DVDs and compatibility

[Cathyq]

I have been making some slideshows for people and am having trouble with compatibility problems on people's DVD players. Even though the DVD player manual says it should play DVD-R and DVD+ R, it isn't always the case. I don't know if it's something I'm doing in the burning process or the media I am using. I am creating AND burning the slideshow in ProShow Gold. The slide show may look great on my TV, but in someone else's, it's jittery. Another example, and the one that really baffles me is one I made on a DVD-R. It won't even load on my DVD player (even though it's supposed to play DVD-Rs), or my friend's player, or even be recognized in my computer DVD drive. In My Computer, when I rt. click the DVD & go to properties, for file type, it shows "unknown file type". What am I doing wrong. Believe me, I have scoured this forum looking for answers, and I have looked at the DVD player compatibility lists, but I'm still not finding the answers. PLEASE HELP, because I really like making the slideshows, but this is so disappointing!

[thecoalman]

If it won't play in your computer it's probably bad discs. Try here for more info:

http://www.digitalfaq.com/media/

[mats.hogberg]

Not all players play all kinds of DVD-R, even if it says it plays DVD-R. Some manufactures work better than other. You'll never get 100% playback, regardless of what media you use, and how you create them.

/Mats

[pepegot1]

I have three different DVD Players. One plays everything, including DL. Another plays most DVD's, but cuts out on some. The last one plays everything too. When I make a DVD and give it to a person, I warn them about playability on different DVD machines. I am referring to burnt DVD's-not pressed ones that you buy.

[Bjs]

You have not told us what brand of media is used ?

Verbatim dvd-r is most likely to cause less problems , dont try fitting more than 4.3gig , burn at half the maximum rate supported by the media .

Home dvd players are a different bag ... it could be possible the units are well over 18 months old and may be experiencing issues with modern media used today or laser wearing out because of extensive use .

For those few , the only thing that might help is to burn the media at 4x , or worse , 2x , and seeing if that helps out with the jittery effects being experienced .

The type of audio included can also play its part in the jitters , something you might need to have a closer look in to .

The "unknown file type" , if its turning up after burn is completed in windows explorer , there is an issue with the media , even though it may have been successfully burnt to .

ProShow Gold , well I cant tell you anything about it because I have no need to use the product .

I use a combination of uleads picture it , dvdslideshowgui , ssmm , dvdauthorgui , wax2 , the gimp , pgcedit , and imgburn to do all my slideshows and to add a bit of flair to the projects .

If it has the ability to output to a hd folder , do so , and try imgburn to complete the burn stage , and see what happens when the disc is played back on those units having problems . If the problems go away , then the problem is in the product you are using to complete the burn stage .

And what burner brand , model are you using ?

[Cathyq]

Wow! Thanks. The web site you sent me to (digital FAQ) was a learning experience for me! I did run the Nero test on my DVD and it showed that the disk was bad. Now I have a really stupid question. . . is this speed test for use with burned DVDs or can blank DVDs be tested prior to usage? Also, on one of the Nero test tabs, ASPI, it showed that the Nero ASPI was installed and working correctly, but the system ASPI installation is corrupted. What does that mean, and is there something I should do about it? Thanks for your help.

[Cathyq]

The media brand is Sony. I ran the Nero speed test after a reply from Coalmann, and it showed it to be a bad disk. The burner is a Sony DRU 830A. I am going to try your suggestion next time, to burn at a slower speed instead of the maximum which is what I had it set to before. I did try using a Verbatim brand disc and had much better luck. Thanks for your help!