Analog Videos to DVD+Rs

[cannon6]

I come on tip toes given everything I have read here as all are so far ahead of me that I will accept a “start over dummy” reply.
As a grandpa, I have 16 years of VHS movies of family events. I have successfully made two DVDs from the analog videos, but have then had real problems duplicating my success.
I am using Adaptec VideoH AVC 2210 to down load to my computer from a VHS camcorder and MyDVD 4.0 to burn to my Nec ND 1100A DVD+RW. My system is a P4, 2.4MHz, 60 GB HD, 512 Ram, Win XP home, SP1.
The following problems have occured:
First, I purchased DVD-Rs to try and burn and nothing worked; then I purchased DVD+Rs
(Fugi media) and had immediate success with two burns.
Second, the third through fifth attempts to burn using Fugi Media resulted in an error message “file not valid mpeg- error 20400".
Third, decided not to waste any more Fugi DVD+R discs, and tried to burn using a Fugi DVD+RW disc and was successful. Then given that success, tried another DVD+R and it failed with an error message 24.
From what I have read in your forums, I probably am using lesser software, but why success then failure using my present gear?
And when the media were rejected, an attempt to reuse them resulted in the notice that they were not blank, yet when I tried to play them there was nothing there. Does that mean every rejected disc is a coaster?
I have read in this and other forums for hours and can’t find an answer (probably because my problem is so basic that there is no solution until I get smarter with different gear), but would appreciate any help and please keep it simple for this idiot!

[Tommyknocker]

First things first. God doesn't make junk, so the "idiot" tag is a misnomer. Second, stick with DVD+RWs, as you will find that any coasters you make with them can be reused.

Now, when you capture from your VHS, what file format do you capture in? Is it MPEG-1, MPEG-2, AVI, DV AVI, any info will help me here as well.

Your DVD burner uses the "+" format, as in DVD+R, and DVD+RWs, so the DVD-Rs are no use to use right now. A coaster is a disk that will not play, but if your coaster is a DVD+RW, just erase it and see if you can record over it.

[cannon6]

The only indication as to what format I captured the video in is indicated on that video on my HD and all my captures indicate MPEG, but not MPEG 1 or 2. Perhaps this is my problem as I don't know how to specify which format I want, if indeed I can make a choice.
And I understand about the capability to reuse the RW, but they get expensive and I'd like to burn the 25 DVD+Rs that I have if possible.
Is it possible that I am trying to burn segments that are too long? If I am not an idiot, a prime newbie .
Thank you for trying to help.

[rcb]

cannon -

First off, defragment your drive. Never hurts and gives a cleaner playing field.

Next, download the trial version of TMPGEnc DVD Author (TDA) and install.

Load one of your captured mpg files into TDA.

If TDA rejects your file, then the file is not a dvd-compliant MPEG file and your Vide-oh device needs work.
If TDA accepts your file, go ahead and author per it's helpfile.

Should TDA warn you the file is too large for burning, use TDA's edit function to shorten the clip.

After TDA tells you it's done, use it's built-in burning feature to make your test dvd. Use one of the +rw disks you have.

If the burner still chokes, visit it's manufacturer's website to see if the burner's firmware has available updates. If so, follow mfgr's instructions.

If the +rw burn is successful, repeat the burn using TDA and one of your +r disks.

If the burned +r disk turns out OK, pony up the TDA cost & yer good to go. If not, get a cuppla Ritek 2.4x +r disks and try again.

If not good, post back with details of what did/didn't.

one other thing - leave the computer alone while it is doing the compiling or burning tasks !! Also have unnecessary background tasks disabled.

Good luck from another granpa.

[cannon6]

OK Grandpa Tommyknocker, this is what I call positive advice and something I think I can do. Thanks for your patience and I'll report back as soon as I do all this. Have a great day!

[cannon6]

Been distracted for a while, but tried your fix Tommyknocker and it worked; trying now to get proficient with the program and better understand it. Another judo for all of you who help on the forums.

[cannon6]

Make that KuDO or bouquet!

[cannon6]

Darn it- of course I meant Kudo, and thank you again .

[Noek]

And I understand about the capability to reuse the RW, but they get expensive

Buy a three pack, use these disks as your test disks. Once you have your process figured out and you are happy with your quality, pickup some +r's and go crazy. Basically, you only need one or two +rw's to use as your testers, otherwise, you are just making coasters

[cannon6]

Thanks, I'm getting there albeit slowly. And as it happens, I have excatly two DV+RWs . Nothing like these sites where we newbys can get ADVICE. Power to all of you that help all of us.