Dvd autoplay

[Fluffbutt]

Can someone help. What have I missed?

Making miniDvd (cdr's). Used dvd shrink (brilliant proggie) to recode down to 2 sets of dvd format folders, each about 690 megs.

Used both (at seperate times!) TMpgEnc and a freebie image tool to write an iso of each dvd folder set, then DvdDecryptor to burn the iso.

Stand alone dvd player plays it fine, lovely picture, BUT - the dvd player's file menu comes up and I have to select the video_ts folder, then the video file, then select to play.

How do I set it up like a normal dvd - one that plays after the tray closes and the dvd is recognised?

I've missed out something REALLY silly and simple, I know, I just can't see the tree for the forest...

[johns0]

Most likely your dvd player doesnt recognize minidvd like 95% of the rest of dvd players dont either.

[Fluffbutt]

Most likely your dvd player doesnt recognize minidvd like 95% of the rest of dvd players dont either.

I appreciate your reply..

But how come it plays the video (with 5.1 sound) when I select the actual video_ts.ifo file - it just won't auto start?

[johns0]

It recocognizes those types of files, its that your cd is burned as a data iso file where as dvd`s need to burned as udf/iso to be recognized and autostart.The dvd player sees the files as data folders which lets you at least choose to play the video_ts.ifo.

[Fluffbutt]

Is there a chance it'll work with (for eg) Nero 6.x (which has a MiniDvd profile)?

[johns0]

You can try but chances are you will burn the exact same thing and get the same results.

[David K]

Fluffbutt,

What is the make and model of your standalone DVD player?

I have a Sampo which is one of the few makes that will play MiniDVDs. The fact that yours plays it the way it does is very unusual. Either the player reads it as a DVD and plays it (very few) or the player will just return a no-disc or doesn't play this kind of disc error (most players).

As to your questions. A Mini-DVD should be burned in the same format as a regular one, which is UDF/ISO "bridge" file structure, which is to say that both a ISO file structure and a UDF file structure are used. Of the two, the UDF is the more important since that is the essential file structure for DVDs. So if you are only using ISO (the default settings for most burner programs for their CD Rom data disc settings) that might be the problem (as was pointed out by the previous poster).

Nero 6's MIniDVD template automatically uses the correct UDF/IFO structure. You can do the same thing in Nero 5 if you choose data disc ISO/UDF hybrid and check "make DVD compliant" in one of the settings (and of course correctly create and label your Video_TS and Audio_TS folders.) I used to do it that way before upgrading to Nero 6.

[johns0]

My dvd player will play minidvd by way of folder and not autostart even when burned as udf/iso in cdrom so its most likely fluffbutts wont work either with your suggestions.

[David K]

John,

What's your DVD make and model?

And you're saying that you choose the Video TS ifo file and then you have access to the menus, or can you only play individual VOB files, and have no access to the menus?

[johns0]

Its apex 1500,i can access the menu but it doesnt play properly,cant switch the buttons but i can access the vobs and and play them no problem.

[Fluffbutt]

Fluffbutt,

What is the make and model of your standalone DVD player?...

It's a telefunken tda8000 (an akai clone, I think, not too sure there).
It plays things well, including mixed cdrs (a vcd, a svcd, a vob, and a jpg all written as a data disc, or as a vcd disc (with checking turned off).

About the udf file system - I used mksiofs.exe to output a (-dvd-video switch) a dvd format iso, then burnt that with dvddecryptor - still no auto start.

I had no menus - I ripped with dvddecrypt, then used dvdshrink to reauthor (with just the main movie) and compress (three times), then iso, then dvddesrypt to burn the cdr.

Just as a idea - the cdr does autostart perfectly in media player classic on the computer.

[David K]

Well if your mini-DVD is being "seen" and played as a regular DVD by Media Player Classic, then your disc image format is probably fine. The problem is that your stand-alone player will only recognize anything on a CD-R as a data disc. But since you do not have any menus on your mini-DVDs anyway, then playing the video one VOB at a time isn't a big problem.

Sounds like it's time for you to make the plunge and get a DVD burner if you haven't already. I still use Mini-DVD for backing up short material (like some "extras") but for main movies and video, DVD writeable is so much easier and so much more compatible with stand-alone players.

And what's with this compressing three times? You should only be compressing once, no matter how extreme the compression. Compressing a compression is going to ruin your video quality. (Yet another reason to get a DVD burner.) But, as long as you're having fun . . .

[Fluffbutt]

And what's with this compressing three times? You should only be compressing once, no matter how extreme the compression. Compressing a compression is going to ruin your video quality. (Yet another reason to get a DVD burner.) But, as long as you're having fun . . .

Well it was in the order of an experiment - teying to get a dvd onto 2 cdr's with 5.1 sound (vcd won't, and svcd is 3 cdrs (unless you play with the bitrate - usually gives a really crappy picture).

After 3 shrinks, the dvd quality was better than vcd still, and it has 5.1 sound (dts even!). And it was fun...

Actually, you're right - it was just the movie with no menus, do it's ok to 'file browse' to the video_ts.ifo file and push the 'select' button. Is was just wondering if it was me/my fault, or the player's for not playing it automagically on insertion.

Hey guys! Thanks all for your comments!!

[antoniost]

On a related note, do any of you know how to turn on the autostart option in the ifo file so that it will skip the menu and just play the movie, and u can access the menu by pressing "menu" on the remote?

[David K]

Antoniost

It might be possible to use Ifoedit to edit the ifo files to make that possible. Check out the Ifoedit website. Be aware that there's a large learning curve to master this program. But some people really enjoy doing that kind of adjustment to commercial DVD structure. It's not something I've done. Either I author my home movies from scratch or I back up commercial DVDs, keeping the original structure as close as possible.

[Fluffbutt]

Have a look at the IfoEdit site - he's got a great tutorial on doing just that.

Just to repeat tho - it has a STEEP learning curve! Good program tho!

[antoniost]

Thanks guys for your responses. I found the answer is this guide http://www.dvdr-digest.com/articles/18_4.html. I just had to edit the first play PGC and point it to the title I wanted.