Idvd dual layer discs and mkv files

Hi, idvd will not encode a film if it is over a certain amount of time. The only way round this is to use a dual layer disc. But these are expensive. Is there a way round this or can anyone suggest different software to use which is as compatable with dvd players as idvd is? Thanks
Also which software will convert mkv or mp4 to dvd as I can not get idvd to do this. I am using the latest idvd.
Many thanks.

Toast
Video Monkey
VisualHub
Google search for others.

Similar Messages

DVD Studio Pro 4 Dual Layer Disc Question - Can Files Be Moved from Top to Bottom Layer?

HI Everyone -
I have authored a dual layer DVD for a feature film with lots of bonus material. I put the layer break in the least intrusive spot where the frame is already still and there is little sound. Layer switch is fine. DVD plays as it should with no problems other than the expected pause during the layer break.
I'd like to have the layer break at a point much earlier in the movie, where it actually goes to black and silence for a moment - a spot DVDSP4 won't let me assign a layer break marker to. I do understand why.
DVD Studio Pro has the movie on the bottom layer of the DVD, I assume because that is the first track I created.
At this point, is it at all possible to move the tracks around where the bonus features take up most of the bottom layer so the less of the movie is on the bottom layer and I can move that layer break up (without completely re-authoring)?
Thank you for your time.
Joe Grisaffi
Houston TX

The fun continues...
The DVD Drive on my 10.6 machine seems to no longer be working...
Maybe this caused/contributed to/resulted in the earlier problem?
Anyone else experiencing similar issues? All hard drives and firewire drives seem to be functioning normally at this time.
My 10.5 machine appears to be eating through the DVD writing process successfully... slowly, but successfully

IDVD will not burn dual layer disc correctly.

I have an iMac9,1 Intel Core 2 Duo 2.66 GHz with 8 gigs of ram, with a OPTIARC DVD RW AD-5670S DVD-writable to -R, -R DL, -RW, +R, +R DL, +RW. It will not spit out a properly formated disc from IDVD. I get the "Supported disc not available" message, even though I have encoded it for dual layer in NTSC.
Has anyone ever experience problems with this? If so, what did you do to resolve it? I've burned through a half a dozen dual layer disc and these are still not supercheap.
TommyBoye

Yes I called and my warranty was up so the nerd on the other end tried to sell me the applecare protection program. I guess my next step is to go to an apple store, but as the person that replied last in that discussion said time is an issue. I guess my biggest problem with this whole thing is that it is obviously the update that messed up all of these superdrives, so warranty shouldn't be an issue. Apple even removed the download link: http://www.macfixit.com/article.php?story=20070716082804520&query=superdrive

Why does the file size change when put into an iDVD project? And problems with dual layer discs...

I exported a short video of mine from Final Cut Express and the size of the file came out to 7.3 GB. When I put it into an iDVD project, it says that the file is only 800 MB. I tried just burning it onto a dual layer disc anyway to see if it might still burn at the original file size, but the disc came out unusable for some reason, and obviously hadn't been burned anywhere near full-capacity. So, I tried it again, and the exact same thing happened.
I guess my first question is: why is iDVD changing the size of the file? I want the quality to be the best it can be, so keeping it at 7.3 GB as opposed to 800 MB is rather important.
Secondly, why did the dual layer discs come out unusable? I've burned single layer discs before and they haven't been an issue. Also, I know for a fact that the drive can burn dual layer discs, so that isn't the issue.
Thanks in advance to anyone who can provide me with help on this issue.

LivelyJamesS wrote:
I exported a short video of mine from Final Cut Express and the size of the file came out to 7.3 GB. When I put it into an iDVD project, it says that the file is only 800 MB.
Guessing here but it looks like you edited/exported an SD/DV sequence of about 30 min in FCE. DVD needs to be MPEG-2 so iDVD compresses the original file down to the size that you report.
LivelyJamesS wrote:
I guess my first question is: why is iDVD changing the size of the file? I want the quality to be the best it can be, so keeping it at 7.3 GB as opposed to 800 MB is rather important.
The quality will be what the MPEG-2 compression and the software allow for. MPEG-2 is DVD standard .... there's no way around that.
LivelyJamesS wrote:
Secondly, why did the dual layer discs come out unusable? I've burned single layer discs before and they haven't been an issue. Also, I know for a fact that the drive can burn dual layer discs, so that isn't the issue.
Guessing again but it would seem that you burned a Data DVD instead of a Video DVD which would be unusable by a set-top player. As I said above you can't get around DVD standards.
If by any chance your video was HD originally you can try to go the Blu-Ray route using Roxio Toast or FCS 3 (discontinued) or FCP X. You will also need a Blu-Ray burner.

Error Message Said to Use Dual-Layer Disc - How Can I Know the File Size?

This is my first attempt at using iMovie. I used slides, added a music and speaking track over it.
I would like to reduce the size to a standard DVD rather than using expensive dual-layer discs. How do I determine the size?
My Mac is only 80 GB, is that a problem?
Thanks,
Carlos Marques

It seems as if perhaps you've clicked, in iMovie, on 'File' and 'Burn Project to Disc...' instead of Exporting to iDVD.
When you Export to iDVD, your project ought to easily fit on a DVD.
But if you've chosen 'Burn Project to Disc...' that doesn't make a playable DVD ..it creates a backup data disc, and, as Fred suggests, if you're using large or detailed photos, that may need a lot of space ..much more than when using iDVD to make a playable video disc.
(..iDVD compresses everything so that anything up to one or two hours' worth will fit on a 4.7GB DVD, as Fred described. Burning a Project to a disc just copies all the data that's in your iMovie project without compressing anything; without converting hi-resolution photos to the low resolution of a movie. That may be why it's suggesting that you need a Dual-Layer disc if you did choose 'Burn Project to Disc...' by mistake..)

I am trying to enter a split point for a file going on a dual layer disc. There are chapter markers in the file but the automtic function doesn't see them. Can I insert a point for the layer split in DVD Studio Pro 3 or 4? It doesn't appear that the autom

I am trying to enter a split point for a file going on a dual layer disc. There are chapter markers in the file but auto function does not see them. Went back and put a small split in the timeline in fcp and exported to mpeg 2 again and auto function does not see that either? Manual msays to manualy enter split poind in DVDSP but can't find any way to enter that split point in DVDSP? How can I manualy enter a split point in DVDSP 3 or 4?
Elizabeth/Roger Cook Films

This is definitely not the behavior I see. When I left click it adds a marker,
When I right click, I see the following
Do you have any OS hacks installed on your computer or have you changed the mouse behavior in system preferences: mouse? If not, I'd suggest you run digital rebellions preference manager and reset your dvdsp preferences.
https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-2491

How to build and burn a dual layer disc

I know that this is probably a amateur question, but this is my first time trying to build and burn a dual layer disc in DVD studio pro 4. Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks....Chadwick

A good start would be to describe your project (one big movie? lots of smaller movies?), your hardware (internal DL burner? external? what brand?), and any problems you might be having.
Depending on those things, building/burning a DL project could be as easy as doing a single-layer one.

Reading from a Dual-Layer Disc

Hey y'all --
I am trying to rip some video files from the VIDEO_TS folder of a dual-layered DVD-Video (I have rights to the material) using OSEX, DVDBackup, Mac the Ripper, MPEG Streamclip, and just drag-and-drop.
None of these solutions are allowing me to copy the entire dataset from the DVD-Video onto my hard drive. At best, DVDBackup copies what appears to be the first layer, but the second layer won't copy over -- I get error messages from each app, and the OS itself.
The DVDs play just dandy through DVD Player, and on set-top. There is no copy-protection or region coding on this disc. The data's all there, but I just can't seem to copy layer 2.
My DVD drive is a Pioneer DVR-108, which can read/write DVD+R DL, and I've written/read DL discs with this drive in the past.
If there's anyone who has any experience they could share -- that would be so unbelievably wonderful. Why would a dual-layer disc not be just as easy to copy from? Thanks, as always, for your help.
Best -- Jerome
Dual 1.25GHz G4 Mac OS X (10.4.7)

Should be no issue at all unless the DVD is damaged.
Try using Toast to copy the files to your HD (or Retrospect) and/or try a different DVD drive, sometimes different drives may perform better on bad discs (FWIW none of these will work if there is some copy protection on the discs, it is just something to get files off a disk that could be damaged.)

Trouble burning Dual-Layer discs using various programs... suggestions?

Hello, I could really use some constructive, helpful recommendations here. I've been trying to burn some large (5+ GB) disc images (ISOs, but mostly VIDEO_TS files) to a Dual-Layer disc that would play on a regular DVD player.
So far I've tried a couple different DL disc brands (HP, Memorex), and various programs (Finder, Liquid CD, even Toast Titanium 10 seems to have a hard time doing so), but without much luck-- mostly just end up with coasters.
Have you had this problem trying to burn Dual-Layer discs? And what's a good freeware/shareware program or method that's done the job that you can recommend? I have at least 75GB of space on my 250GB drive (so I would imagine that's enough for any temp burn folder purposes...)
Thanks!

I use Verbatim usually and never have any problems so try one of those if possible, but before you do run a DVD Lens Cleaner disc through it as just a small spec of dust or dirt can sometimes play havoc.
I burn most things with Toast or the Mac OS itself.

Burning a Dual Layer Disc through DVD studio pro

Formating failed
The recording device reported the not ready error: Cannot write medium-incompatible format (0x30, 0x50)
I need to know what is going on. I tried to burn a DVD studio completed project on a dual layer disc on my mac (which has dual layer capablities) and kept getting this message. I think it is the disc itself but don't have a clue what I am doing wrong.
I have been able to burn the video TS (etc) files to the desktop completely but when I try to burn to the DVD I get this error message.
Can you help.
Thanks
Susan

Which burner do you have?
What type of media? DVD+R DL or DVD-R DL? Brand?
Is your DVD Studio Pro project set as dual layer?

DVD SP Dual Layer burning and DVD@ccess difficulties

I'm making my first dual layer project and I can't format from DVD SP 3 b/c I get this error message (see below). I burned the project in toast 6 and the project works fine in Macs except for the URL DVD a@cess link doesn't connect. (It works in my computer) The DVD 2nd layer doesn't work in some PC's. I"m using Verbatim + R DL Media. Can anyone give me some suggestions?
Can anyone explain this error message to me:
Formatting was not successful. Layer 1 cannot exceed Layer 0 for a OTP configured disc. Please choose a suitable marker location that will support this condition.

Hey James
this particular error means that layer 1 is larger (as in size) to layer 0.
since we dont have enough details of your project, i cannot correctly tell you what to do.
i will ask you however, where did you set your layer break? tell us how much larger layer 1 is to layer 0. what will you be burning your image to, DLT, disc, hard drive? did you check the format properties and see where a suitable layer break can be? did you set layer break to automatic?
any help could give you a fast answer
Mikey M.

Single VS. Dual Layer discs

1. How common are home DVD players and mac/pc players that have the
ability to read dual-layer discs?
2. What other reasons, if any, would you not want to use a dual layer disc?
Thanks.

1. How common are home DVD players and mac/pc players that have the
ability to read dual-layer discs?
Alot more common than they were in the past, and most standalone players are able to read DL. FWIW, this really applies for disc from your computer and not replicated discs.
2. What other reasons, if any, would you not want to use a dual layer disc?
More costly than single layer. Also you need to make sure to author properly for layer breaks. The selection of single vs dual really should revolve around the size of your project (based on running time) and not the media itself. Most 2 hour or less projects (maybe even longer) should fit on a single layer fairly well with no major quality hit. Of course it varies based on the footage etc.
For the most part DVD-R are better for single layer DVD+R for DL.

Break Points for Dual Layer Discs

I've read and re-read the DVDSP4 manual on break-points. They are giving me the hardest time even still. Is there any way to by-pass the muxing process and not have to wait that long to find out if there is the correct balance of space used for each layer on the disc? IOW, is there a way to automatically check if the layers are right without choosing the "auto break point" option?

Hi Drew, when you say set a bunch of markers in the general area, what types of markers are you talking about (ie. chapter, button, dual layer break point)? I can only set one "dual layer break point", should i be able to set more than one? I'm working on this dual layer project and it is driving me nuts!

Do you need Dual layer discs if you are going to burn dual layer?

Do you need Dual layer discs if you are going to burn dual layer?
My project is 1 hour & :22 mintues. Do they make Verbatim discs that can handle that? OR do I have to put it on two disks?
THanks

Hi, only just come onto this site to check a few problems I am having. Noticed that you are having trouble at stores of getting certain discs.
I order on the net +Taiyo Yuden+, who manufacture for other firms including Verbatim,An order for 100 cake tin, means they are very realistic in value. These discs look super and have not had a single fault. Dave

Dual Layer Disc Does not Play in Set Top DVD Player

Problem: Dual Layer Disc Does not Play in Set Top DVD Player
Solution: If your burner supports having its bitsetting changed, find a utility and change it to include DVD-ROM.
Additional Information:
DL (Dual Layer) is currently only a +R format. This is a serious problem, as you will find that on older players - and a lot of new ones - there is no +R support. It is not official, and therefore useless for any professional application.
By changing the bitsetting of your burner, it allows DLs (Dual Layer discs) to be burned with a book type of DVD-Rom and thus readable by many more players.
DVD player support drops off exponentially if your burner doesn't support bitsetting, allowing you to change the book type of your disc from DL to DVD-Rom. The DL book type will play on most newer software DVD players but not set top players.
If you've burned a dual layer disc without changing the bitsetting, it is a permanent semi-coaster as it will only play on your computer. I understand that newer DL burners are coming with firmware that automatically sets the book type.
Encore offers no control over book-type. My understanding is that this is a burner-specific parameter: some burners support allow themselves to be set and others do not.
Bitsetting (setting the Book Type) is specific to individual burners. There are some 3rd party software utilities out there that do a good job. The best thing to do is do a Google Search for your specific burner and find what works for yours.
LiteOn has a book type utility available for its DL burners:
I believe DVDInfoPro can set this on burners which support it.
Note: I would caution everyone who updates their firmware to check their bitsetting before burning DL discs. I don't know if it always returns to its default but it did in my case.
Bitsetting is done prior to burning the disk and generally only needs to be set once (unless like me, you update the firmware of your burner). The book type identifies to the player what type of disk is in it. Most players will play DVD-Roms with no problem. However, the book type of a DL disk is DVD+R DL as opposed to DVD-Rom and few players can read that.

Some general comments about the OP's several questions
Remember that reading a burned disc is not part of the original, core specification to play a DVD... so while most players do, now, they are really not required to do so to be able to play a replicated disc
This may (probably is) even more so with dual layer discs... the disc material is different, and a player that will happily read a replicated disc may have problems with a burned disc
There are many messages scattered in the forum, over the past several years, about brands of disc that are better... due both to overall quality control and the type of dye on the disc that is burned by the laser... with the bottom line being that not all discs are going to play in all players with 100% success
As for studio discs... there is software out there that costs many thousands of dollars which do many (up to 9?) encoding passes to get the best, and smallest, possible result to fit more on a disc

Idvd dual layer discs and mkv files

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for