Layer break problems

[sebrame]

I'm authoring a DVD9 with Encore CS4, writing the VIDEO_TS from there and mastering that folder to a DDP image with Gear Pro 8. My Layer0 size is 4.09GB, and my replicator kicked the DDP image back saying...

"We’re still having a problem with these masters. Apparently, there is too much information on Layer 0 to fit within the specified parameters. It’s a DDP image, and it’s compressed, and isn’t working in our mastering system. We recommend trying to put more of the information on Layer 1."

I've tried to set a new layer break with ImgBurn, but the same DDP config always happens - 4.09 GB on Layer0. I'm considering re-authoring with DVD-Lab perhaps, unless someone can shed some light on this.

[filmboss80]

Since when does Imgburn write DDP reports? How does it override the Gear DDP configuration? Is Encore also outputting a DDP report? I'm a bit confused by what you're saying. It might help to know more about your authoring process, from Encore to Gear to....Imgburn(?)...

All the same, Imgburn might be handy to help you preview potential break points. I'd think you would need to get as close to a 50/50 split as possible, so that the reader doesn't have to seek the second layer point too much.

Apparently, you are submitting your master on disc and not DLT. (Since I go the DLT route, I can't offer much advice on dual-layer disc submissions.)

The next question is, how long are your movie assets? Is there any way to re-encode for DVD-5 replication without diminishing picture quality too much? I would certainly consider doing that if my master was on a disc. Too much risk for error, otherwise.

[sebrame]

Workflow 1 - I author the DVD with Encore. I output a VIDEO_TS with Encore. I Create a GEAR Pro project with this VIDEO_TS. I create a DDP image from this GEAR Pro project. This creates 2 folders - Layer0 and Layer1, which I send to the rep house. I've done this many, many times, however, this time they claim that Layer0 has too much data (4.09GB). So, I try this...

Workflow 2 - I author the DVD with Encore. I output an ISO with Encore. I use ImgBurn to burn this ISO to a disc, and it give me options for a layer break, which is what I want. I set the layer break to ImgBurn's recommendation, then let it burn the disc. I then create a GEAR Pro project with the VIDEO_TS on that disc, and create a DDP from that GEAR Pro project. Same problem...Layer0 folder in the DDP image is 4.09GB.

I realize that I must have a large block of contiguous video just before the 50% spot , and everything (Encore and ImgBurn) is trying to put the LB at the end of that VOB (or rather the beginning of the next VOB) to prevent a laser refocus delay, but it looks like I can't even force the layer break to be within that block of video and accept any delay that may occur. I know where the LB is being placed currently - GEAR Pro tells me that. I've just now read elsewhere that if I place a Chapter point or 2 in the timeline of the video playing just before the layer break, that IMGBurn may see these as possible layer break points.

[filmboss80]

Okay, I got it. While Imgburn will choose it's own layer break for that particular disc, I don't think it is establishing a set layer break that other tools, like GEAR, can detect. In other words, I don't think Imgburn speaks a language that GEAR or Encore--or even the replicator--can understand.

Yes, you should go back and try to lay a chapter point on an I-frame near the 50% spot, then...

I would go back to Workflow 1, outputting a VIDEO_TS in Encore, followed by the creation of a whole new DDP report from GEAR, setting the layer break as near the 50% mark as possible.

When burning to disc, Imgburn might pick a different layer break point, but the replicator would most likely follow the GEAR configuration, rather that pay attention to the way ImgBurn burned the disc.

That's just my theory; I've never tried that out in practice.

[videopoo]

The layer break info is inside the DDP files. Imgburn should have nothing to say here. You should be delivering 2 single layer discs for each layer. Are you delivery it as a data disc UDF? I always delivery DDP files on USB or DLT anyway.

EDIT: Forgot to add that DDP file folders are just data. They have all the information the replicator needs. I think youre treating them as you would a VIDEO_TS folder. Give them 2 discs - as if you were sending some pictures to your grandmother as data discs.