Nero DVD Video

[Biney59]

Some of my DVD-Video backup's do not play on my XBOX, or play but then they would start skipping somewhere along the video.

If I were to check the "Force DVD-Video Compatibility" mode in Nero and burn using the UDF/ISO mode, I was told it would play correctly.

But if I do this, will it play on normal DVD players like my friends? The ones I burnt before worked (the ones that someitmes did not work on my XBOX).

So will it play on both XBOX and normal DVD Players?

[writersblock29]

Possibly. There are sooo many factors that could cause a DVD not to play in a given unit... it's kind of like pulling into a mechanics and simply asking, "Why won't my car run right?"

The key with Nero is not trying to outsmart the software. For the most part, simply selecting a DVD Video project out of Nero Express will automatically select all the right options for your burn. Problem is, not all the things Nero selects are supported by all burners. Does your particular burner allow for bitsetting (otherwise known as finalizing a burn as "DVD-ROM," as opposed to "DVD+R")? Some do, some don't. Sometimes, too, Nero winds up with burning issues due to media type, brand of burner, or both. Not often! But it does happen.

You could always download the trial version of Copy2DVD, and see if that solves your problem. Or, you could convert your projects into ISO images and try burning with DVD Decrypter. Either of these approaches sometimes yields results when Nero's failing. And either approach is free! :D

[Biney59]

You could always download the trial version of Copy2DVD, and see if that solves your problem. Or, you could convert your projects into ISO images and try burning with DVD Decrypter. Either of these approaches sometimes yields results when Nero's failing. And either approach is free! :DThat was the first method I used to burn them. Used ImgTool and burned ISO with DVD Decrypter.

I will be trying the Force DVD-Video Compatibility option today after I get back and report the results.

Also you are right about all the factors. Me and my brother looked for the cheapest price for he 100 pack DVD :) . They are don't even have the top cover.

[Biney59]

Well, I burned using the UDF/ISO mode and the XBOX option checked. The results were worse.

I think it is the media that is the problem, too cheap.

Next time I will buy better ones. But one question. Should I now get DVD-R or DVD+R?

My drive has capability of changing bootype so I can burn DVD-ROM with DVD+R. Would that be better for DVD Videos? Or shall I stick with the DVD-R?

[writersblock29]

@Biney59

Myself, I'd stick to DVD+R. The reflective properties of the recording layer match that of a studio dual-layer disk, minimizing reading errors on stand-alones. More information at this link:

http://www.cdfreaks.com/article/113

As for answering your question on formating... this one depends on you. If your set top and XBox will both read +R disks fine, then there's no need to worry about formatting as DVD-ROM. On the other hand, you'll be making your projects far more compatible with other people's set tops if you do. Studio disks are recognized by players as DVD-ROM -- meaning all players can handle a disk formatted as such. Newer players aren't as prone to reading errors, since most DVD players' manufacturers have allowed for +-R reading. Older, legacy, players will definately benifit from the extra push.

You're rather fortunate here: There are many burners that don't natively support DVD-ROM finalizing, making it necessary to flash the firmware with hacked versions, or the firmware of similiar drives that DO support bitsetting. Since you've stated that your drive supports it, all you have to do is make sure Nero's set to the task -- or use a utility such as DVDINFO that will permanently reset the default of your drive to ALWAYS finalize in DVD-ROM.

I do a lot of videowork which winds up on DVDs for clients, and the -ROM formating has so far put an end to clients telling me that their disks won't play in their set tops. ...Been about a year now since I'd last gotten a call like that!

Just my two cents... and I think I owe you some change. ;)