Decrypting Problem: "No Disc" Error Message

[kriegerg69]

HELP! I am having a problem decrypting/backing up three DVD's from my collection....when put into my stand-alone player it gives me a display saying "No Disc". The backups will not begin playing, either on my player or in my computer drive in PowerDVD.

My usual procedure is to decrypt to my drive using DVD Decrypter, making sure my drive is defragmented both before and after decrypting, then I create an ISO file with DVD Shrink (again defragmenting after creating the ISO file), then burning my DVD. I've just done 8 different discs in this manner, but three of them are giving me that "No Disc" error message in my DVD player.

The problem titles are Twilight Zone Vol. 2, The Night Stalker side of the flipper disc release from Anchor Bay of Night Stalker/Night Strangler (Night Strangler came out successfully with no problem), and a DVD+R disc a friend did for me,

I know there's a way to set DVD Decrypter into "aggressive mode" (designated as "Brute Force"), but aside from the one setting on the CSS panel which has a Brute Force option to check, there's something else which I've read should be checked somewhere as well, except I don't recall what that is.

Anyway, based on the problem I described above (the "No Disc" message my player gives me on those three titles)....Does anyone know what the problem is and how I can get around this so I can make successful backups?

NOTE: All three of the original discs of the described "problem titles" all play fine in my player....It's the decrypted backup discs which are giving me the error message.

HELP! :scared:

[setarip_old]

Hi!
All three of the original discs of the described "problem titles" all play fine in my player....It's the decrypted backup discs which are giving me the error message.Since this seems to indicate that you own all three DVDs (Your comment about your friend making a DVD+R for you is somewhat confusing), I guess it's okay to respond to your question.

It sounds like a case of poor quality or poorly burned media.

1) What is the brand, manufacturer's ID, and speed rating of the media you are using?

2) What speed did you burn at?

3) Did you try playing these three problematic backups on your friend's hardware (either PC or standalone DVD player)?

[blutach]

What's your media ID and firmware? Find that out in ISO W mode in DVD Decrypter. Update firmware if necessary. Get better media if necessary.

Read and implement the Golden Rules of Burning (http://forum.digital-digest.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=49635).

Regards

[kriegerg69]

Hi!
Since this seems to indicate that you own all three DVDs (Your comment about your friend making a DVD+R for you is somewhat confusing), I guess it's okay to respond to your question.

It sounds like a case of poor quality or poorly burned media.

1) What is the brand, manufacturer's ID, and speed rating of the media you are using?

2) What speed did you burn at?

3) Did you try playing these three problematic backups on your friend's hardware (either PC or standalone DVD player)?

What's confusing....It was just a disc he did for me of a couple of old public domain tv specials/episodes. Anyway....

"poor quality or poorly burned media" as far as the original discs I'm decrypting, or the blank media?

1. The blank discs are Memorex DVD+RW, rated for up to 4X writing....and I've used quite a few of these for my own backups and have had no problem whatsoever with them. The three problem discs I described are the FIRST time I've ever had any problems with this procedure. Two other discs I did for another friend using HP DVD+R rated for up to 16X writing....and those two turned out just fine also, as have other discs I've done in the past using other brands. I generally use the RW discs because I figure if I decide at some point I don't want a title in my collection....I can just erase the disc and reuse it. Also, I tend to do a "test burn" first in the event there's a problem in either the decrypting or the ISO file....and afterwards I decide if I want to re-burn with a +R.

2. First few I did at the default Decrypter setting of MAX writing speed (how I always usually burn my discs), and then the last time I tried one with the writing speed manually set all the way down to 1X....and still had this "No Disc" error problem in my player.

3. Unfortuantely, my friend lives in another state, so I can't possibly try these three discs out in his player.

What's your media ID and firmware? Find that out in ISO W mode in DVD Decrypter. Update firmware if necessary. Get better media if necessary.

Read and implement the Golden Rules of Burning (http://forum.digital-digest.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=49635).

Regards

"Media ID"? As in the blank discs I'm using? Just answered that above...If you mean my writing drive, it's an HP DVD Writer 400C. No idea of the firmware, but I suppose I can check that with the firmware update link in the DVD Decrypter program.....It's just that I'm very cautious about updating something like the firmware since it's never given me any problems up until now.

Thanks for that link....I've got it bookmarked for future reference.

NOW....about my other question: HOW do I set DVD Decrypter properly for aggressive ripping mode?

NOTE: I just checked and DVD Decrypter says my current firmware is BH04.

[kriegerg69]

What's your media ID and firmware? Find that out in ISO W mode in DVD Decrypter. Update firmware if necessary. Get better media if necessary.

Read and implement the Golden Rules of Burning (http://forum.digital-digest.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=49635).

Regards

I checked out those Golden Rules....and I seem to be in accordance with the first four....So now what?

If those three problem discs weren't being read in my player, which was telling mre "No Disc", seems to me that the problem has something to do with the "lead-in" information not being written correctly....or something.

HELP!!

[lckeys]

As far as "media ID", load one of your Memorex (blank or written on) into DVDDecrypter in ISO Read mode and look in the right-hand column for "Disc ID". That will display your media code we're asking for.

The problem with a brand like Memorex is that they buy their discs from many different manufacturers - some of which are crap. Just the RW discs (which are not noted for their compatability) come from @ 6 different sources. Check it out at http://www.videohelp.com/dvdmedia.php?dvdmediasearch=memorex&dvdmediadvdridsearch=&type=4&size=All&dvdburnspeed=4&order=Name&hits=25&country=&search=Search+or+List+Media

So even if you've had success in the past w/ Memorex, you have about a 84% chance of NOT getting the same media as you did the previous purchase. Try Taiyo Yuden +R media - they play in damn near anything.

P.S. - I generally use the RW discs because I figure if I decide at some point I don't want a title in my collection....I can just erase the disc and reuse it. Why does this statement sound like you may not be only backing up your legally owned DVDs? Just my opinion.

[kriegerg69]

As far as "media ID", load one of your Memorex (blank or written on) into DVDDecrypter in ISO Read mode and look in the right-hand column for "Disc ID". That will display your media code we're asking for.

The problem with a brand like Memorex is that they buy their discs from many different manufacturers - some of which are crap. Just the RW discs (which are not noted for their compatability) come from @ 6 different sources. Check it out at http://www.videohelp.com/dvdmedia.php?dvdmediasearch=memorex&dvdmediadvdridsearch=&type=4&size=All&dvdburnspeed=4&order=Name&hits=25&country=&search=Search+or+List+Media

So even if you've had success in the past w/ Memorex, you have about a 84% chance of NOT getting the same media as you did the previous purchase. Try Taiyo Yuden +R media - they play in damn near anything.

P.S. - Why does this statement sound like you may not be only backing up your legally owned DVDs? Just my opinion.

1. The disc ID is:
Disc ID: INFODISC-A10-01

2. I just tried the same problem disc (Night Stalker) using DVDFabDecrypter, created the ISO with DVD Shrink, burned the disc....and got the exact same problem I've been having. Difference this time was that the burned disc would play on my computer drive using any available programs which will play DVD's....but my Coby DVD player is still giving me the same "No Disc" error message....Again, after dozens of other discs I've burned in the same fashion onto the DVD+RW media with no problem.

3. P.S. - Why do you keep harping on that point...What difference does it make? Just my opinion.

[lckeys]

The difference it makes is that whether or not you're legally backing up DVD's or illegally making copies is your own business, but the minute you allude to using this site for assistance for an illegal purpose it paints a big red bullseye on everyone involved in this forum.

To keep helpful sites like this one operational, it helps to have legitimate intentions, or at least "fly under the radar" and act like what you're trying to accomplish is legal. We're not all pirates - I've got 2 toddlers who love to destroy my DVD collection, and I use this forum to help me backup my films so a $20 DVD lasts me more than 4 days.

With so many programs/help forums being targeted and shut down, we would like to play nice and keep this one open to help people with issues such as yours, instead of leaving everyone SOL.

By the way, the media you posted sucks; get some Taiyo Yuden online or even Verbatim or Fujifilm (+R, not RW) for more consistant results.

[kriegerg69]

The difference it makes is that whether or not you're legally backing up DVD's or illegally making copies is your own business, but the minute you allude to using this site for assistance for an illegal purpose it paints a big red bullseye on everyone involved in this forum.

To keep helpful sites like this one operational, it helps to have legitimate intentions, or at least "fly under the radar" and act like what you're trying to accomplish is legal. We're not all pirates - I've got 2 toddlers who love to destroy my DVD collection, and I use this forum to help me backup my films so a $20 DVD lasts me more than 4 days.

With so many programs/help forums being targeted and shut down, we would like to play nice and keep this one open to help people with issues such as yours, instead of leaving everyone SOL.

By the way, the media you posted sucks; get some Taiyo Yuden online or even Verbatim or Fujifilm (+R, not RW) for more consistant results.

I never once alluded to anything....I asked my question and was suddenly questioned about it.

I'll think about changing the media I'm using, but frankly I can't (and don't like to) keep changing the blank media I use every time I have a problem. It's also not that convenient for me to just go ordering everything online....It's much easier to go into a local store, Office Max, etc., and choose from a selection there.

Like I already described, I don't always want to use a +R right off the bat for the simple reason that there CAN still be some sort of error that can show up either in the decrypting or ISO process, and therefore why should I just go wasting one blank +R after another when I can "test burn" using a +RW and if there's no problem inherent with the ISO or decryption, THEN I decide to do a second burn with a non-rewritable +R.

My earlier question about how to set DVD Decrypter into "agressive" still hasn't been answered, btw. :scared:

[lckeys]

Tools>Settings>"CSS" tab (on the right)

[BSpielbauer]

I never once alluded to anything....I asked my question and was suddenly questioned about it.

In all fairness, and with all due respect, you most definitely did "allude" to something. By the very definition of the word "allude." You were questioned because you made two separate statements which certainly bordered on violations of forum rules, which are here to protect the forum itself, and also those who benefit from it. Please do not feel attacked. Instead, give thanks that there are forums which still somehow manage to exist that can help people such as yourself who are experiencing a problem.

I'll think about changing the media I'm using, but frankly I can't (and don't like to) keep changing the blank media I use every time I have a problem.


Again, to basically repeat what has already been stated, the particular brand of media you have chosen happens to be one which will sometimes yield good results, but which will just as often yield horrible results. This is because they buy from several manufacturers, some of whom are good, and several of which are awful.

The solution is to do a bit of research, and settle on a choice which always uses reliable manufacturers. Brands such as this do exist.

It's also not that convenient for me to just go ordering everything online....It's much easier to go into a local store, Office Max, etc., and choose from a selection there.

Whether you prefer to buy on-line, or to run out to the store, the same is true. For example, Verbatims are widely available in stores in the US, and their media is consistently excellent. Or, you can buy from one of the brands which alternates between using Taiyo Yuden and Mitsubishi Chemicals, and does not deal with any of the lesser stuff. Once you have narrowed your choices and chosen a "safe" brand and line of media, there is no need to change. A lot of people here purchase on-line because they can be assured of what they are getting (they can buy unbranded Taiyo Yudens, for example), and they can typically pay much less than the going rate in the local stores. However, you will also discover that a lot of people here do run to the store. They just stick to the "safe" choices. Memorex is decidedly NOT a "safe" choice.

Like I already described, I don't always want to use a +R right off the bat for the simple reason that there CAN still be some sort of error that can show up either in the decrypting or ISO process, and therefore why should I just go wasting one blank +R after another when I can "test burn" using a +RW and if there's no problem inherent with the ISO or decryption, THEN I decide to do a second burn with a non-rewritable +R.

This is wise, and you are correct to do this. However, you also need to understand that even this precaution will not make one bit of difference if the errors you are experiencing are due a "bad burn," and not to a "bad rip."


My earlier question about how to set DVD Decrypter into "agressive" still hasn't been answered, btw. :scared:

I cannot speak for any of the others around here, but I suspect the reason it has not been answered is because your symptoms point to a bad burn, and not to a bad rip. You can go into the options and tell DVDDecrypter to ignore read errors, and to increase the number of times it tries to read data, and to be "aggressive" about retrieving the data (all are ripping options). This is not usually recommended, especially as a _general_ setting for continued use. If you switch these options, you will find yourself with bad data on your hard drive, video that skips and locks up and sometimes even loses its timing with the audio. This is likely to happen every time you try to rip a disc you own which is scratched, or dirty, or fingermarked, or smudged. And, what is worse, you will never know it until you go to actually play the result, and it gets to that point in the video.

The author of DVDDecrypter (LightningUK) put those options in for "problem discs," where you have a partially ruined disc, but as a last resort you decide to go ahead and retrieve at least PART of the information, even if there are "gaps." He repeatedly has advised people not to use them except as a sort of a last resort, to rescue video from damaged discs.

Based on what you wrote, I suspect you have a burning problem, and not a ripping problem. I suspect it is due to 1) poor media. It is also possible that it is combined with 2) older firmware, and 3) improper burning speed. However, all clues in your posts point to 1) poor media as the most likely cause. Obviously, from the above responses, others have come to the same (correct) conclusion.

Hope this is of some help,

-Bruce

[kriegerg69]

I finally tried something tonight which I hadn't done yet. The problems were happening with my newer Coby player, which I got just a few years ago. My first player, which I got almost eight years ago....and which I've always thought had better error-correction.....is my Pionerr DVD/LD combo player. I hooked it up and tried out all three of the problem discs.....and they played fine on that.

So my problems are basically taken care of.