DVD playback problems

[Aanarav Sareen]

What media are you using? These problems are usually caused by inferior media.

[Redgum]

I’ve had the same experience frequently with Education in Australia (PAL). Often out of twenty or so high quality DVD players only half will play “burnt” DVD’s, even high quality stock. I often do runs of over 3000 copies (these are presed from a glass master) and have no problems at all with this stock (using same brand DVD’s). I’ve also written to three manufacturers in Japan (more than four months ago) and none have replied. Interesting note from a UK professor who has done extensive study on DVD’s and he has forecast a maximum lifespan of two years on any burnt DVD. Less if it’s used frequently. I archive on tape or harddrive.

Redgum Television Productions
Broadcast & Corporate Documentaries
Brisbane, Australia

[Pjoconnell]

I’ve been using Sony blanks for scratch copies for the customer. At
the suggestion of another source, I’m planning to use RiDATA printable
blanks for 50 distribution copies. Any comments?

I’m also investigating getting a new burner; mine is over two years old.
Is that likely to be any benefit? What’s the best of external burners
these days?

THNX/PJO

[Ron Shook]

pjoconnell,

[pjoconnell] “What I’d like to find out is if buying
a newer burner (mine is two-plus years old) would help, and which
burners are currently considered the best.”

I’ve been hearing intimations that some or all of these problems may be more related to using current high quality, high speed media in older burners which were designed for slower media.

You should do some experimenting. Identify as many set top players as possible that are having problems, so that you’ll be able to identify when you’ve solved your issues.

First check for a firmware update for your burner and install if available.

If you’ve got a 4X burner try to find quality 4X media and burn at 2X. Finding that media is getting hard to do. You may have to settle for 8X and still burn at 2X.

By this time you’re thinking, “Why don’t I just replace the burner?” Good idea! (g) Most experts still swear by Pioneer and you can get ’em OEM for $50US. Seems like a no-brainer. All the burners are now 16X. Get some top quality 16X and 8X media and experiment some more. Burn at 1/2 the rated speed of the media, i.e., at 8X with 16X media and 4X with 8X media. And by all means use a sub 7mbps data rate. See what works best on these problem players.

Let us know what you find out.

Ron Shook

[Mike Cohen]

is it true that low burn speeds are not required when copying from disk to disc, such as in a disc-to-disc duplicator?
what about from a disc image in one of those hard-disk based duplicators?

[Ron Shook]

Mike,

[Mike Cohen] “is it true that low burn speeds are not required when copying from disk to disc, such as in a disc-to-disc duplicator?
what about from a disc image in one of those hard-disk based duplicators?”

I don’t know. I just proceed under the assumption that it is always best to not push the envelope too hard.

???

Ron Shook

[Perry Cheng]

OK, here is my experience:

1. build the DVD with .M2V/.AC3 video/audio files
2. not to exceed bit rate of 7000
3. burn w/ good reliable rated burner (search the web for one)
4. use RiData 8x Printable DVD-R (-R seems more reliable, at least to me)

Note: If -R don’t work, use + or – RW, believe it or not, RW works better than just R in DVD world (as compared to CD world).

* Yes, more expensive brand are less tolerable.
** If all else fail, you can have your DVD ‘PRESSED’ by professional media producers, then, they are much more compatible.

Perry

[Aanarav Sareen]

[perry cheng] “4. use RiData 8x Printable DVD-R (-R seems more reliable, at least to me)”

This I would disagree with. I have experimented with over 20 different media types and Riadata seems to be on the lower end of the pile. I would strongly suggest Taiyo Yuden. It doesn’t get any better than that.

[Perry Cheng]

Aanarav,
I have tried several other discs, and have been burning with RiData for over 2years now, with my combination of steps above, I would say the success rate with various DVD players were ~90-95%, only a guess. But, again, you may have broader experience than me, mine is just amature playing… hhaha… Thanks, I will try some of your suggested disc next time I buy.

Perry

[Redgum]

Don’t forget that whatever way you go, be it speed, quality media or setup the facts are now clear that you will get no more than two years (timewise) out of any BURNT disc and probably only 30 to 40 runs (on average). If you are burning copies for high run use (like schools) make sure they have plenty of copies and that you keep an ISO file for easy replication at a later date. If the budget allows always go for a “pressed” copy.

Redgum Television Productions
Broadcast & Corporate Documentaries
Brisbane, Australia