DVD+R DL Burning Issues

[XBucklawX]

Hello all,

I recently transferred a VHS over to a Memorex DVD+R DL disk (2.4x). The content is about 1 hour and 35 minutes long, so I put it on this double layer disk. After about 1 hour and 10 minutes of viewing, the disk starts to skip, and then eventually it freezes and cannot be continued. I have to go and switch the DVD player off, then back on to get the disk out. I have an old Electrohome DVD player as well as a cheap walmart dvd player, it does the same on both players. I have a Pioneer a09 double layer burner, and have never had any problems up until now. I have cleaned the burner a few times, as well as checked the pioneer webpage for updates and they're are none.

Any help with this situation would be greatly appreciated!

[MovieDud]

@XBucklawX
First, typically around here you will find that Memorex isn't great media (especially in the DL realm). I would suggest using only Verbatim DL---I use this all the time for the DL backups and never have a problem. I would also suggest using single layer for a project that is less than two hours (cheaper!).
moviedud

[Denvers Dawgs]

I must agree. If your going to use +DL media use Verbatim. They may be more expensive, but you won't have any coasters or problems, thus saving you time and $$ in the long run. Also, for 1:30 minutes that should be able to fit on a sigle layer dvd+r disc fine? So definitely use those because you'd be saving yourself about $1 per disc or so.

[XBucklawX]

Thanks for the info guys. I encode the video as Mpeg2 format, 9000k so a single layer disk roughly holds a little more than an hour and 5 minutes. I purchase the memorex DL because they are $55 for 50 disks. I will try the verbatim.

[bbanderic]

Use only Verbatim DL discs. Also, I HIGHLY recommend using ImgBurn for burning:

www.imgburn.com

ImgBurn will give you the best options to properly set the layer break at the optimal position. If you're burning VIDEO_TS files, here's a guide for using ImgBurn in "build" mode:

http://forum.imgburn.com/index.php?showtopic=1780

[TBoneit]

Good luck with the Pioneer, I never got the 109 to burn +R DL properly. Replacing it with a LiteOn and the rest of the spindle of Memorex burns and plays fine. Plays fine in players that can handle them. Pioneer 531H recorder, Phillips 5960 and Aeso 8.4" portable no problem. Sony changers only the first layer. Orbit 4 in 1 portable not at all.

Same Software was used for the Pioneer and the LiteOn. Nero 6.6.1.4

So IMHO the burner can make a difference, the player can make a difference and Media can make a difference. It is possible that you A09 will burn Verbatims fine, and they'll work. Also possible they"ll burn fine and play in the computer fine but not your player. Only testing will tell. However DL burned media isn't as compatible as SL media.

So good luck

Some do not like Nero, I never had problems. I even use it to burn 8+ Gigs of Divx and they all play fine in the Phillips.

[XBucklawX]

Thanks for all the info guys.

I make these DVDs from transferring VHS tapes over. I use Roxio Easy media creator 7.5 to create the .mpeg file. I then use TMPGEnc DVD author to make the VIDEO_TS and AUDIO_TS files. I then use TMPGEnc DVD author to burn the DVD DL Memorex disk.

I have been looking at upgrading my setup. I'll start by looking for a new DL burner.

[Denvers Dawgs]

Cheaper way to start is by changing media, instead of getting a new burner first.

Also you could also try using either imgburn or dvd decrypter to burn your files as an ISO, In order to do this with TMPGEnc after you output to your newly created DVD folder use TMPGEncs' DVD writing tool to create an ISO image, then burn with either Imgburn or dvd decrypter. You may get better results this way.

[ofbarea]

The Memorex DL that someone gave to we during x-mas were ritek

[GeorgeW]

I would also give a vote for IMGBURN 2.x -- it doesn't need an ISO image -- it can BUILD from DVD Folders on your hard drive. As suggested, the media you used might be the problem, but try burning with IMGBURN first to see if it makes any difference...

Side Note: imho, 9000kbps (plus audio) is quite HIGH for burned material. You might want to lower that a little...

Regards,
George