Why won't a DVD work in my player?

DVDs are different from older video formats such as VHS cassette tapes in that they are a set of digital files and not simply recorded audiovisual content. The increased complexity of their design also means that there is a somewhat greater likelihood of compatibility problems.

Although it is much less of a problem with the newer generation of DVD players, in some isolated cases certain commercial home video titles do not function properly on certain models of DVD players.

Also, you should check to see whether the DVD you are viewing is a DVD-R (recorded DVD). These discs are individually burned by a laser rather than pressed in mass quantities using a master. These are easily identified by the reddish or purple dye visible through the playing surface of the disc. Unfortunately, not all DVD players are designed to read DVD-Rs. This can result in the disc skipping, freezing, or not booting up in the player at all.

To check on your player's compatibility with the DVD-R format, read the operations manual or check VideoHelp.com's DVD player compatibility list or ConsumerSearch.com's DVD review section. Instructors are strongly encouraged to test DVD-Rs in their classroom player ahead of time.

If you have reason to believe a DVD from the Music and Media Library collection is defective, please report it to our staff.