Read failure on DVD

Bob N wrote on 2/13/2010, 4:00 PM
A couple of years ago I created a DVD from some digital video taken at Barber Motorsports Park. I recently tried to copy the DVD using Iomega Hotburn Pro and got multiple read errors. I tried to view the DVD on the computer using the same drive it had been created on with DVD A, and it ran for about 10 minutes and locked up. Tried viewing it on another drive with the same results. What might be the problem? Fortunately I have the original AVIs and can create a nes DVD, but that doesn't address the problem. Any suggestions appreciated.

Comments

cbrillow wrote on 2/14/2010, 3:55 AM
What might be the problem?

Media is VERY important - did you use top quality media, such as Toyo Yuden or Verbatim? A few years ago, Ritek was also highly favored, but it seems to have fallen in the estimation of many. Using the cheapest media you can find, or even some 'name brands' that are made by less-reliable vendors, is asking for trouble.

Did you verify the burn by doing a compare with the source after it completed? Did you ever watch it all the way through to ensure that it played correctly at the outset?

Burned DVDs and CDs deteriorate with age. If yours are only a couple of years old, it would seem to be a relatively short life cycle, but it could be simple 'aging'. Have they been stored properly, away from bright lighting and kept from harsh environments, like the interior of automobiles in the summer & winter?

Did you write on the top of the disc with a marker that's not certified for use on DVDs and CDs? In the past, some permanent markers supposedly could react with the coating on the label side of the disc, leading to holes in the reflective layer underneath. Did you use an adhesive label? There's plenty of evidence that indicates that these lead to premature failure on DVDs, but don't seem to affect CDs nearly as much.

If your burner is several years old and you've used it a lot, the laser could be nearing the end of its useful life. This doesn't seem to be a central issue with the disc you're talking about, because it won't play properly on other players, but it is something to keep in mind for future burns.

There are several factors that contribute to premature failure of DVDs, but poor quality media has to rank right at the top. Since you're lucky enough to be able to recreate your work, make sure you're using a top-rated brand.
Bob N wrote on 2/14/2010, 6:49 AM
Well, I know I did two of your listed negatives: Generic DVDs and adhesive labels.

I have played these through before with no problems, and passed on copies to folks who would have told me if there was a failure, although I admit I didn't verify the burn. In fact, I must admit that I don't know how to do that. Is it a feature in DVDA 4.5?

Is there a way to reverse process a DVD to extract the .VOB files and recreate the mpeg-2 or avi files? Thans for suggestions.
musicvid10 wrote on 2/14/2010, 8:40 AM
What does the surface of the dvd look like? If it is smudged or greasy you might try washing it -- GENTLY. There are directions on the internet on how to do this. DON'T wipe the dvd in a circular motion.

Direct sunlight is a burned dvd's biggest enemy. If it sat on the dashboard of your car or on a sunny window sill, there is probably nothing you can do to recover it.

That being said, not all software rippers are created equal. Some try harder than others. You could try DVD Shrink (which can create 1:1 files), ImgBurn (which will create an .iso), or the trial version of VideoReDo (which has a built-in repair utility called "Quickstream Fix" that has saved my butt many times in the past).

If none of these methods work, then the data is simply not coming off the disc, and your only other option would be a professional data recovery service, if it is worth that kind of $ to you.
Bob N wrote on 2/14/2010, 3:31 PM
Thanks musicvd. The surface does look a bit greasy, but they have been stored in a plastic double disk case for two years in a chest of drawers, so no mistreatment. I'll try the mild soap cleaning. I have just recreated two of the four from stored AVI files, and the other two are not worth money. All are in-car videos from a high performance driving school.