Can record dvds, but can't play them back

steven589

Hi,

I've recently bought the Alba RDVD 1002 recorder from Argos, and I've noticed that, although I can record from a video to the dvd recorder ok, if I then try and put the newly recorded dvd disc into my dvd player (which is a Toshiba 5D-110E) then the dvd player can not read the disc.

This can't be a problem with the format of the disc (which is +RW), as I've tried a friends disc which is -R and this has exactly the same problem.

The toshiba DVD player still works fine with any bought dvds though, so the problem is specific to when you buy blank dvds and then record on them.

Does anyone have any idea what the problem is? I was under the impression that when you buy blank dvds and record information on them, then you should be able to play them back on any dvd player that is region 2.

I've no problem playing back the discs on the Alba dvd recorder by the way (whether it is + or - format).

Cheers,

Steve

POLDO_DONK

Well, the +RW's should play back OK. But I've found different machines to be fussy about playing back some discs. It's worth trying different brands of blank disc's and see what happens. Most disc's I record are OK on my Pioneer player and my El Cheapo Cyberhome, but don't always playback on my mates Toshiba...

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ianian99

my experience over the years with dvd players is that the more expensive they are then the fussier they are when it comes to playing discs, you could get a sample pack of different dvdr's to try , most dvdr sellers offer these, one of each type of disc make, or just get a £20 cheapo from kwik save or lidl etc to play your dvdr's

Woby_Tide

You are finalising the discs before playing them in the other machines?

edit: also www.videohelp.com has no record commenst detailing +R/RW discs will work on the machine, only -R/RW
http://www.videohelp.com/dvdplayers?DVDname=toshiba+110e&Search=Search&dvdportable=&dvdchanger=&dvdtv=&chipset=&country=&orderby=Name&hits=25

POLDO_DONK

+ RW's shouldn't need finalising. -RW's will, as will -R's & +R's.

Isn't the world of differing formats great? :rolleyes:

Edit. Interesting and useful looking site Woby :T

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steven589

I'm pretty sure it's nothing to with the format, as both -R and +RW are giving me the same problem (but both work fine in my dvd recorder). So there is obviously something about the fact that these discs were blank to start with that is causing the problem.

What does this finalising of discs mean by the way?

POLDO_DONK

Most disc's cannot be read in another machine other than the one they are recorded on until they are 'finalised'. Essentially, something called the TOC (table of contents) is updated so it can be read by all DVD players. This is because DVD-recorders (of all formats) where approved after the standards were set for DVD players :rolleyes:

See the instruction manual for your machine on how to 'finalise' a disc.

As I said, try a few different brands of disc with your machine and see how things go. If you still have difficulties, you may have a problem machine.

Edit. Thinking about this, I wonder if I've over looked something obvious . Although you're having problems with both formats of disc, that may well be for different reasons. Your Toshiba may only be compatible with one type i.e. + or - .
Looking at other Toshiba's, they are mainly only -R compatible. Please check your instruction manual to see. It may well be that one type of disc simply won't work on your machine and that the other format you have tried, the machine is compatible with, but just does not like that brand or has not been finalised (in the case of the -R disc) as Woby_Tide said. Confusing or what! :rolleyes:


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