Why DVDFab prompts you to insert a DVD-9 disc when burning a DVD?

When burning DVDs with DVDFab, you may encounter prompts asking to insert a DVD-9 instead of a standard DVD5 disc. This can be confusing for many users who are not aware of the difference between the disc types. In this article, we'll explain what triggers the DVD-9 prompt, the difference between DVD-5 and DVD-9, and how to solve the problem.

Four Reasons for the Prompt

Cause 1: Set DVD-5 as output

In DVDFab, you may have selected DVD-9 instead of DVD-5 as the output format in the Copy or Create module.

Go to the Output Size drop-down menu and select DVD-5. Note that selecting DVD-5 may compress the content, but this can make it fit on a 4.7 GB single-layer disc. If you want the higher quality, DVD-9 may still be your best choice.

Cause 2: Compression overcapacity

If you have selected DVD-5 as the output, the compressed file size is still larger than the DVD-5 single-layer disc can hold. Then you need to click Common Settings>Drives>DVD Write to confirm the set output size of DVD-5. Generally, 4300MB is a safe size.

If it is larger than this number, it may be required to use a double-layer disc. Or remove unnecessary audio tracks, subtitles, or add-ons.

Generally 4300MB is a safe DVD size. Beyond 4300MB, you may also need dual-layer discs. Originally 4300MB, you'll need a log and movie purchase link, and the tech department will solve the problem.

Cause 3: The blank disc is not of good quality

Low-quality discs often don't burn correctly or may not be recognized by your drive, causing DVDFab to request a DVD-9 as a spare.

To avoid this problem

• Make sure that the blank disc conforms to the output format (DVD-5 or DVD-9).
• Check the disc for scratches, dirt, or other physical damage that could interfere with burning.

Cause 4: The disc has new protections that DVDFab does not yet support

Sometimes, commercial DVDs come with newly developed copy protection and DVDFab may give you an error message during the burning process.

To solve this problem, first, make sure your DVDFab software is up to date. If the problem persists, report the disc to DVDFab's support team for help in dealing with the protection.

DVD5 vs. DVD9: Difference and Choice

When choosing the right disc format for burning movies, backing up data, or creating personal media projects, understanding the differences between DVD-5 and DVD-9 is essential. Although both formats belong to the DVD family, they vary significantly in storage capacity, structure, compatibility, and ideal use cases. These distinctions can directly influence video quality, compression requirements, and the overall performance of your final disc.

How to Choose Between DVD5 and DVD9

If your project size is under 4.7 GB and you don't mind using some compression, DVD-5 is usually the most practical option. It is ideal for shorter movies, home videos, or simple data backups. DVD-5 discs are cheaper, easier to find, and offer excellent compatibility with older DVD players and burners, making them a cost-effective choice when you need to burn multiple copies.

If your file size exceeds 4.7 GB or you want to preserve video quality with minimal compression, DVD-9 is the better choice. The higher capacity makes it suitable for long movies, HD content (where supported), or projects that include extras like interactive menus, multiple audio tracks, and subtitles. However, you should ensure that both your DVD burner and DVD player support dual-layer discs, and be prepared for slightly higher disc costs and longer burning times.

In short, choose DVD-5 when budget, speed, and broad compatibility are your main concerns, and choose DVD-9 when you need more space and higher quality, and your hardware fully supports dual-layer burning and playback.