So are you able to fit a full DVD-9 onto the DL with no compression?

[JupiterPrime]

So are you able to fit a full DVD-9 onto the DL with no compression?

Pretty much. THe main problem with burned media (single or DL) is that the maximum video bitrate of 9.8 mbps can cause problems. But in general, most features are encoded at a video bitrate of about 8 Mbps and generally do not cause problems. However, some would argue that recorded DVD media should never exceed at video bitrate of 5 to 7 Mbps, which is where I try to keep it on commercial projects I do.

The Pioneer A08 is fine, (it does bitsetting automatically). I have one of these and an LG GSA-4120B. With the LG you must have the latest firmware to support bitsetting and to remove an error in earlier releases that caused the second layer to be unplayable. I've had no playback problems with discs written by the Pioneer. The easiest method, is to use the latest version of DVD Decrypter, (3.5.1.0 at the time of writing), in ISO mode read. Select the *.MDS file that was created in the read process and write to a blank DVD+R DL disc. Make sure you set book type to DVD-ROM, prior to writing, for those drives that support it.

Just got a HP630c I still have my Sony DRU-710A but the HP seems to do a better job on the DL's with SL's I don't see much difference. I have three standalone DVD players a Pioneer, Sony, and Phillips the DL's off the HP play on all three.

I picked up the Plextor PX-716A two weeks ago (used to have 708A). Still haven't done a DL yet though. Did do a 16x burn using Decrypter --> Nero, and holy shit it was fast. Very impressive. Can't wait to try a DL burn.

we ARE all aware that DVDRL is a separate specification in addition to DVD+/-R, +/-RW with regards to playability on set top players, yes?

just because your stp will read/play a DVD+/-R, +/-RW doesnt mean it will play a homegrown DL

hate to burst bubbles here, but the consumer technology for this is a few steps away from being bug-free - some people luck out, but the majority will be stuck with 4.7 unless their willing to re-research and re-buy equiment

hmmm...good to know. Thanks JP.