backup avi to DVD problem

[alpha-omega]

I've tried to burn 11 DivX-avi files (each about 350 mB in size) to dvd but again and again it fails. Here's the problem:

The first 5 avi's on the dvd are perfectly fine. But when I play the sixth avi I'm not able to skip for- or backward anymore. Avi number 7 to 11 fail to play at all.
So somehow the files change when I burn them to dvd. So much, that file 6 to 11 become pretty much worthless.

Does anyone have a clue on how this is possible? Thanks in advance.

[WiseWeasel]

I assume you did this as a data DVD-R. What are you using to burn it? If it's Toast, what mode are you putting it in? Are you letting it verify the disk once it's done burning? Can you copy files 6-11 from the DVD-R to your HD, and play them there? How does that work? If the files are fine when you copy them to HD, I'd say it's a problem with your drive not reading the DVD-R fast enough to play them back smoothly. It could be that you're using DVD-R media that's too cheap, and your drive is having problems reading it. Or, it could just be that your drive has 'issues'.

[alpha-omega]

Yes, I tried it as a data DVD-R using Toast 6. It's in Mac&PC-mode so my PC-friends can also read them. I did let it verify the disc (which I always do).
I also tried copying them back to my harddrive but that doesn't work either. They don't playback. It can't be the discs either because I've tried several brands, from cheap to expensive ones.
So, thanks for your advise, much appreciated. Unfortunately I already tried all the things you're suggesting and it still doesn't work.

Any more solutions? Thanks again.

[galactica]

sorry, can you clairfy

several divx movies burned as data to a dvdr. (correct??)
playback of the latter avi's does work but doesnt allow forward or backward control (correct??)
What are you trying to play these .avi's on (comptuer? divx dvd player?)

if you are simply burning them to a dvdr as data for say archiving your .divx movies I cant think of a reason why they wouldnt work all the way down to the last one.

ID suggest trying to copy those last or even the most final .avi back to your HD from the dvdr and see if this copied one can then play. Thus trying to find out if there was some write error.

[WiseWeasel]

Hmmm, that's very odd. It passes verification, but the files seem to be corrupted. The original files 6-11 play fine from your HD, right? At this point, the only thing I could suggest is to try Toast in a different mode. Try an ISO 9660 or UDF (DVD ROM format, can be used for regular files too) data DVD, as those will be compatible with Win/Lin/Mac as well. Or, you could use Disk Copy (or Disk Util in Panther) to make a (PC compatible formatted) disk image, copy all the divx files onto the mounted image, and then use Disk Copy to burn the image. See how that works out. Also, if you have Toast 5.2.1, I'd give that a shot as well. Also, make sure you're burning discs at their rated burn speed, as you can get errors if you burn above it, even if it might appear to work.

[alpha-omega]

Well, tried all of your suggestions, except for the disc-copy one, but no luck. In the other modes different files were corrupt. (not 6 to 11, but the first 2 and then 5 and 6. So pretty much at random.
The burner I'm using is a brand new NEC ND-1300-A so I doubt that's the problem.
I haven't tried the dvd's on a pc yet. I'll let you know if they work there. If only I could try burning them on another burner to see if that works...
So, still at a loss. If you have any more suggestions, let me know. Tnx!

[galactica]

The burner I'm using is a brand new NEC ND-1300-A so I doubt that's the problem.!

actually, this could in fact be the problem. If you have a warranty or can exchange it, consider it if your within the time. Its rare, but ive seen brand new drives not work properly (remember these things are massed produced...)

[alpha-omega]

Could it be that the problem lies in the fact that I'm using DVD+R discs an that I should be using DVD-R discs?

I just learned about the difference the other day. I also heard that Panther will support DVD+R better. If that's so I might be able to burn DVD+R then.

Can anyone confirm all this?

[WiseWeasel]

That could definitely be the source of the problem, and yes, Panther does address it. One way to confirm that that's the problem would be to take that DVD and try to read it on a PC with a DVD+RW drive, and see if the problem files play correctly. Or you can wait a week and get Panther.

[galactica]

Or if you are one of the fortunate ones to have GM releases that would work I imagine. Either way, panther will most likely solve the problem for you.

[WiseWeasel]

Tsk, tsk . . . there you go, advocating piracy again, Galactica! Will you ever repent for your wicked ways? [j/k, I realize if you're a premiere or student member of ADC, you get legitimate access to Panther beta builds, but for most people, this means finding an illegal copy somewhere].

[galactica]

I think you took it the wrong way!

I DONT have the GM release. but apparently LOTS of our beloved forum users do.

I wish I had access to that sort of stuff!

[WiseWeasel]

You're missing out! You should find an illegal copy online...

[ZeroSix]

You're missing out! You should find an illegal copy online...

<back on topic>

I have had this same problem before even with DVD-R discs... Some movies would work, others, not. I spent hours and hours and hours messing with this. I never came up with any sort of a solution so i decided to just blame it on AOL.

[alpha-omega]

Well, I'm glad to inform you all that this specific problem is solved with Panther.

I can burn DVD+R discs now and all the files are perfect on the disc.
Thanks for your help, learned a lot.