how can I write to a DVD+R DL

[agent222]

I have a file that I obtained-an old Saturday Matinee serial, with 15 chapters, and, the trailer. The "raw" file of MPEGs is 2.44GB, and, when "decompressed," is to big for one regular DVD+R. So I want to use a DVD+R DL, but my burning programs, NeroVision2, and, VSO convertxtoDVD ,(v3.3.2.1,) don't seem to recognize when I insert a double layer disc in my dvd writer (an LG GH22NS530,) which is rated to handle double layer discs at 16x.

Can someone tell me how to get either of these programs to recognize when I have a double layer disc in my drive to burn, or, recommend a program (preferably freeware,) that will do this?

Thanks in advance.

[Midzuki]

Drop Nero,
say welcome to ImgBurn.

[Noahtuck]

The "raw" file of MPEGs is 2.44GB, and, when "decompressed," is to big for one regular DVD+R..

HUH ??
Raw mpg is decompressed to what ??

[jman98]

agent222 - You are making assumptions that are not correct. That is making your post not really make a lot of sense (see Noahtuck's succinct reply).

You are NOT decompressing any raw MPG file. In fact you cannot do so. You can convert it to another format if you wish, but decompress it? Nope. Can't be done. Decompress means that you'll get back exactly what the file was before it was converted to MPG and that's not possible. MPG is a lossy video compression codec and there's no going back to the original from it.

I'd guess that what is happening is that you are using some sort of all in one program to convert 15 videos to DVD and as those all in one tools tend to do, they are using too high a bit rate so they're giving you enough to fill a DL disc. Yes, use ImgBurn. ONLY buy Verbatim DVD+R DL discs or you will post here asking why your burns failed. My guess is you are using cheaper DL media (maybe Ritek - shudder!) that your burner doesn't have a write strategy for. Use Verbatim. You're throwing away money on any other brand.

Finally, I would not recommend burning DL media at 16x speed. I hesitate to burn DL discs any faster than 4x, but that is a personal thing. I sure wouldn't burn any faster than 8x on DL media. I don't think Verbatim is rated at above 10x any way.

[tomlee59]

Here's my guess as to what you are encountering: The serials you downloaded are encoded in, say, MPEG4 (there is no such thing as a "raw" MPEG file; it's either MPEG, or it ain't). Your software is then converting them to DVD's MPEG2 (this is NOT "decompressing"), using bitrates that produce a large file (too large to fit on a DVD5 blank). If that's the case, you can do a couple of things differently. If the file size is only a little over the limit, then you might be able to back off on the bitrate some and make things fit with only a moderate (perhaps not noticeable) hit in quality. If it's an old B&W serial, like Flash Gordon or some such ancient serial, then you can also save on bitrate by altering the audio settings. No need for high bitrate stereo for the low-fi mono track in the original.

No matter what you do, use Imgburn, as others have suggested, and burn onto good media. For DL media in particular, there is no point in using other than Verbatim or Taiyo-Yuden. All other brands have low yields, and simply aren't worth the trouble.

[agent222]

all;

first off, I am sorry for using the term "decompressing". I thought I understood that since when a DVD is created the resulting file is larger than the original, that file (the original,) was compressed. From the way all respondents are "yelling" at me, quite apparently my understanding was wrong.

2nd, I didn't say I was burning the DL at 16x, I said the writer was rated to burn DL;s at that speed. I let Nero determine the maximum speed, (probably another mistake.)

Finally, I'll read up on ImgBurn, then most likely download it, install, and, try it.

Again, thanks for the help (corrections, and, suggestions.)

[guns1inger]

Using Nero to write DL is a mistake. Imgburn is the only reliable free tool for writing DL. Prassi ONES is arguably the only other reliable DL burning application still available. Verbatim +R DL discs are the only reliable media.

[agent222]

This is the first time I can remember trying to write to a double layer from a file I obtained. I think the last time I did anything with double layer discs, I copied one double layer to another,using my computer, and, also used my vcr/DVD recorder to copy from a tape. So I am basically a "newbie" when it comes to using double layer discs. Not knowing I first tried the burning program I normally use, ConvertXtoDVD. But as I said in my original post, while it said that putting the entire file on a DVD+R would produce a disc of poor quality, it didn't seem to recognize when I inserted a double layer disc. So, I found a limited copy of Nero that came with another burner I had. Nero said that the project would be better suited to a double layer disc, but also didn't seem to recognize that I had a double layer disc in the drive.

Now I'm trying ImgBurn as everyone as suggested. Curiously, ImgBurn seems to contend that the project WOULD work on a DVD+R, but to be sure, I'm still using a double layer disc.

[jagabo]

If your MPEG(s) file is 2.44 GB and already DVD compatible there is no need for a double layer disc. Just use authoring software that doesn't reencode. And if you do need to reencode for some reason there is probably no need to go over 4.3 GB.

[agent222]

Jagabo;

Unfortunately, the MPEGs of the original file are not DVD compatible. They do need conversion, and, unfortunately, ImgBurn does not directly convert this type of MPEG, as I have found out after my first completed run on ImgBurn, incorrectly choosing the "build" option instead of "write." When I discovered my error, I chose the "write" option and found this out, so I'm using CovertXtoDVD to create a DVD folder, and, I'll burn that using ImgBurn. Hopefully my "other branded" Ritek discs-if I need to use a double layer disc, will be adequate enough to get the job done.

I HAVE read that everyone says to avoid Ritek, but unfortunately, I didn't know that the underlying discs were Ritek
when I bought them. I also didn't have the warnings about Ritek's poor reliability when I bought these as well.

in reference to my mistakes in initially using ImgBurn, the program is intuitive (easy enough to use with out having to refer to a guide every time,) my mistake was in thinking that build = write. Since I regularly use ConvertXtoDVD, I should realized that build does not equal write. Build can mean processing, and/or. coverting. Write means writing (burning) to disc. operator (me) error.

[lordsmurf]

Split it to two discs.

[jagabo]

Unfortunately, the MPEGs of the original file are not DVD compatible. They do need conversion, and, unfortunately, ImgBurn does not directly convert this type of MPEG, as I have found out after my first completed run on ImgBurn, incorrectly choosing the "build" option instead of "write."

As far as I know, ImgBurn can't convert anything. Write mode is for writing ISO images (essentially, one big file that is a snapshot of the contents of a DVD). Build mode is for burning a collection of files to a DVD. Build mode will recognize a collection of IFO, BUP, and VOB files as a movie and use a special layout for movie DVDs. Otherwise it will make a data DVD.

When I discovered my error, I chose the "write" option and found this out, so I'm using CovertXtoDVD to create a DVD folder, and, I'll burn that using ImgBurn.

There's usually no reason a 2.44 GB non DVD compatible MPG file needs to be over 4.3 GB after reencoding to make a DVD compatible MPG file. Just use the appropriate bitrate.

I don't use ConvertXtoDVD so I can't give you explicit instructions on how to get it to give you what you want.

If you insist on using the >4.3 GB of files you've already created the answer is simple: use Verbatim double layer DVD+R media -- the only reliable double layer media. Or split your video into two segments and use two single layer DVDs. Verbatim and Taiyo Yuden are the best choices in single layer DVDs.

Regarding your MPG file's compatability with DVD: DVD players do not play MPG files. They play MPEG data in VOB containers. They also require other housekeeping files, IFO and BUP files. All these can be created from your MPG file with the correct movie DVD authoring software. What determines whether your MPG file has to be reencoded or simply re-muxed into a VOB container is whether the MPEG data within the file is compatible with the DVD spec. Reencoding is time consuming and will reduce the quality of the video. Remuxing is much faster, will leave you with exactly the same quality as the source, and will not change the size by much.

If you are unsure about your MPG file's DVD compatibility I recommend you post its specs as reported by MediaInfo or GSpot.

[MysticE]

I want to use a DVD+R DL, but my burning programs, NeroVision2, and, VSO convertxtoDVD ,(v3.3.2.1,) don't seem to recognize when I insert a double layer disc in my dvd writer (an LG GH22NS530,)

it didn't seem to recognize when I inserted a double layer disc. So, I found a limited copy of Nero that came with another burner I had. Nero said that the project would be better suited to a double layer disc, but also didn't seem to recognize that I had a double layer disc in the drive.

This is the part that confuses me. Ritek DL, good or bad, should at least be recognized by your burner. My Pioneer 115D which is about the same vintage as your LG burns Ritek 2.4 DL discs producing playable discs (they were given to me from someone with an older burner who had no luck with them).

Using ImgBurn does it show the correct info when you insert a blank?

PIONEER DVD-RW DVR-115D 1.18 (ATA)
Current Profile: DVD+R DL

Disc Information:
Status: Empty
Erasable: No
Free Sectors: 4,173,824
Free Space: 8,547,991,552 bytes
Free Time: 927:32:74 (MM:SS:FF)
Supported Write Speeds: 2.4x

DVD±R DL Boundary Information:
L0 Data Zone Capacity: 2,086,912
Changeable: Yes

Physical Format Information (ADIP):
Disc ID: RITEK-D01-01
Book Type: DVD+R DL
Part Version: 1
Disc Size: 120mm
Maximum Read Rate: Not Specified
Number of Layers: 2


If not, have you updated your LG's firmware to the latest?

So, I found a limited copy of Nero that came with another burner I had.

Many times these copies of Nero are locked to the specific burner.