Owning a DVD recorder/copier is a great solution for making multiple copies of DVDs, recording television programs and backing up your VHS collection. Common problems of copying DVDs include playback trouble, recording errors and copy protection. Basic knowledge of your DVD copier's capabilities, restrictions and troubleshooting techniques will get you back in business.
Bunk DVDs
One of the most common problems with DVD recorders are not hardware issues. Blank media is oftentimes the culprit. Packs of blank DVDs sometimes have unusable DVDs. Try using another disc out of the stack or buying a new package of blank media altogether.
Blank Media Compatibility
DVD recorders have certain restrictions on what type of blank media they support. Newer machines will allow you to record and playback DVD-Ram, DVD+R, DVD+RW, DVD-R and DVD-RW formats. When testing a disc, be sure that you use media that is capable of recording and playing back on your recorder. When playing back a recorded DVD on another DVD player, make sure to check the supported formats on the DVD player also. Supported formats are found in the user's manuals supplied with the hardware.
Rewritable media allows you to record, erase and record again. This is a great way to record television programming but rewritable discs do not last forever. Troubles with using rewritable DVDs can easily be solved by using another disc.
Cabling
Cabling can also be an issue with DVD copying. A cable box or DVD player connected to the recorder can become loose or fall out altogether from general usage. Check your cabling to ensure a properly working DVD recorder setup.
Copyrighted Material
It is illegal to make copies of copyrighted material. Precautionary measures are built in to most recorders to restrict making copies of copyrighted material. Some television shows, Blu-Ray and DVD discs, as well as music and VHS tapes, will include some form of copy protection. Unfortunately, this is not a fixable problem due to legal issues regarding copyright law.
Formatting a DVD
Some DVD recorders ask that you format your blank DVD prior to recording onto it. An improperly formatted disc will neither play nor record. Formatting a blank DVD is a simple task; many times, it is a matter of following the onscreen instructions displayed. The instruction manual will have detailed steps on format your DVD.
Finalizing
DVD recorders may require a finalization step. This step will finish the recording and format it for playback. Doing this fixes most problems with DVD recording.
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