Increasing DVD playback compatibility

[Truelight54]

I use the slidehow program Photodex ProShow Producer (PSP) to make DVD slideshow-based "Proofs" for my photo clients. The shows are very simple, just one layer (photo) per slide with a macro caption that puts the filename on each image. The client can view the show and decide which prints they wish to order.

My problem has been that no matter what format disc I burn there always seem to be folks who cannot get it to play in their DVD player. I've tried DVD-R, DVD+R and lately started to play with DVD+R changing the booktype so the disc emulates a DVD-ROM (which is supposed to increase compatibility). I've still not hit on a format that is "best."

I had been using Phillips DVD-R media for my shows and while they worked great on my Apex DVD players (I have several models), I'd occasionally get someone who said they couldn't play the discs. So... hearing about DVD+R and bitsetting as a good solution, (and also the virtues of good media - Taiyo Yuden brand), I bought some Taiyo-Yuden DVD+R media. I've been creating ISO files and then burning from them using ImgBurn and setting the booktype to DVD-ROM which I was told is supposedly the most compatible.

Well... a test tonight (burning the same show) found the Apex players choked trying to load the DVD+R (booktype DVD-ROM), had mixed results playing a DVD+R (with booktype set to DVD+R), and best played the old Phillips DVD-R discs. Go figure... It totally defies any logic I've been told.

I might be ready to make someone a good deal on about 80 Yaiyo-Yuden DVD+R blank discs.

Any other tips / tricks? Might I be better off letting PSP burn the discs? (I typically use the ISO route when I have to make multiple copies of the same show and more so, if I have to go back and burn another copy later. Burning with PSP requires that I re-render the show before burning another copy at a later time.

For those you you distributing copies of your shows on DVD to others, what tips/tricks have you that might help me here?

Thanks

[Epicurus8a]

Unfortunately, there isn't a perfect solution. Some players don't like certain recordable discs, and some players don't like recordable discs at all.

Here are a few tips that have worked for me and others:
Don't exceed 6Mbps on your video file.
Use AC3 or PCM (WAV) audio, not mpeg audio.
Use IMGBurn to burn your discs @ 6x or slower.
Always use TY or Verbatim media.

I'm sure other members will have comments regarding authoring techniques.

Good Luck!