Nero 6 and Player Compatibility

[jzaman]

Hardware:
On two different loaded p4 machines, pioneer 105 burners, WinXP Pro sp1

Software:
Nero 6 current releases (licensed)
ImgTool 1.0.0.9 (donation)
DVD95Copy 1.6 and 2.0, DVD2one 1.3 (licensed)
CopyToDVD 2.3.12.239 (licensed)
DVD Decrypter 3.17 (donation)

Standalone players: Sony 315, Sony 715, Sony 725, Emerson old junk, LiteON 2001, panasonic s35, panasonic s66?(5 disk), Go Video, Cyberpower 300, etc.



I accidentily discovered that my DVD backups dropped from 95% to 50% or less in DVD standalone compatibility since I have been using Nero 6 in the last month. Normally I try them out on non-sony DVD players (Sony players will read all borderline DVD's) as a compatibility test but I became complacent due to the high compatibility success rate I previously had. However, all the copies from two different systems using the Nero 6 burn engine would not play on the other players that have always been DVD-R friendly. Since I didn't recycle the original transcodes because I have a terabyte of disk space, I reburned eight titles with CopyToDVD. All eight titles worked correctly on the players that choked before. The systems, media, burners, and transcode output remained the same. The only change was the burn engine. Keep in mind that Nero 5.5 and ImgTool(that uses the Nero API) does not create the same problem. Suffice it to say, I am shelving Nero 6 as my burn engine for my backup routine. Anyone else experience this?

[writersblock29]

Sort of. When I upgraded to Nero 6 several months ago, I wound up burning more coasters than I'm used to. I shelved Nero 6 soon afterward, and went back to Nero 5.5.9.9. (which I had been using prior to upgrading to Nero 6). Presently, I'm using CopytoDVD for all my DVD Video burning, and Nero 5 for CDs and MP3 making. As far as compatibility with set tops go, however, the disks that I burned with Nero 6 play fine in several players... haven't found one that they won't work in -- but I'll admit I haven't looked around for one! CopytoDVD (used with DVDINFOPRO for setting the recordable's book type) hasn't made a single coaster yet, and the disks play anywhere. I'll probably check out Nero 6 again when the new version of Recode comes out (if it hasn't already) for curiousity's sake, but I don't see myself switching back for good. Depends on how impressed I am, I guess! Maybe one of their updates makes the burning engine more stable... I don't know! But I'm pretty much sold on CopytoDVD.

[sarahjh69]

all versions of Nero are well known for making incompatable movies.
even AHEAD admitted Nero v6.0.0.0 to v6.0.0.19 were rubbish

why not use stomp recordnowmax like everyone else does!

[jzaman]

Originally posted by sarahjh69
all versions of Nero are well known for making incompatable movies.
even AHEAD admitted Nero v6.0.0.0 to v6.0.0.19 were rubbish

why not use stomp recordnowmax like everyone else does!

CopyToDVD is my DVD burn replacement with Alcohol120 for generic use. CopyToDVD is compliant.

[MackemX]

Originally posted by sarahjh69
all versions of Nero are well known for making incompatable movies.
even AHEAD admitted Nero v6.0.0.0 to v6.0.0.19 were rubbish

why not use stomp recordnowmax like everyone else does! I don't use it and I've seen people have issues even with RNM but I don't use Nero 6 either, I use 5.5.9.14 and I don't use the silly wizard. I created a simple blank template that I drop the files into :)

I guess people will always use what works for them :)

Sony's can be real awkward sometimes but the only issues I ever had was due to 'butchering' the DVD

I just wish they would invent a software player that simulated a fussy player :)

[daxab]

Originally posted by sarahjh69
all versions of Nero are well known for making incompatable movies.
even AHEAD admitted Nero v6.0.0.0 to v6.0.0.19 were rubbish

why not use stomp recordnowmax like everyone else
Stomp doesn't support newer drives like the Pioneer 106/7 or the LG.

[mb1]

Changes from Nero 6.0.0.19 to 6.0.0.23

Features Added
Added support for new recorders

Nero Burning ROM / Nero Express:
Add CD-copy of open CDs (CDs that got no lead-in/lead-out)
Added miniDVD information in compilation property dialog
Prevent shutdown, logoff or suspend when burning, blanking or ripping
Size parameters of the Add Files & Folders dialog are remembered now
Starting from different user accounts on the same time is now allowed

Bug Fixes

Nero Burning ROM / Nero Express:
Fixed erase disc from Nero StartSmart caused in some circumstances a crash
Fixed not all writing speeds are available for CD recorders
Fixed only show options for DVD compilation if a DVD recorder is attached or expert settings are enabled
Fixed displaying of write speeds if a DVD compilation is selected while a CD recorder is the current recoreder
Fixed displaying of correct write speeds
Fixed burning order of files dragged into a compilation
Fixed problem with Nero seems to hang when opening an invalid cue file
Fixed copying CDs to certain recorders
Fixed copying ID3 tags when transcoding mp3 to mp3
Prevent turning on joliet burning in DVD-Video compilation
Fixed problem when NeroNET server runs on different ports
Fixed copying of DVDs to Image Recorder
Fixed refreshing recording speed during multiple copies
Fixed saving tracks to NRG image file
Fixed caching of files bigger than 2GB
Fixed opening of "find file" dialog if more than one file is selected
Improved displaying of hidden directories and files
Fixed problems with file dates older than 2037
Disable eject button if drive is locked by another application
Fixed sorting of DVD-Video items within directories when burning a DVD-Video compilation
Fixed "Out of memory" problem during video conversion
The "Ahead on the Web" dialog will now direct to the site corresponding to the active user interface language

Nero Burning ROM:
Fixed loading of DVD-Video compilation
Fixed "Use this date" and "use current date and time" settings of compilation properties
Fixed option to show the amount of buffer underruns for various recorders
Fixed some problems with undoing changes in a compilation
Fixed adding list of files (pictures) containing unsupported files to (S)-VCD compilation
Fixed selection of the amount of buffer underruns
Fixed displaying of time in volume creation/modification

Nero Express:
FixedProblems with loading MPG-4 files
Fixed opening compilation files
Corrected selection behaviour for audio property dialog
Corrected non-modal behaviour of the "Select Files and Folder" dialog

Nero WaveEditor:
Fixed spectogram and wave display for certain mp3 files
Fixed some localization problems
Saving changes to files did not always include all changes

Nero BackItUp:
Fixed restoring to original path of backups with more than one disc
Sometimes failed to restore backup from files splitted to multiple CDs

Nero SoundTrax:
Redesigned burn progress dialog
Fixed burning of Audio CD indexes

Nero StartSmart:
Fixed opening HD-Burn compilation with Nero Burning ROM
Nothing new from nero planet :(
Will they ever learn not to change fixed things again :devil:
Nero 5.5.10.7 (or was it .17?) did it correctly for the first time.
Latest 5.5 (.54?) again a no go ... and 6 for sure.

[rpboy]

Originally posted by daxab
Stomp doesn't support newer drives like the Pioneer 106/7 or the LG.

RecordNow Max works fine with the Pioneer DVR-106. There was a burner update released quite some time ago that added support for it.

As for the DVR-107, since its not released yet, I don't think anyone can say for sure that RecordNow Max doesn't support it. No idea about the LG burner.

Veritas released many engine updates to support new burners and Sonic has been doing the same thing since they bought the software. Its doubtful that any DVD burner would remain unsupported for long, especially as Sonic begins integrating the burn engine in their other software.

[mrbass]

I used Nero for quite some time...never had a problem. A friend of mine said they're burns wouldn't play in their car dvd player though. After they checked 'ISO 9660 Compability' in ImgTools then that fixed their problem. Anyways I just stick with DVDDecrypter nowadays as it burns .iso images just lovely.

[jzaman]

On another forum, someone recommended that I try the latest version of Nero 6, version 6.0.0.2.8 that was just released after I complained about the compatibility problems with DVD players. So far the new version is cranking out compatible stuff just like it did in the best revision of version 5.5. I'm still pissed that in a final (not beta) release Nero did not fix a critical problem like this until this release but I guess I'll just grit my teeth and see if it is truly fixed after some more "re-burns" of the same stuff that failed with the previous version of Nero 6. To be continued...

[CouJo]

Fixed sorting of DVD-Video items within directories when burning a DVD-Video compilation
This error was reported by me since Nero 6 was released. First they ignored me (==> Link (http://club.cdfreaks.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=73509)) but after a second try with some more informations (==> link (http://club.cdfreaks.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=75604))they see that this was a bug and they fixed this in version 6.0.0.23. Hopefully this error will never return...

But I really think that the compatibility of DVD Video burned using ImgTool Burn is really OK since Nero 6.0.0.23 ...

[jzaman]

Originally posted by CouJo
This error was reported by me since Nero 6 was released. First they ignored me (==> Link (http://club.cdfreaks.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=73509)) but after a second try with some more informations (==> link (http://club.cdfreaks.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=75604))they see that this was a bug and they fixed this in version 6.0.0.23. Hopefully this error will never return...

But I really think that the compatibility of DVD Video burned using ImgTool Burn is really OK since Nero 6.0.0.23 ...


Coujo:

The reason I was so upset with the compatibility problems with Nero 6 is in part due to my reliance on your excellent ImgTool. I have been using ImgTool since version 0.99 or 1.0 (I forget) and I even sent you a paypal donation that many forget to do. When I upgraded to 6.0 I didn't check my backups on any other players except Sony players (they are always forgiving)and when I did check it on other players recently I had a bad surprise. Last night with version 6.0.0.28 and ImgTool 1.0.0.9 I "re-burned" several titles that exibited this limited compatibility and so far all is back to normal. By the way, thanks again for providing an excellent utility that works off the nero API and simplifies the creation of highly compatible backups.

[jzaman]

Originally posted by CouJo
...
But I really think that the compatibility of DVD Video burned using ImgTool Burn is really OK since Nero 6.0.0.23 ...

CouJo,

The changelog for 6.0.0.28 contains
"The default book type for DVD-Video is set to DVD-ROM now to get a higher compatibility with playback devices".

I still had problems with Nero 6 version 6.0.0.23. It is version 6.0.0.28 that works the best for me. (It is working beautifully with your ImgTools 1.1.0).

I dug out five backups made between 11/19 and 12/1 with version 6.0.0.23 that I "reburned" again with ImGTool 1.1.0 and Nero API 6.0.0.28. The reburns now work on five more player brands than the 6.0.0.23 burns.

[writersblock29]

That DVD ROM book setting is pretty danged important if you want your copies to play right in a set top player. I learned that the hard way! I used a program called DVDINFOPRO to set the default on my burner (a Sony DRU-120A which has been flashed as a RICOH DVD+R MP5125 -- since Sony won't support the DVD ROM Booksetting) so that it always finalizes as a 'ROM. Haven't had a single, solitary, problem after doing that. My copies even play on set tops listed as incompatible with the +R format.

[CouJo]

As you maybe know you can set the booktype also in ImgTool Burn. Check the settings menu and you'll find what you are looking for. At the other hand: almost every new version fixes any bug so please always use the newest version of Nero.

But the booktype setting is only available at Ricoh based drives. NEC based drives set the booktype on DVD+R media always to DVD-ROM it doesn't matter which settings you use. I don't know how pioneer drives handel this setting...

Greets, CouJo!

[JuanC]

Uhm, let me see if I got it right:

With my Sony DRU-500A DVD recorder, won't I ever be able to properly set the book type to DVD-ROM? No matter what software I use to try and do so?

How to make sure my videos burned on DVD+R discs will play smoothly on my stand-alone player?

[writersblock29]

@JuanC

Your copies may already play smoothly in your set top player; it depends on the set top. Several stand-alone players which are rated for DVDR playback will, indeed, play the disks... but don't do so smoothly. Still others will play the very same disks without a single issue whatsoever.

Your burner is most probably capible of formatting a disk in this setting -- physically speaking, that is. You might want to check out The Firmware Page (type this into your browser, and you'll wind up with the right address... offhand, I can't remember the direct link. It may even be somewhere on the Doom9 mainsite.) and see if a work-around is availible. I have a Sony DRU 120A that I flashed with RICOH DVD+R MP5125 firmware to make this booksetting a possiblilty, and haven't run into any problems with my copies since. My drive, in other words, was always capible of creating DVD ROMs -- it's just that the Sony firmware wouldn't permit it.

But since flashing your firmware with anything other than original, manufacturer's, firmware, is pretty dangerous (there is a possibilty that you'll render your burner as unusable if you flash it wrong), I'd only do it if you've experienced problems playing back your copies. Don't fix what ain't broken, in other words!

Sony will most probably issue their own, official, firmware fix sooner or later. Why they've been dragging their heels on this, Lord only knows.

Hope this helps!

[xmenxmen]

Thanks for the info. Ever since I updated to Nero 6 the past few weeks, I have notice that DVD no longer play on several of the players I have, which was strange as it's the same media and process. At first, I thought it was my new burner, Iomaga (NEC oem), but I was able to rule that out easy by switching back to the NEC 1100.

I will definitely give the newer 6.0.0.28 a try to see if it makes any different. At the same time, I have switch back to RecordNow Max. Before this, I was using Nero 5.5.9.17 and not have any problem with any player that play my stuff before.

[fazer_pile_it]

After upgrading from the Pioneer a03 to the A06 I have started having disk problems more often than before. I primarily use Ritek and have about 30 03 1x disks left. Now I am getting some pixelization problems at times. I used to use Prassi but it doesnt see the A06 even after the latest update I can find. Same for recordnow max. I have gotten some ritek 04 disks already burned (with nero 6.0.0.23 and the Digital Reasearch dual media burner)from a friend and the pixelization with them is really bad. the last 2 wont even play far enough to get past the opening logos and stuff. How do I know if it is a problem with nero or my media? what happens when you get a bad burn from this software? I took the advice from above and downloaded "copy too dvd" but havent used it yet. I really hope that it isnt media incompatibility with my RCA player. The 04 disks that I got from him play fine in his sony player.

Thanks

[Stampede]

I'm not at home so I might forget something since all I can find on the web is a picture of version 5 but the following steps seems to work good for me:

DVD-ROM (UDF/ISO)
No Multisession
ISO Level 1
ISO 9660
Uncheck Joliet
Uncheck all relax settings
X-Box compatibility (physical partition, udf 1.02)

I've heard a lot can depend on the brand of discs you're using too.

[U977]

Hi writersblock29,

I'm interested to know how you managed to flash your Sony DRU-10A using a RICO firmware.
I'm aware of the risks, the pilosophy around firmware upgrades and so on. Yet, by curiousity and interest, could you please point me to a web page explaining how to do?

Thanks!
U977

[writersblock29]

Sure! Try this link:

http://www.dvdrhelp.com/forum/userguides/174580.php

[U977]

Thanks a million! :-)

[jsoto]

Just to share the experience...
NEC based drives set the booktype on DVD+R media always to DVD-ROM it doesn't matter which settings you use
True, but I've flashed my NEC ND-1100A three times with etna's FW. No problem at all and now it is able to do the booktype setting and RPC2 autoreset :)
http://etna.rpc1.org/nec/index.html
I own a settop unable to read DVD+RW but with booktype setting it does.

jsoto

[xmenxmen]

Originally posted by xmenxmen
Thanks for the info. Ever since I updated to Nero 6 the past few weeks, I have notice that DVD no longer play on several of the players I have, which was strange as it's the same media and process. At first, I thought it was my new burner, Iomaga (NEC oem), but I was able to rule that out easy by switching back to the NEC 1100.

I will definitely give the newer 6.0.0.28 a try to see if it makes any different. At the same time, I have switch back to RecordNow Max. Before this, I was using Nero 5.5.9.17 and not have any problem with any player that play my stuff before.

Just wanted to update that my problem was not Nero, but instead it's the book type. My problem is now gone, many many thanks to Herrie and others for their hard work on coming out with a hack firmware for the nec 1300 that allow book type to be DVD-ROM.

Go to herrie.org to grab it.

[writersblock29]

@xmenxmen

Good to hear another sucess story! I have a feeling that this thread will help quite a few people who are one step away from pulling out their hair.

--Cheers!

[CapnYolb]

Originally posted by jsoto
Just to share the experience...

True, but I've flashed my NEC ND-1100A three times with etna's FW. No problem at all and now it is able to do the booktype setting and RPC2 autoreset :)
http://etna.rpc1.org/nec/index.html
I own a settop unable to read DVD+RW but with booktype setting it does.

jsoto

jsoto -

I tried flashing my NEC ND-1100A with several of the FW's from etna's site and I could not find one that would allow me to set the booktype. Could you let me know which one worked for you? Also my nec came bundled with my dell. So I think that limits my options. If you or anyone else has any insights let me know. Thanks!

- CapnYolb

[user]

Hi,
my nec 1300 dvd-writer (FW 1.08) burned fine with CD-r/RW & DVD+R/RW.

But hung up with burning DVD-R/RW.
the complete PC needed reboot.

with nero 60019.

Now updating to nero 6.3, lets hope...

similar experiences anybody, solutions ?

[jzaman]

I started this thread when I had problems with Nero 6 before the 28 release or the 30 release. There are problems with player compatibility (file ordering, book type) prior to version 6 release 23 that Coujo of ImgTool fame also confirmed. Since release 28 I've not experienced any problems whatsoever.

From Ahead engineer:

"This [order] problem is fixed up from version 6.0.0.20.
Now NeroAPI will leave order of NERO_ISO_ITEM objects as it is except if priority differences are found or DVD-Video items are to be written. In this case, DVD-Video items will be sorted to the top of a directory, in the order VIDEO_TS.IFO, VIDEO_TS.VOB, VIDEO_TS.BUP, VTS_0y_0.IFO, VTS_0y_x.VOB, VTS_0y_0.BUP with the rest remaining untouched"

The changelog for 6.0.0.28 contains:

"The default book type for DVD-Video is set to DVD-ROM now to get a higher compatibility with playback devices".

I'd recommend 6.0.0.28 or higher. I am currently using version 6.3.0.2 without incident. I almost vowed to never use Nero again after the significant compatibility problems prior to 6.0.0.28 left me me a large number of backups that would play in only 25% of the players I tried them on.

[user]

I updated from NEC1300A 1.08 FW to 1.09, Herrie auto reset.

works just fine now with dvd-rw TDK.
previously with 1.06 - 1.08 , nothing, PC crashed.

probably the fauklt was due to nec FW, not nero.
But I upped nero 6.0 to 6.3, too, should be better now.........