burning +r dl: layer break questions

[SimonSez07]

so, if i understand correctly, when authoring dvd-video for burning onto dual layer media, it is important to place a "layer break" strategicly. i guess so as to not interrupt a gop or preferably to be placed at scene-change so stutter is less noticable during playback.

but for burning other data discs: should i be concerned about layer break? and how should i author the iso for disc to be read on other dvd-rom drives? (will burn with ImgBurn)

more specifically, i will be burning one 6GB hi-def wmv file, and i also have full season of tv show (22 avi files) that i will need to burn.

[BSpielbauer]

so, if i understand correctly, when authoring dvd-video for burning onto dual layer media, it is important to place a "layer break" strategicly. i guess so as to not interrupt a gop or preferably to be placed at scene-change so stutter is less noticable during playback.

but for burning other data discs: should i be concerned about layer break? and how should i author the iso for disc to be read on other dvd-rom drives? (will burn with ImgBurn)

more specifically, i will be burning one 6GB hi-def wmv file, and i also have full season of tv show (22 avi files) that i will need to burn.

Actually, the isues are more complex, and have nothing to do with making sure a layer break does not distract your viewing experience. A "compliant' DVD has very strict rules on where a layer break can be, and if you mess with them, most players will choke on the disc, often at the point of the actual break. I do know that one of those rules states that the first half must have MORE data than the second layer. I also know that there is a strict mathematical formula that must be used to calculate the possible points where a break can occur (someone else can help more with this one, i seem to recall that it must be at a multiple of 32 kb, or 64kb, or some similar multiplier... This is not that tough to determine, once you know the exact rule. Do a search, I am sure it has been discussed here. perhaps try "layer break" and "multiple" as keywords...

-Bruce

[SimonSez07]

Actually, the isues are more complex ...

now when you say "compliant dvd" you are talking about dvd-video discs which, i know, are subject to complicated specifications all around.

but in my case, since i am not making a standard video-dvd for playback on stand-alones, i should have less complex rules to adhere to. but i do need it to be readable on computers with standard dvd-rom drives. ok, like you said, i should put more data on the first layer, and also when possible i would not want the layer-break to fall within a file (i dont think).

so, how would i author an iso and specify these details, like which file to put on which layer?

and in the case of my wmv movie, should i split into two files (one for each layer) such that the first is larger than the second?

[setarip_old]

@SimonSez07

I believe burning programs such as NERO Burning ROM and IMGBurn will automatically determine a proper location for the layer break...

[BSpielbauer]

but in my case, since i am not making a standard video-dvd for playback on stand-alones, i should have less complex rules to adhere to. but i do need it to be readable on computers with standard dvd-rom drives.

Read the article linked below. As far as I know, the rules apply if you want it to be compliant with the software players on a PC.

Click hered to read an explanation of layer breaks on DVD-Rom discs (http://www.gearsoftware.com/support/documentation/dvdrombreakpoint.cfm)

-Bruce

[DarkestGenesis]

I use DVDShrink to Re-Author a DVD in to an ISO image conatining only the uncompressed movie stream, and 5.1 English audio stream. Depending on the length of the movie I can fit it onto a DVD-5, but most are to large, and I would like to burn them to a DVD-9 (+R DL). Is it possible to select the ISO image with DVDD/ImgBurn and have the app automaticaly select a Layer Break, or do I need to calculate this myself? Is it even possible to Layer Break an ISO? Or do I need to rip raw files and modify the IFO/BUP? I like the ease of DVDShrink GUI Re-Authoring everything uncompressed into a single ISO for easy mounting, but it is taking up to mich space. ;)

[SimonSez07]

@BSpielbauer - thank you for that link. it was very helpful and explained everything i need. i also downloaded and used the program GEAR PRO 7.0 which allowed me to do everything that page described. for instance: with my tv episodes, i was able to place episodes 1 - 13 on layer 0 and then shift the other files down xx sectors so episode 14 begins on the next layer. as for my wmv-hd movie, i think i will break it into two pieces at some nice scene change then burn so that part1 is on layer0 and part2 on layer1.

@DarkestGenesis - i am fairly certain that dvdshrink keeps the layer break exactly where it was on the original dvd so it has already been determined by the time you burn it.

unfortunately i still do have some problems playing my disc on dvd-rom drives. sometimes it works and sometimes it hangs or behaves spiratically. i have tried memorex and vertabim media and i will try burning on a different drive. hopefully i will get more stable results