How do I close a DVD so it can be watched on another DVD player

RCP · 05-11-2007

OK, I have a bit of a problem in that the Sony DVD Recorder RDR-GX210 which I bought a few years ago (2 or 3 years I think) is now refusing to play the DVDs that I have recorded using it, which I assume means the unit is getting a bit tired. Not only that, it also refuses to play them, or any other pre-recorded DVDs, so is about as much use as a brick in a parachute!

My problem is that the DVDs recorded on this unit can's be watched on any other DVD player unless the disc is closed - But I can't do that because the laser doesn't want to play ball (or anything else for that matter!)

Does anyone know how these DVDs can be closed so they can be watched on another player?

Also, if I replace it with another DVD recorder, can these discs be watched on another Sony unit, or is it player specific?

Any help from you tech guys much appreciated

**HB13DISH** · 05-11-2007

Originally Posted by RCP

OK, I have a bit of a problem in that the Sony DVD Recorder RDR-GX210 which I bought a few years ago (2 or 3 years I think) is now refusing to play the DVDs that I have recorded using it, which I assume means the unit is getting a bit tired. Not only that, it also refuses to play them, or any other pre-recorded DVDs, so is about as much use as a brick in a parachute!

My problem is that the DVDs recorded on this unit can's be watched on any other DVD player unless the disc is closed - But I can't do that because the laser doesn't want to play ball (or anything else for that matter!)

Does anyone know how these DVDs can be closed so they can be watched on another player?

Also, if I replace it with another DVD recorder, can these discs be watched on another Sony unit, or is it player specific?

Any help from you tech guys much appreciated

Interesting problem.
I would start by sending the unit for repairs and then see if it works OK and then close all the DVDs.
Are any of the recorded DVDs closed (finalized) or they are ALL still open ?
Also, how many discs are you talking about.
If it is anything more than a dozen open, then you really have a big problem.

If you have a finalized DVD, then it should play in any DVD player or PC DVD Drive.
You can use Nero PC applications to help you make new finalized Discs, if you are willing to spend the time since the cost of the media is trivial nowadays.
So, just give more info to get a better picture.

Update:
Which DVD media did you use ?
Also, if you are thinking of buying a new Sony model (I personally prefer Pioneer with Hard Disk), then take with you one or two unfinalized DVDs to the show room and insist on testing it before you write the checque.
If they play OK, then you have no problem, just less money in the bank account

RCP · 05-11-2007

Hi HB13DISH, and thank you for your advice which is much appreciated

My apologies regarding the terminology, I meant to finalise the disc not close though assume its the same thing in that the disc cannot be written to any longer and can be watched on other DVD recorders.

This does make me wonder about how many other users of DVD recorders are not aware of this problem - On the Sony DVD recorder the finalise disc option is well buried in the sub-menus and to the average user on the street who has used a video recorder for many years, is going to be in for a nasty surprise when this happens!

Yes I've considered sending it back for repair but dread to think how much the bill will be, especially as basic DVD recorders are so cheap nowadays - It may be uneconomic to carry out a repair. Like you say, if its possible I will be closing loads of them once I get it back.

As to numbers of DVDs involved, lots, perhaps 50 to 75, and yes, I know I should have closed the discs but am always rushing around!!!

As to the media, most are unbranded DVD +R which I bought in packs of 100 off.

I'm not going to buy another Sony, they just don't seem to be building them like they used to do. Ah for the days of the original and heavily built and quality betamax video recorders. More than just a box, they actually had style. From what I can gather this particular Sony DVD recorder is manufactured for Sony by LG.

It's a good suggestion to take one or two unfinalised DVDs into the shop and just see on the off-chance whether they can be read but I don't hold up much hope of that, especially if manufactured by another manufacturer such as you suggested though I guess there is no harm in trying - will be embarrasing if the disc gets stuck!

Will keep you updated on progress...

One other thought, has anyone encountered any software to enable a unfinalised DVD to be read and then closed (Finalised) on a PC so that it can be watched on other DVD players???

**HB13DISH** · 06-11-2007

Hi RCP.
Thank you for the detailed info. Now I have a better picture.
I know what you mean about repair cost, but this might be the only way to get all your discs finalized since it is the same machine with which you made the recordings and you still need a DVD recorder, right ?
Can't you get an estimate at least ?

I am a Sony addict myself, but I bought few months ago a Pioneer DVR with Hard Disk (DVR-540H-S) and it the best purchase that I made this year.
The machine comes with an awsome editting softaware so you can cut off all the bits that you don't want, make chapters for easy access and loads of other stuff that was possible only with PC like recording for many hours without the limitation of 2 hours recording with DVD media.
Worth considering for future purchase (not this model exactly since there are newer and better models). Highly recommended.

If you load a DVD disk to a PC, the machine will not recognize the disc unless it is finalized (you can see this in the windows Explorer or in My Computer drive list.
Once the disc is recognized, you can use other applications to do various things like play, edit, etc.
I don't know if there is any software that can recognize unfinalized discs. Try to search with google.
Good Luck.

**HB13DISH** · 06-11-2007

Hi again,

I found this software called IsoBuster
License cost $29.95
Thought I would test it with the free download.
It probably has a limitation untill you buy a license.
I am trying it now on an unfinalized DVD-R disc and it is able to extract the main track on the disc 2.5GB (windows didn't recognize it) and save the file as *.iso format (or *.tao)
After extracing, I was able to play the track with Nero DVD player, something that wasn't possible before.
Let me know if this helps.
I still think that a repair would be the best route (saves you $29.95 for not buying IsoBuster and hours of compilations work)

**mhku** · 06-11-2007

One option is to try DVD decrypter on your PC and see if it can read/ rip them.

pipeman1 · 07-11-2007

If you still struggle you can always buy the cheap dvd system from a well know supermarket,,,,A,,,, 30quid gets you one that will play anything you put into it without changing the format.

RCP · 09-11-2007

A quick update,

Following sensible advice on here I phoned the local Sony centre and asked the Sony qualified technician a few questions over the inability of this Sony DVD Recorder RDR-GX210 which now refuses to either play or record any type of DVDs what steps I could take.

His recommendation was to try a DVD head cleaner, and if that failed, to throw it in the bin and buy a new one - I think that was his technical term !!!

Needless to say, I dashed down to my local PC World store and spoke to a very bored store assistant before leaving cap in hand and travelling a few hundred yards up the road to the local Comet store which actually stocked two types of DVD lens cleaner.

I had a choice of two brands so spent much time considering both options and talked to the Comet salesman over which would be the better purchase... And chose the One for all professional cleaning system, a 2-way DVD lens cleaner, and according to the advertising on the cover it will safely and effectively restore pictures and sound to their original quality...

In layman terms, this 2-way DVD lens cleaner is a blank DVD with a hole punched in it, with a small piece of fabric measuring approx 10mm waiting to brush over the DVD lens. Not exactly rocket science, but for £14.99 the accountants must be laughing their heads off.

Unfortunately my Sony DVD Recorder RDR-GX210 was having none of this, and ejected the DVD within seconds of the install.

Needless to say, I now have a rubbish 2-way DVD lens cleaner costing £14.99, and an even more rubbish Sony DVD Recorder RDR-GX210 to dispose of. And the Sony rep was quite right when he said chuck it in the bin. I just wish I had taped the conversation!

Next stop, the John Lewis Partnership, where at least a two year warranty is thrown in with the purchase for free! Just don't mention SONY

PS pipeman1, thanks for the advice, I do believe that Asda and Tesco offer such DVD players, may call in over the weekend, though I am looking for a DVD recorder!

**HB13DISH** · 10-11-2007

RCP, Have you tried putting an unfinalized disc in your PC to see if Windows system can recognize the contents ?

I did a test today recording about 30 minutes without finalizing and then put it in the PC DVD Writer drive and I was surprised to see that I can see the files in Windows Explorer and play it with Nero Showtime DVD player.

If your PC doesn't show the files structure, try IsoBuster. It is great.
You will be able to play the extracted files to HDD on your PC.
See post #5.

BTW, I wouldn't throw the Sony recorder into the dustbin.
If you have technical experience, or have a friend who can help you, perhaps it is possible to open the box and check the DVD drive details inside. It is probably a Sony drive. Just write down the model number and other details and if you can replace it with the same model you might get your recorder to work again.
(That is assuming that the problem is indeed with the DVD drive and not with any other components inside)
If this model is not available anymore, try another DVD writer.
Take into consideration that in this case there might be a problem with software and firmware match.

**jimbo** · 10-11-2007

My preference is for Panasonic DVD recorders. I've got two combis (VHS included) and the latest has a 250gig HDD and Freeview and upscales via HDMI. Not cheap though. There's other models which are cheaper, I just think they are quality.

I agree about John Lewis, good range/2-year warranty and likely to be around for a long time.

RCP · 11-11-2007

Thanks for all the advice with is much appreciated

Been down to John Lewis yesterday and came out even more confused with the choices available what with analogue, digital, HD, VHS, twin tuner, single tuner, surround sound, Sky+, loads of different hard drive sizes....arrgghhhhh!!!

I think the plan of action is now to take a look at the innards of this Sony DVD recorder, will be interesting I think purely from an scientific point of view if nothing else. And I don't have a lot to lose. I've messed around with CD and DVD drives etc in computers so doubt that it will be much more complicated to take apart (it's the reassembly that's the fun bit!). I have an account with RS components, alternatively Farnell whom from memory stock more electrical bits and bobs, otherwise may resort in a search for the part number on Google. It might actually be something as simple as a piece of fluff over the laser! - Am ever hopeful.

If I can't get the damn thing to work then I suppose that I will be swearing a lot because there are just too many DVDs to copy manually, and guess who didn't write the contents of the DVD on the cover because of the fantastic indexing system!!!

Perhaps a visit down to the Sony centre that sold me the original recorder and try a un-closed disc in another unit. If this doesn't work I will once again be considering my options and another trip down to John Lewis may be in order.

One of the options open to me is to use the Sky+ in place of my existing Sky unit, at least I will be able to write to the HD, though this doesn't help me with all the unfinalised DVDs I have.

Having taken a further look at the Panasonic units I am impressed, I particularly like their DVD & VHS combi priced at approx £249, though other units are available, then again, I could buy a VHS recorder and a standalone DVD HD for the same money?

You can tell that I'm going round and round with the options..........and around......and around.......and around!!! Hey, wasn't that a phrase used as a video tape advert for Scotch back in the 1980's, if my memory is correct, a talking Skeleton, re-record not fade away?

**HB13DISH** · 11-11-2007

Hi again RCP.

I can recommend Pioneer models. They also come with HDMI.
Regarding the combi, personally I wouldn't touch a VHS recorder again, ever.
Good Luck.

**jimbo** · 16-11-2007

Originally Posted by HB13DISH

Hi again RCP.

I can recommend Pioneer models. They also come with HDMI.
Regarding the combi, personally I wouldn't touch a VHS recorder again, ever.
Good Luck.

I pick up top movies on VHS from charity shops for 75p. Surprising how many ppl still use that format.

RCP · 29-12-2007

Been a while since I started this thread so thought an update was in order...

I bit the bullet and purchased a Panasonic VHS/DVD recorder combi model DMR-E247V which appears to have an ultra simple one-touch VHS to DVD copy button, but in reality involves plenty of fiddling around with the play and record buttons before anything starts to happen, and then it totally ignores whatever recording speed you have set as default!!!

Also purchased a Sky+ box from Sky for a very reasonable £99 including installation which was very considerate of them, this is just so simple to use. I tell you, if I had bought this first the DVD recorder wouldn't have gotten a look in.

Anyway, I now have a duff Sony DVD recorder and about a hundred unfinalised DVD's, and this makes me very annoyed, and made me wonder and ask this seemingly very simple question....

Why can't a DVD recorded but not finalised on one DVD recorder be watched on another DVD recorder or player???

Vinyl records can be played on different players, tapes can be played on different players, VHS videos can be played on different players, and even Sony Betamax videos can be played on different players, so why can't DVD's be played on different players, it's not as if it's a new format is it????

**Topper** · 29-12-2007

I wish I knew the answer but as I have a Sony DVD recorder/player I do take an interest in this question. Indeed I have just taken a 20 minute recording that I made on a re-writable DVD all I did was eject the DVD and I put it in my DVD drive on my PC and played it, Not only that Real player played it and behind that the blaze video player played it as well.I am not aware of this finishing off that you describe, indeed if you try to eject an unfinished DVD the lcd screen says writng menu (or something similar) so this is something I am not aware of

**HB13DISH** · 29-12-2007

@RCP
You can make new DVDs using IsoBuster. It is so easy once you make one or two copies.
Read this tutorial again
Tutorial: How to deal with Non-Finalized DVD Discs

RCP · 29-12-2007

Thanks HB13DISH for your info concerning the IsoBuster software, and I do appreciate your advice, I tried this software but it takes far too long to extract the files, I would be waiting for hours on end for one DVD, which isn't really practical under the circumstances.

Topper, my unit is a few years old so may not be using the same standards as yours... Don't worry, I tried that step!

Am still awaiting a logical answer as to why a DVD recorded on one recorder can't be played on another unless it's finalised??? Any tech guru's want to have a stab at the technical aspects of this?

**Topper** · 29-12-2007

Originally Posted by RCP

Topper, my unit is a few years old so may not be using the same standards as yours... Don't worry, I tried that step!

Mine is an RDR GX210 but I only bought it 18 months ago, so again I am completely puzzled as I said mine does not operate like that at all, you cannot remove the DVD without writing and finishing to disk. Perhaps as mine is younger it has an upgraded firmware version?

**HB13DISH** · 30-12-2007

Originally Posted by RCP

Thanks HB13DISH for your info concerning the IsoBuster software, and I do appreciate your advice, I tried this software but it takes far too long to extract the files, I would be waiting for hours on end for one DVD, which isn't really practical under the circumstances.

File extraction doesn't take that long. It could be that your old recorder didn't record well to the media if it wasn't of good quality and caused corruption to many of the sectors.
You can test it again with a recording to a good media (unfinalized) with your new recorder of 1 hour and see if the extraction process is better.

**HB13DISH** · 30-12-2007

Originally Posted by RCP

Why can't a DVD recorded but not finalised on one DVD recorder be watched on another DVD recorder or player???

Vinyl records can be played on different players, tapes can be played on different players, VHS videos can be played on different players, and even Sony Betamax videos can be played on different players, so why can't DVD's be played on different players, it's not as if it's a new format is it????

Vinyl records and VHS tapes use analogue processing and DVD uses digital.
A DVD is recorded using a software developed by the manufacturer or one of it's affiliates and there should be a signature at the start of every recording.
So my guess is that when you put a DVD in a different player, it looks for the signature and if it is not it's own, it refuses to play it.

**HB13DISH** · 30-12-2007

Originally Posted by Topper

Mine is an RDR GX210 but I only bought it 18 months ago, so again I am completely puzzled as I said mine does not operate like that at all, you cannot remove the DVD without writing and finishing to disk. Perhaps as mine is younger it has an upgraded firmware version?

Hello Topper.

I see that you have the same Sony DVD recorder model RDR-GX210 that RCP has. Here is your chance to sell it at twice the price that you paid.

Assuming that you have also many recorded DVDs which are not finalized, then I would recommend to finalize them so that they can play in any standalone DVD player or a PC DVD drive. Just in case your machine might stop working all of a sudden.
The finalization would create files into the DVD media, in a standard fashion.

What you have described can be thought of as like a saving process and not a finalization.
Obviously the recorder doesn't finalize a disc after every recording since the user may have recorded only few minutes. When the media is full, then it is time to finalize.

To finalize, download the manual and on page 35 there are the instructions.
(or use the hard copy that came with your drive).

**Topper** · 30-12-2007

Originally Posted by HB13DISH

Hello Topper.

I see that you have the same Sony DVD recorder model RDR-GX210 that RCP has. Here is your chance to sell it at twice the price that you paid.

Why would I want to sell it?, it works perfectly all the family know how to use it without problems, it does everything it claimed to on the label

Originally Posted by HB13DISH

Assuming that you have also many recorded DVDs which are not finalized, then I would recommend to finalize them so that they can play in any standalone DVD player or a PC DVD drive. Just in case your machine might stop working all of a sudden.
The finalization would create files into the DVD media, in a standard fashion.

What you have described can be thought of as like a saving process and not a finalization.
Obviously the recorder doesn't finalize a disc after every recording since the user may have recorded only few minutes. When the media is full, then it is time to finalize.

To finalize, download the manual and on page 35 there are the instructions.
(or use the hard copy that came with your drive).

Why on earth would I want to go to all that trouble when I can play them wherever I want to already. The whole idea for our family is that we can record what we want and watch it at our leisure in whatever player we want in whatever room we want this already works without all that pallarva, then as we use RW DVDs we can wipe and re-record any we may wish to make permanent we could easily do so but thanks for your concern.

***pgh13*** · 07-01-2008

Originally Posted by RCP

Anyway, I now have a duff Sony DVD recorder and about a hundred unfinalised DVD's, and this makes me very annoyed, and made me wonder and ask this seemingly very simple question....

Have you opened up the Sony unit to see the DVD drive? It may be possible to replace it with a standard PC type. It may not be a permanent solution but it may allow you to finalise the disks you have

**HB13DISH** · 07-01-2008

Originally Posted by pgh13

Have you opened up the Sony unit to see the DVD drive? It may be possible to replace it with a standard PC type. It may not be a permanent solution but it may allow you to finalise the disks you have

Please see post #9
The problem with this would be that the software of the recorder which will look for the exact model number and firmware whenever it switches on.
But there is nothing to lose by trying this, if you have a spare DVD writer, preferably a Sony one.