Description

This article is from the DVD Formats FAQ, by jtfrog@usa.net (Jim Taylor) with numerous contributions by others.

1.41 Why doesn't disc X work in player Y?

[Note: this is a new section with a small list of compatibility problems to
start with. Please report other confirmed problems. Thanks.]

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. 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 a problem.

Below are problems reported by readers of this FAQ. The FAQ author has not
verified these claims and takes no responsibility for their accuracy.

Title Player Problem Solution
various
Polygram Early Toshiba and won't load or upgrade available from
titles Magnavox players freezes Toshiba service centers
various
Central Park
Media (anime) similar problems as The Matrix
titles

American Pie Philips 940 freezes at layer
change (1:17:09)
Arlington Road see Cruel Intentions
unplug player with disc
Armageddon Panasonic A115-U won't load inserted, plug in, turn
and A120-U
on

Toshiba SD-3108 locks up player upgrade available from
Avenger's TV Toshiba service centers
series (A&E) check with Philips for
Philips 930, 935 won't load
firmware upgrade
messes up reset the player or get
parental the corrected version
Cruel some JVC and controls, of the disc or set
Intentions Yamaha causing other parental country code
discs to not to AD with password of
play 8888
Deep Blue Sea similar problems as The Matrix
Toshiba upgrade available from
SD-2109/3109 various Toshiba service centers
Dragon's Lair check with Samsung
most Samsung,
Aiwa various (800-726-7864) or Aiwa
for firmware upgrade

Entrapment JVC freezes check with JVC for
firmware upgrade
Space Ace see Dragon's Lair
Sharp freezes
Lost In Space freezes, audio check for updated
Creative DXR3
out of sync drivers
details at PCFriendly
tech support
The Matrix various players various problems (for GE 1105-P, serial
number beginning with
940 or lower, get
upgrade from GE)
The Mummy Philips 930, 935 won't load
Idle Hands see Cruel Intentions
Saving Private distortion at
Ryan Toshiba SD-9000 end of ch. 4
freezes in
Stargate SE Magnavox 400AT director's
commentary
Tomorrow Never Sharp 600U locks up player
Dies Bush DVD2000 won't load
Universal picture breakup might be a problem with
Soldier Wharfedale 750 after ch. 30 the disc

Samsung DVD 709; check with Samsung
Wild Wild West Philips 930, 935; won't load (800-726-7864),
GE 1105P Philips, or GE for
firmware upgrade
You've Got details at PCFriendly
Mail various players various problems tech support

For DVD and home theater problems, try Ask Digital Man, Doc DVD, or DVD
Digest's Tech Support Zone. For troubleshooting DVD on computers, see 4.6.
The Dell Inspiron 7000 DVD Movie List has Inspiron-specific problems.

 

Continue to:

• prev: 1.40 What's a progressive DVD player?
• Index
• next: 1.42 How do the parental control and multi-rating features work?

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