Guide: How to burn Double Layer Disks with PgcEdit [Archive]

r0lZ

8th July 2005, 07:28

I had always thought DVD D needed a .MDS file to properly write a dual layer....I don't think so. The MDS file is just another method to specify the LB position. If you leave the automatic mode in the setups and don't provide a MDS file, I think DVDD will try to find the appropriate cell itself. But take in mind that the automatic method will probably not work (for example, if there are no cell suitable for the LB and beginning at the start of an ECC block.)

Also if the .ISO file has the layer break in it, does the above quote from the guide mean that you MUST tell DVD D where the layer break is as well? By telling to calculate optimal this may be different from the ISO is it not?I really don't know. As the LB cell you selected with PgcEdit is flagged as non-seamless and begins at an ECC block, DVDD should select that cell anyway. But if another cell is suitable as well, it may do a wrong assumption.

Or is the ISO made from previous steps erased and you can just remember where the layer break was and enter it into DVD D.If the ISO is erased, you cannot burn it again, of course!
If you want to burn the same ISO again, either leave the original LB sector in the DVDD setups, or, if you have burned another DVD in the meantime, you have to specify the LB manually.
Note that the LB sector is in the ISO creation log generated by PgcEdit, and in the burn log generated by DVDD. And you can also examine the burned DVD with DVDD is ISO mode to see where the LB was placed.

The warning message in the guide is there to hilite the fact that the setups are changed automatically by PgcEdit, but are not restored to the default after the burn. So, if you want to burn an ISO generated by a totally different method (for example, a 1:1 rip by DVDD, with a MDS file), you may have to reset the setup manually.

Zugwrack

23rd July 2005, 00:32

I read all the thread and stuff from blutach regarding maintaining 32 k etc...I didn't see any mention on if it is just possible to dump a dvd (assuming size doesn't exceed capacity of dual layer disc) and then burn it straight back?

Thanks for the fine information too!

Zugwrack

r0lZ

23rd July 2005, 10:24

You can do a 1:1 copy with DVD Decrypter: rip in ISO mode, and burn the ISO.

2COOL

23rd July 2005, 10:30

Or use ImgTool Classic (http://www.coujo.de/ib2/index.php?act=module&module=include&incl_name=download).

blutach

25th July 2005, 11:27

Or use ImgTool Classic (http://www.coujo.de/ib2/index.php?act=module&module=include&incl_name=download).... which is the "engine" of the PgcEdit imagemaker. :)

Personally, I prefer the PgcEdit GUI and the optional LB positioning.

Regards

tlavalle

18th August 2005, 07:46

one quick question why is it i get Error loading NAV pack from whatever loaction

bac

2nd October 2005, 00:20

Once you've created the dvd iso with pgcedit, do you really need to use dvddecrypter to avoid messing up the layer break? I'm wondering if writing with nero in iso mode would work as well. Does nero change the iso's layer break, use it, or simply ignore it (picking its own different point for the physical layer break)? Just trying to get a handle if nero is *still* hopelessly broken with respect to dual layer after all this time, or whether it can be made to do the right thing in conjunction with pgcedit.

r0lZ

2nd October 2005, 10:25

Honestly, I don't know. I don't use Nero anymore. :)
The latest tests I did with Nero 6.6.0.8 were not conclusive at all. The 32K gaps were lost, and burning a DL DVD with Nero can be a real hassle.
If you really wants to use another application, use RecordNow (either Stomp or Sonic version.) It should respect the 32K gaps, and be able to burn DL DVDs. But it's not free.

Also, note that Lightning UK! will release a new burning application (without the DVDD 'illegal' stuff) called ImgBurn (http://www.imgburn.com/). PgcEdit already supports it in v0.6.1 final. ImgBurn should be released soon, and I will release the new version of PgcEdit immediately after.

Taelon

2nd October 2005, 11:37

Also, note that Lightning UK! will release a new burning application (without the DVDD 'illegal' stuff) called ImgBurn (http://www.imgburn.com/). PgcEdit already supports it in v0.6.1 final. ImgBurn should be released soon, and I will release the new version of PgcEdit immediately after.Thanks for letting the 'cat out of the bag' r0lZ ;) I'm looking forward to both releases now.

nwg

2nd October 2005, 11:51

Nero is really only worth using if you don't change anything and do a exact 1:1 copy. If you change something. The layer change position will be very likely in a different position which Nero deicdes when burning.

However, DVD Decrypter is still the best way to burn a DL disc. I have had a DVD Recorder where a Nero burned DL+R didn't work and couldn't be read. The same files burned with DVD Decrypter worked fine.

bac

2nd October 2005, 19:41

Thanks. Recordnow looks interesting since according to the vcdhelp.com folks, you don't need to convert your video_ts folder to an .iso before burning a dual layer with a good layer break. (Ie you save a step). PS: Bestbuy has verbatim dvd+r dl on sale for $20/10 pack (web price only but you can pick up), so it looks like dl is now cost effective.

nwg

2nd October 2005, 19:46

I have also heard that Recordnow is good for DL. I wished I could get Verbatim for that kind of money. They would cost me £40/$70 for 10. As, I don't pay that I settle for Datafe Riteks which has worked out well with my Pioneer 109. I pay £2 each for those.

r0lZ

2nd October 2005, 20:05

Thanks. Recordnow looks interesting since according to the vcdhelp.com folks, you don't need to convert your video_ts folder to an .iso before burning a dual layer with a good layer break. (Ie you save a step).Right, but you will have to use PgcEdit's burn DL function to patch the IFOs. If you don't do that, recordnow will probably not be able to select the right cell. Therefore, you should use PgcEdit to select the LB. The IFO and BUP files are modified when you hit OK. You may then cancel the main burn dialog, and burn the DVD with recordnow. Should work, but I have not tested this procedure.

bac

2nd October 2005, 21:02

Right, but you will have to use PgcEdit's burn DL function to patch the IFOs. If you don't do that, recordnow will probably not be able to select the right cell. Therefore, you should use PgcEdit to select the LB.If I use .ifo's from dvd-9's that I have previously ripped in file mode (as opposed to .ifo's I authored) then I assume I don't need to do any patching. I know, should have ripped in .iso mode :)

Pudah

2nd October 2005, 21:53

Also, note that Lightning UK! will release a new burning application (without the DVDD 'illegal' stuff) called ImgBurn. PgcEdit already supports it in v0.6.1 final. ImgBurn should be released soon, and I will release the new version of PgcEdit immediately after.This is great news. I'm glad to hear that LightningUK! is still putting his programming talent to good use.

Recordnow looks interesting since according to the vcdhelp.com folks, you don't need to convert your video_ts folder to an .iso before burning a dual layer with a good layer break. (Ie you save a step). PS: Bestbuy has verbatim dvd+r dl on sale for $20/10 pack (web price only but you can pick up), so it looks like dl is now cost effective.It would be very cool if ImgBurn could also burn discs directly from VIDEO_TS/AUDIO_TS folders in addition to burning images. Maybe LightningUK! can add this as a feature in the future (though would that mean he couldn't call the program ImgBurn?).

I just placed an order for those DL discs from BB so hope to soon have my first try at DL burning.

bac

3rd October 2005, 05:25

I did a burn with recordnow, and it seems like the layer break was done right. But how can I tell if the burn really put the physical layer break in the right spot? After the burn, dvddecrypter tells me the # of sectors for the first layer, and ifoedit shows the logical layer break (and it was preserved). But how can I find out the sector # for the logical layer break (or otherwise truly verify it)? Playback looks good at the logical layer break, but that might not be where the real layer change is.
Never mind: I summed up the VTS sector offset, the cell sector offset, and a few others, as reported by ifoedit, and got a match.

Taelon

3rd October 2005, 14:45

For anyone else wondering, LUK! Outlined a method to calculate the layer break in this thread (http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?t=100386)

ron spencer

3rd October 2005, 16:54

This is good news for LUK....if one chooses a layer break in PGCEdit and makes the ISO in PGCEdit what will happen with IMGBurn? That is, will IMGBurn just read the layer break from the ISO made or will you manually have to specify the layer break in IMGBurn like with DVDD?

r0lZ

4th October 2005, 08:34

I have already asked this question to LUK!
Don't worry, ImgBurn will not ask for the layer break position if it is already specified, and is valid.
Furthermore, LUK! has added a /LAYERBREAK command line option in ImgBurn. Therefore, I have removed the trick with the registry settings, when the burn program is ImgBurn. Of course, it is still used with DVDD.

r0lZ

4th October 2005, 08:41

If I use .ifo's from dvd-9's that I have previously ripped in file mode (as opposed to .ifo's I authored) then I assume I don't need to do any patching. I know, should have ripped in .iso mode :)Right again, but why do you want to rip in File mode if you don't change anything to the DVD? In this case, it is also possible to use Nero, and probably most burning apps, to do a direct copy.
In the other hand, if you use any program to change something in the IFOs or VOBs, then you must recalculate the VTS pointers. And, as far as I know, only PgcEdit is able to do that correctly, and with a GUI and a preview.

bac

4th October 2005, 11:50

Right again, but why do you want to rip in File mode if you don't change anything to the DVD? Because I tend to like to disable playback of redundant splash screens, studio disclaimers, etc. And until now I was used to splitting across 2 dvds.In this case, it is also possible to use Nero, and probably most burning apps, to do a direct copy.I thought the point was that nero wouldn't work well for direct copies as you can't trust it to put the physical layer break where the vob says it should be. Now you're confusing me :)In the other hand, if you use any program to change something in the IFOs or VOBs, then you must recalculate the VTS pointers. And, as far as I know, only PgcEdit is able to do that correctly, and with a GUI and a preview.I thought ifoedit's 'get vts sectors' button did the trick. But usually, I just move the PGC post commands to pre-commands, and disable playback that way, without deleting the offending cells. Thus I don't need to adjust sector offsets (and don't have to worry about PGC commands trying to trick me by testing for register side effects)

ron spencer

4th October 2005, 14:41

you are right r0lZ, PGCEdit is the ONLY app that has a GUI for layer break assigning....not even the exaulted Gear does that!!!

You mention a "registry" trick for layer break and DVDD...I never knew there was one...what is the trick and what is it for ? Just curious.....

I am so eager to try the PGCEdit/ImgBurn combo....any idea on release?

LIGHTNING UK!

4th October 2005, 16:02

ImgBurn has now been released!

Not sure if the appropriate PGCEdit exists already though. r0lZ may well have been waiting for me - sorry!

r0lZ

4th October 2005, 16:17

I thought the point was that nero wouldn't work well for direct copies as you can't trust it to put the physical layer break where the vob says it should be. Now you're confusing me :)Nero should be able to do a 1:1 copy, as the layer break is probably not changed by this operation, if you don't write the DVD files to disc. You should burn 'on the fly', or an ISO created by Nero. Anyway, Nero is the worst choice to burn a DVD-Video!

I thought ifoedit's 'get vts sectors' button did the trick. But usually, I just move the PGC post commands to pre-commands, and disable playback that way, without deleting the offending cells. Thus I don't need to adjust sector offsets (and don't have to worry about PGC commands trying to trick me by testing for register side effects)IfoEdit's Get VTS Sectors do a minimal job. It is theorically sufficient for a DVD-5, but your DVD will not be protected against defects or scratches, as it is unable to add the 32K gaps needed to ensure that the IFO and the BUP are not on the same ECC block.
Also, IfoEdit cannot 'fix' the sector pointers to align the layer break properly. If you burn DVD files on a DVD 9, it's crucial!

r0lZ

4th October 2005, 16:23

You mention a "registry" trick for layer break and DVDD...I never knew there was one...what is the trick and what is it for ? Just curious.....Well, since DVDD has no CLI option to specify the layer break sector, I write it directly in his setup in the registry. DVDD load it when it starts. The problem is that, since DVDD is running in the background, PgcEdit cannot restore the original setup after the burn. I hate that, but it's the only simple workaround I've found.

Since ImgBurn has been released today, I will try it, and release PgcEdit 0.6.1 as soon as possible. Maybe today...

ron spencer

4th October 2005, 16:24

yummy LUK!!!!!

rui.m.godinho

4th October 2005, 19:44

Imgburn is out !!!!

http://www.imgburn.com/

nwg

4th October 2005, 20:15

Imgburn is out !!!!

http://www.imgburn.com/

I noticed. I wonder if there is any difference in burning with IMGBurn when creating a 1:1 DL ISO with DVD Decrypter.

rui.m.godinho

4th October 2005, 20:44

I still cant get fine burns even with this method.

Here are 2 scans, both burned with a PX-716a 1.08 firmware with DVDD @2,4x. The .ISO is being burned from a Raid Raptor Sata controller to a primary IDE controller (PX-716a being master, nothing more plugged in the data cable):

http://img254.imageshack.us/img254/8605/scan23gf.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img254.imageshack.us/img254/4281/scan19rw.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

We can consider it good burns, but my problem is that I can maintain a constant low pif like in the 1st pic before layer break.

I see in some reviews burns scans made to these media and I cant almost notice layer break on the graphic. Even from another users wich use the same drive and media used.

What I'm I doing wrong ? Do u think it's the software ? Using imgburn should solve ?

LIGHTNING UK!

4th October 2005, 21:39

The software should have no effect. This is a drive / firmware / media issue - if an issue exists at all?!

They quality of burns from Plextor drives seems to vary on a per drive basis. I got 2 PX-712A from the same batch - with serial numbers one after the other. One drive produced significantly better burns than the other.

Unless you're having problems reading the discs in your players, what's the big deal?

There's life beyond PIE/PIF scans you know ;)

nwg

4th October 2005, 21:46

There's life beyond PIE/PIF scans you know ;)

I ignore them. I never had a problem with a disc playing and it doesn't mean this scans show a bad burn. The quality of the DVD player can determine how well it compensates using error correction.

I knew someone whow as obsessed with these scans and he ended up testing the DVD's more than he watched them.

BECK38

28th October 2005, 12:01

Well, it appears that decent tools are becoming available just in time for DL media to drop down in price where one doesn't grit one's teeth so hard the dentist becomes not an option but nessesity....!

However, I've followed the pgcedit Burn Guide to the letter and have one major question. Understand that I've burn totally successfully using latest (final?) Rel.6 version of NERO (6.6.0.16) and Memorex 2.4 DL +R's.

When I get to step 7 in the guide ("Setting the Layer Break") the pgm completely skips over that section, going straight to the ImgBurn. The final bit on the guide ("If the layer break doesn't open...an error message will be displayed and you will need to re-author the disk") doesn't 'pop up'. My reasoning for attempting to get this methodology (in the first place) was 'look around' the structure and see '"what's up".

Latest s/w, particularly PGCEdit vr. 0.6.1, and there are small differences between the guide and the s/w, but nothing obvious/major. Perhaps this is all still 'bleeding edge', but as media costs drift below $2/disk I'm sure that many will give things a try, either with or without NERO (I ran into major problems myself with them around vr. 6.6.14 to the point of rolling back several versions until some stability was achieved on single layer) and /or PGCEdit fans.

I would 'guess' that everything must be 'okay' in this latest version, but thought after reading up all the threads dedicated to this, upon finding nothing specifically of note, I'd give a shot and see what falls out here before going the final step.

TIA

r0lZ

28th October 2005, 12:38

The layer break selection window is opened only if your compilation don't fit on a single layer DVD.
So, either your compil fits on a DVD-5, or there is something wrong in your burn setups. Please verify the values of the Number of Sectors in a Single Layer DVD and in a Double Layer DVD.
Also, before launching the burn, have a look at the topmost part of the main burn window. If your DVD is too big for a DVD-5, you should see the "DVD-5 full at X %" message in red. If it is black, the LB selection window will not be opened.

Note that you cannot use Nero to burn the ISO created by PgcEdit (though I don't have tested the latest release.) Nero has the bad habit to remove the gaps between IFO or VOB and BUP files, and PgcEdit's method rely heavily on those gaps.

BECK38

28th October 2005, 20:30

Also, before launching the burn, have a look at the topmost part of the main burn window. If your DVD is too big for a DVD-5, you should see the "DVD-5 full at X %" message in red. If it is black, the LB selection window will not be opened.

Note that you cannot use Nero to burn the ISO created by PgcEdit (though I don't have tested the latest release.) Nero has the bad habit to remove the gaps between IFO or VOB and BUP files, and PgcEdit's method rely heavily on those gaps.

Oh , very definately is over dvd5 size (>7.5G), the burn window definately says so, the message is in red, and the Layer Break section is not opened. And yes, I read the part about NERO removing the gaps, absolutely. The Burns I've done with NERO have been files, not ISO's, and 'just for fun' I ran the sectors check on the blank disk, and it matched what PGCEdit has as the default.

So, it's just one of those 'head scratchers' type of questions....

BECK38

2nd November 2005, 21:09

What I'm getting, and unable to track down the reason, is underneath all the windows that pop up all over the place (pgcedit, imgburn, you name it) is a small, almost hidden 'ERROR' window from PGCEdit saying "Cannot find First VMG sector". Happens on every (well all 7+ burns I've run with this pgm).

Don't know why, or what exactly it's refering to, as the VMG sectors are listed dead on the PGCEdit program window.

r0lZ

3rd November 2005, 00:48

Hum, that's interesting. Are you sure you use the right version of MkISOFS? You need v2.01 or +. You can verify in the burn setrup dialog.

Explanation of the error:
To place the layer break at the right position, I need to know how many sectors are used by the file system and various headers before the data of the first file (VIDEO_TS.IFO) begins in the ISO. Knowing this value, I can compute the gaps to leave between the files to place the layer break where it should be.
Since PgcEdit rely on MkISOFS to build the ISO, I cannot compute the position of VIDEO_TS.IFO. And, if something is changed in a future version of MkISOFS, the computed position may be wrong.
So, I use a trick to determine the real position of the file: I launch MkISOFS with the same arguments than for the final burn, but instead of writing the ISO on HDD, the output is piped in PgcEdit, and analyzed. VIDEO_TS.IFO must begin with the string "DVDVIDEO-VMG". So, I examine the beginning of each sector, and when the string is found, MkISOFS is killed, and the process continues normally.
In your case, the string DVDVIDEO-VMG is never found, or it is not at the beginning of a sector. Therefore, either there is a bug in your version of MkISOFS, or the identifier of VIDEO_TS.IFO is missing or corrupted.

Could you verify with IfoEdit: load VIDEO_TS.IFO, and expand the VMGM_MAT table. The identifier is at offfset 0, in the top of the window, and should be DVDVIDEO-VMG.

BTW, someone else had already experienced a similar problem. I don't remember exactly what was the problem, but I think it was related to a wrong version of MkISOFS. I think that problem was repoprted here at Doom9 forum. Try a search...

lemmy999

21st December 2005, 19:02

This may be a stupid question, but the log file from PGCEdit gives this result:

Layer break is at absolute sector 2058704. (Offset in L0 is 52189.)
Layer break cell:
2006515: VTST 1 , 4 TTN 4 (25:40) Title 4 Cell 1 (00:00:22.10), V/CID: 4/1
'' : VTST 1 , 7 TTN 7 (2:31:49) Title 7 Cell 21 (00:00:22.10), V/CID: 4/1

When I later burn this image wtih ImgBurn and I want to manually specify the offset, do I put in 2058704 or do I put in 52189?

LIGHTNING UK!

21st December 2005, 19:24

Just leave ImgBurn's Layer Break settings on 'Calculate Optimal'. It'll pick up the correct value from the IFO files without you having to mess around.

lemmy999

21st December 2005, 21:56

Just leave ImgBurn's Layer Break settings on 'Calculate Optimal'. It'll pick up the correct value from the IFO files without you having to mess around.

Thanks. But I went ahead and started a burn with the 2058704 value. I will not be able to check on it until tomorrow. Will that be the correct value?

r0lZ

22nd December 2005, 14:28

Yes, don't worry. But remember to reset the DVDD setting to Optimal before burning another DL, or the wrong value will be used!

cmurda

28th February 2006, 22:38

Oh , very definately is over dvd5 size (>7.5G), the burn window definately says so, the message is in red, and the Layer Break section is not opened. And yes, I read the part about NERO removing the gaps, absolutely. The Burns I've done with NERO have been files, not ISO's, and 'just for fun' I ran the sectors check on the blank disk, and it matched what PGCEdit has as the default.

So, it's just one of those 'head scratchers' type of questions.... Hello everyone. This is a fantastic site. I've learned quite a bit just breezing through the various parts of the forum. I am however hung up on trying to use PGCedit. I seem to have the same problem as Beck38 here. After I get to step 6, I get the image classic directory, I put my source and backup directories and after it is done I never get to step 7. The size is definitely greater than the DVD-5. Do I maybe have something on options wrong or am I doing something wrong? Any advice would be appreciated.

r0lZ

28th February 2006, 22:58

What operating system are you using? Windows XP?

cmurda

1st March 2006, 02:09

What operating system are you using? Windows XP?Yes, Im using xp.

cmurda

2nd March 2006, 00:38

Rolz, Would you guess its the options I have ticked or maybe the process I am going through to get to that step?

r0lZ

2nd March 2006, 00:44

cmurda

2nd March 2006, 00:50

Well, I really don't know! I don't understand this problem. Seems it is present only on a very limited number of computers. Maybe something strange in your system, such as a bad DLL.

Last thing to verify: do you have some foreign characters in the filenames or paths of your DVD or mkisofs?
No, but I do have the directory for img classic on my desktop and img burn under programs. Could this be the problem? When I dwnlded img classic I never separately dwnlded mkisofs. Do I need to? I also wanted to ask you about when I receive a message something to the effect of a problem with layer 0 when I open imgburn and start the burn after classic has worked its magic. I also am trying to understand the advantage of setting your own layer break. I'm sure many of my basic questions have already been answered but I haven't found them when I searched. I burn DVD to HD using dvd d ver 3.5.4.0, then use blautach's guide, i burn/iso in pgcedit after opening where the dvd has been burned to on my hd, then img classic comes up I put directories in and make image. I never get to step 7 in the guide. So far the DVDs have burnt well although some problems skipping a bit in my old samsung dvd players. Is my process here sound? Will the automatic lb's be acceptable?

r0lZ

2nd March 2006, 01:06

Well, you must be sure that cygwin2.dll is in the same directory than mkisofs.exe. Might be the cause of the problem too. But you can theoretically put the files in any directory, if you avoid the foreign characters. Anyway, try to put it is C:\, just to be sure. It's more cautious. There are so many limitations in the way Windows handles the file names!

I also wanted to ask you about when I receive a message something to the effect of a problem with layer 0 when I open imgburn and start the burn after classic has worked its magic.I don't understand your question. What do you mean?

The advantage of selecting your own LB is that... you can set it where you want! Since with most standalone players, the playback stops for one second or two then the LB is reached, it is better to put it where it is not too noticeable.
Of course, if you are happy with the original position, you can leave it there.

cmurda

2nd March 2006, 01:16

Yeah, my question is poorly worded. Here is the message from imgburn.

Optimal L1 data zone start LBA: None found! (VTS_02)
This image has not been mastered correctly for burning onto a double layer (OTP Track Path) disc. None of the cells meet the "DVD-Video specification" criteria for a potential layer break position. Do you want to continue anyway?

r0lZ

2nd March 2006, 02:40

cmurda

2nd March 2006, 04:40

This message means there is no cell suitable for the layer break! Don't burn the DVD, or you will produce a coaster!

Have you generated this ISO with PgcEDit? If it's the case, then there is a bug in PgcEdit!

If you did the ISO with ImgTool, then it's normal: you cannot create DL DVDs with ImgTool, because it doesn't position the LB cell for you. This is why you need PgcEdit.Oh, I'm messing up then. When I get to step 6. I make sure info is correct etc on the main burn dialogue screen then I press OK. When I do img tool pops up and asks for the source directories. I put them in and then after its over I go to imgburn. This is when I got that message. So, in step 6 after pressing OK, should I indeed see imgtool popping up or should I immediately be able to manually set layer break. I'm beginning to think I have a virus or spyware affecting my dll.

r0lZ

2nd March 2006, 10:20

ImgTool is never used by PgcEdit, only mkisofs.exe. Mkisofs is available in the same directory that ImgTool Classic, but is an independant DOS program (without icon).

Maybe you have configured ImgTool.exe instead of mkisofs.exe in the burn setup dialog? Verify that you can see the imgburn version number by clicking on the Check Version button.
That could explain all problems: PgcEdit is unable to find the first VIDEO_TS sector, and ImgTool pops up when you click OK, because it is launched instead of mkisofs.

cmurda

4th March 2006, 11:10

cmurda

4th March 2006, 11:49

Yes, that was exactly the problem. Now, I see the layer break. So, I guess I was bypassing pgcedit and having imgtool called on to creat the iso. So, if I created the iso with imgtool and went straight to burning with imgburn would I run into problems. The problem I've been noticing doing it the way I have been is that on the computer the burned disc plays fine but in my older Samsungs and the xbox I get skips and freezes occassionally. Sometimes to the point of the movie freezing all together. I'm trying to isolate whether the problem is likely caused from not so great media (Ridata dvd+r DL RITEK-D01-01), my dvd players, or the process I used to burn them. My wife laughs at me because I blame the DVD players for all my semi unsuccessful burns.

r0lZ

4th March 2006, 12:07

cmurda

4th March 2006, 12:47

OK. Good to know.
Indeed, if you created the ISO with ImgTool instead of PgcEdit/mkisofs, the layer break cannot be set at the right position. The DVD should play on a PC, since the soft players are less picky, but a standalone player will probably hang when the second layer is accessed.
I will try to add a check to ensure that the right exe is selected.Oh, makes sense. But, sometimes the freezes will stop, play for a while ok, then start again in random intervals. Do you think this is still a byproduct of the layer break set incorrectly? Thanks for all your help.

As far as the exe check. Probably a good idea. There are others like me that seem to somehow find trouble in the simplest of computer related tasks. The message you need ver 2.01 does show but didn't give me a red flag. I took it as a reminder. Maybe if the message says no mkisofs.exe file found in directory, it would have clued me in.

r0lZ

4th March 2006, 13:04

Oh, makes sense. But, sometimes the freezes will stop, play for a while ok, then start again in random intervals. Do you think this is still a byproduct of the layer break set incorrectly?Honestly, I don't know. Maybe it's caused by wrong/cheap media? Or it's a side effect of the wrong LB position.

Try to fix the mkisofs path problem, and burn a Verbatim. Should work. But note that a DL DVD is always less good than a single layer one. It is fussy to burn the second layer, and even an excellent standalone player has often trouble reading it.

cmurda

4th March 2006, 13:09

Honestly, I don't know. Maybe it's caused by wrong/cheap media? Or it's a side effect of the wrong LB position.

Try to fix the mkisofs path problem, and burn a Verbatim. Should work. But note that a DL DVD is always less good than a single layer one. It is fussy to burn the second layer, and even an excellent standalone player has often trouble reading it.Point taken. I am going to switch to verbatim. Seems to be the best of the DL's for the price. Thanks for the great program and thanks again for your help. I'm going to browse around the other parts of the forum soon and learn some more.

frank

7th March 2006, 10:51

Originally posted by r0lZ:
But note that a DL DVD is always less good than a single layer one. It is fussy to burn the second layer, and even an excellent standalone player has often trouble reading it.I have investigated the case, and I think the main problem is the burner!
With Kprobe2 and Lite-On burners we can test the read errors of a DVD.

My new Lite-On burner SHW-16H5S burns basically the second layer in less quality! Best media was Philips DL. Verbatim DL 4x/8x result in much more read errors on second layer. Horrible!
But when I burn Verbatim DL on my old LG GSA-4163B then I get excellent results on both layers. (PIF < 12!)
On the other hand when I burn Philips DL on LG then I get bad results on second layer! Horrible...

r0lZ

7th March 2006, 11:56

Interesting! Do you know what's the brand behind Philips? (BTW, I've burned one good Philips DL, too, on a Nec. But since I have burned only one Plilips, it's a little bit difficult to conclude anything!)

cmurda

7th March 2006, 12:04

How can you determine the qualities of the burns? Burn errors on 2nd layer etc.?

Maybe burners are finnicky. I use a NEC ND-3540A. So far, the Ridek has been hit or miss and depending on the DVD player. Verbatim DL and Data Life Plus seem to get very good reviews, but I suppose the object is to find the right media for your burner. Verbatim may tend to appeal to more drives than most other media.

frank

7th March 2006, 22:38

Philips makes its own media.
Philips DVD+R Double Layer: PHILIPS CD2

Read quality means a low number of read errors before digital correction stages in the drive.
There are Parity Inner Errors (PIE) and uncorrectable PIE = PIF (PI Failure), PO.

PI (Parity Inner): No larger areas on the disc should exceed 280 PI errors, do not worry too much about high single spikes that exceeds 280.
PO (Parity Outer): No larger areas on the disc should exceed 32 PO (actually PI uncorrectable) errors.

More you can read at http://club.cdfreaks.com

Normally you cannot measure the error numbers.
But LiteOn drives (because of the used Mediatek controller) have a pin on the connector for measuring and Kprobe2 can read and show the errors!

ux-3

1st June 2006, 20:22

I am going to hang in here because I hope that my problem might fit into this thread.

But let me first thank rOlZ and LUK for the nice software they have created over time.

I have basically outlined the symptoms of my problem here:
my problem (http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?t=111897)
Basically, I burned the manipulated files with NERO6 :eek: and got what I deserved, a faulty layer break. But more obvious: The disk does not go anywhere. If I use the remote and press menu, the animated menu comes but the buttons don't work. The disk has a good PIE scan, there should be no trouble from that side. If I burn the first half of the files to DVD+RW or use Nero recode for DVD+RW, the menu works.

From all I read here, it seems that Nero6 is responsible for at least part of my problem. The original disk has the layer break at the start of the third title, whereas Nero moved it 3 minutes further into that title.

I would like to know if Nero is also responsible for the broken menu at the start? I read some suggestion to this end in the 32K-thread.

If there is a fair chance, I would throw another sacrifical DL in the burner and see if it works that way.

Depending on the nature of the answer, it might better fit here or in my thread. Thanks for helping!

And while stealing your valuable time: How well do they plextools work when doing a DVD+R DL copy? Any information?
greetings
ux-3

formyself

6th June 2006, 13:53

Hallo,

I wonder if during the process of making the ISO with PGC-Edit also a MDS file is created ??

I have only used dvd-decrypter so far to make an image and to burn the image. Dvd-decrypter makes an ISO/MDS file.

When I use the ISO only during the burning process I have not a correct layer break point. When I use the MDS file together with the ISO then everything works fine.

According to me the MDS file is needed together with the ISO because this file describes how the media fisical needs to be writen/burned.

Please correct me if I'm wrong !?

r0lZ

6th June 2006, 14:05

No, PgcEdit doesn't create a MDS file. If you burn the DVD directly from PgcEdit, the LB position is passed via the command line to ImgBurn. Therefore, the MDS file is not necessary.

Also, you can safely burn an ISO image previously created by PgcEdit, even without the MDS file. ImgBurn should detect the correct cell in the ISO file, and use it. If, per chance, there are several cells that are suitable for the layer break, ImgBurn will open its own layer break selection dialog, where you can select the same cell you have selected in PgcEdit.

But do not use another program to create the ISO. For example, ImgTool cannot handle the DL DVDs, and Nero has many problems. In this case, burning the ISO, even with ImgBurn, can lead to problems, because ImgBurn will probably have no valid cell for the layer break.

formyself

6th June 2006, 14:42

THX for the quick reply.
I know that dvd-decrypter did not work correctly without a mds file.
I will try to use ImgBurn instead and i'm wondering if this indeed works. Since the dual layer are still quite expensive "try and error" aint funny !!!!

Again thanks for your help ;)

Tested it and indeed it works :)

r0lZ

6th June 2006, 14:52

I can affirm that ImgBurn works pretty well to burn the DL DVDs. It's even the only program I recommend, at least for now.
But you have to give it a good ISO. You can create the ISO directly with DVD Decrypter (in ISO mode) or, if you want to burn DVD-Video files, then use PgcEdit.

formyself

9th June 2006, 16:24

Hoi,
Again a very simple question !!
Does PGC-Edit always changes de ifo files by means that the date is changed?

I have compared the actual data with a hex editer and they are still exactly the same. The pgc-edit (new one) and the backup ifo's in de pgc-edit_backup directory.

The layer break was already pressent in de ifo file I had and therefor I believe no changes had to be made.

Cheers.

r0lZ

9th June 2006, 18:35

It is possible (and normal) that the IFO files are exactly identical when you burn a single layer DVD without the 32K gaps option, or when the gaps are not necessary because the VOB files are large enough. In this case, the VTS sectors pointers are computed exactly like IfoEdit's Get VTS Sectors, to place the files one after each others, without gaps.

But if the 32K gaps option is checked or you burn a DL-DVD, there is little chance that the VTS sectors are not changed.

Anyway, PgcEdit saves always the IFOs when the burn function is entered, to ensure the VTS sectors are corrects.

redguy

9th June 2006, 18:41

@r0lZ
But remember to reset the DVDD setting to Optimal before burning another DL, or the wrong value will be used!
do i have to reset to Optimal even if I use the same unmodified iso file?

:( stupid question i know :D , but just to be sure

r0lZ

10th June 2006, 01:16

You should not need to modify the ImgBurn settings. My reply is very old, and was in reference to DVD Decrypter. With ImgBurn, the method has changed. I recommend using ImgBurn instead of DVDD to burn.

Currently, if you burn directly the DVD from PgcEdit, the layer break position is passed to ImgBurn via a CLI argument, and therefore the ImgBurn settings are not modified.
If you want to burn the same ISO again (and the setting is configured to optimal) ImgBurn will analyse the ISO, and detect the layer break position. If, per chance, there are several cells that are suitable for the layer break, it will open its own dialog, where you should select the same cell you selected in PgcEdit.

You can also, if you wish, change the ImgBurn settings manually to specify the layer break sector. In this case, don't forget to reset it to optimal later.

ux-3

10th June 2006, 09:39

I just hit a case where the layer break occurs right at a cell, which is in double use (play all / play episode). I get two adjacent lines offered, (one with " in it). The top line was blue, the bottem line green. the top line was selected. I read the note offered by the programm, but didn't exactly understand it. I couldn't select both as layer break, could I? The text
In case of reused cells,all cells sharing the same sector number (noted ") should be colored if possible
isn't exactly clear to me. I left the selection on the blue, since I couldn't also select the green line directly below.

greetings,
ux-3

r0lZ

10th June 2006, 10:18

Selecting any line has exactly the same effect. What matters is the sector number, not really the PGC cell. Of course (unless you use the seamless LB option), the seamless flag will be cleared on the cell in both PGCs.

vandienk

21st June 2006, 23:31

Hi pals... I am having the follwoing problem.
I have just created an image file (iso) with pcgEdit and I set the layer break that the program suggested me with a blue line. However, when I get the log for the iso creation I read this:

Layer break is at absolute sector 1911552. (Offset in L0 is 7.)
Layer break cell:
1911545: VTST 1 , 1 TTN 1 (2:03:03) Title 1 Cell 9 (00:07:38.26), V/CID: 1/9 high mux rate

Now... Which number should I write in DVDDecrypter for the Layer break to burn the iso file? The absolute sector (1911552) or the cell (1911545)??

Thanxs a lot!!!

blutach

22nd June 2006, 02:36

Welcome to doom9 vandienk

PgcEdit (http://www.videohelp.com/~r0lZ/pgcedit/index.html) will parse the sector automatically to DVD Decrypter/ImgBurn (www.imgburn.com). But it shoud be the absolute sector. Check it in the settings menu before you click the big green button.

Regards

vandienk

22nd June 2006, 04:05

Thanxs pal...
I have already burnt the disc choosing the absolute sector and all. Now, When DVDDecrypter finished burning the iso file, it got stuck at a message saying synchronisin cache, my burner green light on as if still burning. It stuck ther for like 10 more minutes after burning... Believing I had gotten a coaster, I clicked on Cancel on DVDD and the message that the disc had been burnt successfully popped out. NOW, I played the disc on the computer first (same drive that burn it) and the film is OK, no problem at all. I inserted it on my sand - alone DVD player (Philips HT 5500 C) and the disc won't even be recognised. As soon as the laser reads there is a DVD, it stops and can't play it at all. I tried it on my DVD burner again and everything seemed fine. What IS the problem? The media is Ridata DVD-R DL. I read at a forum it was the -R that caused the problem, but I don't see how that can be, as I HAVE been adviced to USE -R DL instead of +R DL for similar "reading" problems I had with my DVD player and those types of discs.

ANY HELP WILL BE APPRECIATED.
Thanxs a lot

blutach

22nd June 2006, 06:08

No need to "shout".

From DVD Decrypter:

Tools - Drive - Close - Disc

A log would be useful - you should make sure your firmware is up to date and you are using the best media - I recommend Verbatim over Ridata any day. This is probably the cause of your troubles.

And as for the advice to use -R for DL, that is phooey. Use +R for maximum compatibilty. A search of this forum will show you why.

Regards

r0lZ

22nd June 2006, 10:29

DL DVD-Rs are absolutely NOT compatibles with the standard method to determine and set the layer break position. On -Rs, the layer break is ALWAYS at the same position, at the end of L0.

To have a good burn:
- Use only ImgBurn. DVD Decrypter is still an excellent ripper, but is slightly outdated as a burner. In particular, is is not recommended to burn DL-Rs.
- Avoid crappy media. Use ONLY Verbatim DL DVD+Rs.
- If you really need to burn a DL-R, you MUST examine the number of sectors in L0 with ImgBurn, and copy this number in the Burn Setup GUI. Then, you MUST set the DL Media Type to Dual Layer DVD-R, and you MUST use ImgBurn to burn it. Even if you do everything correctly, coasters are frequent with DL-Rs!
Next time, buy a standalone that supports +Rs!

ux-3

22nd June 2006, 11:50

perhaps changing the book type might do the trick for DL+R

ron spencer

22nd June 2006, 14:32

whay does anyone use -r DL? that media will be dead soon...just does not work. -r was more compatible for single layer media a few years back...but now +r is just as good

-R DL=waste of time and money

vandienk

23rd June 2006, 01:15

Well pals...
I have to thank all the people who are giving me some information about this problem I have and I am definitely sorry for the capitals.
Now, I have a few more questions that come to my mind regarding this issue.

1) I was suggested that maybe the reason why my stand alone DVD player doesn't read the recorded disc is that it might NOT read DVD Dual layers, but then I think, Last week's DVD+R DLs burnt are played by the device, but this one is not. What's more, as soon as I insert the disc on the player, the laser gets kinda stuck at the reading and I just read the recongnised format "DVD" at the LCD display and then, the player becomes absolutely impossible to work. I have tried ejecting the disc, it doesn't work; tried turning off the device, doesn't work. The only way to make it eject is to unplug the player and when I plug it back, it just ejects it. Very weird!!
Another thing that comes to my mind is: I have always assumed original DVD's (DVD-9) were Dual layer discs, so if my DV player reads them, why wouldn't it read recorded ones?

What's more, I still keep inserting the DVD on the driver that created it and I am still able to watch it with PowerDVD on the PC. So I guess the incompatibility suggestion is the best explanation to why my stand-alone DVD player doesn't play it, but why doesn't it say NO DISC instead of getting stuck and behaving so weirdly (as described)

2) Let's imagine I now try to burn a new .iso file using ImgBurn (as it was suggested here - since DVD Decrypter is no longer updated) and I still use Ridata DVD-R DL (because I bought 7 of them). Somebody said that setting a layer break with this media is useless because the layer break is ALWAYS at the same place. So how do you suggest I burn it?

3) One more thing: If DVD-R DL are not compaible with more stand alone DVD layer. What other use rather than backing up a movie do they have? I mean, What else can they be used for?

I do hope you can still help me with all this and thanxs again for all the help.

setarip_old

23rd June 2006, 01:45

Hi!Another thing that comes to my mind is: I have always assumed original DVD's (DVD-9) were Dual layer discs, so if my DV player reads them, why wouldn't it read recorded ones?The ability to play a commercial, pressed double-layered DVD has nothing to do with the ability, or lack of ability, to play burned media - single layered, double-layered, +R, or -R...

blutach

23rd June 2006, 02:39

@vandienk

Well, use your 7 Ridata -Rs but expect varied perfomance and frustration.

To burn them, you must set your capacities correctly in PgcEdit (http://www.videohelp.com/~r0lZ/pgcedit/index.html)'s burn setup dialogue. Insert a blank into the drive and open ImgBurn (www.imgburn.com). Note the Number of free sectors and L0 capacity and enter those numbers correctly. Save your settings.

Then burn as you normally would - PgcEdit (http://www.videohelp.com/~r0lZ/pgcedit/index.html) will help calculate the LB.

Regards

vandienk

23rd June 2006, 02:41

Hi!The ability to play a commercial, pressed double-layered DVD has nothing to do with the ability, or lack of ability, to play burned media - single layered, double-layered, +R, or -R...

OK... That having been said, am I right to assume that since my stand-alone DVD player plays the two previously burnt DVD+R DL, it DOES read that format, but not DVD-R DL, right?

Thanxs for the help!

ron spencer

23rd June 2006, 04:08

I have yet to see a player that will not read dvd +r DL and I have an 8 year old toshiba....booktype the +r DLs to DVD-Rom though.

I have yet to see a player play a -r DL consistently.

Chuck out you -r DLs and get +r DL....only choose verbatim and get a good burner like LG or Benq...all problems will be solved. Burn with PGCEdit/IMGBurn

berrick

23rd June 2006, 08:44

Just to add my 5penny worth

nwg stated:
Nero is really only worth using if you don't change anything and do a exact 1:1 copy. If you change something. The layer change position will be very likely in a different position which Nero deicdes when burning.
Nero v7 will burn perfect copies IF, From my experience, you rip in file mode using DVDd then burn without modifcation using a good quality disk, the ones that worked for me where Datawrite with RITEK-D01-01 dye.

and
ux-3 stated
Basically, I burned the manipulated files with NERO6 and got what I deserved, a faulty layer break. But more obvious: The disk does not go anywhere. If I use the remote and press menu, the animated menu comes but the buttons don't work.
This is also the case with Nero v7 from my experience. I normally use PGCedit for the manipulation and till now Nero for burning and get DL dvd's that play L0 fine then jump then hang sometime into L1 and generally hang when tring to use the chapter menus.

I may have come a bit late to this but it might clarify a few points

Additional info:
Burner Pioneer DVR-111D and DVR-109
Player 5 year old Pioneer DV-626D

ux-3

23rd June 2006, 11:01

simply don't burn with Nero... but I guess we all don't mind a guy doing our reserach at 2 bucks a pop... ;-)

berrick

23rd June 2006, 18:01

I must admit i have found nero to be rather fussy about DVD structure compliance. I have found if the dvd im trying to burn opens without issue in PGCedit/vobblanker it has all ways "burned ok" have also used Fixvts on ocasion to check or correct.

I'm using NERO v7 not sure bout earlier version ;

But to clarify

To date using Nero v7 to burn an un altered DL dvd works for me in the circumstances i posted above

blutach

23rd June 2006, 23:50

See here (http://www.digital-digest.com/~blutach/dl_burn_guide2/dl_burning_with_pgcedit_v2.htm) for updated guide.

Regards

berrick

24th June 2006, 11:17

I've bin itching to give this guide a try, but so bizzy at the mo, plus i dont like posting for help if i can help it. Knowing me i'm sure to have some question ;)

dialysis1

24th June 2006, 12:50

I just read the updated guide. I have one word.
EXCELLENT!

campari212

26th June 2006, 11:52

(del)

frank

26th June 2006, 17:29

Originally posted by vandienk:
...as soon as I insert the disc on the player, the laser gets kinda stuck at the reading and I just read the recognised format "DVD" at the LCD display and then, the player becomes absolutely impossible to work.
Because the LB setting or the file system is wrong (UDF) it wants to read information from non-existant sectors, or it cannot recognise the book-type.
...I still keep inserting the DVD on the driver that created it and I am still able to watch it with PowerDVD on the PC.A PC can use the ISO file system, or the UDF. The Windows OS has more intelligence than a stupid dvd player (access via file names instead of ifo pointers).

The whole trouble comes from pre-embossed/pre-written areas (with fixed information about L0 size) of the -R standard! (movie mafia)
To solve the problems with -R DL you have to climb over mountains. It is basically possible to burn -R DL DVDs with a changed Layer Break (Layer Jump method etc.), so the standard says. But the filesystem layouter MKISOFS doesn't support it (->predefined anchor point positions) and a big workaround has to be done (in ImgBurn and PgcEdit). Until now not solved.
But why? Use DVD+R DL.

blutach

26th June 2006, 22:49

The Windows OS has more intelligence than ... Never thought I'd see this in writing except from Micro$oft!!!

Regards

frank

27th June 2006, 10:11

Hey, I'm not a fan of M$! :D I meant file access via OS.

BTW blutach, can you change the title of your guide into "How to burn Double Layer Disks..."? Dual Layer is a bit misleading.
Dual Layer is used for -R DL and Double Layer is used for +R DL.

blutach

27th June 2006, 11:43

Yes - it really should be "dual and double layer", but I suspect most people know what we are talking about anyway, yes? And others might get confused as to why the two terms.

Regards

Mr.Bitey

27th June 2006, 15:57

Hi All,

Ive baught myself a new (my first) DL burner (Pioneer 111D) for my upcomming birthday (who's a lucky boy ;-) this weekend and have been collecting firmwares and a small stockpile of Verbatim +R DL media in preperation :)

Ive been keeping some 5+ GB ISO's on my HTPC, which i created with dvd decrypter's READ-ISO (and anydvd in the background).. Upon doing some research into the burning aspect, I unfortunatly rather foolishly deleted the MDS files (sigh) having never needed them (and ignored LUK's numerous warnings) in the past :scared: .

In reading, it seems I have two choices when it comes to burning these MDS-less ISO's onto DL media:

1. Use imgburn by itself and go with its 'calculate optimal' for the layerbreak, click burn and hope im burning a good disc and not just my cash! :-) or;
2. Mount the ISO's and work with PCGedit as if they were ripped files and go about creating a brand-new ISO's with correctly determined layerbreaks.

At this point I havent mounted the ISO's to see if they have a cell flagged with a layerbreak which Im assuming imgburn would find and recalculate the correct sector based on the flagged cell - which I assume would mean I could use method 1 above?

Your advice (including some mandatory 'your an idiot for deleting the MDS files!' would be very welcomed!

Cheers,
:stupid:
Bitey

r0lZ

27th June 2006, 16:09

PgcEdit can't modify the IFOs on a mounted image, and therefore cannot burn the files directly. If you want to create an ISO with PgcEdit, you will have to copy the DVD files in an HD folder first.
But if you have the original ISO, ImgBurn should be able to find the original LB cell and propose it in its LB selection dialog. Try it!

ux-3

30th June 2006, 06:37

I have to report a strange problem which occured when burning a DL disk with the PGCedit & IMGburn combo. The DL disk contains 7 episodes. I have done a trace, to skip initial stuff and go right to the main menu. When starting the burn from PGCedit, I have the choice of two green layer break positions, one before episode 4 and one before episode 5. (lots of room still, so 4 can be on either layer). I followed the suggested LB choice. I later checked that indeed the LB is at the same position as the LB of the source.

Now here is the result: The disk plays fine up to Episode 3. On a Sony standalone DVD-PLAYER, it plays fine all through.
On a Sony standalone DVD-HD-RECORDER, 4 doesn't start and 5 to 7 enter about 2 minutes delayed.

I am trying to figure out whats wrong. I wonder if I accidentally deleted something instead of just skipping it.

I also did the next disk the same way and it plays fine.

Could this be caused by a bad burn? Why does it shift entry though?

Thanks for help
greetings
ux-3

Edit: used 7.2

blutach

30th June 2006, 07:14

Sounds like a bad burn. Have you looked at it on CD-DVD Speed/DVDInfoPro?

What media you using?

Regards

setarip_old

30th June 2006, 07:36

On a Sony standalone DVD-PLAYER, it plays fine all through.
On a Sony standalone DVD-HD-RECORDER, 4 doesn't start and 5 to 7 enter about 2 minutes delayed.I'd speculate that it's simply a case of your Sony standalone DVD-HD-RECORDER being less capable of playing your burned DL media than your Sony standalone DVD-PLAYER.

Just curious, what DL media did you burn and at what speed?

ux-3

30th June 2006, 07:59

Yes, I am suspecting the media as well. I scanned the disk using plextools but there are no signs of a bad burn there. Its genuine Ricoh DL 2.4x, not relabled, burned at 4x. I have done that before, but won't do it again.

I sampled all drives in the house and found more evidence to media problems. While all the readers can read it, some burners can't. I figure, this makes it a case for the media department.

greetings
ux-3

blutach

30th June 2006, 09:23

For mine, stick with Verbatims, at 2.4x. They seem to have the least problems.

Regards

frank

30th June 2006, 09:56

Set the Book Type to DVD-ROM!

ux-3

30th June 2006, 22:58

plex defaults to that

Mr.Bitey

1st July 2006, 14:14

r0lZ,

Thanks for the reply, i realise now im in the wrong thread/subforum for my query...

I'll give it a shot.. ive got blutach's excellent guide to fall back on if it all turns pear-shaped :-)

Cheers,
Bitey

vandienk

5th July 2006, 21:54

OK... here's the thing. I have already bought Verbatim DVD+R DL and now I am about to burn my first DVD and I definitely do NOT want it to be a coaster. So I have a few questions. 1) I have created the .iso with PGCEDit setting the layer break suggested by the appz. Now, I have opened ImgBurn to burn the iso, I have written the ABSOLUTE SECTOR layer break given by the log at the setting of ImgBurn. Is that ok? Or should I let the program do it all on its own? 2) According to the disc (media) specs given by ImgBurn, the minimum write speed is 2,4, but the options give me 1; 2; 2,4; etc. As I want the DVD to be played everywhere, which do you think is the best write speed? 3) It's also been recommended that the booktype should be changed to DVD-ROM, but ImgBurn DOES NOT list my brand of burner (Pioneer 109). What should I do there?
Thanxs a lot Pals

setarip_old

5th July 2006, 22:11

It's also been recommended that the booktype should be changed to DVD-ROM, but ImgBurn DOES NOT list my brand of burner (Pioneer 109). What should I do there?The Pioneer 109 AUTOMATICALLY sets the booktype to "DVD-ROM" when it detects DL DVD+R media...

r0lZ

6th July 2006, 09:34

1) I have created the .iso with PGCEDit setting the layer break suggested by the appz. Now, I have opened ImgBurn to burn the iso, I have written the ABSOLUTE SECTOR layer break given by the log at the setting of ImgBurn. Is that ok? Or should I let the program do it all on its own?
It's OK, but it is easier to burn directly from PgcEdit. This way, the LB sector is passed to ImgBurn directly by PgcEdit, and you don't have to specify it.
To burn an image already created on HDD, you can specify the LB sector manually, as you did, but take care: if you enter a wrong number, you will certainly burn a coaster. Also, don't forget to reset the setting to "calculate optimal" after the burn!
You can also leave the ImgBurn setting to "calculate optimal". If, per chance, there are several cells suitable for the layer break in the ISO, ImgBurn will open its own LB selection dialog, and you should be able to select the same cell again.

2) According to the disc (media) specs given by ImgBurn, the minimum write speed is 2,4, but the options give me 1; 2; 2,4; etc. As I want the DVD to be played everywhere, which do you think is the best write speed?
PgcEdit doesn't know your burner and media, and therefore cannot guess which write speed is really available. If you select a wrong speed, another one will be used.
I burn generally at 4x, but for a double layer, it might be better to burn at 2x.

vandienk

6th July 2006, 12:48

It's OK, but it is easier to burn directly from PgcEdit. This way, the LB sector is passed to ImgBurn directly by PgcEdit, and you don't have to specify it.

Let's assume, I choose this option. How do I do it? Because right after PgcEdit finishes setting the layer break and creating the .iso image, the popped-up window to launch ImgBurn directly from it closes and only the log window with all the commands and operations of PgcEdit is open.

To burn an image already created on HDD, you can specify the LB sector manually, as you did, but take care: if you enter a wrong number, you will certainly burn a coaster.

I was suggested here that the number to enter manually at those settings should be the ABSOLUTE SECTOR number suggested by the log window after the setting the layer break step. Is that right?

Also, don't forget to reset the setting to "calculate optimal" after the burn!

Where do I do that?

You can also leave the ImgBurn setting to "calculate optimal". If, per chance, there are several cells suitable for the layer break in the ISO, ImgBurn will open its own LB selection dialog, and you should be able to select the same cell again.

Does this mean that if I don't set anything MYSELF and just go to the next steps as they appear on the appz, it just burns the DL on its own for what it believes it's OPTIMAL?

PgcEdit doesn't know your burner and media, and therefore cannot guess which write speed is really available. If you select a wrong speed, another one will be used.
I burn generally at 4x, but for a double layer, it might be better to burn at 2x.

OK... This one I got it...

Sorry to ask you so many question, pal. But as you gave many options to work with here, I don't wanna mess and see if I can really burn it right this time. Thanxs a lot!!!!

r0lZ

6th July 2006, 13:12

Let's assume, I choose this option. How do I do it? Because right after PgcEdit finishes setting the layer break and creating the .iso image, the popped-up window to launch ImgBurn directly from it closes and only the log window with all the commands and operations of PgcEdit is open.
You have to tick the option to burn with ImgBurn. It will be launched automatically by PgcEdit.

I was suggested here that the number to enter manually at those settings should be the ABSOLUTE SECTOR number suggested by the log window after the setting the layer break step. Is that right?
Yes.

Where do I do that?
in the ImgBurn settings. You have changed the setting to specify the layer break sector number, therefore you have to reset the ImgBurn settings to the default value after the burn.

Does this mean that if I don't set anything MYSELF and just go to the next steps as they appear on the appz, it just burns the DL on its own for what it believes it's OPTIMAL?
Currently, ImgBurn cannot modify the layout of the files in the compilation, because it burns only ISO images. So, the layer break cannot be properly set by ImgBurn. This is why you need PgcEdit.

However, if you burn an image with at least one cell that is properly aligned and therefore can be used for the layer break, ImgBurn will use it if the optimal setting is selected. As I said, if there are several cells, it will ask you which one you want to use.

In the other hand, if you specify the layer break sector (either manually or by launching ImgBurn from PgcEdit), it will use the specified sector anyway, and the layer break selection dialog will not be shown.

Sorry to ask you so many question, pal. But as you gave many options to work with here, I don't wanna mess and see if I can really burn it right this time. Thanxs a lot!!!!
You're welcome.

vandienk

12th July 2006, 01:00

Hi pals...
It's me again. I have a new question... PgcEdit gives me ALL these cells as possible layer break setting. Which one should I choose?

http://img66.imageshack.us/img66/8818/dibujo9fb.th.jpg (http://img66.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dibujo9fb.jpg)

blutach

12th July 2006, 01:33

Sadly I can't see the pic at a decent size when I click on it. But if you read the guide and the text below the window with the choices, you will get more than a clue. Greens are entry cells and are the best.

Please read the guide and the prog.

Regards

vandienk

12th July 2006, 01:43

Thanxs Blutach.
My problem is that it gives me many green cells (all the ones at the top). And One of them is in the root title. Is it OK if I choose that one?

blutach

12th July 2006, 10:16

I am not sure what a root title is. If you mean the root menu, then it would seem reasonable, so long as your main movie title doesn't break at an aesthetically bad place.

Regards

hsvham

3rd August 2006, 19:57

I have just begun using the PgcEdit/ImgBurn tools to make DL backups, and am seeing problems with *a few* (usually two or three) player lockups (I can usually get past these by advancing to the next chapter) when using my old Sony NS325 standalone player. However all of these backups seem to play perfectly on the DVD player in another computer (not the one I used to burn the backup).

My process: rip the original disc using DVD Decrypter. Open the ripped files in PgcEdit and write an ISO file using the suggested defaults, letting PgcEdit launch to ImgBurn to burn the DL backup disc at 2X on a NEC 3550 DL writer. I am currently using Memorex DVD+R-DL media.

My computer-based DVD player seems to play thru all these "trouble areas" just fine, while my older Sony NS325P player has the problems with the backups.

I have attempted four backups, the first one had a lockup just a few minutes into the disc (right at a menu action, as I recall) so I burned another one and it seemed to play OK. The next backup seems to be all OK. The 3rd backup had a single "grouping" of lockups at about 66 min. into the main program. The 4th backup had three groups of lockups, two of which were located at 61 min. and at 98 min. into the program.

It does not seem that my problems can be correlated with layer break, because they are happening at such a wide variety of places on the disc. I know about the reported problems with Memorex DL media. Why does my computer DVD player play these DL backups just fine while the Sony does not? I have already ordered some Verbatim DL media, but it is not yet in-hand to try.

Am I doing the right thing by just letting PgcEdit and ImgBurn use all the default / suggested options?

Any other suggestions (besides getting some Verbatim media and maybe a newer standalone DVD player)?

hsvham

setarip_old

3rd August 2006, 21:31

If possible, try playing them on a different standalone DVD player.

You might also try running a DVD/CD cleaning disc on your SONY standalone. Maxell makes one that sells for approximately $10US...

blutach

4th August 2006, 00:00

I am currently using Memorex DVD+R-DL mediaThere's your problem - I'm sorry, I know you asked not to say this, but you really should use Verbatims to give yourself a better chance. I'm sure you'll have a happier story when these arrive.

Your PgcEdit (http://www.videohelp.com/~r0lZ/pgcedit/index.html)/ImgBurn (www.imgburn.com) settings are fine.

Regards

setarip_old

4th August 2006, 00:17

The poster is already aware of this:I have already ordered some Verbatim DL media, but it is not yet in-hand to try. and:Any other suggestions (besides getting some Verbatim media...

blutach

4th August 2006, 01:26

I know you asked not to say this
I'm sure you'll have a happier story when these arrive.

I know. But it is most likely the source of his problems.

Regards

hsvham

4th August 2006, 03:29

thanks blutach (and others) - that's what I suspected might be happening re: the Memorex media.

I just thought that (maybe!) it would work. So now I'll just burn thru the remaining discs (I only bought a 15X spindle of them for the first attempts) while I am waiting for the Verbatims to arrive, and maybe I'll actually get a good one!

hsvham

Mr.Bitey

4th August 2006, 03:37

If your just ripping, then burning - why not rip to ISO (making a MDS) file and burn straight away (by selecting the MDS file) with ImgBurn ?

Anyway - The problem you desribe is your standalone having problems reading the media. Your computer dvd-rom/dvdr is MUCH better at reading discs than a standalone (and can go back and re-read any trouble-bits without you noticing).

Use Verbatim media - as youve discovered, its not worth saving a few cents only to have a whole disc ruined (or 4).

Cheers,
Bitey

r0lZ

4th August 2006, 07:28

My computer-based DVD player seems to play thru all these "trouble areas" just fine, while my older Sony NS325P player has the problems with the backups.
Seems it's a compatibility problem with your media and the Sony player.
The Sony players are well known to have a very bad error correction, and they are therefore very sensible to poor burns on crappy media. The laser might be tired, too. My old Sony DVP-S725D cannot read +/-R/RW media any more, though it has no problem with the commercial pressed DVDs.

I don't like Memorex. Try Verbatim (or some Philips.)

r0lZ

4th August 2006, 07:34

If your just ripping, then burning - why not rip to ISO (making a MDS) file and burn straight away (by selecting the MDS file) with ImgBurn ?Burning the ISO is the problem, not producing it. Anyway, I suppose hsvham wants to modify the DVD before burning it.

hsvham

4th August 2006, 15:46

Most of the time, I would like to go straight to ISO, can I use DVD Decrypter to do this in one simple process, then kick off ImgBurn to burn the backup from the ISO file?

hsvham

setarip_old

4th August 2006, 16:41

Yes (As long as the original DVD doesn't contain "ARccOS" copy protection - which will require preliminary work to rip properly)...

blutach

5th August 2006, 01:32

And if it does, RipIt4Me (http://www.ripit4me.org/) can rip ARccOS DVDs in ISO mode. Very simple.

Regards

bondfan

9th October 2006, 01:41

Hi, I've just begun to learn about burning dual layer discs. I have had more probelms with DVD Shrink than DVD Decrypter, so I thought maybe I should avoid the shrink issue.
I downloaded PgcEdit and am a little confused with it. When it says to "open the project by browsing to the folder containing your DVD files", does this mean the original DVD you want to back up? I know it may be clear to most, but I'm not sure if it means this, or if you should run DVD Decrypter first?
Thanks for the help. I've used the Doom forum countless times for hassles with Shrink, Decrypter, AnyDvd, etc. You folks are great.

blutach

9th October 2006, 05:14

It means open the ripped folder on your hard drive.

Regards

bondfan

14th October 2006, 02:32

I must be stupid.:stupid: I ripped the movie with DVD Decrypter. Then I opened PgcEdit and click on the folder on my hard drive. It has two files, one is movietitle.iso and the other is movietitle.mds. I click OK and nothing happens. It won't open the folder. Am I dumb?

setarip_old

14th October 2006, 05:16

Doubleclick on either of the two filenames...

r0lZ

14th October 2006, 11:31

PgcEdit cannot work on an ISO file. The ISO is an image of your original DVD, and is read-only. You can burn an ISO, but not edit it.

If you want to edit your DVD files before burning them, you have to rip the DVD in file mode. In this mode, each DVD-Video file (*.IFO, *.BUP, *.VOB) is copied in the target folder. Open that target folder with PgcEdit.

bondfan

15th October 2006, 02:09

you folks are good! i've been reading and reading, but didn't see that (although i'm sure it's there somewhere).
thanks as always for your help.
one last question (at least i hope it's last): i have a ripped iso file of a movie. is there anything i can do if it won't burn with dvd shrink?

r0lZ

15th October 2006, 08:51

Mount the image, and copy the files somewhere to your HD. Load them in PgcEdit, and save the IFOs back. Process the whole DVD with FixVTS. Try to load the modified DVD in Shrink. It should work. Burn always with ImgBurn (http://www.imgburn.com/).
To mount the image, I recommend Daemon Tools (http://www.daemon-tools.cc/dtcc/announcements.php) (freeware).

Rafterman

16th October 2006, 15:07

Having just purchased my first DVD DL Rewriter(BenQ DW1655) and am going to try and backup one of my DVD's to a DL disk(Emtec DVD+R - RicohJPN D00-001). Now these disks are not cheap so I cannot afford to produce to many coasters. Anyway I checked this forum for some guidelines and got a nice guide using PgcEdit with Imgburn, mkisofs.exe and Decrypter. Now having looked at this method I have a few questions.

1. When you are selecting a layer break do you only need to select 1 layer break per dvd even if the dvd contains many of the examples as shown in the guide represented by the different colors, ie: select the green example if it exists and thats it.

2. In the guide it also mentions an app called Imgtools. What I would like to know is, do I need to use Imgtools and what is the difference between Imgburn and Imgtools. As I read it, it would appear Imgtools can be used to burn a DVD folder(Video_ts) whereas imgburn is used to burn ISO's???

3. rOIZ mentioned earlier in this thread it is possible to do a 1:1 copy from a DVD to a DL Disc using decrypter(ISO mode) so why does one need to do the stept as outlined in the PcgEdit guide concerning the layer break ect. Would a 1:1 copy using Decrypter with anydvd running in the background not work as well.

r0lZ

16th October 2006, 15:21

1. Yes, you cannot select several cells at the same time anyway.

2. ImgTool Classic can burn DVD-Video files on a single layer DVD only. It creates coasters if you use it to burn a DL. Forget it.
ImgBurn v1 was able to burn only ISO images.
ImgBurv v2 can burn DVD-Video files as well, including on a double-layer DVD+R (and even on a -R, but that's not recommended.) It has an interface similar to the PgcEdit GUI to select the layer break cell. You cannot preview the cell, though.
The PgcEdit method was needed to burn DVD-Video files on a DL-DVD with ImgBurn v1 (or DVD Decrypter). You can still use this method, including with ImgBurn v2, but you can also burn directly the files with ImgBurn V2.

3. You can burn directly an ISO image created by DVDD with ImgBurn (either v1 or v2). But you have to rip your original DVD in ISO mode. An ISO is read-only, so, you cannot edit the DVD. If you want to modify something before burning the DVD, you have to rip it in file mode, edit it, and burn the DVD-Video files with either ImgBurn v2 or PgcEdit.

Rafterman

17th October 2006, 19:18

Thanks for the explaination r0lZ, nice and consise. However I did run into some problems. I followed the instructions as laid out in the guide "How to burn Dual Layer Disks with PgcEdit". I completed all the steps but when I went to burn the ISO file I get the following error message when the job was 50% completed:

=====================================================================================

Device: [0:1:0] BenQ DVD LS DW1655 BCIB (G:)(ATA)
ScsiStatus: 0x02
Interpretation: Check Condition

CDB: 2A 00 00 1F 45 A0 00 00 20 00
Interpretation: Write(10) - Sectors: 2049440 - 2049471

Service Area: 70 00 03 00 00 00 00 12 00 00 00 00 0C 00 00 00 00 00 00 01 02 03 04 05
Interpretation: Write Error

======================================================================================

I also tried to do a 1:1 burn using DVDDecrypter's ISO Read/Write method and the same thing happened in the same place(50%) with the same error message. €20 down the drain. Would anyone have any ideas what is going on here and what exactly this error message is telling me.

The disks I am using are Emtec DL DVD+R(RicohJPN D00-01).

blutach

17th October 2006, 23:22

Change to Verbatims with MKM dye. Burn at 2.4x

Regards

r0lZ

18th October 2006, 10:18

I confirm. Most of the DL media currently available cannot be burned properly. Verbatim is well known to be constantly reliable. I have had success with Philips DVD+R DL media too. Anyway, since Philips is not a media manufacturer, it is better to choose Verbatim.

BTW, in which country do you live? IMO, €10 for a DL is really expensive. In Belgium, I can find good Verbatim DLs for +/- €6, although expensive royalties are included in the price!
You might try to buy your media via an Internet store...

Rafterman

18th October 2006, 16:38

Yes I concur it must be the media. I have gone through 4 disks now using different methods, all coasters. The one thing that was consistant was they all failed at 50% so the first layer burned fine but the problems arose trying to burn layer 2. I live in Ireland and normally I buy all my media online from SVP.co.uk. However as I had just bought a new DVD DL writer I wanted to take it for a spin. I went into Maplin in Dublin and the Emtec disks were the only Dual Layer discs on the shelves. A pack of 5 disks cost me 42€(8.04 per), so while not exactly 10€ a disk they were expensive especially as they turned out to be useless.

ux-3

27th October 2006, 18:37

Hi there, its me again with a very simple question that I only ask because trial and error goes at 2 bucks a pop.

Does PgcEdit work with the latest release of Imageburn (2.1.0.0 I think)?

Can I upgrade ImageBurn in the future without checking back? I have no idea how those two programs exchange data, so I rather ask.

Thanks.

Greetings,
ux-3

r0lZ

27th October 2006, 19:23

Does PgcEdit work with the latest release of Imageburn (2.1.0.0 I think)?Yes.

Can I upgrade ImageBurn in the future without checking back?I suppose so. Anyway, I'll continue to support the newer versions of ImgBurn, if the command line doesn't change too much, and I'm sure LUK will not change it too much! ;)

But note that ImgBurn v2 has everything needed to burn directly the DVD-Video files. You don't need to create an ISO on HDD. ImgBurn v2 has also an interface to select the layer break (without preview), and the 32K gaps and seamless layer break supports. You don't need to use PgcEdit to burn your files on DL any more.

blutach

27th October 2006, 23:01

@r0lZ - did you get my email about the potential issues with labelling? Something possibly wrong in a pointer in the TXT_DATA management field.

This had implications for ImgBurn (www.imgburn.com)'s auto labelling function.

Regards

r0lZ

28th October 2006, 03:29

No, I haven't received it yet. :(

blutach

28th October 2006, 08:56

Re-sent. :)

Regards

Dr.Khron

12th November 2006, 19:55

Ok, so if I want to take my altered VOB files, and convert them to an ISO image, can I just make the ISO directly with IMGburn?

Basically, I'd like to edit the files with VOBBlanker, and then make an ISO that can be burned with any program.

setarip_old

12th November 2006, 20:58

can I just make the ISO directly with IMGburn?Yes...

r0lZ

12th November 2006, 21:03

No problem for a DVD-5. For a DL DVD, you have to burn with ImgBurn, as all other programs have problems with the layer break, including when you burn an ISO.
Anyway, I recommend using ImgBurn also to burn to single layer DVDs.

Dr.Khron

12th November 2006, 21:17

Doh! I meant for a full-sized DL disk...
I know that you can make SL ISO's with a variety of programs.

I have sucessfully burned DL ISO's with Nero before. So you are saying that even if I make an ISO with ImgBurn, I still MUST burn that ISO to disk with ImgBurn?

I thought that an ISO meant that the burning program made no decisions... I guess not, I suppose using Nero to burn an DL ISO is rolling the dice...

r0lZ

12th November 2006, 23:22

Nero will burn the ISO, that's right. But the layer break will probably be at an illegal position, and most standalone players will hang at the middle of the movie.
And why do you want to use Nero, expensive and not good, when you can use the excellent ImgBurn for free?

Dr.Khron

13th November 2006, 05:41

Ok, so I've figured out how to use ImgBurn to build the DL ISO file, and to burn the DL DVD from the ISO. Its been working great.

So, my question is, what are the advantages of using the PCGEdit GUI to build and burn? Isn't it just using ImgBurn anyway?

setarip_old

13th November 2006, 06:48

So, my question is, what are the advantages of using the PCGEdit GUI to build and burn? Isn't it just using ImgBurn anyway?None - unless you have other needs or reasons to be using PGCEdit regarding your DVD "package"...

r0lZ

13th November 2006, 08:59

The burn function in PgcEdit was made before ImgBurn v2 was released, and at this time, it was the only working solution to create a compliant DL ISO from DVD-Video files. Since v2 of ImgBurn, there is only one advantage: the preview when selecting the layer break cell. As the next version of ImgBurn will have also a preview, I don't recommend any more to use PgcEdit to burn.

Also, note that PgcEdit uses mkisofs to create the ISO. Mkisofs is very good and well known, espacially by Linux users. Since ImgBurn v2 is recent, it is possible that some bugs remain in the creation of the ISO, although I don't think so.

blutach

13th November 2006, 11:27

I have created a lot of ISOs in ImgBurn (www.imgburn.com) and as part of the testing process, looked at them in ISOBuster. They all came out 100%. You can use ImgBurn (www.imgburn.com) with great confidence.

Regards

Trriangle

18th November 2006, 05:58

Greetings,

I suppose [] free tool to be a great one to try. It is small yet relaible and extremely easy to use
<..>

blutach

18th November 2006, 06:07

Pure spam - you have been going round every forum with this.

@mpucoder - you may wish to delete his links

Regards

r0lZ

18th November 2006, 10:08

I agree, blu. Pure SPAM. Trriangle should be banned.

blutach

18th November 2006, 14:23

We've seen him on so many forums now. Both his posts have been struck. The next one will earn him a holiday.

Regards

sambeet

25th November 2006, 20:00

Hi..

I tried to burn DL DVDs using the combination as PcgEdit+ImgBurn+NEC ND-6650A(Firmware 1.23)+Verbatim(10pack) MKM-001+2.0x in Imgburn. Result 1..2..3...write error in 0-30%. 3 coasters. Thanks to Officemax, they refunded for the spindle.

On the otherhand I tried OfficeDepot(Ritek) brand discs, though the write are successful, there are 0.4% read error(reported by Nero speed) and all had problem in disk closing(I had to force close..loosing the DVD-ROM booktype). So far I have lots of coaster without a single success.

Does anybody have success with NEC ND-6650A + Verbatim(10pack)+@2.0x ?

I have updated the firmware to 1.62, should I try with a new pack of verbatim ?

Any other suggestions ??

Thanks, Sambeet

Video Dude

26th November 2006, 00:28

I had problems once when my hard drive was badly fragmented. If you have two hard drives, put the image/dvd files on the one that does not have the windows swap file. Verify that you have DMA enabled for the drive.

Set ImgBurn to 2.4x. (IIRC MKM-001 is +R DL media)

filmfan9

16th September 2007, 11:45

Hiya! I’m new to the forums so please be gentle! :)

I came across PgcEdit the other day and I think it’s a brilliant program! I love it! I have loads of trouble burning Double Layer DVDs but I’ve been able to do some back-ups of my original DVDs successfully with PgcEdit. Great stuff!

I am having some problems though making back-ups of my CSI SEASON 7 and BATTLESTAR GALACTICA SEASON 3 (UK Region 2, PAL) DVDs. I’m using a NEC +-RW ND-3530A DL Drive with the latest Firmware installed. I’m really new to PgcEdit so I don’t really know what I’m doing.

I opened up the ‘CSI SEASON 7 DISC 2’ VIDEO_TS folder on my PC in PgcEdit and it scans for BOVs. Do I have to do anything if it finds any buttons or not because I don’t know what to do? At the moment I’m just closing the window if it finds any buttons or not. I then select the ‘Burn’ option and it then shows the page with the Layer Breaks. I just select the one that PgcEdit has automatically selected because I figured that would probably be the best layer break position. It then successfully creates the ISO image and burns it at 2.4x speed using ImgBurn. The burned DVD plays in my standalone Philips DVP 630 DVD player but it only plays the first 3 episodes on the disc. When I select the fourth episode from the menu the screen goes black and the discs freezes. It seems to me as if it can’t find the last episode. The same happens with my BATTLESTAR GALACTICA SEASON 3 DVDs, it doesn’t play the last episode on the burned DVDs either. It plays the first 3 episodes perfectly, it just doesn’t play the last episode. I’ve spent days looking through all the forums I can find and I can’t find anyone who’s had the same problem as me. If anyone could help me please I’d be extremely grateful as I don’t know what to do. I’m totally stuck! Please help me! Thanks VERY much in advance! :)

Cheers, Paul. :thanks:

blutach

17th September 2007, 00:30

r0lZ

17th September 2007, 09:48

2.4x seems to be the best.Not sure. According to DVDInfo, I have better results at 4x, with Verbatim+Rs 16x certified and a NEC ND-3520.

What sounds strange in the problem reported by Paul is that it's systematically the last episode that cannot be accessed. Usually, with bad burns, the problems occur in the middle of a playback, not when the player must access another file.

blutach

17th September 2007, 10:40

r0lZ

17th September 2007, 10:46

Are there DL's rated at 16X? I haven't seen any (I'm still on the MKM-001s :))No, I was referring to SLs. My Verbatim+R DLs are 2.4x certified, but can be burned at 4x without problem. And, with my NEC, the quality is equivalent in both cases.

blutach

17th September 2007, 10:50

Aaah, I see - over at ImgBurn Forum (http://forum.imgburn.com/), we tend to advise not to burn the MKM-001s faster than 2.4x. Not to worry :)

Regards

filmfan9

17th September 2007, 11:52

Welcome to Doom9 Paul.

It's probably easier to simply use ImgBurn (www.imgburn.com) directly in build mode to burn. It eliminates the need to create an ISO.

Do ensure you are only using Verbatim +R DL media. 2.4x seems to be the best.

Regards

Thanks, blutach! It's great to be here!

And thank you VERY much for your help! I'm very grateful!

I've just been to the ImgBurn site and read a guide on how to burn in Build mode. I've just tried it and when the burn got to 51% this is the message that came up:

I/O Error!

Device: [1:0:0] _NEC DVD +-RW ND 3530A 104C (D:) (ATA)

ScsiStatus: 0x02
Interpretation: Check Condition

CDB: 2A 00 00 20 7F C0 00 00 20 00
Interpretation: Write (10)-Sectors: 2129856-2129887

Sense Area: 70 00 03 00 00 00 00 0A 00 00 00 00 02 00 00 00 00
Interpretation: No Seek Complete

'Retry' 'Cancel'

I don't what this means? Does anyone know what could be causing this error message please?

I've tried using 'Arita +R DL 2.4x', 'Mirror +R DL 2.4x' and 'RiDisc +R DL 2.4x' and I've burned them all at 2.4x speed. I have been able to back-up a few of my DVDs using the Arita and Mirror DVDs but I have got some Verbatim +R 2.4x on order which should hopefully come tomorrow, so I can try them and see if they work.

I've used loads of programs to try and back-up my DVDs using Double Layer discs: Nero (which works on some), CloneDVD2 (which works on some), DVDFab Platinum (which works on some), CopyToDVD (which doesn't work at all). I have tried using ImgBurn in build mode but I haven't been able to get it to work. The message above is what's just happened when I tried to burn my BATTLESTAR GALACTICA SEASON 3 DISC 5 DVD.

Any help anyone can give would be very much appreciated!

Cheers, Paul.

filmfan9

17th September 2007, 11:59

Not sure. According to DVDInfo, I have better results at 4x, with Verbatim+Rs 16x certified and a NEC ND-3520.

What sounds strange in the problem reported by Paul is that it's systematically the last episode that cannot be accessed. Usually, with bad burns, the problems occur in the middle of a playback, not when the player must access another file.

Hiya! :)

Yeah, when I used the brill PgcEdit the last episode wouldn't play. But it also happened when I tried to burn the DVD using CloneDVD. The disc burned fine and played in my standalone player but again, it wouldn't play the last episode. :confused:

I'm totally stumped! :)

filmfan9

17th September 2007, 12:09

I agree - problems usually occur at the edge. We're not sure of what media it is, but perhaps the laser of the player needs a clean. Perhaps filmfan9 can provide an ImgBurn (www.imgburn.com) log (see help menu). Also, verifying the write would be helpful.

Are there DL's rated at 16X? I haven't seen any (I'm still on the MKM-001s :))

Regards

Hi again! :)

I've been using Arita +R DL 2.4x and Mirror +R DL 2.4x discs. I've just remembered I did buy some of those really epensive Verbatim Photo Printable +R DL 2.4x discs (25 Pack) and I burned 2 of them using Nero I think it was. They did burn and play ok but on the burn side there were lines in the dye that looked as if it had missed some of the disc as it burned it. I'm just guessing that because I don't know what it really means if there are lines in the dye side of the disc?

I did think that the laser might be dirty or something so I did order a DVD lens cleaner, which I'm hoping will come tomorrow with the Verbatim +R DLs I ordered.

I'll have a look at the help file and get a log from ImgBurn and post it on here!

Thanks again guys for all your help! :)

r0lZ

17th September 2007, 14:29

blutach

17th September 2007, 14:51

filmfan9

17th September 2007, 18:57

Arita and RiDisc media are pure crap. I don't know Mirror, but it's probably the same thing. So, I guess that the problem is related only to the bad quality of the media.

Don't make the error I did. I am currently trying to recover many DVDs I've burned some years ago, and that are not readable any more. Burning on cheap media (especially on DLs) is a waste of money and time!

Yeah, I've read a lot of places lately that the best DL media are Verbatim +R, that's why I ordered some to try in case it was the media I was using. I'll let you know if they work or not! :)

filmfan9

17th September 2007, 19:03

The other thing is your burner is getting quite old. Dunno how many burns it has, but it may have seen better days. The firmware, while current, hasn't been updated in 2 years and plenty of new media has appeared in that time. If, after trying the Verbatims (which almost certainly will work), you still are not getting the desired results, you might want to investigate a new burner.

http://www.digital-digest.com/~blutach/gl2.gif

Regards

My PC is about 2 years old. I'm not sure if that's old in PC life terms, but the burner has had a lot of use so maybe it is on the way out. Yeah, I'll clean the lens and try the Verbatims and if that doesn't do the job, I'll have a look into getting a new burner.

I found the ImgBurn log for the DVD I was burning earlier. I don't know of it help find out the problem. Here it is:

; //****************************************\\
; ImgBurn Version 2.3.2.0 - Log
; Monday, 17 September 2007, 11:13:17
; \\****************************************//
;
;
I 09:43:54 ImgBurn Version 2.3.2.0 started!
I 09:43:54 Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition (5.1, Build 2600 : Service Pack 2)
I 09:43:54 Total Physical Memory: 522,224 KB - Available: 301,524 KB
I 09:43:54 Initialising SPTI...
I 09:43:54 Searching for SCSI / ATAPI devices...
I 09:43:54 Found 1 DVD±RW and 1 Unknown!
I 09:44:18 Operation Started!
I 09:44:18 Building Image Tree...
I 09:44:18 Checking Directory Depth...
I 09:44:18 Calculating Totals...
I 09:44:18 Preparing Image...
I 09:44:59 Using Layer Break LBA: 2083287 -> 2083296 (VTS_01, PGC: 5, Chapter: 1, Cell: 1, Vob/Cell ID: 13/1, Time: 00:00:00, SPLIP: No)
I 09:44:59 Checking Path Length...
I 09:44:59 Image Size: 8,529,805,312 bytes
I 09:44:59 Image Sectors: 4,164,944
I 09:44:59 Operation Successfully Completed! - Duration: 00:00:41
I 09:45:18 Operation Started!
I 09:45:18 Building Image Tree...
I 09:45:27 Checking Directory Depth...
I 09:45:27 Calculating Totals...
I 09:45:27 Preparing Image...
I 09:45:32 Using Layer Break LBA: 2083287 -> 2083296 (VTS_01, PGC: 5, Chapter: 1, Cell: 1, Vob/Cell ID: 13/1, Time: 00:00:00, SPLIP: No)
I 09:45:32 Checking Path Length...
I 09:45:32 Image Size: 8,529,805,312 bytes
I 09:45:32 Image Sectors: 4,164,944
I 09:45:37 Operation Successfully Completed! - Duration: 00:00:18
I 09:45:37 Operation Started!
I 09:45:37 Source File: -==/\/[BUILD IMAGE]\/\==-
I 09:45:37 Source File Sectors: 4,164,944 (MODE1/2048)
I 09:45:37 Source File Size: 8,529,805,312 bytes
I 09:45:37 Source File Volume Identifier: BATTLESTAR_GALACTICA_S3_DISC_5
I 09:45:37 Source File Application Identifier: IMGBURN V2.3.2.0 - THE ULTIMATE IMAGE BURNER!
I 09:45:37 Source File Implementation Identifier: ImgBurn
I 09:45:37 Source File File System(s): ISO9660, UDF (1.02)
I 09:45:37 Destination Device: [1:0:0] _NEC DVD+-RW ND-3530A 104C (D:) (ATA)
I 09:45:37 Destination Media Type: DVD+R DL (Disc ID: RICOHJPN-D01-02) (Speeds: 2.4x)
I 09:45:37 Destination Media Sectors: 4,173,824
I 09:45:37 Write Mode: DVD
I 09:45:37 Write Type: DAO
I 09:45:37 Write Speed: 2.4x
I 09:45:37 Link Size: Auto
I 09:45:37 Test Mode: No
I 09:45:37 BURN-Proof: Enabled
I 09:45:37 Optimal L0 Data Zone Capacity: 2,083,296
I 09:45:37 Optimal L0 Data Zone Method: IFO Cell Boundary, 'SPLIP' Flag Not Set
I 09:45:58 Filling Buffer... (20 MB)
I 09:46:02 Writing LeadIn...
I 09:46:04 Writing Image... (LBA: 0 - 4164943)
I 09:46:04 Writing Layer 0... (LBA: 0 - 2083295)
I 10:12:49 Writing Layer 1... (LBA: 2083296 - 4164943)
W 10:14:12 Failed to Write Sectors 2129856 - 2129887 - No Seek Complete
W 10:14:12 Retrying (1 of 20)...
W 10:14:12 Retry Failed - Write Error
W 10:14:12 Retrying (2 of 20)...
W 10:14:12 Retry Failed - Write Error
W 10:14:12 Retrying (3 of 20)...
W 10:14:12 Retry Failed - Write Error
W 10:14:12 Retrying (4 of 20)...
W 10:14:12 Retry Failed - Write Error
W 10:14:12 Retrying (5 of 20)...
W 10:14:12 Retry Failed - Write Error
W 10:14:12 Retrying (6 of 20)...
W 10:14:12 Retry Failed - Write Error
W 10:14:12 Retrying (7 of 20)...
W 10:14:12 Retry Failed - Write Error
W 10:14:12 Retrying (8 of 20)...
W 10:14:12 Retry Failed - Write Error
W 10:14:12 Retrying (9 of 20)...
W 10:14:12 Retry Failed - Write Error
W 10:14:12 Retrying (10 of 20)...
W 10:14:12 Retry Failed - Write Error
W 10:14:12 Retrying (11 of 20)...
W 10:14:12 Retry Failed - Write Error
W 10:14:12 Retrying (12 of 20)...
W 10:14:12 Retry Failed - Write Error
W 10:14:12 Retrying (13 of 20)...
W 10:14:12 Retry Failed - Write Error
W 10:14:12 Retrying (14 of 20)...
W 10:14:12 Retry Failed - Write Error
W 10:14:12 Retrying (15 of 20)...
W 10:14:12 Retry Failed - Write Error
W 10:14:12 Retrying (16 of 20)...
W 10:14:12 Retry Failed - Write Error
W 10:14:12 Retrying (17 of 20)...
W 10:14:12 Retry Failed - Write Error
W 10:14:12 Retrying (18 of 20)...
W 10:14:12 Retry Failed - Write Error
W 10:14:12 Retrying (19 of 20)...
W 10:14:12 Retry Failed - Write Error
W 10:14:12 Retrying (20 of 20)...
W 10:14:12 Retry Failed - Write Error
W 11:12:52 Retrying (21)...
W 11:12:52 Retry Failed - Write Error
W 11:12:53 Retrying (22)...
W 11:12:53 Retry Failed - Write Error
W 11:12:54 Retrying (23)...
W 11:12:54 Retry Failed - Write Error
W 11:12:54 Retrying (24)...
W 11:12:54 Retry Failed - Write Error
W 11:12:54 Retrying (25)...
W 11:12:54 Retry Failed - Write Error
W 11:12:55 Retrying (26)...
W 11:12:55 Retry Failed - Write Error
W 11:12:55 Retrying (27)...
W 11:12:55 Retry Failed - Write Error
W 11:12:56 Retrying (28)...
W 11:12:56 Retry Failed - Write Error
W 11:12:57 Retrying (29)...
W 11:12:57 Retry Failed - Write Error
W 11:12:57 Retrying (30)...
W 11:12:57 Retry Failed - Write Error
W 11:12:57 Retrying (31)...
W 11:12:57 Retry Failed - Write Error
E 11:12:58 Failed to Write Sectors 2129856 - 2129887 - No Seek Complete
I 11:12:58 Synchronising Cache...
I 11:12:59 Closing Track...
E 11:13:06 Close Track Failed! - Reason: Write Error
I 11:13:06 Closing Track (Last Attempt!)...
E 11:13:06 Close Track Failed! - Reason: Write Error
I 11:13:06 Finalising Disc...
E 11:13:07 Finalise Disc Failed! - Reason: Session Fixation Error - Incomplete Track in Session
I 11:13:07 Finalising Disc (Last Attempt!)...
E 11:13:07 Finalise Disc Failed! - Reason: Session Fixation Error - Incomplete Track in Session
E 11:13:07 Failed to Write Image!
E 11:13:07 Operation Failed! - Duration: 01:27:29
I 11:13:07 Average Write Rate: 816 KB/s (0.6x) - Maximum Write Rate: 4,907 KB/s (3.5x)
I 11:13:17 Close Request Acknowledged
I 11:13:17 Closing Down...
I 11:13:17 Shutting down SPTI...
I 11:13:17 ImgBurn closed!

Thanks for the help! :thanks: