Burning and playing DVD-R's

[CuzUDontKnowMe]

Hey everyone I need some help. I bought a 25-pack of imation DVD-R 8x. The format of the movie i was trying to burn was already mpg, but i still used a guide on here and covnerted it to a correct DVD mpg with TMPGEnc. Then I used TMPGEnc DVD Author to author the DVD using another guide on here. I made a menu and did the output and all that stuff. I burned it with TMPGEnc DVD Author. By the way the burner I used is not built in it's a...I believe NexStar-2 with USB 2.0 interface. So i burn the DVD-R and go to play it. I have 5 DVD players. On my first DVD player a Mintek DVD-1600 it said loading... but it never loaded. Then I put it in my Oritron DVD3119 DVD player and the same thing happened it said loading but it never loaded. By the way on this website it says both of these are capable of playing DVD-R's. When I put the DVD-R in my Xbox and portable DVD player both of them played it. I also made a DVD-R without a menu but still both DVD players didn't play it. I want to watch them on my 2 DVD players though. So those are the details of my problem and I was hoping you guys could tell me what what wrong and how I can fix this so i can play my future DVD-R's on these two DVD players?

[monzie]

Whats the MEDIA that you used? Have you searched in the DVD MEDIA area (under LISTS on the left).

[CuzUDontKnowMe]

what do u mean by media

[sacajaweeda]

Media is another word for whatever you are using to store your data on, be it floppy, tape, CD, DVD, etc.

[CuzUDontKnowMe]

well any ideas on how to get them to work

[CuzUDontKnowMe]

the media code is CMC MAG. AE1 hopefully that helps u guys on giving me a way to make it work on my dvd players

[steve2713]

Sounds like the DVD isn't a completely compliant/standard DVD Video, not a media issue, since it plays on two players. Some players are pickier than others about the disc being 100% DVD Video spec.

Maybe you could try backing up a Single layer store bought DVD using DVD Decrypter to rip and then burn a copy with Decrypter as well. If that disc will then play in the other two players, you could then rule out media being the issue.

[CuzUDontKnowMe]

so u guys definitely think its the discs?

[steve2713]

Not necessarily. Did you even read what I wrote above? The disc you created may not have been created completely DVD Video compliant, as I said above. As I also said above, if you do a an exact backup of a single layer store bought disc with Decrypter and it plays in the 'problem' players, then you know it is definitely not the media.

[Skith]

Three things to try:

(1) Try burning at a slower speed (if possible)

(2) Check for a firmware update for your DVD-Burner (manufacturers web site). You might also check over at http://club.cdfreaks.com and try to find out who manufactured the drive (as opposed to what label/brand it was sold under). You could then look into Flashing the drives firmware with another (compatable) version (ment for the model used in your rebranded Nexstar-2).

For example, all recent sony DVD-Burners (computer) are manufactured by Lite-On. The firmware for Liteon model "x" could be used on the sony drive that uses liteon model "x" but could not be used on a sony drive that uses liteon model "y."

***
Most firmwares can be updated by downloading and running the appropriate .exe file (check the companies web site - or the drive maker's web site.
***
Flashing your drive with a firmware other than the one(s) provided by your brand/company may VOID any warranty. Flashing incorrectly or with the wrong firmware can render your drive useless.
***

(3) Try different media. CMC media can be of spotty quality.

I highly recommend looking for Maxell (make sure it says "made in Japan" near the UPC bar code in small print.) Staples, Walmart, and Office Depot sell them (often with rebates/sales).

Maxell (Made in Japan) DVD-R is either Hitachi Maxell's own manufactured media, or Taiyo Yuden. (All maxell 4x -R media I have purchased from staples/wallmart was made by Hitachi maxell, but this can vary from shipment to shipment).

Other brands to try: Verbatim (Mitsubishi Chemical Corp. or CMC manufactured using Mitsubishi Dyes/technology.)

Sony (Made in Japan)

Brands/Manufacturers to Avoid:
Memorex (Think of them as the "Grab Bag" company... what's inside is a supprise!)

Princo (often known to become unreadable after a few months).

*If in doubt, you could order a "sample pack" from a place like www.rima.com or www.supermediastore.com (If you are in the US).