Why doesn disc X work in player Y?
The DVD specification is complex and open to interpretation. DVD-Video title authoring is also very complex. As with any new technology, there are compatibility problems here and there. The DVD-Video standard has not changed substantially since it was finalized in 1996, but many players don’t properly support it. Discs have become more complex as authoring tools improve, so recent discs often uncover engineering flaws in players. A few discs have problems or wont play at all in certain players. In some cases, manufacturers can fix the problem with an upgrade to the player (check with tech support). In other cases, disc producers need to re-author the title to correct an authoring problem or to work around a player defect. Below are problems reported by readers of this FAQ. The FAQ author has not verified these claims and takes no responsibility for their accuracy. Please report other confirmed problems. Title Player Problem Solution various Polygram titles early Toshiba and Magnavox mo
The DVD specification is complex and open to interpretation. DVD-Video title authoring is also very complex. As with any new technology, there are compatibility problems here and there. The DVD-Video standard has not changed substantially since it was finalized in 1996, but many players don’t properly support it. Discs have become more complex as authoring tools improve, so recent discs often uncover engineering flaws in players. Some discs behave strangely or won’t play at all in certain players. In some cases, manufacturers can fix the problem with an upgrade to the player (see 1.47). In other cases, disc producers need to re-author the title to correct an authoring problem or to work around a player defect. Problems can also occur because of damaged or defective discs or because of a defective player. If you have problems playing a disc, try the following: • Check the list below to see if it’s a reported problem. Also check the list of problem discs in DVD Review’s Film Vault and at
The DVD specification is complex and open to interpretation. DVD-Video title authoring is also very complex. As with any new technology, there are compatibility problems here and there. The DVD-Video standard has not changed substantially since it was finalized in 1996, but many players don’t properly support it. Discs have become more complex as authoring tools improve, so recent discs often uncover engineering flaws in players. Some discs behave strangely or won’t play at all in certain players. In some cases, manufacturers can fix the problem with an upgrade to the player (see 1.47). In other cases, disc producers need to re-author the title to correct an authoring problem or to work around a player defect. Problems can also occur because of damaged or defective discs or because of a defective player. If you have problems playing a disc, try the following: • Check the list below to see if it’s a reported problem.
The DVD specification is complex and open to interpretation. DVD-Video title authoring is also very complex. As with any new technology, there are compatibility problems here and there. The DVD-Video standard has not changed substantially since it was finalized in 1996, but many players don’t properly support it. Discs have become more complex as authoring tools improve, so recent discs often uncover engineering flaws in players. Some discs behave strangely or won’t play at all in certain players. In some cases, manufacturers can fix the problem with an upgrade to the player (see 1.47). In other cases, disc producers need to re-author the title to correct an authoring problem or to work around a player defect. Problems can also occur because of damaged or defective discs or because of a defective player. If you have problems playing a disc, try the following: Check the list below to see if it’s a reported problem.
The DVD specification is complex and open to interpretation. DVD-Video title authoring is also very complex. As with any new technology, there are compatibility problems here and there. The DVD-Video standard has not changed substantially since it was finalized in 1996, but many players don’t properly support it. Discs have become more complex as authoring tools improve, so recent discs often uncover engineering flaws in players. A few discs have problems or wont play at all in certain players. In some cases, manufacturers can fix the problem with an upgrade to the player (check with tech support). In other cases, disc producers need to re-author the title to correct an authoring problem or to work around a player defect. Below are problems reported by readers of this FAQ. The FAQ author has not verified these claims and takes no responsibility for their accuracy. Please report other confirmed problems.