Making 2x-layer dvd - data too large - used DVD Shrink, but question?

[Berkey]

I'm creating a couple DVDs where the data is larger than the capacity of the DVD. So I'm using DVD Shrink to size the data down after I make smaller DVDs. And then I'll combine the smaller files onto a single dvd that can hold all the files.

So I guess I'm wondering what is the size limit for the disc initially? When I created a DVD on my hard drive, that was 10.5 gb, and then played it in PowerDVD, as expected the dvd would not play all the content apparently because there must be a maximum size that I can make a DVD. I was hoping this wouldn't be the case, as long as I used the hard drive.

What is the largest I can make a DVD using a folder on my hard drive? The same as if I was going to use a disc?

[guns1inger]

Theoretically it can be any size. I don't believe PowerDVD has a limit when playing back from the HDD, so I would be looking at other problems in your structure first.

I would also question why the files are so large to begin with. Using DVD Shrink for larger reductions is a sure way to get poor quality. Shrink is great when it has well encoded source and isn't reducing the size very much. If you are creating all of this yourself, you are much better off encoding correctly in the first place so you don't have to shrink.

[Berkey]

guns1linger wrote: "I would also question why the files are so large to begin with. "
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I'm trying to fit eight 41 minute tv episodes on one dvd. The first disc I created was only about 10kb larger than what appeared to me to be the maximum size for the disc. So instead of taking a chance and burning a 2x-layer disc that may not have completely worked, I just used DVD Shrink to make the whole thing one percent lower in quality.

Now in this particular case the DVD was fully created even though it was reported by Nero to be oversized by 10kb. (redlined)

Essentially I just want to know the limit of a 2x-layer disc -- can you overburn, is there room for that. Exactly what is the limit to a 2x-layer, file size-wise?

[guns1inger]

You can't overburn DVDs, and most won't even burn to the edges as it is because that is where playback issues will occur. This is even more of an issues on DL, as this is where the layer break will occur.

You are saying Nero reported the size as being slightly over (10kb was quoted), yet in your first post you said the disc was 10.5GB, which is 2GB over size or over 20%. That is a major difference.

[Berkey]

guns1inger wrote: "You are saying Nero reported the size as being slightly over (10kb was quoted), yet in your first post you said the disc was 10.5GB, which is 2GB over size or over 20%."
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My first disc was 10kb over. This second disc is 20% over the limit, according to Nero's redline.

Thanks for the replies anyway...