Ask RealPlayer: RealPlayer Plus DVD Burning Software
Posted On July 26, 2012
Compare Video Software, RealPlayer Reel, Video Formats, Video How-To & Tips
We love hearing from users of our products. When features aren’t working the way you think they should, we want to help. That’s the idea behind Ask RealPlayer. We’re going to be providing answers to those questions straight from our product experts. Think of Ask RealPlayer as your buddy that works at RealPlayer. Please leave your questions below and we’ll address them in the comments or in our next installment of Ask RealPlayer.
Q: I’m having trouble using the DVD burning software in RealPlayer Plus. What should I do?
A: There could be a few things happening that are giving you some trouble burning a DVD, we’ll walk you through how to burn a DVD and a few other troubleshooting things you can try. In order to burn DVDs you’ll need to make sure that RealPlayer Plus is installed on your Windows computer (this feature isn’t available for Mac users) and that your computer has at least 1GB of RAM and either a DVD burner installed or connected to your computer.
1. Once RealPlayer Plus is installed you’ll need to sign in, which you can do by selecting that option from the RealPlayer drop down menu in the upper left corner of the application. You’ll need to enter your email address and account password. Once you’re signed in “Plus” will appear on the menu bar of RealPlayer. Note: If you see the option to sign out that means you’re already signed in.
2. In order to burn DVDs you need to be able to play the video clip in RealPlayer. If you get an “Unsupported media type” error, this means either that the file type isn’t supported by RealPlayer, or that the clip is DRM (Digital Rights Management) protected and can’t be copied. For more details, see Supported file types.
If you get a message that says “General Error: The software that’s used to decode the media is not available on this system” and you are trying to burn AVI files using Windows Vista, try downloading the “FFDSHOW” decoder (you can find sites that offer this download for free, by doing a web search). Once you have downloaded and installed it, you should be able to burn those files to DVD using RealPlayer Plus.
3. Before burning a DVD check your DVD discs. The burn speed should be at or above the speed of your DVD burner (for example, if your DVD burner is 16x, an 8x disc will not work unless you lower your burn speed to 8x or lower). You can use either a DVD-R or a DVD-RW disc; if the DVD-RW has content on it already, you’ll be prompted to erase it as part of the burning process.
You may get an “Insert Blank Disc” or “No Disc Detected” error message if:
– The disc is not in the correct drive
– The disc is not blank
– The disc is not supported (RealPlayer can’t burn to Dual-layer or Blu-Ray discs)
4. Burning a DVD takes time. How long depsnds on the size of the file you want to burn and the speed fo your computer. For example, it can take 20 minutes to an hour even for short files (and as long as 4 hours for a full-length movie). Even if it looks like nothing is happening, the burn may be proceeding normally. Before starting the burn, disable your screen saver; then, once burning has started, simply leave your computer alone for an hour or two, and then check back.
If you’re still having issues with the DVD burning software in RealPlayer Plus here are some additional troubleshooting tips that you try to fix the problem.
Lower your burn speed
Try adjusting the burn speed of your DVD burner to half its current rate, even if the DVD disc is compatible. (Check the Help documentation for your burner if you’re not sure how to do this.)
Configure your firewall
It’s possible that a firewall is blocking the burn from proceeding. For solutions, see Configuring RealPlayer to work with a firewall.
Log in to your computer as an administrator
Try running the program as administrator if your computer is Windows Vista or Windows 7. If your computer is running Windows XP try performing the task from a profile that has administrator privileges.
Run Disk Cleanup to free up space on your computer.
You will need to make at least 4GB of hard drive space available to burn a DVD. For a full 80-minute DVD, you should have at least 6GB of free hard drive space. Otherwise, there will not be enough space for the temporary files required for DVD burning.
To run Disk Cleanup:
1. Click Start, choose Programs, then
Accessories, then System Tools, and then Disk Cleanup.
2. Select the hard drive you would like to clean. The Disk Cleanup dialog box appears.
3. Place a check mark in each of the boxes.
4. Click OK.
5. Click Yes when prompted to delete files.
This should do the trick. Let us know in the comments if you have any other DVD burning software issues or questions about using RealPlayer products. We’re happy to help!
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Help.I have Real Player I can’t get the down load tab to show. I can play my Vidos but I can’t down load any now. I have the latest internet explorer
As of the beginning of August I can’t download from Youtube. Any idea why? I usually use Internet Explorer. The little tab at the top appears, but when I try to download it says ‘unable to download’. I tried Google Chrome, but no tab appears.
I have tried reinstalling Real Downloader and Real Player.
Any ideas?
When you reinstalled RealDownloader and RealPlayer was it the latest version?
If you’re having issues with Google Chrome, there’s been a fix for that situation that can be found here: http://realnetworks.wpengine.com/google-chrome-browser
when i am watching a youtube i dont get the download pop up ?? im unable to download youtube videos
What browser are you using?
I love using speed bit with real player.I have the latest real player and I am a paying customer.The option shows at the top when capturing but it never kicks in.
i noticed that the tab on the top right of the videos went away also. Now i download my videos by using the in-app browser of realplayer
i am trying to burn realvideo file to vcd , but i find out voice is lagging. HOW TO SOLVE THIS. IT IS LAGGING STILL HAPPEN I PURCHASE REALPLAYER PLUS 15 TO BURN REALVIDEO TO DVD? WHAT HAPPEN AFTER I PURCHASE THE PLUS , THEN MY COMPUTER NEED TO RE FORMAT THE DIRVE. SO HOW I RE-INSTAL THE PLUS 15 WITHOUT PURCHASE ANOTHER TIME. THANKS
When I burn a dvd the movie comes out jumpy and can’t be watched.
What writing speed do you have set and does it match the speed of your drive?
Time has run out for the Real Player last year unfortunately .. I’ve been real player plus user for many years now, but the example and create my own cd .. my hits have always been a big problem ..
I’ve actually never made a CD with real player .. it is always a hassle and annoyance, I often notice that i have not allowed and burn songs, because they are protected?? There are many songs that are my own since I am a musician?
So unfortunately I have to say and make cd / dvd is so much easier with Windows Media player …
And the layout has not changed much over the years I used relaplayer, it is well soon only real player that you can not click in the movie route and stop the movie ..
I apologize for it being much negative criticism here, but now I feel real player is passed by many much better and easier Players ..
So I come to and end my membership plus unfortunately, not because of the price but the cumbersome user interface ..
I will of course follow what the real player will make the future .. o) Best Tom Dysa.. the bluesviking from Norway ..
when i burn a dvd to a disk and when i try to play it keeps saying video codec not supported. HOW CAN I FIX THAT.
When I try to burn a you tube video which plays perfectly on RealPlayer, I get the message : ‘File does not exist’
We need to know more about the video you’re burning. We’ll be able to provide more detailed help for this issue through customer support, which you can find here: https://real.custhelp.com/app/contact
We need to know a little more about your set-up to help with this problem. Please contact customer support at: https://real.custhelp.com/app/contact
There may be an issue with your settings. Please contact customer support at: https://real.custhelp.com/app/contact Let them know a little bit about your DVD burning set-up and they’ll be able to provide more direction.
I can not to burning any DVD why and i bay for the burner
Please contact customer support for help at https://real.custhelp.com/app/contact. They will need to gather some information about your setup.
Hi, I recently bought the Real player 16 to burn you tube video’s to dvd, when I burned the videos that I’d already downloaded before I bought the Real player 16 they were perfect. Every download I’ve burned since buying the real player 16plus is jumpy, going fast then slowing down. I noticed that the download is now accelerated, is this why?, I’ve tried to get rid of the accelerator, but not sure how. The video playes fine in the real player library, it’s only once It’s burned onto DVD. Thanks.
Hi Felix,
Please try to reduce the burning speed by following the steps given below:
1. Open RealPlayer
2. Click RealPlayer logo on the top left side corner
3. Select ‘Preferences’
4. Click on ‘CD’ mentioned on the left side
5. Click on ‘CD Burner’.
5. On right side of the screen you would be having an option called Write speed.
6. Reduce the speed to 4x.
7. Try to burn the DVD.
For more information, please follow the steps given in the link:
https://real.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/8894.
If you have additional questions, let us know via email to help@real.com.
I have purchased Realplyer plus for a 2nd time. ( I thought that this was a one time charge. Please address this issue in your response) When I try to burn a DVD I am told that Realplayer has stopped working and that Window’s is searching for a solution. I have yet to be informed of a solution or figure out on my own how to burn DVD’s. Looks like a waste of money. The first time I bought “Plus” I was able to burn DVD’s with no problem. I am not sure why I had to buy “Plus” again. Any help would be greatly appreciated
Hi Debra,
I understand the burned DVD does not play properly. Try adjusting the burn speed of your DVD burner to half its current rate.
Try following the steps given below to reduce the burning speed.
1. Open RealPlayer
2. Click RealPlayer logo on the top left side corner
3. Select ‘Preferences’
4. Click on ‘CD’ mentioned on the left side
5. Click on ‘CD Burner’.
5. On right side of the screen you would be having an option called Write speed.
6. Reduce the speed to 4x.
7. Try to burn the DVD.
If you have additional questions, email us at help@real.com.
Hi Wayne,
I am sorry to hear that you are unable to burn the DVD and also getting an error message “RealPlayer has stopped working.”
I see that you have purchased RealPlayer Plus v 15 on 12/16/2011. As a RealPlayer Plus 15 subscriber you are entitled to purchase RealPlayer Plus 16 for 50% discount which is $24.99. Your purchase order shows that you purchased RealPlayer Plus 16 for $24.99. I’m sorry if our upgrade policy wasn’t clear to you. When purchasing RealPlayer Plus, you’re purchasing that version for one-time charge. The purchase entitles you to receive updates & support of that specific version for no additional fees or hidden charges. You can stay at with that version as long as you like; there is no requirement to upgrade (we support up to two RealPlayer versions back). New versions are new products & like most software companies, we charge for major upgrades.
To know more about the charges click on: http://real.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/9058.
For DVD burning issue please try to reduce the burning speed by following the steps given below:
1. Open RealPlayer
2. Click RealPlayer logo on the top left side corner
3. Select ‘Preferences’
4. Click on ‘CD’ mentioned on the left side
5. Click on ‘CD Burner’.
5. On right side of the screen you would be having an option called Write speed.
6. Reduce the speed to 4x.
7. Try to burn the DVD.
For more information, please follow the steps given in the link:
https://real.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/8894.
If you have additional questions, please email us directly at help@real.com.
Hi, I am not sure what the issue is and I would like to help. Please send an email to help@real.com and provide more detail about the issuer so that we can better assist you. Thanks!
Hi Tom, thank you for your recent purchase of RealPlayer Plus 16. We really do appreciate your business. I’m sorry that you’ve seemingly been unable to burn CDs or DVDs. You should be able to burn music and video files that are not copy right protected. Please try the troubleshooting steps in this link: https://real.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/8539
As for the issue with stopping a movie, I’d really like more information, so that I am sure I understand what’s happening.
In addition, I see that you made a separate post under bluesviking where you asked about managing duplicates. RealPlayer 16 does have a feature called Cleaner which helps you clean up your music files (including duplicates). However, it doesn’t help with movie/video files. Click here for more information: http://cache-download.real.com/free/windows/mrkt/help/RealPlayer-16/en/RealPlayer-help.htm#cleaner-delete-duplicates.htm
Please send an email to help@real.com so that we can help further. If you provide your phone number, as well as a good day and time to call, we are happy to do that. Include more detail about the movie issue and clarify further about the duplicates issue. Please also let us know if the CD/DVD burn issue has been resolved.
Thanks again for your business!
I recently reinstalled the free download for real player after I had to wipe my computer clean to get rid of viruses. I downloaded songs ready to be burned to a disk but when the icon gets to 100% it tells me there was an error with burning and I need to check that it’s connected properly and that the disk is clean and not damaged. I know the disk is clean because I’ve tried several brand new ones. What can be the cause?
Hi Jared,
Please follow the CD troubleshooting steps given in the below link:
https://real.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/8539
If that doesn’t help, send an email to help@real.com so that we can help you further.
I have been trying to burn a dvd of a file that is flv.format, reader does a conversion and it burns the dvd but it will not play it afterwards comes up with general error. reader has done this file format before. Could it be my dvd’s
Hi Kathy, please send an email to help@real.com along with the brief description of the issue (Copy and paste the link to this thread in the body of your email for reference) so that we can help resolve this issue at the earliest. -Jessy
I pay for real player plus the biggest problem i am having is when i burn a dvd with real player it lags really bad when i play back on either my computer or dvd player. I have spoken to several people about this problem with real player and they have been of no help. I even did a disc claneup and cleaned my lens on the computer burner so it is definitely the software. I can burn a short 5 minute video with no problem but when i try to burn a full dvd i get this issue. I am at my wits end
Hi Kense,
Please try to reduce the burning speed by following the steps given below:
1. Open RealPlayer
2. Click RealPlayer logo on the top left side corner
3. Select ‘Preferences’
4. Click on ‘CD’ mentioned on the left side
5. Click on ‘CD Burner’.
5. On right side of the screen you would be having an option called Write speed.
6. Reduce the speed to 4x.
7. Try to burn the DVD.
For more information, please follow the steps given in the link:
https://real.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/8894
If that doesn’t help, send an email to help@real.com to assist you better.
Plus 15 was working just fine, upgraded to 16 and couldn’t burn DVD’s anymore. I’ve tried all the solutions sent to me in emails (all listed above) and now it doesn’t work at all. Within seconds of opening real player a box pops up saying it’s not working and the program shuts down. Tried calling a # I found on the help website, it was disconnected. Help!
Hi Renee,
Please send an email to help@real.com along with the brief description of the issue (Copy and paste the link to this thread in the body of your email for reference) so that we can help resolve this issue at the earliest.
Recently, although I have PLUS, I was having a problem of very slow downloads from Youtube, but was able to burn to DVD. I checked the Net, and followed a suggestion to uninstall, then reinstall REALPLAYER 16. I did so, but sould not reinstall REALPLAYER. Roselyn from Customer Service, by remote service, installed the program for me. Now, I have REALPLAER 16 on my computer. I can download from Youtube, but when I try to burn flv to DVD, the following messsage appears.
“The software that’s used to decode the media is not available on this system. Installing the correct decoders for the files you are working with may help to correct the problem”.
I was under the impression that the required software was in the PLUS program.
Roselyn did send me some other information, but I inadvertently deleted it.
Are you able to help me?
Respectfully,
Clinton Chin
Hi Clinton,
Sorry for the trouble. Please send an email to help@real.com Include a brief description of the issue, and copy and paste the link to this thread within the email for further assistance.
I purchased real player pus 16. I am trying to burn videos downloaded from you tube in .flv format to dvd. I am using memorex 4x. I get an error that states “disk in drive is not a cd”. I have a dvd rw disk in the computer. I also received this error using the free version of real player when I tried to burn the videos to cd rw discs. Please help. I am using windows xp, and there is a dvd drive E shown under “my computer”.
Hi Conrad,
Please change the burner settings as follows:
Click on Burn tab —-> Choose current burner as “Video disc burner” —-> left had side Choose the dvd disc type
If that doesn’t work, send an email to help@real.com so that we can help you further.
I have realplayer Plus which I upgraded from basic and was able to burn DVDs with Plus; however, now, every time I select burn DVD, the advertisement for upgrade to Plus 16 appears and I am unable to burn DVDs. If I upgrade to plus 16, will I be unable to burn DVDs every time a new version is offered?
Please help
Hi Albert,
Please be informed that you need to sign in on the RealPlayer to access plus features. If that doesn’t work, send an email to help@real.com so that we can help you further.
Trying to burn a DVD with real player 16 plus and every time it gets to
part recoding files for burn it locks up. I changed the write speed to 4x already.
What else can I try?
Hi John,
Please follow the troubleshooting steps given in this link:
https://real.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/8894
If that doesn’t help, send an email to help@real.com to assist you better.
I keep getting this message: “Real Player Insert new disc” and it freezes the program where I cannot do anything in it.
Thanks,
Hi Jim,
Follow the instructions given on this link:
https://real.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/8588
If that doesn’t help, send an email to help@real.com to assist you better.
Hi. I’m using IE 10 and cannot get the download tab to appear. I was planning to buy the plus version but I’m wondering if I would get the same problem and be out $50. Any ideas? The hardware is intel G620 w? 4 gig of DDR3 ram and a small 750 gig HD. Thanks
Bruce
Hi Bruce,
Enable the RealPlayer Plug-in in your Internet Explorer by following this link: https://realnetworks.zendesk.com/entries/23689856-Download-This-Video-option-does-not-appear
If that doesn’t help, send an email to help@real.com to assist you better.
I have a big TROUBLE for burning DVD… it always show “The software that’s used to decode the media is not available on this system. Installing the correct decoders for the files you are working with may help to correct the problem.” even though i already download “FFDShow” Decoder for it… Need Help!!!! plzzzzz….
Hi Daniekam,
Please try this workaround:
1) Uninstall RealPlayer 16 by following:
https://realnetworks.zendesk.com/entries/23994572-Uninstall-and-reinstall-RealPlayer-Windows-
Deleted the RealPlayer folders as mentioned in this link to do a clean uninstall
2) Install K-Lite Codec Pack:
To get the latest K-Lite Codec Pack, visit http://www.codecguide.com/index.html.
3) Now reinstall RealPlayer 16 from http://www.real.com
4) Please be informed that you need to sign in on the RealPlayer to access plus features.
5) Now try to burn DVD
If the issue still persists follow:
https://realnetworks.zendesk.com/entries/23689906-DVD-Burning-Troubleshooting-Tips-
I purchased realplayer plus 12 some time ago. It used to burn DVD’s just fine but now it says burning DVD’s is disabled?
Hi Brad,
Here is something you can try,
Uninstalling and reinstalling RealPlayer by following:
https://realnetworks.zendesk.com/entries/23994572-Uninstall-and-reinstall-RealPlayer-Windows-
Make sure that you have deleted the RealPlayer folders as mentioned in this link to do a clean uninstall
2) Signing in to RealPlayer by following:
https://realnetworks.zendesk.com/entries/23585297-Signing-in-to-RealPlayer
3) Now try to burn.
what does unknown file mean when I try to burn a dvd I have done everything plug-ins included uninstall/ reinstall I have realplayer 16 and I got to tell you I have had more problems this one I’ve done everything and still not working. please don’t offer 17 until 16 works right not upgrading anymore not worth it
Hi Jenny,
This message means that RealPlayer could not recognize a file that you tried to access.
Follow the troubleshooting steps provided in this link to resolve this issue: https://realnetworks.zendesk.com/entries/23689876
If that doesn’t help, send an email to help@real.com to assist you better.
My realplayer plus 15 was working great to burn clips onto dvd (I’m a teacher and use them in my classes). Then it wasn’t. So I paid for the upgrade to realplayer plus 16. Now it doesn’t burn at all. General error message that I don’t have the decoder I need. Read your troubleshooting for this error message and it gives a solution for Windows Vista, but I’m using Windows 7. Currently have over 700 GB available on the hard drive. Would appreciate assistance. Thanks.
This issue has been fixed in the latest build of RealPlayer 16, released on August 21.
Please open RealPlayer, click the RealPlayer logo in the upper left, and select Check for Update. You will then be able to update your RealPlayer to the newest build.
Please note that you may need to re-enable the RealDownloader extension in your web browser as well by following this link:
https://realnetworks.zendesk.com/entries/23689856
After updating RealPlayer, please re-download the videos that previously received the “General Error” message.
i have no problem burning a dvd the problem is it wount play and my dvd player but will play on another computer whats up???
Try adjusting the burn speed of your DVD burner to half its current rate, to do so,
>Open RealPlayer
>Click on RealPlayer logo (at the top left corner)
>Select Preferences
>Click the + sign next to CD
>Select CD burner
>Select the burning speed to half its current rate from the drop down menu.
If this doesn’t work, please send an email to help@real.com, include a brief description of the issue, copy and paste the link to this thread within the email for further assistance.
I have realplayer plus 16,but when I start to burn a DVD,I always get ‘A general Error Has occurred” and in the box under that “Unknown File Type” What do this mean?????????
Other customer’s have also reported the same problem. We are aware of this and our development team is working to get it resolved soon.
Once it’s fixed, you’ll be notified. I apologize for any inconvenience caused.
If you have further questions, please send an email to help@real.com
In the past, with RealPlayer plus operational after purchasing it, I was able to burn DVD’s. Since installing the RealPlayer Cloud, I have not been able to burn any DVD’s. I’ve gone through the various download provisions, but to no avail. When trying to burn a CVD, entering with the right click of the mouse, the message comes up that the devise is not connected.
I look forward to your advise what to do.
Don Charles
If you are using a PC running Windows 8.1, then we are aware of an issue preventing customers from burning DVDs. We are working to resolve this issue as soon as possible.
If you are using Windows 7 or lower, please make sure you are signed in. DVD burning is a premium feature of RealPlayer and requires you to sign in first.
Follow these steps to sign in:
1. Open RealPlayer.
2. Click on the down arrow to the right of the RealPlayer logo (upper left corner of the player).
3. Select Sign in.
4. Enter the email address and password associated with the account.
Then, I suggest you to try playing the clip in RealPlayer first. If the clip will not play in RealPlayer, then it can’t be burned to DVD using RealPlayer. You will need to re-download the video and try burning.
If this is not the case, try installing free codec pack like Klite and QuickTime Player. Then you can burn the video(s).
Klite Codec Pack: http://fileforum.betanews.com/download/KLite-Codec-Pack_Full/1094057842/3
QuickTime: http://www.apple.com/quicktime/
Still if the issue persists, please send an email to help@real.com
I’m having a bit of a problem with RealPlayer Plus. In the past 6 years I use it to burn DVDs of certain videos of a show I’ve seen as a kid from Youtube. Two weeks ago my sister was useing my computer but she uninstalled some programs (mostly games) to make it go faster. She also uninstalled the sound from the speakers. The next day I went on Realplayer plus to do a test and when I clicked on Burn To Disc, a moment later I got an error. Here’s what it said: “The software that’s used to decode the media is not on this system. Installing the correct decoders for the files you are working with may help to correct the problem.” I’m not sure if my sister has uninstalled a program or software that’s burns dvds but what can I do to fix it?
I suggest you to try playing the clips in RealPlayer first. If the clip will not play in RealPlayer, then it can’t be burned to DVD using RealPlayer. You will need to re-download the video and try burning.
If this is not the case, try installing free codec pack like Klite and QuickTime Player. Then you can burn the video.
Klite Codec Pack: http://fileforum.betanews.com/download/KLite-Codec-Pack_Full/1094057842/3
QuickTime: http://www.apple.com/quicktime/
Still if the issue persists, follow this article for instruction to burn DVDs:
https://realnetworks.zendesk.com/entries/23689906
If you have any additional questions, please send an email to help@real.com
I’ve installed, reinstalled and treid everything I can think of to fix this. Real Player Plus will NOT burn video CDs or DVDs. It tells me “Real Player burn system not initialized, no compatible device found,or a system error has occured.” I have burned many video discs before, and it suddenly stopped working. HOW DO I FIX THIS????
Hi Joe! Thank you very much for writing into us. We always love hearing from our customers. I’m sorry you’re experiencing issues as you are. However, I’ve forwarded your issue on to our customer care team. I’ve been asked to inform you that they will get in touch with you and will be responding to your inquiry directly. Thank you very much for reaching out to us. We will respond very shortly. Thank you again.