DVD+R ???

[BuckSkin]

My wife and I take pictures --- lots and lots of pictures.



I often put image files onto DVD+R disks to give to other people; I go all out, using printable disks and hard plastic "jewel" cases with picture inserts; these are image files/folders type disks, not slide show movies.



We use predominantly Philips brand disks and have lately been using a few HP brand disks (on account of me finding a could-not-pass-up deal on the HP and their reviews are comparable to those of the Philips); in several 50-packs of Philips disks, I have only had one disk that the computer would not recognize.



When I finish making a disk, I will reload it and make sure it works; sometimes I may then check it in one or more of our other machines; I have never had one fail yet.



That being said, about half of my DVD+R photo disk recipients will report back that they could not get the disk to work in their machine; most of these people have laptops and cannot even tell me which OS they are using.



I know that the problem is more than likely simple user ignorance and nothing to do with the disk. (just four short years ago, I would not have been any smarter)



That being said, shouldn't just about any old machine be capable of reading a DVD+R ?



It is rather disheartening to go to all the trouble of making someone a disk of their kid in the rodeo or their prize winning bull and then them not be bright enough to view it; what can I do ?



Thanks for reading.

[Major Major]

One thing you could do is ask them what they mean by "didn't work".

[BuckSkin]

Oct 10, 2017 19:54:41 GMT Major Major said:

One thing you could do is ask them what they mean by "didn't work".

I do; and, sadly, that is often way over their heads.


I did make a mis-print in my previous posting in that I typed DVD-R when I should have typed DVD+R; I will edit and fix it.

[Major Major]

They should be able to tell you something. e.g. When they put it in the drive, does anything happen?

[BuckSkin]

Oct 11, 2017 16:54:23 GMT Major Major said:

They should be able to tell you something. e.g. When they put it in the drive, does anything happen?

The most common reply I get from those that say the disk did not work is "my granddaughter (nephew, son-in-law, neighbor's kid, --- take your pick) says they can't see them pictures you give me on our computer"
When I ask what it did or why it would not work, they haven't an idea.
I guess my best course of action is to have them phone me when they are at the computer and maybe I can walk them through it.

Another possibility is that their machines are outdated and do not support reading DVDs; maybe I should make up a few simple CDs and let them see if that works any better for them.

[WayneS]

I believe we discussed this last March thru May, and I can not play back DVD+R's on my older DVD player either, I can only use DVD-R's, and from what I've been told this is the norm today!

[Andy]

I haven't been burning DVD for a few years, but I remember that the DVD-R format was more universally accepted by DVD players than DVD+R. I'm not sure that is true of computer DVD drives. It could also be that you aren't finalizing or closing the DVD (there is some information here: diyvideoeditor.com/step-by-step-guide-dealing-with-unfinalized-dvd-discs/)

[BuckSkin]

Oct 11, 2017 22:22:04 GMT Andy said:

 It could also be that you aren't finalizing or closing the DVD 

I am fairly certain that the process I choose finalizes the DVD when completed.

I cannot remember the exact wording and the only time I see it is when I insert a blank disk so my description may not be spot on; when I load a blank disk, a window appears that asks me what I wish to do with the disk; as best I remember, there are two choices; one option is to treat the disk in the same manner as if it were a flashdrive, leaving the disk open for further editing; I do not use this option.

The other option (I think it is the second/bottom option, but my memory may be off) closes the door to being able to alter the content once I click "finish"; this is the option I always use; it is my understanding that this finalizes the disk.


Thanks for the link to the article.

[Andy]

Oct 11, 2017 22:44:18 GMT BuckSkin said:

The other option (I think it is the second/bottom option, but my memory may be off) closes the door to being able to alter the content once I click "finish"; this is the option I always use; it is my understanding that this finalizes the disk.

That should do it. You might want to try DVD-R and see if that yields better results.

[BuckSkin]

Oct 11, 2017 23:39:34 GMT Andy said:

Oct 11, 2017 22:44:18 GMT BuckSkin said:

The other option (I think it is the second/bottom option, but my memory may be off) closes the door to being able to alter the content once I click "finish"; this is the option I always use; it is my understanding that this finalizes the disk.

That should do it. You might want to try DVD-R and see if that yields better results.

I do have some DVD-R disks as well; I will give them a try.

Thanks.