I'm currently running studio 9 with the latest update. Having just purchased a plextor dvd writer (multi format) I've tried to render my projects for transfer to a dvd, however I keep getting a message saying an error has occurred. VCD renders no problem but anything with MPEG2 is causing this error. I've tried rendering both avi and mpg files - neither seem to work. My system is running an Athlon XP2500, 512 ddr ram and plenty of harddrive space. Any ideas anyone???

Are you rendering to disk first, or trying to go straight to DVD?

Try rendering to disk and use a DVD program like Power DVD to check if the files on your hard drive work as a DVD should.

Have you ever managed to get an MPEG output? If so what has changed (other than the new drive)? Have you tried a feature for the first time?
If yes to either of these, try again without the changes.

If you have had the problem only since the update, re-install to the previous level.

I have Studio 8 with an XP2100, Radeon 9000 series VGA and 512MB RAM and Studio (now) works fine.

Thanks for the reply....I am trying to render and save the image to hard disc, but when I started to have problems I tried direct to dvd - no luck the error message appeared. Before buying the dvd writer I could render projects no problem prior to making vcd in mpeg 1 format. Needless to say I'd never tried to render for dvd as I didn't have a writer for that media. I've tried Studio 9 with the version out of the box (9.04) and then with the 9.08 and 9.1 updates. Neither version seems to do the trick. I've looked on other review websites and this software is slated by many for the same type of problem, although no-one seems to have a solution for it, other than saying install the standard package but regdelte before hand???? Whatever that means. I really like the editing software if only I could get around this glitch.
I've checked the pinnacle website and my dvd writer is supported.

When I had problems with Studio 8 I downloaded Ulead Video Studio 7 and really didn't like it.

However, VS 8 looks like it's now more like Pinnacle from the screenshots and reviews I've read (and does 'proper' chapters now). Download it and give it a go.

While PS8 is working for me now (ike you I like the layout and simplicity) if I get issues after my upgrade I'll just trash it and go elsewhere. Also, give theWin MovieMaker a go with your captured footage - you can use Nero or similar to burn the output then.