can't get Arabesk to write

[videojim]

I am trying to burn a disk, and have all the editing done, but when I hit the "write to disk" button, it gives me a lockout sign that says this is not available. According the instruction booklet there is no explanation for this. What's going on? I haven't even placed the DVD+R disk in yet, and it still gives me the sign. Same thing when disk is in the drive.

[TimKennelly]

How did you expect it to write to disk without a disk in it?!?

It will give you that sign when you select Write DVD when it does not have a disk in it or it has not or can not read the disk.

Input the DVD using the onscreen eject button or manually and give it ten seconds before activating Write Disk.

If that does not work, try another DVD.

[videojim]

had you read the comment correctly, you would see that the same signal was given with the disk in and with it out.

[TimKennelly]

Jim,

I read the comment correctly, you specifically said,

I haven't even placed the DVD+R disk in yet, and it still gives me the sign

I addressed that as frankly I did not understand why anyone would think it would work without a DVD.

Then I addressed your other comment about it not working with a DVD in the drive.

I suggested you insert a DVD and wait ten seconds before choosing Write DVD and/or try a different DVD.

Did you try either of those suggestions?

Also, you have used Add Film to transcode your edit over to Arabesk prior to trying to use Write DVD, correct?

[videojim]

waited WAY more than ten seconds. Had the disk in, and proceeded to read the arabesk instructions for a bit to see how to do the burn. So, it was a bit more like 10 minutes after the disk was inserted before I got to doing any of the steps mentioned. Did not see an "add film" comment in the instructions, but will re-read.

[TimKennelly]

Ok, I know you are new to this so maybe you are missing some really basic things.

You finish your edit of the Storyboard in the Edit menu, switch over to the Finish menu, Select Start program, Add Film, Select project, set Image Quality and Audio mode (I favor High and uncompressed if your Storyboard will fit those).

From there it depends which Arabesk version you have (you should list your software choices in your Profile Signature line to make it easier for us to help you with personalized suggestions) as to whether you customize a Chapter menu and such.

But that is the basic procedure you have to do prior to choosing Write DVD (other than loading a blank DVD into the burner ).

Regarding the DVD blank, a 16X DVD blank takes longer for the burner to "read" than a 1X, 4X, 8X, etc and it's speed rating must be recognized by the burner prior to it being able to be used, but regardless of blank speed, ten seconds is more than enough time for this if the burner version, firmware version is older and requiring more time to read the blank than is allowed by simple insertion and choosing Write DVD immediately.

[videojim]

Having read the manual (over and over), and having placed a disk in the drive, I STILL ran into the block signal when I tried to burn the edited material to disk. What's going on?

[TimKennelly]

As you have not answered any of my questions or mentioned if you tried any of what I have suggested I will turn you over to anyone who reads minds who wishes to help.

Good luck.

[videojim]

I have the latest software version available, V 7, in all of the programs in the machine. I have been very carefully following every detail mentioned in the Arabesk manual. Still the screen throws a block sign up when I tell it to burn. Yes, it does have a DVD in it. Going to take it to dealer Monday, so he can show me how. Office is nearby.

[TimKennelly]

Jim,

In Arabesk, did you use Add Film prior to using Write DVD?

Arabesk is a separate program that is not connected to any specific Project (of which there are 30 possibilities) so you have to use Add Film to select which Project (Storyboard) you wish to burn to DVD (as well as set video and audio quality levels and customize a chapter menu if you wish).

After doing this you also want to use Edit Menu to customize your opening menu or author the DVD not to go to the menu first by choosing Trailer Only.

Add a DVD and only then do you choose Write DVD.