Burn is successful but DVD won't play

[stokesnc]

I have the latest and greatest AnyDvd and CloneDVD...
I've also tried two different burners in an effort to eliminate hardware as an issue.
And bought new media.
Everytime I make a backup copy, it runs successfully but then does not work in any dvd player in my home. This started a month or so ago and initially I thought it was my burner but now with a new burner, the same issue.
In the dvd player, the dvd just spins...
Any ideas?
Thanks in advance!

[Webslinger]

Does the backup play in your computer?

[stokesnc]

I haven't tried, I normally don't watch on the computer. I'll try tonight when I get home from work. If I can, what does that tell us?

[Webslinger]

Originally Posted by stokesnc

I haven't tried, I normally don't watch on the computer. I'll try tonight when I get home from work. If I can, what does that tell us?

from Clonedvd 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 Datalife Plus, Maxell Plus, or Maxell Broadcast Quality, then chances are the answer to this question is "yes". If you use junk blank media, then you should expect problems.

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.

[stokesnc]

So it doesn't play in the pc either.
I guess it could be junk media as it's memorex but I had burned a slew of dvds w/o issue from this same batch up until about a month ago
I'll buy some new media tonight and see if that resolve it.
It's -R media
And it can't be the dvd players as i've tried it i 4 different ones in my home
I'll report back later. Thanks for your help

[Webslinger]

Originally Posted by stokesnc

So it doesn't play in the pc either.
I guess it could be junk media as it's memorex but I had burned a slew of dvds w/o issue from this same batch up until about a month ago

Memorex outsources to the lowest bidder.

Bad quality blank media can vary in results from disc to disc, even within the same spindle. With good blank media you can play "find the bad blank" game. With inferior quality blank media you get to play "find the blank that works" game. And even when inferior blank media does work, you can play the "will my backups still play after 6 months (or even after two years)" game.

Use good quality blank media (Taiyo Yuden Premium, Verbatim Datalife Plus, Maxell Plus, Maxell Broadcast Quality). Avoid Ritek, Memorex, Regular Maxell blank media that you can find in most stores that are not made in Japan, Fuji, TDK from Costco, and Princo. Also, on average, it's wise to avoid blank media that's made in China or Hong Kong.

If you're using double layer blank media, use Verbatim +R DL (preferably made in Singapore) or MAM-A 8x +R DL.


Watch your burn speeds. Don't burn at maximum.