VS9 - Two "Fit and Burn" problems

[DavidCresswell]

An update to my previous posting.
I burned the DVD image file (ISO) to DVD+R DL using Ulead’s CD/DVD Recorder software.
The resulting DVD again froze on playback at the same place which was exactly at 50% through the total time of the video which is where, apparently, the burn moves from layer 1 to layer 2 on this NEC 3520A burner.
At the time, I concluded that probably the original MPEG file from which I had created the ISO file may have been corrupt.

So, I then created a disc directly from the timeline in VS9 using the PAL MPEG2 settings set by Ulead.
I burned on the NEC 3520A at 8x. Performed test before burning (to avoid another coaster … or so I thought!). Whole process for this 2 hour video took over 9 hours!
Result – DVD still freezes on playback in my Toshiba SD-330 ESB DVD player. Another coaster indeed? Well, maybe not!

I contacted NEC who advised that numerous stand-alone DVD players do freeze when playing back double layer DVD’s at the point where the layer change happens.

I have asked Toshiba whether they are aware of this problem for this particular player. No answer yet. I tried playing the DVD on a Panasonic DVD Recorder DMR-ES10 – it froze again. To be fair to Panasonic, it does state in its Instruction Manual that DL discs are not supported.

In conclusion, therefore, apologies to Ulead for thinking that their software was at fault. It appears that some manufacturers of DVD Players have not produced lasers that move between the two layers. It looks as if I shall have to research which DVD Players are compatible with double layer DVD’s. Any suggestions would be appreciated. I am keeping the coasters in the cupboard just in case.

I will have to stick to multiple single layer DVD’s for the longer programmes for the time being.

Hope this little adventure story helps someone else avoid the pitfalls.