DVD Playback Problems

Skyhi wrote on 10/1/2004, 3:58 PM

I cannot get a DVD that I burn with DVDA to play on any DVD player except Power DVD on my computer (and thats even lucky if it play like it should). Is there something that I'm doing wrong? I've used Maxell and TDK +R media. I've only tried it on two players (besides Power DVD) but its frustrating you can't just burn a DVD and have it work (like a CD burn). You have to play this guessing game of do I have the right media, burner, software combination.
Is what I doing wrong or is the whole DVD world that unstable right now?
I'm just getting into DVD authoring, any help or comments would be appreciated. Thanks

Comments

bStro wrote on 10/1/2004, 5:13 PM

The DVD burning function of DVD Architect is, I believe, its poorest asset. A large number of people have trouble getting it to burn a fully compatable disc, and the many of the ones that are able to have only done so after finding just the right media for their burner.

Specific advice for your situation would be easier to offer if you mention what brand and model of DVD burner you're using, and whether it's +RW only or if it's dual format (burns to both +RW and -RW media).

In general, the solutions I recommend, in the order in which you should try them, are:

1. If you're not using the latest update of DVDA, which is 2.0b, then download and install it. Improved support for DVD burners is added with each update.

2. If +R media isn't working for you, try -R media (assuming your burner is dual format). I have a similar issue...I have no problem with TDK DVD-R, but TDK DVD+R's do not burn properly in DVDA. Or didn't in the last version...I still haven't tried it since upgrading. Whenever I use +R media, I still burn with option #3 below...

3. The most common solution in these parts, design and prepare your DVDs with DVD Architect and burn them to disc with something else (such as Nero).

You're right, it is a guessing game. One that does't seem to have to be played with other DVD authoring programs. On the other hand, I like the design features of DVD Architect more than those of other programs I've tried, so I've gotten used to burning my files with Nero.

Rob

Skyhi wrote on 10/1/2004, 6:29 PM

Thanks Rob,

I have a NEC 1300A that should burn on both formats. I tried a cheap -R today and my burner spit out and said it wouldn't work. Later I looked on NEC's web site found out it wasn't a compatible brand of media.

I appreciate your help and advice. I think I will look into buying Nero, it seems to be helping alot of people with this problem.

Thanks again,
Kris

bStro wrote on 10/1/2004, 9:45 PM

Might want to give another brand of -R a shot. I seem to recall reading a note from a 1300A user that was doing okay with DVDA He was using Ritek media, though...definitely note cheapo.

I think I mentioned this already, but I use TDK DVD-R, and they work really well for me (even in DVDA!). But then, I'm not using an NEC drive, and for some reason the brand and model of drive seems to make a difference.

Rob

wobblyboy wrote on 10/3/2004, 12:02 PM

I have been using inexpensive -r media from Americol and burning with DVDA. Plays in every set to player I have tried and have yet to produce a coaster. I even went to electronics store and tried in all DVD players. I haven't tried +r. Works for me.

bStro wrote on 10/3/2004, 3:26 PM

As I believe I suggested above, it largely depends on the brand / model of burner being used. Are you using the NEC drive mentioned by the original poster?

Rob