|
PROBLEMS IMPORTING FROM DVD-RAM:
The programme I have downloaded looks nothing like your guide!
My PC will not recognise DVD-RAM discs!
I get an error message saying the resolution, aspect ratio, audio format or picture format is not within limits
PROBLEMS EXPORTING YOUR PROJECT:
When I try to export my project I get an error message saying the combined bitrate is to high
PROBLEMS WITH COMPLETED DVD-R DISCS:
The DVD-Rs I've created does not play on other DVD players
The DVD-Rs I've created do not autoswitch to widescreen when viewed on my TV
When I play the DVD-R the menu does not appear
MISC:
I have an issued not covered by any of the above. Where can I get further help?
THE PROGRAMME I HAVE DOWNLOADED LOOKS NOTHING LIKE YOUR GUIDE!
This is a fairly common issue caused by a whole suite of programmes having very similar names. For this DVD-RAM to DVD-R conversion guide you need to use TMPG Encoder Author (at time of writing this is upto v1.6). For a direct link to this programme click here.
TMPG Encoder Author should NOT be confused with the other TMPG Encoder programmes:
TMPG Encoder Sound Plug-in AC3. This enables any TMPG product (including Author) to play Dolby Digital Sound. You do NOT need this to follow the guide although you won't hear any audio during the authoring process (but it WILL be there when you burn your disc). Buy it if you want but it is NOT required.
TMPG Encoder MPEG Editor. For use if you want to make highly accurate edits without re-encoding
TMPG Encoder 3 XPress. A re-encoding tool to convert from/to MPEG2, MPEG4, WMV, WMA, MP3
TMPG Encoder. A freeware version of the 3 Xpress
MY PC WILL NOT RECOGNISE DVD-RAM DISCS!
If you cannot get your DVD-RAM recording to import into TMPG Encoder Author you should first check you can access the drive from 'My Computer' or 'Windows Explorer'. You should be able to see a folder entitled 'DVD_RTAV' on the disc - if you can see this then you are all ready to import into TMPG Encoder Author and any problem your having is not linked with PC RAM support! If you get an error message such as "Drive D: is not assessable" though then work through the following options (in order):
- Ensure your DVD-ROM/DVD-RW drive is DVD-RAM Compatible
Many DVD-ROM or DVDRW drives are not DVD-RAM compatible. Generally all LG, Panasonic, Toshiba drives will be DVD-RAM compatible. DVD-RAM support can also be found in some Pioneer, Samsung, Iomega and ASUS drives. NEC, Sony, Liteon and BenQ/Philips are always incompatible. See this article for a guide on buying a RAM compatible drive.
- Ensure you have DVD-RAM drivers installed
Users with Windows 95/98, Windows NT or Windows 2000 will need DVD-RAM drivers to be able to use the discs. These drivers can be downloaded from the
Panasonic Support Page (even if you don't have a Panasonic drive) and some have been uploaded to this site's own Download page. If your using Windows XP then drivers are not required as support is built into the Operating System.
- Disable Instant Writing Software
Programmes such as InCD can interfere with DVD-RAM support. Try disabling or uninstalling them. In particular check the Tasktray for such applications. For Windows 95/98/NT/2000 ensure you re-install the DVD-RAM drivers before attempting to read the DVD-RAM again.
- I am still having problems!
There is probably something specific in your setup that is causing the problems. Post a request for help on AV Forums ensuring you give as much detail on your recorder and PC as possible!
I AM GETTING AN ERROR MESSAGE SAYING THE RESOLUTION/ASPECT RATIO/PICTURE FORMAT IS INCORRECT!
TMPG Encoder Author gives this message whenever the video clip being imported doesn't match the DVD-Video specifications. When importing from a DVD recorder this is almost always linked with resolution.
WHEN I TRY TO EXPORT MY PROJECT I GET A MESSAGE SAYING THE BITRATE IS TO HIGH
This is a problem associated (mainly) with Sony DVD recorders when using HQ, HSP or SP recording modes. The following message is displayed:
Click 'Ignore' and then , in responce to the 'non-standard DVD warning, click 'OK' - TMPG Encoder Author will then continue as per normal and compile the project. You can rest assured that you will be making a compatible DVD that is fully compliant with the DVD-Video specification - this seems to be a simple compatibility problem between Sony's VBR MPEG2 encoder and then video handling system inside TMPG. Sony DVD recorders all operate within the DVD-Video specification.
THE DVD-R I HAVE CREATED DOES NOT PLAY ON OTHER DVD PLAYERS
If you having problems playing the DVD-R and/or DVD+R you have created using this Guide then work through the following options:
- Ensure The DVD-R Is Finalised
DVD-RW/-R and DVD+R (but not DVD-RAM or DVD+RW) all require a process called 'finalisation' before they become compatible. Without it no player or recorder either than the drive you have recorded them on will be able to read them. If you have used the TMPG Encoder Author Burning Tool (by following this sites guide) then you have no choice in the matter: it will automatically finalise your disks. However if you have opted for a third-party burning programme, such as Nero, then ensure options such as "Multi-Session" or "Add Files Later" are not selected. And ensure the option to "Finalise" is selected.
- Check Compatibility
No DVDR media is 100% compatible with all DVD players. If you having problems with a specific DVD player then do a search for that model on the VideoHelp DVD Player Database where you will find workarounds and recommendations for media types/makes.
THE DVD-R I HAVE CREATED DOES NOT AUTO-SWITCH MY TV TO WIDESCREEN
In some circumstances - depending on your particular DVD recorder, the original transmission and the recorder/digibox settings - the widescreen switching signal (WSS) can be lost. This means that a widescreen TV will be unable detect the picture is anamorphic and thus will not stretch it. The obvious solution is to simply select the '16:9' on your TV. However if you wish to restore the WSS then their are programmes that enable you to do this. IFO Edit is probably the best choice. Output your DVD project to the HDD as per the Guides but prior to burning it onto DVDR use IFO Edit to set the picture format to 16:9. Advice can be found on the IFO Edit site on how to achieve this.
I should stress on a properly setup DVD recorder there should be no need to do this. DVD-RAM will always retain the WSS and it will be retained by TMPG Encoder Author though the entire authoring/burning process. Likewise DVD-RW (VR Mode) should retain the WSS as well. However most DVD+RW/+R/-RW (Video)/-R recorders will loose the signal. As will some HDD/DVDR combi owners who have dubbed from HDD or DVD-RAM onto DVD-R/+R.
WHEN I PLAY THE DVD-R THE MENU DOES NOT APPEAR
If you want to ensure that the menu appears as soon as the DVD-R is inserted into a DVD player then you need to ensure the 'Firstplay action' option is set to the relevant setting:
Three options are available:
'Display Main Menu' - This will mean the Main Menu plays as soon as the DVD is inserted.
'Play All Tracks' - This will mean all video clips will be played and then the menu will be shown.
'Play First Track' - The first video clip will be played and then the menu will be shown.
If you don't want a menu then this can be selected from the pulldown list on the left hand side on the screen (under the start button). Do note though that DVDs without menus are not compatible on all DVD players.
I HAVE AN ISSUE NOT COVERED BY THIS GUIDE
The best place to seek further advice (particularly on UK models) is AV Forum's DVD Recorder Forum. Two of the three webmasters can be found there: 'Rasczak' and 'JamesL'. If you see us say hello! Frequently asked questions will be added to the Guide at the next opportunity.
|
HOME
