Flyntz is a moron and needs tech help

[Larry Flyntz]

So I got a new computer with a DVD burner, and after putting my first burned DVD into a real DVD player, I got an error message saying something like "the DVD has not been finalized." But, the computer ejected it when it was done burning - there was no "finalize" option.

As for what I was burning, it was an .avi file downloaded from demonoid. My instincts tell me that this is why it wasn't working. So, with that in mind, what formats ought I to look for when downloading?

Thank you kindly.

[الله أكبر]

I think DVDs have to be burned using .iso files. Basically, an .iso is an image of the original source, which is then burned onto a blank DVD, creating a mirror image of sorts.

But I'm not 100% certain. I'm sure Rifty will be on the prowl shortly...

[Larry Flyntz]

Small detail I left out: it works fine in computers, just not DVD players.

[Rhino......................]

DVD's are pissy little bitches and will often only work in certain machines/no machines depending on whichever nit-picky property wasn't set to the exact right properties. Some immediate things to watch out for:

• Make sure you're burning a video DVD, not a data DVD
• If you see any settings marked "NTSC," those are probably settings you want to use

What program are you using to burn it?

[Rhino......................]

Small detail I left out: it works fine in computers, just not DVD players.

I've had this inexplicably happen to me before, and the simplest way I found to correct it was to use a different brand of blank DVD. I have no idea why this worked.

[Larry Flyntz]

I just used Windows Media Player to burn it. I'm sure I could track down something better.

How can I tell if it's a video vs. data DVD? It doesn't seem to specify.

[Rhino......................]

If it plays on your computer when you pop it in it's a video DVD. I doubt that's the problem. Your best bet is probably finding some better software or buying different DVD's. For some reason, I've found that Fujifilm DVD's are the most reliable for me in terms of working on multiple players. Again, I have no idea why. I also don't know any good software for PC's, but if Windows Media works, maybe Winamp?

[TemporalRift]

Use ConvertXtoDVD. That'll transcode the video file which'll make sure it'll play as well as burn the DVD in one swoop.

[Larry Flyntz]

I downloaded convertxtodvd, but it says that since it's a trial version, there will be a watermark placed in the image.  Any way around this without, you know, paying money?

[الله أكبر]

Demonoid!

[Larry Flyntz]

Don't worry, Mits, I'm using demonoid.

[TemporalRift]

It was free last time I used it, sorry. But yeah, just pirate the fuck out of it.