Dual layer DVD playback problems

Question

JoeGrisaffi Author

Level 1

0 points

Dual layer DVD playback problems

Hi Everyone -

I am struggling to make a dual layer DVD that plays back properly. It is for a 76 minute film plus several bonus items.

Total disc space used is 6.4 gig

The film was compressed to a bitrate of 7.1 with a max of 8.3

Audio compressed to 492 kbps (or whatever the 400ish setting is)

Project compiled fine (although I did get a "video bitrate too high" error the first time, then lowered the bitrate.)

Set to

red laser

dual layer

OTP

layer switch set for chapter 12

I've done a few test dual layer discs in the past successfully. What I have done differently with this one is add a lot of bonus material, so there are some 20 or so small video files and a commentary track and two additional audio tracks.

I do not get any error messages while compiling or burning.

The second attempt played back on my mac, at least the main film did. It struggled playing a couple of bonus features and would play others at all.

It loaded on my Mintek portable player, but wouldn't play any video.

It did not load at all on my Cyber Home DVD player or my Panasonic Blu Ray player.

I am wondering if all of these additional small files (none over 2:30 minutes) have caused some clutter that causes the machines to struggle.

I am also wondering if this will be solved by replication, which I am going to do.

I will keep trying though.

If anyone has any advice, please let me know.

Thank you,

Joe Grisaffi

Houston TX

Posted on Mar 6, 2014 8:08 AM

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Answer 1

Mar 6, 2014 8:28 AM in response to JoeGrisaffi

Burned dual layer dvdvideoss are almost always problematic. The only way you can depend on a dual-layer dvd is if it's replicated. You do this by submitting your files to a duplication facility and they make a glass master and then press the dvd's off of that. I've done several projects this way. Sad to say, this is a limitation that I don't think you can't avoid. I generally burn dual-layer dvd's to proof navigation, that's all.

to test smooth playback of video, you have to use the simulator function within dvdsp or play it using the mac dvd player with the video ts folder on a hard disk.

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Answer 2

JoeGrisaffi Author

Level 1

0 points

Mar 6, 2014 9:10 AM in response to Michael Grenadier

Thanks, Michael. Shortly after I posted this, I got a good burn that I could test. Fixing the menu errors I noticed then trying again. Hopefully, I will be sending it off the the replicator next week.

Joe

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Answer 3

Mar 6, 2014 9:13 AM in response to JoeGrisaffi

the first replicator I used (maybe 4 or 5 years ago) required a DLT. Had to outsource that. The Duallayer DVD I did about a year ago was able to take 2 individual dvd's. There are very specific instructions on outputting 2 dvd's from dvdsp for a dual layer dvd. Make sure you and your replicator are on the same page.

Michael

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Answer 4

JoeGrisaffi Author

Level 1

0 points

Mar 6, 2014 9:26 AM in response to Michael Grenadier

Thanks for the reminder. I have access to a DLT machine. When I made my the DVD for my first film back in 1998, we had to use DLT for the dual layer disc. Everything was fine.

I will probably output 2 dvds this time, though.

I do plan to communicate with my replicator of choice to be sure I am doing it correctly.

Joe

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Answer 5

Drew13

Level 6

12,387 points

Mar 30, 2014 9:47 AM in response to JoeGrisaffi

You may want to lower your bitrates and audio rates. They seem high, and I am not sure how much the extra material is that you have (in running time), it looks like about 40 to 50 minutes, so total time of about 2 hours or so? The rate may just be too high for the player to handle. Depending on the material (fast action vs seaking engagement for instance) you should be able to get this on a DVD 5.

Make sure you also use DVD+R DL discs, they are the most compatible. I burn a ton of them and do not have issues playing them back. Use them all the time for proofing and testing prior to going to replication.

As to it not starting properly, some players can get a little finicky. A good practice is to start the DVD with 3 -5 seconds of black, usually in VTS 1 (when you look at the video layout). Also, do you have each clip on seperate tracks or one long track.

As to DLTs, replicators are now accepting USB files also with a "Tape Image" layout on them

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Answer 6

JoeGrisaffi Author

Level 1

0 points

Mar 30, 2014 11:12 AM in response to Drew13

Thank you, Drew13.

I did figure out my bitrates were too high. I played with the compression and found the happy place.

Oh, and thank you for the USB information. I did not know that.

Joe

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Answer 7

Drew13

Level 6

12,387 points

Mar 30, 2014 12:44 PM in response to JoeGrisaffi

Glad it got sorted out. DDP files on USB seem to be accepted more and more. A lot easier to deal with (and quicker) than DLTs. Though I still have my DLT machine. Not sure I have the proper cables to hook it up anymore. I purchased some adapter a few years ago and have no idea where it is. 🙂

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