Dual layer

[Tobe]

After editing a 3 hour timeline in Edius, I need to output and author as a dual layer DVD in DVDWorkshop2. I recently installed the DVD Workshop2 patch to record dual layer with my BQ dual layer drive, but don't see any obvious place where it makes it possible to choose dual layer as a choice in the DVD Workshop workflow.

Will this only appear when I put a dual layer recordable disc in the recorder?
(I will buy discs tomorrow.) Should I choose a DVD+R for best compatibility?

Anyone out there familiar with this who can PM me about the process?
Thanks.
Tobe

[STORMDAVE]

I've done a few dual layered projects...but let me tell you, you're going to have problems if you export your WAV that is over 3 hours long from Edius/PCE/PC2. DVDWorkshop or any other DVD authoring application will not read the file.

ProCoder3 or Edius4.5 support AC3, so I recommend that you either get PC3 or wait for 4.5 so you can directly go to AC3 and render the MPEG2 separately.

Use a bitrate calculator for proper datarates. You can use CBR for a 3 hour timeline on a DL disc. DL+R is fine, I use -R at 6x.

If you have a NEC drive for example, you can set the bitsetting to change DL+R discs (Only +R, -R does not work this way) to DVD-ROM....but this is being picky, I haven't seen any differences between these...but don't mind me, I haven't done hundreds of DL discs yet, so this is a small sample.

[WTS1]

Should I choose a DVD+R for best compatibility?

Do not, and I repeat, do not use (-) R media for dual layer projects.

(-)R media for single layer use is great, but that's it.

Jim

[Mr Bill]

ALL the dual-layer DVDs that I've created have been with +R DL and not one has returned.

[Tobe]

learning curve ahead...thanks for the tips, folks.
Tobe

[Bluetongue]

To make sure your Dual layer disks work don't use NERO it puts the break point iin the wrong place and the disks will not play (version 7.5)
I use DVDab Pro for authering available from
http://madiachance.com
and they recommended the use of "Copy to DVD"
http://www.vso-software.com
since using this program no problems with DL disks!
Thanks for the tip on the -R DL I have been wishing they had been available in Australia due to their greater compatibility with players.
I wonder if the problem with -R DL is not the writer as -R DL is, according to what I have read, are more fastidious with the breakpoint and overlap of the layers?
Regards
Barry

[WTS1]

It's not a problem with the writer, it's a limitation of the (-) format in the way it deals with dual layers. Some time ago I was in the process of reviewing an application, and was in correspondence with the company and their engineers/software writers. One of my questions had to do with creating enhanced content dvd's (dvd video with rom content) and setting the dual layer break/recordable media/etc. The bottom line is that for technical reasons, the way (-) media handles layer breaks is such that many set top players won't read them properly.

With single layer media, I have been using (-) media for years, and have found them to be slightly more compatible (both are very good) than (+) media. DL is a different beast, and ironically, they have been very reliable for me. I use Pioneer burners for most of my projects, and they automatically set the book type to 'rom'(for dual layer (+) discs only)--which improves the compatibility of (+) media. Unfortunately you can't change the setting for single layer (+) media with the Pioneer's, so you are left with a small percentage that fail to play where you might have better luck with (-) media.

I have a Panasonic portable dvd player from 1999 that I use as my 'acid test', because it was/is so picky with recordables. There were many (mostly off brand) (-) media it wouldn't play, and no (+) of any brand. The (+) DL discs play perfectly on the player, and I don't notice the layer switch. I'm sure if I could set the bit type for my single layer (+) media they would work just fine as well, but I can't.

Bottom line:

1. If it's a single layer project, both (-) and (+) media perform well. For (+) media, if your burner and burning application allow you to set your book type to "rom"--do it.
2. If it's a dual layer project, only use (+) media. Most of the dual layer burners set the book type automatically for you.

Jim