PC's ok, DVD Players not.

[uncre8tv]

I'm using AnyDVD/CloneDVD (latest versions on both) and having a very repeatable issue:

Backups are taken just fine, play great in PCs (verified with multiple PCs) but do not play in DVD players (no disk, read error, etc, tried many players). I have tried more than one spool of blanks, more than one brand, and am getting this across all disks for the last month or so. We have been using AnyDVD/CloneDVD for years, on the same system, and have never had this issue before. When we first saw this problem, we could use the backups in our JVC region-free player, but not in our Toshiba (region1). Now we aren't able to play them in either.

For the time being we've hooked a laptop to the TV, but I'd like to know if anyone else has had this problem, and if they found a fix?

HAH - as I type this one worked (Windata cheap-o in the JVC.) Seems like the less commercial a film is, the more likely the backup will play. Kinda wondering if it's a new security issue?

Disk that worked: Moving McAllister
Disks that haven't: Hard Candy, Paris Je T'Amie, The Nines, and many others.

 

[Webslinger]

from Frequently Asked Questions (READ BEFORE YOU POST)


10. My backups play on my computer or standalone dvd player, but not in something else. Why?

First, if the backup is playing in a standalone dvd player or on your computer that means Clonedvd worked.

The most common reason why you're having this problem (if the backup doesn't work in a standalone dvd player) is due to a compatibility issue between the blank media you're using and whatever you're using to play the backup in (standalone dvd player, for example). Basically your dvd player, dvd-rom drive, etc. doesn't like the blank media you're using (or if you're using +R media, you didn't change the booktype to "dvd-rom"). You can try choosing other blank media (+r instead of -r, for example, and change the booktype to "dvd-rom")--or buy a different standalone dvd player (or a different dvd-rom drive, burner, etc.).

If you're using dvd-r media and your standalone dvd player gives you a message similar to ""Play Prohibited, please check disc", use dvd+r media instead and change the booktype to "dvd-rom" (see "b)" below).

a) Are you using junk blank media? If you're not using Taiyo Yuden (not valueline), Verbatim, Maxell Plus, or Maxell Broadcast Quality, then chances are the answer to this question is "yes".
b) Click this and read FULLY (especially take a look at point 4 for more information on bitsetting/booktyping, but all points are very important)

The same factors also apply to why the backup doesn't play in your computer (but there can be other factors including buggy or poorly installed dvd player software, bad drivers, etc.).

It's also possible the playback device/player that can't play the disc is slowly dying.

 

[uncre8tv]

Thanks for the reply. I did read through that sticky post, but didn't apply it to my situation since I'm using spools of media that have worked before. (all -r, some cheap windata, some good verbatim). The custom size 4300 and the nero cd-dvd speed are interesting points, I'll take a look and see if these problem disks show any anomolies there.

 

[Webslinger]

but didn't apply it to my situation since I'm using spools of media that have worked before

No. It does apply.

This is a common mistake that people make: media quality can vary within the same spindle. This is especially true when using junk blank media, such as the windata you're using. With junk blank media you get to play the "find the blank that works" game (and you get to play the same game even with discs that once worked in 6 months to a couple of years later). If you're using junk blank media you should expect problems.

Also, it's important to note that Verbatim uses several different sources for its blank media and some are better than others.

If your Verbatim blank media is made in Taiwan it's made either by CMC or Prodisc (CMC made Verbatim, on average, tends to be slightly better lately). If it's made in India, it's made by Moser Baer (mediocre to decent). If it's made in Japan, then it's made by Taiyo Yuden (good stuff). If it's made in Singapore, then its made by MCC (Verbatim's plant/Mitsubishi . . . typically excellent).

Use Taiyo Yuden (not valueline) dvd+rs, and change the booktype to "dvd-rom". And if that doesn't work (and provided your burner isn't dying), I'd get a new dvd player.
If you're in the U.S., http://www.supermediastore.com/ is one source for Taiyo Yuden.

The difference in the reflective layer in blank media matters.

Here's another thread, I recommend reading through: click http://forum.slysoft.com/showthread.php?t=12745