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August 26, 2011

Why won't my slideshow burned on DVDs play on DVD players?

Dear CNET members,

Happy Friday, folks! I hope this newsletter finds everyone well. This week's topic is all about trying to figure out why Barry's slideshow burned on DVDs from his computer mysteriously won't play on many of his family and friends' standalone DVD players. And as many of you are probably aware, these types of issues are sometimes tricky to solve as it could be a number of things causing trouble, from older DVD players that are incapable of playing certain file types on burned discs to software issues. But the good news is that many of our members have provided a laundry list of different suggestions that will very likely help clue in Barry or any others facing the same situation.

I have selected a few featured members' posts in the Q&A section that I think will give you a good starting point to narrow down your issue. I highly recommend that before you dig too deep, start with the simple tasks mentioned by our members and work your way up. Good luck! Thanks to all who contributed. Have a wonderful weekend!

Cheers!
- Lee

Got suggestions? Send me an e-mail: messageboards@cnet.com

Lee Koo
CNET Community manager

Last week's question

Why won't my slideshow burned on DVDs play on DVD players?

I like to make "slideshows" and burn them to DVDs, which I mail to family and friends, many of whom are elderly and don't have computers. It is simple for them to play my slideshows on their DVD players but I get many reports that my DVDs "won't play." I am advised that DVD-R and DVD+R are compatible with most DVD players and this is what I use. I have recently purchased Nero BurnExpress and find it to be fast and easy to use but it has not corrected my problem. I think that this must be a common problem and I need help! Thank you.

-- Submitted by: Barry P.

Featured member solutions
for last week's question:

"To play a dvd..."
-- Submitted by: rclarke250

"Most likely reason"
-- Submitted by: jerryfrmmt

"DVD burning can be very funny..."
-- Submitted by: darrenforster99

"Check Your Formatting on Your DVD Software"
-- Submitted by: thegame6

"Easy possible fix for this."
-- Submitted by: crwrjw

"Should not be that hard!"
-- Submitted by: vidserv

Read all member contributions

Thanks to all who contributed!

Previous questions and answers

1. Help! I was sent a copyright infringement notice from ISP

2. PC system cleaners: Who's doing a better job of cleaning?

3. Desktop PC buying advice needed for editing home videos

4. If I move on to a dSLR camera, what am I getting myself into?

5. New Windows 7 PC, please help me get started on the right track

All previous Community newsletters

Community buzz

1. 4GB of RAM became 2.9GB, after going from Window 7 back to XP?

2. A smartphone for word processing?

3. One keyboard & one mouse on two computers

4. Should I get extended Warranty for Sony laptop? It's an extra $300!

5. Steve Jobs steps down as CEO

More from the security forum

Check out next week's question:

Is a Tablet right for me? If so, which one?

I recently attended one of your Tablet related live chat events with CNET editors and it was great overall. However, while some of my questions were answered, many were not. I'm in the process of looking to buying one and I'm looking to you for some answers before I making a decision on one. Can you help me out?

Can you explain the principle differences between a Netbook and Tablet? Can a Tablet be used as a laptop replacement-why and why not? With so many Tablets out, what separates the good from the bad quality ones? Are Android tablets created equally? What are the major differences between Android and iPads--advantages, disadvantages? Can I use a Tablet for word processing or Excel spread sheets? I think iPads are the ones that cannot display Flash, is that a major issue? What are the specific things I should be looking for when choosing the right Tablet for me?

Sorry for all these questions. I'm trying to wrap my head around the whole Tablet scene and see if it is a device that is right for me. Thank you for all the advice you can offer.

-- Submitted by: Sheila J.

If you have an answer to this question, click here and click the "reply" to submit your advice, suggestions/opinions, or tips.

Have a tech-related question?
Click here to e-mail us on one of these topics:

· PC troubleshooting
· PC upgrading
· Digital music
· Consumer electronics
· Multimedia
· Internet security
· Digital cameras
· Home audio & video

Need help tech right away? Don't wait for us, post your questions in the CNET forums for all the tech help and how-tos.

Community quick poll
Weigh in on this week poll topic!

Do you make slideshows on DVDs for friends and family?

(Please click on button to vote)

Yes. (What software do you use?)

Occasionally. (What software do you use?)

No. (Why not?)

I would, but I don't know how.

Vote and discuss it here!

Simple question, simple answer

1. How do I fix fragmented files?

2. Purchasing a computer for producing music

3. Accessing iPhone text messages on a PC

Help your fellow members

1. Losing disc space fast for no reason?

2. What is the simplest way to send pictures on the Web?

3. What's the best eBook reader for a student?

More from the CNET forums

Windows 7	Windows XP	Digital cameras
Desktops	Laptops	MP3 players
Home audio & video	Spyware, viruses, & security	View all forums

M A R K E T P L A C E

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