Is my Pioneer DV717 dvd player too old to play home made dvds?

[Chris Saunders]

Hi folks,
After having burned several DVDs (on Medianca DVD+r discs, 4.7 gb), I can't get my Pioneer DV717 player to recognize them.

The discs were burned using Nero 7's Nerovision 4, and I've also tried TMPGEnc.

I'm in totally virgin territory here, stumbling around trying to figure out what words like authoring mean, or what an avi file is.

So I'm probably doing something completely wrong.

By the way, I know how to change the DVD player's zone thingummy, and I've tried that to see if it made a difference, but it doesn't.

Just thought some of you may have had similar problems.

All tips gratefully received!

Chris Saunders

[Randell]

How old is that player? My old Sony DAV S-500 home cinema all in one had no problem with DVD-R discs using Nero, which I was led to believe are probably the most compatible format across most players.

[ChuckMountain]

Hi,

I have a 717 and whilst its getting old its still pretty good and will play -R discs fine. I ocassionally have an odd stutter but I think that is more to do with a dirty head\bad pickup as it does it on rental discs sometimes. Its a lot more sensitive than my PS2 for it.

[Chris Saunders]

Thanks Randell and Chuck Mountain,

I think I bought it about five years ago - it was near the top of the market at the time.

Anyway, I'll try these -R discs you both mention, you never know, it may be as simple as that.

thanks again

[Chris Saunders]

...just to add that changing the make did the trick. I tried burning a Verbatim DVD+R, and - wonders'll never cease - it worked!

[ChuckMountain]

Thinking about it I think I have tried +R on it at some point, but since I normally use -R I stick with them.

I have had to get a new DVD Writer for my PC as the previous one (Lite-on) always had problems with burning discs and couldn't reliably produce a decent disk. Great when you had given the in-laws a video of your daughter and all they can say is it won't play.

Anyway glad to know that you have found some discs that work. My advice would be to stick with that particular brand from now on as you know it will work. Its often worth paying a few pence more per disc if they work, not much good it they are just coasters