[SOLVED] DVD-r shows up as blank disc

[nnjond59]

Hi,

I havea tv show burnt to DVD-r using the Panasonic DMR-E50. Now I would like to play it on my pc. However, it is only recognised as a blank disc. Can you think of anything I can try to move this project along?

Thanks for you time.

[praveenkv1988]

I had the same issue. I had to replace the drive.

[Rubberman]

According to the Panasonic documentation for this device, they support DVD-RAM as well as DVD-R discs to record and playback. However, I note that on page 11 of the user guide is specifically states the following regarding DVD-R playback:

≥In order to play a DVD-R recorded using this unit on another
playback source, the disc must first be finalized (‹page 34).
≥Once a DVD-R is finalized, it becomes DVD-Video.
≥You can record onto the available space on the disc and perform
editing functions, such as giving titles to discs and programs and
erasing programs before finalizing.
≥When programming is erased from a DVD-R, that space does not
become available. Once an area on a DVD-R is recorded on, that
area is no longer available for recording, whether the recording is
erased or not.
≥It takes about 30 seconds for the unit to complete recording management
information after recording finishes.
≥This unit optimizes the DVD-R for each recording. Optimizing is
carried out when you start recording after inserting the disc or
turning on the unit. Recording onto the disc may become impossible
if optimizing is carried out too many times.
≥Play may be impossible in some cases due the condition of the
recording.
≥The video is recorded in a 4:3 aspect irrespective of the video signal
input.

So, the salient question becomes - did you finalize the disc?

[previso]

I had few coasters until I set the burn speed to 4x, even if the disk is rated to 16x.

[nnjond59]

Thanks for your research Rubberman. It was a long time ago and my guess is I didn't finalise the disk as that is a complication, i don't really understand now. I'm hoping figuring out a remedy on my pc is an option, as digging out that complicated old dvd player will be a pain. Have you any further comments?

Thanks anyway.

[Rubberman]

Other than digging the DVR out of the dustbin and closing the disc on it, I'm not sure if a Linux DVD recording tool like K3b or mkisofs will do the job for you. In any case, the Panasonic user guide was pretty clear on how to do it. Here is a link to the PDF: http://service.us.panasonic.com/OPERMANPDF/DMRE50.PDF