Ulead can't open DVD recorder disc, but MS Media Player can

[jd_hupp]

Outstanding piece of work, MadDrummer. Your demonstrations led me toward several alternative conclusions + a way toward a solution.

Some possible conclusions: 1) VS9 properly supports imports of valid DVD+VR discs, but my Cyberhome DVD recorder was not producing valid DVD+VR discs. Or 2) My Cyberhome DVD recorder produces valid DVD+VR discs, but VS9 does not fully or properly support DVD+VR (while Nero does?). Or 3) Some flavor of either of the above conclusions, involving partial import support by VS9 and/or partial recording support by Cyberhome.

In any case, you demonstrated that VS9 does import DVD+VR discs produced on at least some DVD recorders, like your Sony. One way to a solution should be to try a different DVD recorder. So I returned the inexpensive Cyberhome and bought a more expensive Philips (model DVDR 615, which includes a Firewire input, like the Cyberhome).

I am pleased to report that VS9 will import from either DVD+R or DVD+RW discs produced on the Philips (at least on a Windows XP laptop). Interestingly, the video format on either disc type is reported as DVD+VR by VS9. That is, the Philips does not seem to use DVD-Video format for DVD+R discs, as I understand some recorders do.

The only issue I have now is that when I try to import using VS9 on a Windows 98 SE desktop (again, with the VS9 trial version, and using the same Firewire external DVD-RW drive I was using with the Windows XP laptop), the import locks/hangs/freezes at 10%, and VS9 stops responding so that I cannot exit except by either CTL-ALT-DEL or a hard reset.

I thought that it might be due to the Windows 98 FAT32 file size barrier of 4GB, but I got the same results when I tried importing a title of just 25 minutes length. I was using the same DVD+R and DVD+RW sample discs that I successfully imported from on the laptop.

But that is off-topic in the current thread. I'll start a new post for this issue.

Thanks again, MD.

[maddrummer3301]

Hi,
Actually you plan to edit the material so the -VR format is more suited for your projects. The newer "Multi-Format" panasonic units are nice and affordable (and dependable).
You can use the dvd-rw the same as a dvd-ram since probably your readers in your computers will not read ram disks.
A dvd-rw can be Formatted for the -VR mode or straight Video. Dvd-ram is always written in the -VR format. My HP reads the ram disks with no problem.

Nice thing about these units is you can cut the video or split and delete sections right on the recorder.

Check these out:
Scroll down to the bottom of the page for the affordable models:

http://www2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/st ... 0000005702

Then if you goto http://www.bestbuys.com/ and plugin the model number and searching will give you a reasonable idea of a fair competitive price.

Hope this helps,

MD