Cannot Burn to Disc or Folders

Scott

Newbie Joined: Dec 11, 2009 16:25 Messages: 7 Offline

Solved by

Dec 15, 2009 17:07

Is there some practical upper limit to the file sizes or movie length that PD8 can burn or am I experiencing some other problem?

I am trying to convert some Hi8mm video tapes to DVD. I have Produced a single movie file of 1 hour and 54 minutes with 11 scenes in it. It includes some transitions and a single music track over about 3 of the scenes. Pretty basic movie with no special effects.

But PD8 will not burn this movie to Disc or to Folders. It bombs out after about 15 minutes (11%) with an error message that says “Burn Unsuccessful” and “Unspecified Error.” Now there’s a bit of helpful programming – not!

So far, I have performed the following to try to diagnose and correct the problem:

1. Shut off all other running applications (at least the ones I can find)

2. Uninstalled and reinstalled PD8 and the Content Pack Multiple times (Build version 2220, but have not applied the C patch – that’s next). Same errors.

3. Produced the movie a second time (It takes 8-1/2 hours to render – might be a clue there – although with the trial version of the program I initially did it in 3 hours!) and tried to burn again to Disc and Folders. Same errors.

4. Tested Burning of Sample Video to Folder (no music, transitions, etc.) with the same settings I am trying to use. It works.

5. Tested Burning a 4 minute segment of my imported .mpg file to Folder with no audio, transitions, etc. using the same settings. It works.

So I am back to file size as a prime suspect.

My computer is a Dell Precision M6300 laptop with an Intel Centrino DuoCore T9300 processor @ 2.5GHz and 4GB Ram. I am running Windows Vista Ultimate SP2 (64-bit). It has a dual-layer DVD burner in it that I regularly use to burn dual layer discs so I know it works.

The properties on my Produced .mpg are as follows:
File type: MPEG-2
File size: 6.69 GB
Video
Video type: MPEG-2
Original duration: 01:54:22:10
Bit rate: 8.00 Mbps
Resolution: 720 x 480
Frame rate: 29.97 fps
Aspect ratio: 4:3
Audio
Type: Dolby Digital
Sampling rate: 48 kHz
Bit rate: 256 kbps
Channel: Stereo

The Disc Preferences I am using are:
DVD Video (8.5GHz)
HQ – Best Quality
Dolby Digital – 2 Channels.

Again, there is nothing exotic about what I am trying to do, but I recognize that this file size is large. But, it seems like PD8 and my computer should be able to handle this. I’d like to make simple 2 hour DVD’s with multiple scenes so I don’t end up with 40 Discs.

Any thoughts? Thanks in advance.

Scott.

BarryTheCrab

Senior Contributor Location: USA Joined: Nov 06, 2008 22:18 Messages: 6240 Offline

Dec 15, 2009 18:39

The file size.
DVD single layer limits to 4.7 gb.
You can try smartfit, but the video quality falls off more as you exceed the limitations of the disc.
That is my first guess. HP Envy Phoenix/4thGen i7-4770(4@3.4GHz~turbo>3.9)
Nvidia GTX 960(4GB)/16GB DDR3/
Canon Vixia HV30/HF-M40/HF-M41/HF-G20/Olympus E-PL5.
Tape capture using 6 VCR, TBC-1000, Elite BVP4+, Sony D8 camcorder with TBC.
https://www.facebook.com/BarryAFTT

Scott

Newbie Joined: Dec 11, 2009 16:25 Messages: 7 Offline

Dec 15, 2009 19:22

I am using dual-layer 8.5GB drive and discs and have that setting checked on the Disc preferences.

Here is a further update:

I updated BIOS, Graphics driver (NVIDIA Quadro FX 1600M), chipset software and other seemingly related drivers on my system.

I also applied the patch so my release level is: VDE090925-03

Now upon burning I get the following error message:

Burning Unsuccessful.

Possible Causes
Transcoding engine's front end stream error.
Might be due to:
1) Broken or missing source file
2) Out of system memory.

That memory comment sounds like a distinct possibility. I'll look into that.

Scott

Newbie Joined: Dec 11, 2009 16:25 Messages: 7 Offline

Dec 15, 2009 21:34

I am running .2220 with the patch that was released on 10/29. I think there are major problems with these builds and with this software.

There is another thread that talks about how the Trial version of the software performs better than the retail version. I am beginning to believe that as well. I am particularly suspicious of the Content Pack. It seems like it's primary purpose is to create Bloatware and Adware.

The Trial version was stable and robust - which is why I paid for the program. The full version with the Content Pack freezes up constantly and pushes Ads out in every screen. All of my problems started after I paid for the software and installed this animal.

Also, I tried this advice:
Re:Not enough system memory question...
http://forum.cyberlink.com/forum/posts/list/7909.page#32675

How about trying it again but turning off some process?
1. Type msconfig
2. Select the second tab and click the button "Advance option"
3. Check the process count and select 2
4. Restart the PC and try to burn the same project again.
These instructions are from R&D.

I made the above changes and turned off a lot of processes/services. Then I monitored the Burn with Task Manager/Resource Manager. The Memory usage never went above 60% used although the CPU pegs at 100% for most of the burn process.

The burn crashed at about the same point and with the original message: Unspecified errors.

At this point, I am going to wipe PD8 clean off my computer and go back to the Trial version and see if that works.

I've already made a big enough pest of myself with CyberLink that they have offered me a refund. I have 6 more days to decide. I'll give it another day or two to work this problem. Otherwise I'll move on - I want to make movies not become a volunteer software debugger for CyberLink.

BarryTheCrab

Senior Contributor Location: USA Joined: Nov 06, 2008 22:18 Messages: 6240 Offline

Dec 15, 2009 21:39

Sorry to hear of your troubles.
For most folks, it runs really nice.
A number of people have issues, er, their machines have issues!
I will be getting a new machine soon, and I hope my trouble-free editing does not go downhill!

Scott, what are your hardware specs?

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at Dec 15. 2009 21:40

HP Envy Phoenix/4thGen i7-4770(4@3.4GHz~turbo>3.9)
Nvidia GTX 960(4GB)/16GB DDR3/
Canon Vixia HV30/HF-M40/HF-M41/HF-G20/Olympus E-PL5.
Tape capture using 6 VCR, TBC-1000, Elite BVP4+, Sony D8 camcorder with TBC.
https://www.facebook.com/BarryAFTT

Scott

Newbie Joined: Dec 11, 2009 16:25 Messages: 7 Offline

Dec 15, 2009 21:45

My computer is a Dell Precision Workstation M6300 laptop with 2 Intel Centrino DuoCore T9300 processors @ 2.5GHz and 4GB RAM.

I am running Windows Vista Ultimate SP2 (64-bit). It has a dual-layer DVD burner in it that I regularly use to burn dual layer discs so I know it works.

It has an NVIDA Quadro FX 1600M graphics card and I believe the graphics card has 2GB of dedicated RAM.

This is pretty high-end laptop that should handle the job (at least the hardware should).

CubbyHouseFilms

Senior Contributor Location: Melbourne, Australia Joined: Jul 14, 2009 04:23 Messages: 2208 Offline

Dec 15, 2009 22:00

Hi Scott

Had a similiar problem using PD7 and an 8.5GB disc.

The DVD drive in my Dell didn't 'like' the dual layered disc.

I solved my problem by splitting my 6.0 GB MPEG2 in half and producing 2 x 3.0GB projects and burning the two projects on separate standard 4.7GB DVD-Rs.

I labelled them disc 1 & disc 2.

The CONTENT PACK contains:
DVD Menus
PIP Menus
Font templates

and lots of other useful stuff.

To stop the ads go to your internet/anti virus programme eg Norton or McAfee and add PDR8.exe to the 'banned list'. I have as I think most experienced users here have.
Hope this helps

This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at Dec 15. 2009 22:06

Happing editing

Best Regards

Neil
CubbyHouseFilms
My Youtube Channel
My Vimeo Channel
PD3.5, 5, 6 & 7. Computer: Dell Dimension 5150, Intel Pen. 2.80 GHz, 2GB RAM, NVIDIA GeForce 8600GT 256MB, Windows XP Pro!!
PD8 Ultra v3022. Computer: Dell Studio 1747, Intel, i7 Q740 1.73 GHz, 8GB RAM, ATI Mob. Radeon HD 560v 1GB, Windows 7 Ult. 64
PD10 Ultra v2023. Computer: HP Pavilion dv7, Intel, i7 2630 2.00 GHz, 8GB RAM, ATI Mob. Radeon HD 6770 2GB, Windows 7 Pre. 64
PD12 Ultra v2930. Computer: HP Pavilion dv7, Intel, i7 2630 2.00 GHz, 8GB RAM, ATI Mob. Radeon HD 6770 2GB, Windows 7 Pre. 64
PD13 Ultim v3516. Computer: HP Pavilion dv7, Intel, i7 2630 2.00 GHz, 8GB RAM, ATI Mob. Radeon HD 6770 2GB, Windows 7 Pre. 64
PD16 Live v2101 Computer: HP Pavilion dv7, Intel, i7 2630 2.00 GHz, 16GB RAM, ATI Mob.Radeon HD 6770 2GB, Windows 7 Pre. 64
Director Suite 6: PowerDirector 16 Live, PhotoDirector 9, ColorDirector 6, AudioDirector 8

Cameras: Sony(s) HXR-NX5P, HXR-NX70P, NEX-VG10E, a6300 4k, HDR TG5E, GoPro 4 Black, Canon 6D DSLR

Visit PDtoots. PowerDirector Tutorials, tips, free resources & more. Subscribe!
Full linked Tutorial Catalog - PDtoots happily supports fellow PowerDirector users!

Scott

Newbie Joined: Dec 11, 2009 16:25 Messages: 7 Offline

Dec 15, 2009 22:08

NA

I have a combination TiVo unit/DVD burner that I bought a number of years ago. I hooked up my video camera to that and recorded the tapes onto the hard drive of the TiVo unit - basically it handles the analog to digital conversion for me. Then I burned those files to DVD's.

From there I captured the video from the DVD's into PD8 from a digital source. This process worked very well and I avoided any audio/video sync issues that could come up by using a seperate capture device.

Thanks.

Scott

Newbie Joined: Dec 11, 2009 16:25 Messages: 7 Offline

Dec 15, 2009 22:13

Neil:

I had considered that - I do burn dual layer discs on this computer with no problems. But, just in case, I figured I'd burn the movie to folders on my hard drive then use another program to burn to discs, but it won't write to folders either.

I'll try to break the movie in half and get under the 4.7GB limit to see if that works. I know I can burn a small file - I just wonder how large I can go.

Thanks for the tip on the Adware. It just bugs me how aggressive CyberLink is in trying to sell more stuff to me when my frustration bucket runneth over.

Dafydd B

Senior Contributor Joined: Aug 26, 2006 08:20 Messages: 11973 Offline

Dec 16, 2009 03:34

Hi Scott,

I have reported the error to R&D and they have replicated the issue.

Now upon burning I get the following error message:

Burning Unsuccessful.

Possible Causes
Transcoding engine's front end stream error.
Might be due to:
1) Broken or missing source file
2) Out of system memory.

It's an error that is easy to create.
1. Open PD
2. Drag the Nature.mpg to the Video track
3. Select Color Boards
4. Drag the black board to the beginning of the video
5. Select transitions
6. Select Fade and place it between the board and the clip
7. without changing any other settings go to Create Disc
8. All default settings and then select burn. NOTE: Does depend which is the default menu with you.
9. The error message is generated.

OK. Work arounds.
1. Produce your video before returning it to PD's to Create to Disc.
2. Alter the selection of the DVD menu - that was found to be an issue.
3. Change the way you start the video - I found the way I laid out the above (1 to 6) triggered the error message.

Hi Garry,
You appear not to have read the agreement prior to becoming a member here. The most obvious reminder is at the top of the forum index page: This is a forum for CyberLink members to discuss and share their users' experience. CyberLink customer support will not reply in the forum regarding the technical issues. Topics or replies with attacking or illegal messages will be deleted by the forum management directly.

For technical support AND refund enquiries I suggest you contact Technical Support! http://www.cyberlink.com/prog/support/cs/index.do

What was the outcome of the suggestions I gave you as you did NOT mention the same error message in your own TOPIC? The same TOPIC I believe you warned off another member with the words "don't hi-jack my thread" - Please post your answer under your own TOPIC. http://forum.cyberlink.com/forum/posts/list/9246.page#39837

Dafydd
[Moderator]

This message was edited 3 times. Last update was at Dec 16. 2009 04:45

Dafydd B

Senior Contributor Joined: Aug 26, 2006 08:20 Messages: 11973 Offline

Dec 16, 2009 08:28

Thank you Garry.

Information is used to localise a cause and to get a resolution. The presentation of the data is important as is replicating the issue. Once a video editor provides the full picture, including sample files and system set up R&D can imitate the problem. Members here provide valuable assistance by offering solutions and confirming situations found.

The image you included of the warning message is NOT the same as experience by the member here. The solution in your case could be a number of things. Isolation of the cause depends upon the information you provide... which you didn't, wouldn't or couldn't.

Just to make it abundantly clear to you Garry. The management style on this forum is fair and casual BUT firm on specific points. That is not authoritarian, it is applying the rules you agreed to when you joined this public forum.

Dafydd
[Moderator]

Cap'n Kevin

Senior Contributor Location: Chebeague Island, Maine Joined: Dec 26, 2008 20:22 Messages: 2011 Offline

Dec 16, 2009 09:41

Gentleman, Ladies & Video Editors,

I am not a techy by any stretch of the word. But I have been trying to learn by reading the topics in this forum. And I feel I am making little steps forward.

And I have an analogy I wanted to share to illustrate what I think it is like to add Power Director to ANY computer system and using various video types by all the users of this software!

It would be like giving a Recipe for Blackberry Crumble to 30 different people and expecting to get the same result and presentation from every person. There are so many variables that effect the outcome, Black Berry quality(Fresh?, Frozen?, Number, size, water content), oven temperature consistency (Gas, Electric, Wood Logs), age of ingredients used (do I suspect my 8 year old Black Berries?), Pastry Chef's ability to follow the recipe, etc., etc.

Just because your computer System is the latest and greatest and superior in performance to others doesn't mean : If you are having troubles with Power Director that ALL the blame should be pointed at Power Director. Have an OPEN mind and look within for additional answers by providing all the information requested.

EDIT:
If your goal is to actually resolve your problem, then follow the instructions that Dafydd has provided at this link: http://forum.cyberlink.com/forum/posts/list/7958.page

This will give you the highest probability in obtaining an accurate and complete answer to your query. If the R&D of Cyberlink can then REPEAT this properly described problem, they can produce a patch that will correct it. Hopefully to everyones satisfaction in both resolution and delivery to the consumer.

AND EVERYONE WILL BENEFIT FROM THAT.

Kevin

This message was edited 4 times. Last update was at Dec 16. 2009 10:19

Check out PDtoots. PowerDirector Tutorials and more! Over 5,000 Subscribers.

Dafydd B

Senior Contributor Joined: Aug 26, 2006 08:20 Messages: 11973 Offline

Dec 16, 2009 09:59

Dear Kevin,
I believe I'm somewhat of a connoisseur when it comes to Blackberry Crumble, even down to the stain they leave when picking them!

It is with some tickled amusement I enjoyed your considered opinion in understanding the presentation (of information) of crumble and all things associated with (video) cooking to perfection. Though you should never maligned a humble Blackberry Crumble or use it in an analogy! humph!

sacre blue!

Not wanting to miss an opportunity on this off topic issue, I feel obliged to remind you of the best method in picking, cooking and eating of a decent Blackberry Crumble.
http://seemyworldonvideo.com/view/773/autumn-harvest/

Dafydd
[Connoisseur]

This message was edited 5 times. Last update was at Dec 16. 2009 10:08

vn800rider

Senior Contributor Location: Darwen, UK Joined: May 15, 2008 04:32 Messages: 1949 Offline

Dec 16, 2009 10:40

Kevin,
A similar analogy - occasionally when a dish is presented as a blackberry crumble, it may actually be a pheasant casserole.

As an expert in preparing such a dish, I can confirm that be it a pheasant casserole, or a blackberry crumble, it is impossible at that stage to disassemble it back into it's constituent parts and hence determine which part may cause the pheasant casserole to look and taste like a blackberry crumble.

Personally, I have my doubts about the origin of the berries in the crumble but.......

Cheers
Adrian

Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated. (see below)
Confucius
AMD Phenom IIX6 1055T, win10, 5 internal drives, 7 usb drives, struggling power supply.

BarryTheCrab

Senior Contributor Location: USA Joined: Nov 06, 2008 22:18 Messages: 6240 Offline

Dec 16, 2009 18:12

I prefer lobster. HP Envy Phoenix/4thGen i7-4770(4@3.4GHz~turbo>3.9)
Nvidia GTX 960(4GB)/16GB DDR3/
Canon Vixia HV30/HF-M40/HF-M41/HF-G20/Olympus E-PL5.
Tape capture using 6 VCR, TBC-1000, Elite BVP4+, Sony D8 camcorder with TBC.
https://www.facebook.com/BarryAFTT

Scott

Newbie Joined: Dec 11, 2009 16:25 Messages: 7 Offline

Dec 16, 2009 18:53

Dafydd:

Thanks for taking the time to replicate and report the problem. It's somewhat a relief to know that I wasn't just doing something dumb. Hopefully this will prove helpful to others who may be experiencing the same problem and CyberLink will fix the problem.

I am sorry if I strayed off-topic a bit and let my frustration show. I bought a new toy and it didn't work - that's the root of it. I should know better.

I have moderated similar forums before and I recognize both the importance and the challenge of keeping people on topic. The moderators and contributors here are doing good work on behalf of customers and it is appreciated. Your A-Z guide to systematically documenting and diagnosing problems was particularly helpful and I followed many of those steps and related threads to isolate the problem I was experiencing.

Thank you.

Scott.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at Dec 16. 2009 18:56

KitR

Newbie Joined: Dec 17, 2009 10:41 Messages: 9 Offline

Dec 17, 2009 11:17

Hi Dafydd Bevan - SoftDeko
I have the same problem with not enough memory or missing file. I will try your suggestions but I don't understand "1. Produce your video before returning it to PD's to Create to Disc". Would you give me some details on what you mean? Also, where should I send details/information to help solve this problem? I have used no special effects, only titles and menus. Here is a description of what I have done. I have edited my first video and when I try to "preview" the video it runs through the "First Play Video" file and then crashes with a black screen at the root menu. If I don't use a "First Play Video", it crashes immediately. If I try to burn to a file, it runs for a couple minutes and then gives an error "Broken or missing source file" or "Out of system memory". It doesn't say which file it can't find. All files seem to be there. Task Manager says using 1.5GByte of 4 GByte. Windows 7, AMD Phenom 9600 2.3Ghz quad core. SSE2 supported.

KitR

Newbie Joined: Dec 17, 2009 10:41 Messages: 9 Offline

Dec 18, 2009 12:23

I was able to make the video by "producing" an .avi file first and then replacing the video clips with the .avi file in the editor. In both the bad (input stream error, couldn't find file or not enough memory) and good case (described in first sentence) I didn't pick a menu template, I just used whatever came up. In the bad case the background of the menus was black. In the good case the background was a fancy one with video in a small box on the left. It is possible that PD8 was choking on the menu with the black background.

Dafydd B

Senior Contributor Joined: Aug 26, 2006 08:20 Messages: 11973 Offline

Dec 18, 2009 12:40

I created the test procedure for Adrian (vnrider800) to confirm the problem and then for R&D to replicate.

Both Adrian and I found that removing the first transition was sufficient for the project to create a disc. R&D found the issue occurred with a specific DVD Menu(s) - I don't know which.

I provided a video recording of the issue as well as instructions to R&D.

Dafydd
[Moderator]

KitR

Newbie Joined: Dec 17, 2009 10:41 Messages: 9 Offline

Dec 18, 2009 13:02

It would be really nice if CyberLink had a public web page with lists of known issues and work arounds for each version of their software products. It would be updated daily. That would be much more efficient for a customer to see if an issue they were having was already known and if they should report it or not. The work arounds would hopefully exactly address the issue and be more reliable than what individuals in a forum might suggest. It would make me much happier with CyberLink and I think would gain them a lot of respect. Of course it would take some guts for CyberLink to list bugs for all to see.