Make DVD's compatible with other DVD players?

Question

I recorded a DVD from a VCR with a SONY RDX-VX530 DVD Video Cassette Recorder/ DVD Recorder.

I format the DVD as VIDEO or VR and then finalize them.
I used DVD +R/W and/or -R/W CD's

The DVD will play back on on my Sony recorder and Window Media Player on my computer. They will not play on DVD players of several of my friends . However they have no trouble with commercial DVD's.
What kind of discs and formats do commercial DVD's use?
Any ideas?
Thanks Peter

Answer 1

couple of issues here 1. some dvd players (especially older ones) will not play 'burnt' dvd's so not matter what you do they will just not play

2. quality of the blank dvd is a factor - generic white label disks are not the most reliable - stick to name brand (sony, memorex, etc)

3. media type (+r or -r) can be a factor both have their issues with playback in non-computer players

all of things are a factor and you will not solve all yrou problems - just part of the fun of making yoru own dvd's

try buying a sample oack of one disk of various manufacturers to test with, once you find somehting that seems to work then stock up .

the problem is not as common as it was 2-3 yrs agoi but still there

Answer 2

1 - older DVD players are more likely to play DVD -R's and DVD +R's so you'll have to use those instead of the +R/W and -R/W's that you're currently using.

2- Do not use VR mode. Most DVD players are not equipped to handle that format either.

How do I know this? I have two DVD recorders and three DVD players and I learned the hard way.