks since then on various brands and types of DVD media. The disks that I used are: CompUSA (Princo) 1x DVD-R, CompUSA (Optodisk) 1X DVD-R, CompUSA 1X DVD+RW, Memorex 4X DVD+R, Ritek G04 4X DVD-R and TDK 2X DVD-R. There were only couple of coasters out of these burns, and all other disks were burned successfully.

However, I have one problem with all successfully burned disks – playing back on my stand alone DVD player (Samsung DVD-C631P), xBox, computer DVD-ROM drives (EPO) and the Optorite DD0203 itself. The problem is that at the beginning of the movie all these disks play well. After approximately 30-40 minutes of playback I notice some stuttering (mosaic “digital” garbage). The stuttering appears more and more often, the DVD player starts having difficulties reading the DVD (intermittent stops) and finally the DVD player would not play the disk at all. I would also mention that some of the successfully burned DVD disks were not recognized by any of the DVD players (including the Optorite burner) at all. I thought that it is the cheap media to blame and recently purchased TDK 2X DVD-R. After burning 3 disks on TDK I got good playback of the backed up movies, but noticed that “digital garbage" for short period of time during playback on only one of these disks. I would also mention that I apply adhesive Neato CD-DVD labels on all disks after printing them on Epson printer. Although the new TDK disks played well, but even only one disk that failed for short period of time made me think: is there something wrong with the burner, or with the firmware of the burner? Am I doing something wrong while burning these disks, or may be I should not apply these labels to the disks?

I have 30GB WD HDD as Master (with Windows XP) and 120GB Maxtor HDD as Slave (backup drive) on Primary IDE channel, and Optorite DD0203 as Master and Hi-Val 48x24x48 CDRW as Slave on Secondary IDE channel. Here is how I backup a DVD movie:

1. Rip the original DVD to created DVD_NAME\Video_ts folder on 120GB HDD using DVD Decrypter.

2. Shrink the movie using DVD Shrink 3.0 and backup the files in created DVD_NAME\Shrink\Video_ts folder of the same drive. Although the version 3 of DVD Shrink automatically compresses all files to the level that allows all files to fit on a single 4.7 GB DVD, I always adjust the compression manually to make the volume slightly smaller.

3. Open Nero 6.0.0.19 in "Create DVD Movie" mode and add all files from DVD_NAME\Shrink\Video_ts to the red "Video_ts" folder in Nero.

One thing to mention: I remember burning a disk (Ritek G04) and immediately playing it on Samsung stand alone player. I did not watch the entire movie and left while the movie was playing. After I came back the movie was still playing at the end (credit roll). I decided that the disk is perfectly working, applied the CD-DVD label and archived it. I recently decided to watch that movie, put in the Samsung DVD player, and… the movie stopped after 25-30 minutes of playback.

Did anyone experience such issues with their burners (burned DVD movie disks), especially owners of Optorite DD0203?

Your opinions or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[MOVIEGEEK]

1.Do you have firmware 2.16 installed?Go to www.rpc1.org
2.Don't use labels,use a CD/DVD pen(Maxell,Lumicolor,etc).
3.Use DVD+R if possible,some DD0203 have problems with DVD-R.
4.Try burning at 1x-2x,less errors will occur.

I suspect #2 is the problem because you said the Ritek played fine but when you applied the label it stuttered.

[tig2002]

Thanks for your reply.

I forgot to mention that I do have updated firmware V2.16. I try to burn DVD-R because this is the most popular format at these days (xBox will not read DVD+R). I had the same problem with DVD+R though. It appears that the problem may be related to the applied labels. But it does not make sense: these labels dedicated for both CD and DVD media (according to the manufacturer), work fine with CD-R's, and, as far as I know, DVD recordable disks have thicker recordable surface which cannot be damaged by the label if the label does not damage CD-R's.

[davesim]

i was having problems like yours with my LG4040B and overcame it by burning at a slower speed

[Synergy]

Disc labels, if applied inappropriately, can be one of the possible reasons causing the playback stutter, see the following link:

https://www.videohelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=138166&postdays=0&postorder=asc&vote=viewresult

[tig2002]

MOVIEGEEK:

I think both #2 and #4 explain why I have these issues. I mostly burn my 1X DVD media at 2X simply because Nero will allow me to do so, although it might be one of the reasons of poor playback of the burned movies. Now I believe that the DVD burning should be done at speed that would not exceed the suggested speed printed on the media, even if the software allows you to burn at faster speed.

Synergy:

That is a very good link, and as Craig Tucker mentioned there, it is very surprising not to see this subject come up on the forums.

It is very difficult to explain why applied labels cause these issues, but the fact is that many users already proved that the applied label is definitely causing "read error" issues.

Now the question is: if I want to use a pen instead of applying labels, can't I use just regular permanent marker?

[tigerman8u]

Now the question is: if I want to use a pen instead of applying labels, can't I use just regular permanent marker?

I use a permanent marker ( Sharpie ) on my media without any problems.

[tig2002]

Thank you, guys, for your suggestions. I tried to burn CompUSA 1X cheap DVD-R yesterday at 1X speed and did not apply label - the disk was burned and played back with no problems.

I guess I was making two mistakes: burning 1X at 2X speed and applying labels. But I still don't understand why labels would cause playback problems...

[RAAGAAman]

It is very difficult to explain why applied labels cause these issues, but the fact is that many users already proved that the applied label is definitely causing "read error" issues.

Labels cause the disk to become "Out of balance". The drive cannot control tracking. It like trying to shoot a target that is moving up and down.

RG

[Gees]

There's lots of threads about possible labeling problems. Many, including myself, have never had a problem with them.

I think it boils down to the type of label used, the method used to apply it, and your own player(s)*. Lots of variables, so, of course, it's safer not to use them. Especially if you are trying to rule out possible causes of problems.

* I think some players run hot and may heat the label enough to make it start to lift off. Mine are cool to the touch even after hours of play, so that may be why I've had no problems. And I use high quality labels and a centering device (although none can get it absolutley perfect) to avoid "wobble".

Many people do use them problem-free. Knock wood. :c) So far.

[riffy]

I had the exact same problem with this drive (OPTORITEDVD RW DD0203). I've been trying to figure out why for about a month now too. Even funnier is that only a Samsung stand alone would read these DVDs but with lots of skipping and artifacts. I found it odd too that it seemed to be at a certain point that it started too, and usually about the 30-45 min mark for me as well. Put it in the Optorite drive though and it played flawlessly, so I figured it was the media too. I recently ran across post about this drive some place on this site that fixed it for me though. This was his post:

While dvdrhelp was down I have solved a puzzle (with some help from google)which has been plaguing many Optorite users. There is some kind of small bug (which we must hope will be solved with a future firmware update after 2.16) in the way the drive handles single session finalizing. The result, even with Nero 6, is DVD-R discs that cannot be read by many players, both DVD-ROM and standalones.
(No problem with DVD+R.)Here is a workaround. In Nero, choose UFO/ISO mode to write the video. (Drag all the needed content to a VIDEO_TS folder you create. Include an empty AUDIO_TS folder for good measure.) The important step is to choose the Multisession option and ignore the warning message that Nero 6 generates. Many folks say that standalone players can't read movies made in multisession mode, but my Sony (3rd highest rated presently on this site)has no problem. And my Panasonic RV32 also plays discs made this way even though it is very fussy! Neither can handle Ritek discs produced by the Optorite in standard DVD-VIDEO mode. Hope this helps some folks out there.

I love you who ever posted that, you’ve saved my sanity I’m sure!

After wasting over $100 worth of media, that can’t be played on much else but the Optorite drive. I tried this work around and well…. I was floored that it worked. Suddenly the DVDs I now make are readable by so far everything I’ve put them in. I also felt it necessary to send the makers of this drive a some what nasty email about this problem and lack of information and fixes, not to mention the lack of what’s in the firmware updates to begin with.

Long story short, try that, it fixed all my problem, but I’m still kind of bitter about how I had to find the solution myself, not to mention the coaster fest I have going on. It’s not as easy as say click on make DVD video disk in Nero but at least it works. Now I just need to have a party so I can use all these coasters I now have. *grin*

BTW I’m using the firmware that it came with 2.16, and according to there lame and noninformational sight, it is the latest to date. I hope you read this before you go burning to much unlike myself.

Just as a side note that might help you too, is that I noticed this drive seems to like Princo media beter than Ritek. Either that or it’s just bad luck, but every Ritek I’ve put in it has had errors so far and every Princo has had not a one. This is only with the 4X mind you. Not that I’m complaining about that, considering it likes the cheaper ones.

[riffy]

hehe found the original post about that fix. It's under the DVD Writers section. I wish this tip was one of the first things you read when you look this drive up, because it took me a good month to figure this problem out. I really would like to thank this person too for posting this, I'm sure he has saved me many gray hairs!

The post in DVD Writers:

While dvdrhelp was down I have solved a puzzle (with some help from google)which has been plaguing many Optorite users. There is some kind of small bug (which we must hope will be solved with a future firmware update after 2.16) in the way the drive handles single session finalizing. The result, even with Nero 6, is DVD-R discs that cannot be read by many players, both DVD-ROM and standalones.
(No problem with DVD+R.)Here is a workaround. In Nero, choose UFO/ISO mode to write the video. (Drag all the needed content to a VIDEO_TS folder you create. Include an empty AUDIO_TS folder for good measure.) The important step is to choose the Multisession option and ignore the warning message that Nero 6 generates. Many folks say that standalone players can't read movies made in multisession mode, but my Sony (3rd highest rated presently on this site)has no problem. And my Panasonic RV32 also plays discs made this way even though it is very fussy! Neither can handle Ritek discs produced by the Optorite in standard DVD-VIDEO mode. Hope this helps some folks out there.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comments posted by David Griffeath, September 30, 2003. Rated this writer 8 of 10.

[tig2002]

I believe that the poor playback is caused by three factors: cheap media, applied labels and the burning speed (faster than what DVD blank media is designed for). I purchased a Phillips 2.4X DVD+RW disk on passed week-end at CompUSA and burned a movie at 2.4X. I tried to play back the disk on all my DVD players (stand alone, PC DVD-ROM's and xBox) without applying any label. The disk played very well with absolutely no problems on all DVD players! In fact, it even played on xBox that would not accept any DVD+R disks at all in the past. Over the week-end I also made a movie backup's using cheap CompUSA 1X DVD-R at 1X and 2X TDK DVD-R at 2X also without applying labels - no problems with playback whatsoever!

Based on my previous experience I would recommend the following:

1. Do not apply labels on DVD+/-R(W) disks after burning them, and use marker pen instead to label your DVD's.

2. Do not burn at speed higher than what the DVD media is designed for, even if your burner and software would allow to burn at higher speed (most blank 1X DVD+/-R disks can be burnt at 2X).

3. Do not waste your money on cheap DVD media. Buy whatever most users recommend, even if it is expensive. So far I found TDK 2X DVD-R the best media for Optorite DD0203 as I did not have any playback issues with this media even with applied labels. I also found Phillips 2.4X DVD+RW as very good media for multiple burns.

And finally, after finding the solution of burning DVD's that would play back on DVD players with no problems, I am absolutely happy with my Optorite DD0203 drive. After experiencing these annoying issues with my Optorite I was about to sell it on eBay and buy Pioneer, but now I think I got the best burner that money could buy (knock on wood). Many people complain that it is over two months Optorite does not release new firmware update for the drive. I do not see any reason why they should, although may be some people experience something that I don't, since the success depends on hardware-software configurations...

[fatkat]

By chance, I luckily came upon this post and it has solved my problem with some Ritek -R 4X discs.
I have been struggling for over 2 months with the Optorite 203 unit, DVDXpress, and a shitload ($200) of different media. Using 2 different computers and even formating a new OS (on advise), I have given up on the DVDXpress software and the Optorite and gone to using Shrink. With Shrink, playback was fine using slower DVD-R discs to JVC & Cyberhome playback units. But Ritek -R 4X discs would just not play back. I was just about ready to send the Ritek discs back for exchange when reading this post. I tried burning them at a slower (2X) speed and now playback works on all units. Apparently using Optorite at 4x speed for burning this type of content is not feasilble. So for me the Optorite was a waste of time (lots of it) as well as money, as it is not compatible with DVDXpress software and will not burn 4X reliably other type software. It also has the door sticking problems mentioned in other postings here. I will definitely replace this unit as soon as possible and hope I can also get rid of all the white hair this thing has caused. I'll probably try one the bargains (NEC or Pioneer) that can be found on this great website. By the way I do use labels and have found no problem or connection to my playback problems of the Optorite. One last thing, I also tried using the Optorite/Ritek with Nero at 2x and got a coaster in 20 seconds, and am now using Roxio in the 'Disk Creator' Data mode with this setup.
Hope this helps too

[riffy]

Well my problems seem to be the hardware (the DD0203 drive it’s self) if you ask me. It's just to convenient that the DVDs work just fine if you don't finalize them. With this work around I get perfect disks now at 4X speeds on Princo disks (still has probs with Ritek ones though I get a few errors on each one that I've tried). So..

1. I haven't even tried labels yet, since I didn't see a point on labeling a DVD that nothing else could read. (5 computers each with a DVD drive and not one would read it and the stand alones won't either except my old Samsung for what ever reason it seems to play anything)

2. I tried burning at 1X, 2X, 2.4X, 3X and 4X (most of the media was rated 4X or 1-4X too). I ended up with more errors using slower speeds on a lot of them, when I tested them after burning with DVD Info Pro.

3. I tried about 7 different brands of media from 1X to 4X and not a one was readable by anything. (wasted as much money or more on coasters than what I paid for the drive now)

After trying that work around of not finalizing the DVDs, suddenly everything will read them. I'm still concerned about the fact that I'm making the DVDs in an odd manner and feel that this will more than likely bite me in the butt latter and I'll have to re burn all of my DVDs when/if they fix this problem.

If I could have found out that this drive had this problem, I wouldn't have touched it with a 100 foot pole. It's not the only drive on the market for the price. I just wish I could still return it and get one that actually works correctly, but that time has expired and I was under the impression I was the one at fault for them not being readable.

If they would fix this it would be a great drive, but as is I'm floored they don't recall them or at least do something other than watching the people who buy the drive guess what's wrong. That's just me though I guess, and I'm still bitter about not finding this out sooner or even before I bought the drive, not to mention all the money I’ve now sunk into this thing now.

[riffy]

OK, even more enteresting. I’ve found people who have actually gotten a response back from Optorite. Seems they do know about the problem but don’t seem to know how to fix it.

Posted Oct 12th:
Hi, we do notice a problem with DVD-R media. When you choose to create DVD data discs, please make sure you select "multisession" in Nero. This problem only occurs when the user has an older generation of DVD-ROM drive to do the playback. We are already working to address this issue in the future firmware release.

Best regards,
George Chang
OptoRite, Inc.

Posted Oct 21st:

I am not sure if the next firmware version will address this issue or not, but it should be released in a week or two.

Best regards,
George Chang
OptoRite, Inc.

[i am x]

So for me the Optorite was a waste of time (lots of it) as well as money, as it is not compatible with DVDXpress software and will not burn 4X reliably other type software. It also has the door sticking problems mentioned in other postings here. I will definitely replace this unit as soon as possible and hope I can also get rid of all the white hair this thing has caused.

Heh, I walked in your very shoes about 3 months ago......

[fatkat]

Optorite actually sent their first batch of 4X writers out without the correct firmware. Which is what I recieved and had to flash the unit. Always suspected it did not take update right because their updating software is so mickey mouse and instructions vague. My unit thinks most blank discs are music content, & keeps setting off my audio player. They told me this is normal (?!). They always responded to my questions but did not want to replace the unit. I will never touch another offbeat disc writer company, guess didn't learn a thing after buying a piece of <#!*> BTC unit a couple of years ago. A word to the wise DO NOT even try to mess with these cheapy writers, they can even lock up your computer and cause other kinds of problems. The amount of time you can waste on them is unreal

[MOVIEGEEK]

"My unit thinks most blank discs are music content, & keeps setting off my audio player"

My Optorite did the same so I turned off Auto Insert Notification on all my optical drives.
Problem solved.

BTW...Optorite released a new firmware for the DD0201 today so hopefully they will release a new one for the DD0203 soon.
www.optorite.com/firmware.htm