Media and Compatibility

[xtime]

While I have experience editing, I am new to DVD's. I have become profiecient with DVD Architect and have completed my first project for distribution.

However, I completed the project and burned it to Maxell DVD+R media. I distributed the completed project for approval. But half of the of the viewers complained that they had problems viewing the material on their DVD players. The players ranged from brand new to 3 years old and all were respected brands like JVC, Pioneer, Sony and Phillips. In fact, I can view it perfectly on my 3 year old Pioneer player, but it has freeze up problems on my 1 year old JVC unit.

Is there anyway to guarentee trouble free viewing on the client end? If not it seems pretty risky to use this format for commercial projects.

Thanks,

Dave

[DVD_Ripper]

Good brand but you may want to use -R's vs +R's .... they are tad more compatible, especially on the older machines. I would recommend Maxell's, Fuji, Sony or Apple Discs.

[xtime]

Please forgive my ignorance, but would the -R's also be compatible with the new machines? I am looking for reliability for the client so I don't get screamed at.

Thanks much,

Dave

[Stormz]

+R is supposed to be more compatible with newer dvd players.... they were created by Sony, Philips etc to write data more reliably or somesuch.

http://www.cdfreaks.com/article/122 fyi

I don`t think there`s a HUGE amount of difference though..... the actual make of dvd-/+r is much more important, which in alot of cases comes down to the type of coating they put on. Ridata discs are supposed to be one of the best and iirc they have a purple colour coating.

So if I were you I`d do some net research to help you decide which discs are better for your needs.

[DVD_Ripper]

Also, make sure your Maxell DVD's are really maxell's and not a rip off brand... download DVD Identifier and check the Media ID with those denoted in the media lists.

Yes, the newer machines should be able to take anything you throw at it.

What did you use to author the movie? and burn it to the DVD?

[indolikaa]

The Maxell discs could be suspect, but are you sure the project you authored followed DVD Complaince?

[xtime]

I Edited and rendered the work in Vegas 5.0a and authored and burned the DVD with DVD Arcitect. I used the NTSC DVD template.

OK, I went out today and bought Sony DVD-R Media. Burned the DVD without resampling and the DVD's play perfectly in every player I've tried. I hope this success sustains itself.

I am thinking of re-rendering at 7,000 Mbps instead of the template default of 8,000 just to get a measure of insurance.

BTW - You all have been incredibly helpful and kind. I really appreciate it.

Dave

[anubis13]

if you are concerned with wide distribution acceptance you should always go with -R. half of the folks i give my projects to use a Playstation 2 to watch movies and a few use their X box. as far as i know PS2 can't play +R and i believe the X box needs some kind of mod or crack.

just about everyone can read -R but not everyone can easily read +R

[thor300]

-R is much better when it comes to player compatibility. I use mostly +R nowadays, my players play all kinda media anyway, but i will be back to -R when i find some quality -R media at a nice price.
For the Ps2 and Xbox part, for xbox it depends on the drive (mine got old model Thompson drive, plays everything except bad quality -RW) and PS2s can play +R in many cases, some are picky i hear. Some ps2 cant play all kinds of -R so they are generally a mess, typical Sony in my opinion.

[pete2828]

If your are burning to +R i would make sure that set book type to DVD-ROM or bitsetting. I have seen players that only play +R if booktype is DVD-ROM. I have never run across any player that won't play +r disks with book type -rom. Those exact players also have trouble playing -r. Another thing u need to know is that dvdrs are much more fragile than CDRs. Yo have to clean them very carefully and don't let fingerprints touch the disc surface. Also don't use any labeles use sharpiee to mark them. Lastley burn the discs at their rated speed.
1x at 1x
2x at 2x
4x at 4x
8x at 8x

Common sense don't exceed the rated speed of your burner.

[xtime]

NOTE: While I am looking for input and help, I am also reporting results in hopes of contributing to the Knowledge base.

Well Well Well ... The -R encoded at 8,000Mbps disc played fine on my JVC and Panasonic set top players (+R would only play on the Pioneer.)
When I tested it in a Daewoo Model DVD-5800 it wouldn't even load the project.

I plan to go back tonight and re-encode the project at 7000Mbps and see if that helps.

Dave