Finalize DVD (new player? new burner?)

[avla]

Problem: *some* DVD+RW's (burned with TMPGEnc on HP DVD300c using Fuji media) did not play on Mintek DVD-2110. Most played fine, but a few showed "pixelization" (square blocks of color) when playing. The same DVDs played OK on TV/DVD combos at the store, so I assumed it was the +RW format on the Mintek. (They all work dandy on computers).

I bought a new Magnavox MDV455 DVD player, supposed to be rated for DVD+RW, *NONE* of them play. The Magnavox can't find any sectors and the menu doesn't come up. This player says DVD+RWs must be Finalized. (Don't understand why other players can see the DVD+RWs)

I cannot figure out how to finalize these DVD+RW's. I have tried DVD Decrypter and selcting "finalize track". This fails with the message that it cannot write to the DVD.

QUESTIONS:

1. How can I tell if a DVD+RW has been finalized or not?
2. Does TMPGEnc have a finalize parameter I should have set?
3. Is there another way to force a finalization on these existing DVD+RWs?
4. Is the "pixelization" I saw a likely problem with DVD+RWs in a non-supported DVD?
5. Do you suspect I just have a turkey DVD player in the MDV455?
6. Should I focus, instead on a new DVD-RW burner? I'm looking for an inexpensive solution, DVD players are about $60, DVD burners are $100+ for a good one.
   

Trying to do my homework on this one, but I'm stuck.

- Avla

[tonofsteel]

Heres my opinion:

Dont use DVD-RW. For the best compatibility use DVD-R. They are cheap enough that if you want to record something else you can just archive/toss it.

TMPGEnc will not have a finalize parameter because finalization is done with the burning process. I am most familiar with NERO, and you just select Finalize DVD, as well I think i remember hearing that any DVD over 4GB must be finalized to work properly.

I cannot figure out how to finalize these DVD+RW's. I have tried DVD Decrypter and selcting "finalize track". This fails with the message that it cannot write to the DVD.

That may be your problem, since it wont write it if you try to finalize it. U try using any other burning program to burn it finalized??

[rcb]

TMPGEnc does not have a burn function - TMPGEnc DVD Author does... and it has an automatic disk finalization function built in.

blocky pixels are most likely a case of using a too low bitrate.

check your magnavox player as it sounds like the culprit.

[avla]

rcb - You are right, I used TMPGEnc to encode and TMPGEnd DVD Author to design the DVD and burn it. So it sounds like the DVD is already finalized. Is there any utility that will confirm the DVD is finalized?

Your bitrate observation is interesting. I thought I used 7000. But I can try it again at 8000 and see if it goes away.

[rcb]

if dvd decrytper said it can't can't write to your burned rw disks, then think it's safe to say the disks are finalized (closed).

if your bitrate was up in the 7000 range, may not be much help for the blocking.. unless you fool with adjusting TMPG's motion search estimate setting. Your set top player could also be involved with that.