Dual layer burner burning single layer DVDs

**PTN** · 02-03-2005, 04:32 AM

I have a dual layer DVD burner (NEC-3500A). I am wondering about backwards compatability for burning single layer DVDs. I am going to be burning DVDs (for standalone players) for a number of people. I have heard there may be some compatability problems with playing dual layer DVDs in older DVD players. Can I use a dual layer DVD burner to burn a single layer DVD if need be?

Thanks

**Ian in Northampton** · 02-03-2005, 08:09 AM

PTN: I have a NEC dual layer burner and, because I've not yet found a source of dual layer media, have only ever burnt single layer DVDs on it. No problems, playing back on either the PC or a set top DVD player.

**PTN** · 02-03-2005, 11:56 PM

Thanks for the help! I found some dual layer media for sale on Amazon. A 3-pack for $26...

**Shock** · 02-04-2005, 06:19 PM

3 for 26 bucks? Outch! Well at least you founds some.

I know that older DVD players have problems playing DVD+R/-R
Thei firmware doesnt support blank media. But the newer DVD players
play them just fine. newer as in 9 months or newer.

**Ian in Northampton** · 02-04-2005, 08:09 PM

Yeah, what I meant when I said I hadn't found a source, I meant a source that didn't charge an arm and a leg. Blankdiskshop.co.uk has Verbatim-branded at £4.49 each and Ritek at £3.49 - but you can get an awful lot of single-sided DVDs for those kind of prices. Maplin has them at 5 for £25, BOGOF - so that's just £2.50 a disk. Even so... Prices will come down - eventually - and I can wait.

**Marc Peters** · 02-04-2005, 11:16 PM

If you want my opinion (which you probably don't), DL for video is a bit of a waste of time at the moment - high prices, low compatability.

**PTN** · 02-06-2005, 01:31 AM

It does seem to be a bit of a waste of money at the moment. Thanks to a screw up at a computer store and excellent staff, the dual layer burner was cheaper that it should have been though. I got a quote on a single layer burner but they didn't realize they didn't have one in stock. To make up for the mistake I got the dual layer NEC burner for the same price.

**Ian in Northampton** · 02-07-2005, 08:25 AM

Marc: I'm interested by your comment about 'low compatibility'. Is that low compatibility with DVD authoring programs, or low compatibility with set-top DVD players - or what? I'd be interested in your further thoughts on dual layer media.

**Marc Peters** · 02-07-2005, 02:04 PM

Low compatability with set tops. I was going to use them for a wedding DVD as it came out as > 1 hr.... thought better of it after testing in the machines I have available. Burn went fine, just had a 1 in 4 success rate of playing.