[Roadkill]

I believe there is an error number list on your installation DVD. Another source which sometimes offers more specific information on error numbers is the Sonic KnowledgeBase. (Encore is built on the Sonic AuthorScript engine and many error numbers originate there.)

AFAIK there is no “-2” error, but there is an “OSErr, 2” with the error text “ERROR_FILE_NOT_FOUND The system cannot find the file specified”.

[Roadkill]

Do you mean real chapters (with chapter markers in a single timeline) or “chapters” as in several timelines linked together via the end action?

You said that when play the first chapter and skip (“next” key on the remote control?) the DVD jumps to the fourth button. The DVD goes to the fourth button on the menu? Or the DVD goes to the video that you have linked the fourth button to?

[Roadkill]

The menu has to fill the entire NTSC 720×480 dimensions. So you will need a background (flat color, gradient, image, anything) that fills this. Then all elements that should never by shown cropped on any TV have to be positioned inside the title safe margins – i.e. the middle 80% of the background.

If the graphic designer made a menu that doesn’t take this into account, it will have to be re-designed. The problem you are experiencing is a limitation of all TVs and most video monitors, not something that is introduced by Encore.

[Roadkill]

Even though the burner is new, it could be a dud…

Before returning it, some things you could test:

• Try a different brand DVD-R (e.g. Maxell or Verbatim).
• Make sure that the burner is connected as “master” on the IDE channel it is connected to and check if the jumper on the burner (and that of any other device connected to the same channel) is set correctly.
• Check if the IDE cable is seated properly on both ends. Try another cable if you got one.
• Check and if necessary update the ASPI driver on your system to v4.70 or higher (Windows ASPI Package Downloads).
• Change the DMA/PIO setting for the burner (in Device Manager). If it is on DMA, change it to PIO and vice versa.

[Roadkill]

FilmFan,

You shouldn’t resize the entire menu to the dimensions of the title safe area, but instead keep the menu background full size and position all important elements (like buttons and text) inside the title safe margins.

[Roadkill]

From the Sonic KnowledgeBase:

Symptom
When trying to import a specific .mpg file, it gives me an error message: “Could not complete the last command because: Use of invalid editor file reference::file reference editor database.”
Solution
This usually stems from a corrupted folder or path error. We have found it best that you place all of your session’s elements/assets (images, video clips, audio clips) into a single folder on the top level of a local drive (preferably C:). If you want to add a new asset, then place into this folder first then import the asset into the session. This makes it easier for not only our program, but the burning process as well and helps eliminate path errors.

Also, this error can occur with corrupted source files. If the above solution doesn’t work, try re-encoding the file and reimporting.

[Roadkill]

Depending on the make and model of the burner it may not support DVD+R and DVD+RW media. (Note the “plus” instead of “dash”.)

If you got an early “SuperDrive”, based on a Pioneer A03 or A04, you have to install a firmware update to burn DVD-R media that are rated for a speed of 4x or faster. With this upgrade burning won’t go faster, but without it burning will fail if you are lucky and if you are unlucky you may permanently damage your burner. Please check Pioneer | DVD-R/RW Computer Drives and DVD Recorders Download Page.

[Roadkill]

If you encode using a VBR (Variable Bit Rate) setting, with an average bit rate of 4700Kb/s and a maximum bit rate of 7000Kb/s the quality of the MPEG-2 video will probably be okay.

With VBR the average setting determines the filesize (as you calculated), but the encoder uses less bits per second where possible and more bits where needed. The 7000Kb/s maximum recommendation is for a DVD-R or DVD+R. Should your project end up as replicated/pressed DVDs, you could raise the maximum to 9000Kb/s.

(All rates assuming that you will let Encore convert the audio to Dolby Digital at 192 or 224Kb/s.)

[Roadkill]

Glad to hear you got your problems solved. The “lack of black” was probably due to the same optimizing issue: Any video without motion (which 5 seconds of black video easily qualifies as) can suffer from this.

[Roadkill]

The TechDoc specifically mentions Encore 1.5. I would suggest to double-check whether or not the video was exported without “Optimize Stills” active.