Hi,

I've searched through the threads and have seen one on this topic, but having followed the various suggestions in it I’m still hitting this problem.

I've downloaded CloneDVD2 for evaluation. I’m also using the latest version of AnyDVD which I’ve subscribed to (latest versions both downloaded today). I have an Acer 1693WLMi laptop containing a Matshita UJ-840D dvd burner (FW 1.00 - according to DVD Identifier). I'm trying to burn to a Bulkpaq 2.4x DVD+R DL disc:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unique Disc Identifier : [DVD+R-DL:CMC MAG-D01-000]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Disc & Book Type : [DVD+R DL] - [DVD+R DL]
Manufacturer Name : [CMC Magnetics Corp.]
Manufacturer ID : [CMC MAG]
Media Type ID : [D01]
Product Revision : [Not Specified]
Blank Disc Capacity : [4,173,824 Sectors = 8.55 GB (7.96 GiB)]
Recording Speeds : [2.4x]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
[ DVD Identifier V4.2.0 - http://DVD.Identifier.CDfreaks.com ]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

I seem to be able to get the files off the source dvd no problem. I select 2-2.4x speed to write and DVD +R DL as my target size (I’m told this is fine), but when I try to burn I get an error telling me:

"source file too big".

Clicking on more details shows:

"WriteDVD 14 W2".

I've tried different discs - but always get the same error.

I've previously successfully burned to another dl disc from the same pack using Cyberlink Powerproducer 2 Gold (which was bundled with my laptop purchase), so that means (I think) that the dvd burner recognises the discs as being big enough. CP2 Gold failed to copy with a dvd+r disc. I've looked for a firmware upgrade for the burner (just in case) but Windows XP didn't find anything online. (btw, I’m not a fan of CP2 Gold as it seems to alter the aspect ratio)

I’ve uninstalled and reinstalled CloneDVD2 – no change.

I’ve turned off NAV – no change.

I’ve excluded the dvd folders from NAV – no change.

I’ve disabled everything under the “Services” and “Startup” tabs in the System Configuration Assistant and rebooted – no change.

I’ve tried "DVD Files" and "DVD Writer" (haven't tried "ISO/UDF Image") – no change.

I'm not connected to the internet when I try to burn.

Any ideas?

@ TheHamster,

The use of the AnyDVD- CloneDVD software combination will produce quality backup copies of your Commercial DVD Movie Title library.

The error you are receiving is typically caused by the use of low quality DVD+R DL Media.

Suggest obtaining known reliable high quality DVD+R DL Media such as Vebatim DVD=R DL media.

Best Regards,
bjkg

What is the size of your source file or folder after you rip it?

TheHamster,
Don't consider this an answer or solution yet. I want a consensus from other members first.

bjkg, strachan, or others:
Although TheHamster is probably using less than reliable media, I think the error message "source file too big" is a CloneDVD Dual-Layer break problem. As you both know, CloneDVD breaks at the end of a chapter (until the next version is released) rather than breaking at the original's true layer break point. I think he's got too much data on one or the other layer (probably the first layer) to go to burn.

So, TheHamster, please provide us with the name of the movie you are backing up so someone might be able to check how "data-packed" each of the layers on the original might be.

If the diagnosis is correct then the solution should be to remove a couple of extras, previews or soundtracks/subtitles so that the data-size that CloneDVD is allotting to be burned to the first layer on the backup will snuggle into the alloted space of the layer on the DL backup media.

What do both you guys or other members think?

Best regards,
Whisperer

BTW, TheHamster, we are expecting that the next update of CloneDVD2 will deal with this issue which rarely shows up unless except on a rare original has really data stuffed-to-the-max layers. Olli has indicated elby is working on it.

Thanks for both responses.

The folder, which contains AUDIO_TS and VIDEO_TS, IS 7.05GB - according to the pop-up info. I get when I hover my mouse over it in Explorer.

Thanks to Whisperer1 for the most recent response.

The movie is Sin City. It's region 2 encoded. If you need any more info. please just let me know.

I just fired up CloneDVD2 with Sin City. Title 1 is 1:58:59, contains 29 chapters, and AC3/6 EN, AC3/6 IT (Italian) and AC3/2 EN soundtracks.

The other titles are 8:33 or less in running time, so I don't imagine they'll cause a size-related problem, at least not on their own.

TheHamster,
I think the other guys have more DL burning experience than me but I just put my original of Sin City (R1 USA) into my computer and also checked my notes from my successful backup of it. I did not burn DL, I split it onto two SL disks.

Disk1: Chap 1-11 (and included all the little extras on this disk)

Disk2: Chap 12-29 (with no extras)

This yealded pretty close to 4GB on each backup disk.

I think you need to change your chapter split point with the CloneDVD's "Scissors / Split Disk" feature. But I don't know if this can be done on a DL backup which is why I'm counting on the other guys to jump in here. Or you need to dump some previews or extras etc but I would sure understand if you don't like this alternative because I backup as close to 1:1 as I can myself.

And again, I may be off base on my diagnosis. It just might be crappy media. For sure it is DL media, right? Verbatim is the best DL.

Best regards,
Whisperer

BTW: if Olli or others at elby are reading, we could sure use a CloneDVD, page one, Title Set size readout that shows an XX.XX GB size rather than an "estamated elapsed time 'size'" readout which is a bit innocuous and unusable (based on the bitrate of the authoring of the original movie disk) when it comes to judging data size to fit on a split or DL. The compression meter is indeed a graphic "indicator" but again it gives no hard, usable information. The meter makes a better final confirmation check of my splits than a tool by which to base the size of my as-close-to-desired 4.30GB splits on.

Please also get us automatic and true to the original layer break split point for DL backups. Or at least a manual "set-layer-break-point type indicator" on the scissors feature graphic bar readout.

And if I really do have your eye, let me be a real little brat and tell you what else I want for Chrismas! Please "give me" +R SL booktyping and a nice pretty "Please Insert Disk2" logo/message at the end of disk1 for those of us who split a movie onto two backup media. DL media is still very expensive so tons of us, who don't like compressing, are still splitting. Thank you Santa.

Also, I wouldn't count on XP to find your burner's latest firmware. Go to the manufacturer's website support page to find out if you are current. Or if Acer has altered their bios or altered the burner's firmware, in a proprietary way, then you may have to get the firmware update from their site. I know Dell and Gateway pre-assembled computers can be less than industry standard in their proprietary "enhancements". Don't know about Acer and have no experience with laptops.

There have been issues posted about problems with Matshita burners. But I don't know if it relates to your problem. Doing a search here on cdfreaks might turn up some answers. Use Key word "Matshita" since using the model # might turn up few postings due to the way many posters don't include the correct dash(-) or slash (/) or other typos in the model# that exclude all the search hits you could be looking for.

The whole deal with DL and layers breaks can be complicated - all DL media is written OTP - this means that layer 0 starts at the middle and heads towards the outer edge of the disc. Layer 1 then starts where layer 0 ended and heads back towards the middle. This means that layer 1 can not be bigger than layer 0.

The general concensus is that DVDDecrypter is the best software for backing up DL discs as it keeps the layer break in the same place. (I think it is possible that even DVDDecrypter may get it wrong if the original has been mastered PTP with layer 1 bigger than layer 0 - but not many movies are PTP)

Keep in mind that CloneDVD2 was really designed to take a DL original and shrink it down to fit on a single layer disc. (which it does very, very well)

good post abrown15.
Since TheHamster was assessing CloneDVD on the CloneDVD threads, I thought I'd keep it to that program. Since DVDDecrypter is no longer being updated and gets confused about some of the new invalid sector/block protections now showing up on new releases, I didn't bring up DVDDecrypter. But since it is free, it is indeed a good alternative for certain troublesome movies. And, believe it or not, the final 321 Studios version of the original DVD-X-Copy (v.1.5.2) found the layer break flawlessly (but only for splits, DL didn't exist yet). But then they F'd Up a promising future by ending development on the original DXC and coming out with "Express" and "Platinum" which were both abominations. Lost revenue (needed for legal fees) from issuing those problem programs and, subsequently being US based and taking on the well financed MPAA in a lawsuit led to 321's demise.

I, myself, never went for all the the freeware stuff like Decrypter and Shrink, etc, and I didn't wan't to clutter up my dedicated backup box with possible conflicting programs. I just figured I'd wait a bit for CloneDVD to update their layer break point logic.

I'd sure like to see someone from Elby or Slysoft jump onto this thread. They probably are shy to expound on the next version of CloneDVD since I have not even heard a hint about a beta yet. Put me on the list if you want testers because with DL media prices dropping, I'm almost ready to give up splitting and transition 100% to DL backups.

Best regards,
Whisperer

I guess it is a case of right tool for the right job - at present nothing beats DVDDecrypter for making DL backups (especially if used with AnyDVD) - As DL media comes down in price and more people use it, I am sure Elby will look at doing something with CloneDVD2 which in my opinion is still the best solution for backing up to single layer discs.

Hi everyone,

1. firmware: have discovered that Matshita is Matsushita is Panasonic. Finding a Matshita site that is navigable is tricky to say the least. Searching for Matsushita led me to the Panasonic website. However, they don't recognise anything called UJ-840d. Is there some way to get a generic name for the drive (common to Matshita/Matsushita/Panasonic) that I can use to search for a firmware update?

I've otherwise had not luck in finding a firmware update. None available on the acer website.

2. I've tried stripping back what I'm copying to the minimum - namely, the movie and the 5.1 soundtrack only. Same failure. Size of minimal files is still 5.96GB - which is over 1/2 the total DL disc size, so I'm guessing that's why the "source too large" error still occurs. I've not heard of a way to use the scissors, or some other way, to reset the layer break point using CloneDVD.

3. DVD Decryptor sounds like a decent option. But I can't find it. Various websites talk about it, but they all say that I can no longer download it. This is because Macrovision purchased the rights to it - and threatened those websites that provided it for free download with legal action. I've looked on the macrovision website, but it seems more geared to stopping me from backing up my discs rather than helping me to do so! Without wishing to get anyone into trouble, is there somewhere I can still get DVD Decryptor from?

Thanks for help thus far...

http://www.doom9.org/

You can get DVDDecrypter from here - look under downloads.

abrown15, I take my hat off to you. I downloaded DVD Decrypter and it worked perfectly.

Thanks again to all who posted responses...

You are more than welcome - glad that you got your problem sorted!!!

I am having the same problem but a few things that differ:

1) I have not successfully burned a DL dvd on my system but everything else writes fine

2) I can't say it's brand of DVD because I have tried memorex, verbatim, and Fuji. They all generate the same error.

3) In nero the disc shows as 2.1GB CD-R, in DVDID it shows as 8.55GB

Here's some info about my setup:
Windows XP Pro (MCE SP1)
1GB RAM
UJ-845S drive
Toshiba notebook

If anyone has some insight as to why it's behaving as if there isn't enough room please advise. I know that my firmware is D100 and I here of people with a D200 and D201 but I cannot locate a download for those and I am not even sure you can flash these drives. I may have to send it to Panasonic.

you need to update the firmware for your burner. go to the Optical Drives (CD and DVD Burners, etc.) Forum and look around to see if they have a link for the f/w for you or ask in there so they can help find it.

also look here http://forum.rpc1.org/viewtopic.php?...cd35777d7299df it's down right now but try back later to see if it's up. hopes this helps.

hey guys need some help here i followed the above instructions for the problem but i have another one i used dvddecrypter to rip the 7. some gig data from my dvd but now i dont know how to burn that onto the DL DVD-R i tried clonedvd one more time but it didnt work and used nero and it wont burn the vob files to the dvd.... also i tried copying from dvd-rom to burner with nero "Copy disk" but the DL DVD hardly worked on any of my players after i did that it kept freezing up....so before i waste any more DLs is there a program that will burn 7 gigs of Vob to the DL? cause nero isnt working for me?

Rickyoto -

Look at the below posting to use DVD Decrypter-AnyDVD-IMGBurn to burn to DL DVD. Look at posting #23.

http://club.cdfreaks.com/showthread.php?t=185557

BeLooken