DVD Finalization problems

[Hevra]

Hi Folks.


I work with a band that performs regularly. We also regularly record our shows to dvd. Our video guy usually fits two shows onto each dvd, then finalizes it, and it's done.

There was one show recently that I wanted to grab a clip from. On this particular disc, he'd tried to fit three shows, but it cut off halfway through the third show. I tried to watch it anyway. I put it into my computer dvd, but it wouldn't show up on the desktop. So, I tried my home dvd player/recorder (a Panasonic DMR-ES25). This is what happened:

First attempt: the dvd player said, basically, "Hey, dude, this disc's not finalized."

So, I had the video guy try to finalize it on our dvd recorder. It wouldn't read, so he couldn't do it.

Next step: I decided to try finalizing it on my Panasonic, as I've done in the past in similar situations. The finalization process began, and then I got a message saying something like "Finalization couldn't be completed." But the weird thing is that it then went to a screen that showed me all the chapters. And I was able to play the dvd.

I figured "Cool. It did actually finalize it."

I then took it back over to my computer, intending to grab that clip I mentioned earlier. It still wouldn't read it.

And now the Panasonic won't read it either, and claims it's an "incompatible disc."

I tried cleaning the disc, but that made no difference.

Is it possible that the attempt to put too much info on the dvd rendered it un-finalize-able? Or would the dvd player know enough to end the dvd recording process, leaving enough room for finalizing?

Regardless, any advice you can offer is greatly appreciated. So, thank you in advance, and please reply directly to my email address: rsimring@gmail.com

Rob

[hech54]

Letting a DVD recorder "run out of time" on a disc....on it's own....is always a bad thing. If you press record and walk away from a DVD recorder...your disc will most likely be junk.