Built DVD only works in PC

[Cheesefather]

Okay I worked out an order to lay them out on disc that meant there was the same amount of data on each side (to within a couple of meg) and added timelines in that order when recreating the project (again). I built the disc – same type of errors, with links going to the wrong places. I tried the project again, building an image between adding sections. Same thing. I created a disc of just those timelines with no chapters, playlists or chapter playlists and only a couple of menus and it worked, but nothing complex was going on – this just confirmed that the software could write the video properly. I made an image of the disc and wrote it on a different computer, I built a folder and wrote it on a different computer – same errors, so it is definitely the software at fault.

Now, in the last disc there are 3 sections that do not work and they are the first 3 sections I added to the disc. The answer must be in the order that I import timelines (see table below), but this project is already well overdue and I’ll have to buy a copy of scenarist or something if this isn’t sorted… but I’m so close! Please please please advise on the order to add the timelines – I’m sure that’s where the problem is. THANKS!!!

SECTION MB
1 1110
2 816
3 492
4 386
5 338
6 338
7 310
############LAYER BREAK (in theory)
############TOTAL SIDE 1: 3790 MB
8 1080
9 506
10 450
11 396
12 314
13 304
14 276
15 247
16 216
############TOTAL SIDE 2: 3789 MB

[Jeff Bellune]

[Cheesefather] “same type of errors, with links going to the wrong places.”

How many hardware DVD players have you tested? You should test in several because that will eliminate player/firmware issues.

Are there *any* glitches in the burned disc when played on a software DVD player? How many of those have you tested?

Do you have any navigation features set in your project that would respond differently to a software player as compared to a hardware player? Auto-activation of menu buttons, for example?

When the hardware player jumps to the wrong place, what operation triggers the bad jump? Is it selecting a button from a menu? Is it using the FF/REW buttons on the DVD remote control to get to the end of a chapter playlist or timeline? Is it using the Next/Previous buttons on the remote? Etc.

-Jeff

The Focal Easy Guide to Adobe Encore DVD 2.0

[Cheesefather]

Hi Jeff – thanks for the reply.

How many hardware DVD players have you tested?

So far just the one, but as the errors change based on the order I output the project, I ruled out the hardware. I will try and find another one…

Are there *any* glitches in the burned disc when played on a software DVD player?

I haven’t found any so far – it all seems to work fine.

Do you have any navigation features set in your project that would respond differently to a software player as compared to a hardware player?

No – there’s not really anything non-standard going on with the links…

When the hardware player jumps to the wrong place, what operation triggers the bad jump?

It’s a button on a menu – for example if I go into a non-working section and click on “play all” it might take me to the wrong timeline, or sometimes into the middle of the wrong timeline – but where it takes me is always the same, and I think every button that should go to one timeline will take me somewhere on the same wrong timeline, i.e. all the chapter links in section 1 will instead go to chapters in section 10 for example.

Thanks.

[Jeff Bellune]

Written single-layer discs only work on about 90% of existing DVD players. Written DL discs are worse – I’ve read statistics quoted at less than 75%. That means that 1 out of 4 current DVD players won’t read a written DL disc, or won’t read it correctly.

Pressed discs, those pressed from a glass master at replication facility, have nearly 100% compatibility. But you pay a high price for that.

I’m betting on the player being the problem.

-Jeff

The Focal Easy Guide to Adobe Encore DVD 2.0

[Cheesefather]

Jeff, you are a genius! I tested the DVD in a couple of other players today and it worked pretty much as it was supposed to (a couple of issues with going to the wrong menus when the menu button was pressed, but I think if I add back in all the “return to last menu”-s it’ll be okay). I had no idea compatibility was that low with DLs, but I guess you live and learn. Feel slightly foolish now that I’ve wasted a week…

I’m assuming that when I send the disc to be mastered everything will be okay…

Anyway, just wanted to say thanks for all your help,

M.

[Jeff Bellune]

You’re welcome. Sorry I didn’t think to ask about the player sooner!

-Jeff

The Focal Easy Guide to Adobe Encore DVD 2.0