ReelDVD cannot find my DVD writer

[walter4h]

Hi, guys:
I have created a project in ReelDVD, went through simulation/premastering process, everything seems to be alright, all the folders and files have been created (AUDIO_TS, VIDEO_TS, .ifo files, etc.)
However, in the project settings the device window is grayed out and there is a msg "suitable device not found". And thus, the "Start" button on the "Make Disc" dialog was not even active.
I have an LG-4040, and every other application, recognizes it. What could be the reason ReelDVD does not see it?
I looked through Help and tutorial and could not find a mention of any settings I could try
Did anybody stumble over it?
Thx walter

[BJ_M]

have you contacted sonic and asked them for the device driver upgrade ?

[walter4h]

I guess that is one of the options. However, today is Sunday and I will have no time to do that over the next wk, too busy at work.
But I still need to clear my HDD for other projects.
Considering this situation, I was thinking about trying to burn a DVD with a third-party software.
My ReelDVD works fine up to the point of having to write to a disk. I have .vob, .ifo (...+++...) files and I also have a disk image file.
I have a demo version of DVD Architect, it can accept prepared multiplexed files. (It does not accept elementary streams)
I tried it, it accepted my data and was ready to start burning, but somehow it reported that the total size of files in my project is too big for the selected media, even though it is only about 4.5 G.
Another option is to use Roxio's Easy CD/DVD Creator and to burn the DVC as "Data Disk" using the DVD image created by ReelDVD.
I am more interested in trying Roxio, because this way I would not have to remove files and to remaster my existing 4.5G project.
I am wondering if this latter avenue going to work?
Thx walter

[rcb]

a blank DVD only holds 4.37 gigs, maximum. Your burning apps are correctly reporting your 4.5 gig burn file as being too large.

Use dvdshrink to reduce your compilation down to around 4.2 gig, leaving you a bit of safety room in case of marginal media.

[walter4h]

Thanks,
somehow I thought I can write to capacity, which is 4.7 G. I used to burn DVDs as "Data Disc" (just to store data) and I think I managed to stuff close to 4.7, have to doublecheck.
walter

[ktnwin]

You can always tell reelDVD to generate only teh VIDEO_TS folder (make sure to uncheck the image, else it generates the image then delete the video_ts folder).
You can use Nero to burn the VIDEO_TS folder.

[dcsos]

I've had the same problem..
Just use the other APPLICATION..ROXIO was it?..... that reports the 4.5GIG as OK and make sure to FINALIZE ...as you know roxio 5xx only asks IF ITS OVER 4 GIGS
to finalize..
GO AHEAD A ROXIO DATA DVD SHOULD PLAY FINE in SETTOPS

was it record now max?
that said the file was too big...well I had this happen
ROXIO burned the same project FINE!..go figgure

[walter4h]

No it was Sonic Foundry DVD Architect. Nice software, but does not accept elementary streams, has no AC3 encoder and cannot multiplex.
So, I'll be using Roxio till I figure out what's wrong with ReelDVD. I want to hold on to it, though, as this is my only way to have access to a compliant AC3 encoder.
Thx walter

[BJ_M]

No it was Sonic Foundry DVD Architect. Nice software, but does not accept elementary streams, has no AC3 encoder and cannot multiplex.
So, I'll be using Roxio till I figure out what's wrong with ReelDVD. I want to hold on to it, though, as this is my only way to have access to a compliant AC3 encoder.
Thx walter

it has one of the best ac3 encoders that comes with it ... in fact, its the best reason to get it ... (5.1 and 5.1EX and all other ac3 formats)

[walter4h]

I am glad I made the right choice, I hope I will eventually figure out how to make it recognize my DVD writer. Somehow I do not think it is a driver problem. LG 4040 did not have any drivers, the manual said that Windows does not need any. But I am not that much of an expert (yet).
Thx walter

[dcsos]

Check again the following
1.PI/O vs. DMA asignments on the drive 's position (automatic in XP, manual in 98,ME, and 2K)
2. Presence or absence of ASPI layer (re-install if necessary)
3. If you're in 98,ME, and 2K YOU DO NEED DRIVERS, but not for the -R, +R...but for the DVD RAM read and write in order to WORK..such drivers are availablle (for pay) at www.softarch.com if the ones provided by Panasonic do not work because your system is "unreceptive"

[walter4h]

Thanks, dcsos:
I'll have another go at it this weekend. I have XP Pro. But if it turns out I can burn my disc image file with a third-party software (Roxio), the question of making ReelDVD recognize my drive will largely become academic.
walter