i found this on a different forum. i hope this helps
You unfortunately have two problems here. The first is the unfinalized disc, which you can fix. Go back to the store and put the disc into a Sony DVD camcorder, then:
1. Turn on the camcorder with the circular switch on the side set to Playback (the arrow in a box).
2. Open the LCD screen and look for the Setup button and press it.
3. Use the down arrow button to move down in the menus until you see Finalize as a menu option.
4. Press the button in the center of the arrows to move into that menu.
5. Use the down arrow button to move down to the Finalize option.
6. Press the button in the center of the arrows to move into the Finalize option.
The rest should be obvious, and it will begin finalizing the disc.
Now for the second problem: If it's a VR disc, your DVD player may not recognize it whether it's finalized or not! Not all DVD players will read discs formatted and written in VR mode, and when they do each has a specific way of dealing with them. VR discs are meant for editing and not for viewing on standalone DVD players. In fact, the disc may be finalized already, but your DVD player won't recognize it.
Once you get the disc finalized, try to find a DVD player that can read VR discs, so you can at least see what's on it. Or your computer may be able to read VR discs, so that's also an option. Once you have a way to view it, you can then explore other options either with your granddaughter's help or with the help of a computer video savvy person to get the video clips off the disc and burn them to a DVD formatted in VIDEO mode.
Just a quick final note: The reason you can't find any Sony DVD camcorders around is they're in the middle of a model change. The new DCR-DVD101 and DCR-DVD201 have a Finalize button - just put in the DVD, open the LCD, and press Finalize. No more hunting through the menus for this very important option. Even the least knowledgeable salesperson will be able to help you then!
Top
