DVD Burn Not Working

[cadyshack_2]

Ok, from reading the various threads I know this is not a new topic. And please excuse - in advance - my igorance. I am pulling my hair out at this point.

I have read the recommended procedures/workflows and corresponding forum threads [lots of great work by a few diligent folks]. And I believe I'm following the instructions/recommendations correctly (it is really not that complicated) but I still cannot view the apparently authored DVD.

Procedure:

1. Edited the source material in VS10 (Project 1.VSP) - slick
2. Saved it as an MPEG-2 (Project.mpeg) on my hard-drive through the Share/Create Video File functionality [plus, I confirmed the mpeg file plays by viewing it via RealPlayer; I am pleased with the results!]
3. Authored this MPEG-2 as a completely New Project via the Share/Create Disc using the "Add video files" functionality. Then created the menu. At the authoring DVD stage chose recording format DVD-Video, changed Speed to 8X (tried 4X also). The process seems to work fine (churns out in about 50 minutes; I can see it burning away so I know it's working) and there IS a confirmation that the operation is complete.

PROBLEM: However, the DVD is not playing either in the computer NOR on the DVD player. Literally nothing happens (can hear it spinning around and eventually ejected on the tray).

PROPERTIES OF SOURCE FILE: The current project is from an MPEG video created from an analog source [VHS-C originally].

DEVICES: Authoring on a Compaq/Presario [AMD Athlon XP processor] with a LITE-ON DVD R/RW+- 8X double layer capability.

PROJECT SETTINGS:

According to the "properties" the mpeg is NTSC DVD; 2.5 MB; 59 minutes, 16 seconds; MPEG-2; Lower Field First; 106,597 frames; 24 bits; 720X480; 4:3; 29.970 fps; variable bit rate (max. 6000 kbps)

-- Project Settings confirmed before burn --
MPEG files
24 bits, 720 x 480, 29.97 fps
Lower Field First
DVD-NTSC, 4:3
Video data rate: Variable (Max. 8000 kpbs)
Audio data rate: 256 kpbs

Clicked/ticked the "Do not convert compliant MPEG files"

OUTPUT FORMAT: Memorex DVD-R 8x, 4.7 GB, 120 min video
Goal is (minimally) to play on a Philips 711 DVD/CD player.

PAL or NTSC: NTSC

ERROR CODES: No error codes.

Product Version: VS10

Any suggestions before I give up [I've tried this a few times]? Thank you, in advance.

[sjj1805]

It sounds like either a faulty DVD disc or a problem with your DVD burner/player. Have you tried the disc in a standalone DVD player?

Check for updated firmware for your DVD Burner ( I once bought one from a well known High St shop and there was already updated firmware for it!)

DVD Burning / Playback issues

[Ken Berry]

Instead of burning it to a DVD, on the last page of the burning moduel, choose to 'burn' it to a DVD folder instead. This is a Video_TS folder such as exist on all video DVDs. However, once burned, you can play it back on your computer using DVD player software like PowerDVD or WinDVD to check it is OK. If it is, then we know that Video Studio is not having the problem.

Then you can burn the Video_TS to an actual disc using Nero. If the resulting DVD is still unreadable on your player, then we will know it is the burner.

[cadyshack_2]

I will follow up on these recommendations.

And then report back...

Thank you.

[cadyshack_2]

Per sjj1805's suggestion I check the DVD disc & DVD burner/player to see if there was a problem.
ANSWER: The DVD Burner appeared to be functioning properly after I tested burning photos. However, the DVD player not only didn't play my disc (see original post for disc specifics) but I tried to view another item [something created by another party] in that DVD player - the exact same disc - with the player not read this disc either. Interesting. I looked up compatibility for that DVD player and it's a hit-and-miss with this particular disc.

Per sjj1805's suggestion I looked for updated firmware for the DVD Burner.
RESULT: There was updated firmware (from 2006) and I downloaded it successfully.

Ken Berry suggested I burn to a DVD folder instead.
RESULT: I have downloaded the production into the folder and have found - much to my delight - that I can see the production with the menu!

Ken Berry indicated that I can burn the Video_TS to an actual disc using Nero.
NEXT STEP: Not sure what Nero is but I am investigating.

[Ken Berry]

There are a variety of CD&DVD suites out there which can do the job. One of thebest known is the Nero suite which you can check out at nero.com It has now reached version 8 and has a wide variety of very sophisticated tools, including the ability to burn a Video_TS folder to DVD. However, that function has been around for a long while, so earlier versions of the suite will also do the job, including the limited or 'Essentials' versions of it which are distributed free with hardware like DVD burner drives. So I would look through the discs which may have come with any video-related hardware you have to see whether you have an older or limited version of the suite.

Other similar suites that I can think of which will also do the job include the Roxio Easy Media Creator Suite (now in version 10) and the NTI CD&DVD Suite (now in version 7.7).