Any way to fix missing time code? (elapsed times shows "--:--:--"

[bgc99]

I've run across a couple of DVDs that don't have a time code. The elapsed time display just shows "--:--:--" so you can't tell elapsed time or time remaining. You also can't use the position memory feature to save your place. Is there any way to fix this?

Thanks,
BGC

[garryheather]

I wanna know how you did that ! (Or what DVD it is, if it's a commercial title). This reminds me of the good ol' days when the edge of your VHS tape got a bit chewed and the control track was unreadable... never seen it on a DVD though. Cool !

Well, you don't want it, but you know what I mean.

[guns1inger]

Poor authoring is the cause of this. I have a number of budget discs that have this problem. The only way I can think of to fix it would be to re-author using decent software, which would entail creating new menus.

[valvehead]

I've come across a few DVDs where that occurs during the special features. I believe it's a prohibited user operation. It doesn't seem to accomplish anything except annoying the end user.

[InXess]

Inconsistent (bad) mpeg2 header would cause it as well. Your Vob's may be poorly created. These are homemade DVD's aren't they?

[bgc99]

These are homemade DVD's aren't they?

Commercial DVDs of the Adult variety. Closer to homemade than not I suppose. It's not the first time I've seen it. I don't need the menus really, so how would I reauthor just the main movie to enable the time code?

BGC

[guns1inger]

You could try usiong something like DVD Shrink in re-author mode to make a movie only backup. This might rewrite the navigation data and rectify the problem. Otherwise, demux the video and audio, restream the video file, then use a decent authoring program to put it back together.

Try Shrink first, as it is quick and simple to test