Bourne Ultimatum is jumping and stuttering like crazy under PowerDVD Ultra Build 3516. Anyone having this same issue? I can get the DVD side to play just fine, but the HD-DVD side is super jittery.

Double checked the disc surface, and it is spotless and pristine on both sides.
I am not running AnyDVD HD as I had to uninstall it, it was fouling up too the playback of too many of my HD-DVD's.

Is anyone else having playback issues?

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=956677

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=951378

Lots o' problems with this disk. I still can't get it to work on my A35 -- even the replacements don't work. Maybe one day . . .

Well paint me blue and call me Papa Smurf. Guess I'll just have to wait for PowerDVD updates.

It seems that the only discs I ever have playback trouble with.. are Universal releases.

A1 and firmware v2.4 using rented Blockbuster disk. No problems at all.

no problems with my A1 and A20.

Lots o' problems with this disk. I still can't get it to work on my A35 -- even the replacements don't work. Maybe one day . . .

Darn, here I thought it was the excessive shakey cam look used for this film. :rolleyes:

Played on a A3, FWIW........

No problems here with PowerDVD 3516.

By the way . . . from what I've researched there's no "pattern" as to why it will play in some players and not in others. It has nothing to do with the model number or the firmware. The freezing problems run the gammet of EVERY HD DVD player model and EVERY firmware version. The only pattern is that it affects the latest generation of models (A3,A30,A35) slightly more than the earlier generations, but none are exempt.

If somebody states that the movies plays flawlessly on their A35 with firmware 1.3, another will say it freezes up with that exact same set-up. The same is true with every other model and firmware version.

Since every copy I've tried seems to freeze on my set-up, it would indicate that it wasn't an isolated disc error; rather, it appears that every player is "slightly" different in terms of calibration and tolerances, and it's those very minute differences that tends to affect the interaction of the software and the laser reading devices. Some devices are just more sensitive to reading certain authored discs. At least that's my speculation.

By the way . . . from what I've researched there's no "pattern" as to why it will play in some players and not in others. It has nothing to do with the model number or the firmware. The freezing problems run the gammet of EVERY HD DVD player model and EVERY firmware version. The only pattern is that it affects the latest generation of models (A3,A30,A35) slightly more than the earlier generations, but none are exempt.


So say we all, it seems they were not quite ready with this blue laser tech yet v.s. the way the discs are made? I do agree with your thoughts on this issue, to bad no one will admit it.

I also think dust plays a big roll along with the scum on some discs. Have a good one and good luck. :confused:

So say we all, it seems they were not quite ready with this blue laser tech yet v.s. the way the discs are made? I do agree with your thoughts on this issue, to bad no one will admit it.

I also think dust plays a big roll along with the scum on some discs. Have a good one and good luck. :confused:

Actually I think all of this stems from production plants in different locations.

For example, you have two plants making the same final copy of Bourne Ultimatum. Plant A produces discs that all play fine in any player, but Plant B's product all skip / jitter / frame drop. Plant B has some difference to Plant A that is very key, either in their country of location or how they retrofitted their production lines. SOMETHING different between the multiple factories making batches these HD-DVDs that have issues like this. I really am starting to believe this, but honestly I do not forsee any actual way to pin point it. By the way, does anyone know if Universal Studios has an HD-DVD Support Website? I know Paramount does.

Also, I've asked this before but never got an answer. Can anyone recommend a good disc cleaning system that is HD-DVD friendly? I'm not looking for a "Resurfacing" product, just something to clean off the smudges / finger prints / dust .. and do it safely.

Has anyone that had issues with this disc been able to successfully play another copy of BU?
I am considering returning mine to BB and try another....

Has anyone that had issues with this disc been able to successfully play another copy of BU?
I am considering returning mine to BB and try another....

I haven't due to previous experience. Basically all the titles I have had playback "frame drop" / jitters with.. have all been Universal titles. I picked up Sneakers (Universal) and it stuttered horribly during playback. I exchanged it back at the store, same issue... exchanged it at a DIFFERENT Best Buy (hoping to get a different batch).. same issue. I finally marked it up to a PowerDVD issue, shelved my copy and forgot about it.

Then about a month later a patch comes out for PowerDVD, I install it and try Sneakers.. plays perfectly. I ONLY ever have this problem with Universal Titles (Sneakers, The Last Starfighter, Heroes, Bourne Ultimatum). So I don't think that's a coincidence. I think there is something either in their manufacturing or encoding that just screws with some players.

no problem here with A35.

Was at a house tonight with some of my sisters friends, and we tried to play this on the 360's HD-DVD drive, and it kept saying the disc was unreadable. We tried multiple times before we gave up and watched "Breach" in HD, which was fine because I hadn't seen it yet, and I really enjoyed it. It did play the DVD side, so go figure.

Was at a house tonight with some of my sisters friends, and we tried to play this on the 360's HD-DVD drive, and it kept saying the disc was unreadable. We tried multiple times before we gave up and watched "Breach" in HD, which was fine because I hadn't seen it yet, and I really enjoyed it. It did play the DVD side, so go figure.

Right now mine plays fine DVD side, but stutters REAL bad on HD-DVD side. Still haven't tried cleaning the disc off, need to see if some soap and water helps.

Mine played fine in the XA2, but the TrueHD track was very weak in the LFE and bass department. This is bitsreaming to an Onkyo 885. I hear the DD+ is much better so will try that later.

I have the A3 with 1.3 fW. Thought I was going to get away with no probs, but at about 1:40 it froze. Was able to get back to the menu and skip to the following chapter. Tried it the next day and no freeze - played just fine.

Just got a call from my father in law on this. He picked up a D3 to my surprise and then bought this as his 1st movie (other than the freebie titles) and it froze at about 1:40 over and over again. Sucks this had to happen to him on his first movie, he did update the firmware before watching anything too. I just told him to exchange the movie 1st and if that don't work exchange the player. He was glad I told him about the quirkyness of the new high def formats prior to him purchasing one of them, so he was not upset at all, just a little frustrated.

Played fine PDVD3319

Just watched the movie and it also froze around the 1:40 mark.

Error code 4086c504.

Was watching it with a Blu-ray supporter :o

Played perfectly on my A1, just like every other disk that isn't scratched to hell from netflix.

Would not play on my A2 w/ 2.7 firmware until I re-initialized and now it plays fine.

plays great on my xbox 360 ao

A20 here with 2.7 firmware, plays fine with 1080p24.

Bourne Ultimatum is jumping and stuttering like crazy under PowerDVD Ultra Build 3516. Anyone having this same issue? I can get the DVD side to play just fine, but the HD-DVD side is super jittery.

Double checked the disc surface, and it is spotless and pristine on both sides.
I am not running AnyDVD HD as I had to uninstall it, it was fouling up too the playback of too many of my HD-DVD's.

Is anyone else having playback issues?

No problems with the disc in the a2 or a30!

XA2 software Version 2.7 plays perfectly, no skips no studders. A3 software version ??? new out of box plays perfectly, no skips no studders.

Would not play on my A2 w/ 2.7 firmware until I re-initialized and now it plays fine.

ditto here. An unplugging and replugging in to reset my A2 (2.7) fixed an endless loading loop

Mine is the D2 (A2) with 2.5 and played fine. Didn't try any internet features. No ethernet in there yet. No excuse since it isn't hot anymore :)

My copy played back flawlessly tonite... As all of them have on my HD805 which for me has been the most reliable HD DVD player to date... Also most expensive...

Okay, so here it is... I purchased an HD-A1 from the States in Sept 06 and it performed flawlessly throughout until I sold it a couple of weeks ago. So now I have an HD-EP30 (updated to latest firmware) which I purchased primarily for its 1080/24 capabilities to match my Optoma HD80 pj. I thought it was a bit strange when my DVE HD-DVD (which worked perfectly on the A1) would only load up 50% of the time, the other 50% throwing up an error code (the first I'd ever seen). In between I watched a couple of HD-DVDs without hitch. Then last night I settled down to watch Bourne Ultimatum. It looked ravishing, and I was thoroughly into the film when at 1 hour 17 minutes the film skips, loses sound and eventually freezes! I power the Tosh down and reboot. It manages to play past that point but does the same at 1 hour 27. In fact, at this point no amount of rebooting makes any difference. Occasionally the player refused the recognise the disc - throwing up a 4086.... error. So I end up having to watch the end of the movie on the DVD side on my US PS3 of all things! My movie night with one of the best films of 2007 was thoroughly spoiled.

Now, tbh, I wish I'd have kept the A1. Because (a) I never had any problems with it and now it seems I have a machine that is liable to cough at the slightest tickle (e.g. combos), and (b) because the EP30 and my HD80 will not communicate at 1080/24, so I'm just getting 1080/60 any way. That there are still issues like this plaguing 3rd gen HD-DVD players is quite simply a disgrace. Though I am purple my heart has always leaned red, but I have to say I have never had any issues like these with my PS3. Get it sorted Tosh!

UPDATE: So I tried pouring boiling water over my disc for the first time ever and, guess what, it works!! Now the disc plays through the problem sections no problem at all! This is meshugge!

I just watched my BU tonight on my D2, it played flawlessly. PQ was great, audio was great as well. I'm still using FW 2.0.

Got the 'notplay' display and 'system error' on screen messages right after the blu PG screen. That's the moment the movie is supposed to start.

After the 'Initialize' and power down fix the player froze the moment the player attempted to start the disc. Had to shut down the player by holding the power button for over 5 seconds.

After another power down cycle the disc played without any issues.

Looks like a HDi coding issue in combination with downloaded content stored in the players memory. This doen't look like it's a combo 'issue'.

XE1 with 2.7fw (didn't initialize after latest fw upgrade)

Mine freezes all the time at the point where Bourne jumps into the river at the end. Can't get past that point for some reason. I had to flip the disc and watch the rest on the SD side (which was only another 2-3 minutes anyway). And this is on PowerDVD...

No problems with mine on the A2. Most recent firmware.

I had the playback issue on 1:37:10 where bourne meets the Dr.(always there)...... :( Using A35.

Actually what can we do regarding this playback issue ?? Change another disc ?? Or just wait for the FW updates ?? :o

I had the playback issue on 1:37:10 where bourne meets the Dr.(always there)...... :( Using A35.

Actually what can we do regarding this playback issue ?? Change another disc ?? Or just wait for the FW updates ?? :o

That's where I had my issue as well. The picture would freeze but looking at the counter on the machine, it would keep going. I'm using the A3. I also have the A2 in my bedroom so I might just switch them...

Well, after well over 150 HD DVD discs watched, I finally have my 2nd reproduceable problem.

Mine freezes at about 1:39 too, where he's pointing the gun at the guy who trained him. It worked once, with two other viewings it's locked right at that position. When I select that chapter and let it play, it locks up there, too. Tried soap and water and mild cleaner, no dice. A35, FW 1.3. :(

(I had the dreaded lock at 28 minutes with Happy Feet on my old A1. FW 2.2 fixed that issue, and it's not on issue on my A35)

Has anyone that had the problem on their A35 fixed it somehow? And if so, how?? Or is this the new equivalent of the Happy Feet 28 minute problem?

I have a feeling that this problem may never be resolved.

I'm as big a supporter of the format as the next guy, and I've only had two problems I could reproduce, and both were on combos...but I have to say, as good an idea as they are....get them to work more reliably, or drop them altogether. I know a few people have had worse luck than I have with combos, but with the price premium they have, luck shouldn't be part of the equation.

Having to wait for FWs to resolve playback issues that shouldn't have been there in the first place kind of sucks. FWs for new features (like enabling TrueHD, 1080p24, new audio codec bitstreaming, web-enabled content, etc...) is OK. For just playing the movie...not so much.

I kind of like combo disc at the moment my HD side freeze, because I can finish the movie with the SD side ......:p Just don't tell me that the playback issue is cause by the use of combo disc. :D

I just got my second disc from amazon. The second disc has better surround than my first disc but, its still a lot lower than DD+. The TRUE HD audio has absolutly no bass. The DD+ track is the way to go. I dont know if its the disc again or they just put an inferior TRUE HD track. I am not going to bother exchanging for another disc. I will just watch it in DD+.:mad:

My rental copy from Hollywood Video played perfectly on my A2.

I believe we're dealing with a batch of bad discs here. I don't think it has anything to do with the players or firmware.

I have two HD DVD players -- an A1 and the latest A35. The current BU disc I have freezes up at the exactly the same spots on BOTH players -- close to the 1:40 mark and beyond. It is certainly a disc authoring issue.

I'm not sure exactly why some discs have problems and others don't. I bet if they investigate, the problem discs probably all came from the same "batch" or manufacturing facility. I'm not sure if there's a way to track that or not.

From the poll results, it appears that 1 out of 5 discs are affected -- about 20%.

Those that are holding on to the bad discs thinking that a future firmware update will fix the issue will be disappointed.

My copy is fine in my A2 w/ 2.5 fw - A friend with an A3, unknown firmware, is having all kinds of issues with this and Oceans 13...

I am going to check his disks in my setup over the weekend, and I think he is going to update his firmware.

Froze on my A3 with about 15 minutes to go. Got pissed after restarting it twice...so I flipped it over and watched the end in SD. I'm running the original firmware on my A3...would like to upgrade it but can't seem to get it to connect.

Froze on my A3 with about 15 minutes to go. Got pissed after restarting it twice...so I flipped it over and watched the end in SD. I'm running the original firmware on my A3...would like to upgrade it but can't seem to get it to connect.

Download the ISO and burn it to a disk. that is what I did with my A2 since my network cable in my "theater" (ha ha, man I need to win the lottery) lives in my 360 and I get cruddy wireless reception down there (which is why the 360 even uses a cable in the first place.).

you will find the link to the ISO at the end of step 2 on this page -

http://www.tacp.toshiba.com/tacpassets-images/notices/hddvd3firmware.asp

BU was in my Amazon goldbox the other day, and just arrived today. Brand spanking new copy straight from the shrink wrapped case to the HD DVD player.

Tried playing it in my HD-A3 with 1.3 firmware, and it was fine for the first 1:25 of the movie. Then it had an error of some random kind with a brief pause, but continued for a minute or two. Then it hit some catastrophic error and could not get past the point. I eject the disc, take a look at it and brush off a couple of pieces of dust, put it back in, and skip to the chapter closest to the 1:25 mark. It freezes again, and won't move past the spot, but it is a slightly different mark than before.

I eject it and immediately put it into my HTPC with a LG dual format blu/hddvd drive. Tried playing it with PowerDVD Ultra 7.3 3516, and it hung on disc load as it was getting the web content. Stopped it, played it again, canceling the web update, and selected the same chapter. It played fine from there to the end of the movie. (Although I selected the DolbyDigital+ audio track instead of the Dolby TrueHD... audio in the HTPC sucks because it downrezed the audio to plain DD.)

I can only come to one conclusion: the Toshiba player is substandard. What it can't handle, other drives like the LG can handle just fine. Toshiba is not doing itself any favors with this kind of quality. If you went to a movie theater and it stopped playing at the same time spot & couldn't continue, theater management would probably give everybody their money back.

At least I got to watch BU in high definition.

Mine played without problems. A2 user here.

My A20 played the movie fine, but the new A30 (F/W 1.3) is having the same stuttering problem at the 1:40 mark that has been reported here by many. Also the A30 takes noticeably longer to start playing this disc.

Played perfect on my A3, was worried the whole movie that it was going to break up at certain points. Thought the movie was fantastic! Can't wait to watch it again without the worry!

My copy of BU freezes on the A3 with FW1.3

Just as a reminder . . . whether or not Bourne Ultimatum plays on your player has ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to do with what player you have and what firmware you're running. It freezes up on ALL player models and firmwares and it plays perfectly on ALL player models and firmwares. It is meaningless to post "model numbers" and "firmwares" since they have nothing to do with whether or not it will play. You might as well post what color your player is. It is a disc authoring issue which some players (depending on build, sensitivity and tolerances) has problems with.

There is no way to "fix" the problem since it's not a firmware issue. It is possible to re-encode the movie so sensitive players don't stutter, but I seriously doubt that will be done since the problem only appears about 10% of the time.

Froze on my A3 with about 15 minutes to go. Got pissed after restarting it twice...so I flipped it over and watched the end in SD. I'm running the original firmware on my A3...would like to upgrade it but can't seem to get it to connect.

Froze on my A3 with the latest firmware at about the same spot (on both a rental and a disc that bought soon there after).
FWIW I put it into my Xbox 360 HD-DVD drive and it played just fine all the way through. I have about 20 HD-DVDs and have rented a bunch more, this is the first problem disc I have come across.

got error 4094c202 when I tried to play the main feature. I cleared my persistent storage, and tried again. Played without a single problem all the way through. :)

Just tried to play BU but I get this box up htat says loading then nothing happens
Has anyone seen this before?

Just tried to play BU but I get this box up htat says loading then nothing happens
Has anyone seen this before?
only on 50% of the discs I try to play.

I just continue to press open button until it recognizes the disc.
The worst disc was Beowulf which took 30min worth of trying until it finally read.

Out of curiosity, I just checked my Bourne Ultimatum on the HD-A35, firmware version 1.3 and no problems at all.

And I have already watched it on my HD-A2 version 2.8 with the same results. So, it doesn't seem to be a hardware issue.

Maybe it is differences in manufacturing plants with these combo discs as mentioned already? I remember a Jurassic Park 1 DTS version standard DVD with audio problems years ago, also a Universal Pictures title...hmmm :confused:

Mike

Played better on the A1 , hicupped but kept playing .
xa2 had problems from the blue ocean/white ship through . the gun to the head
of the brainwasher dude ...had half scenes overlapping . one above the other...
I did try hot water and light soap , that did help some ...

traded for a new copy , problem fixed. I say disc issue also....

I have a Bravia XBR LCD... the KDL-46XBR4 and am playing HD DVD movies through my XBox 360.

Anyway, was watching Bourne Ultimatum last night and the picture was so stuttery and shuddered so much it was quite annoying.

Just wondering if anyone else has experienced this. That in combination with the actual camera moves (very distracting in their own right) was kilin me :)

Bravia = Sony and HD DVD doesn't work out :rolleyes:

I have the European version which is the same encode and I didn't experience those problems you mentioned.

its probably the add on i played it in my add on had the same problems but in a stand alone it was mint

Watched my Blockbuster rental of BU combo disc (HD DVD side) and it played perfectly.

Awesome picture; CRAPPY movie, it doesn't even belong in the same league as the first two. Very disappointing, even without the awful motion-sickness-inducing camerawork and cutting. One star, given only because if they come out with a good Bourne IV a fan has got to suffer thru Ultimatum also. :mad:

Played it for the first time last night and ended up throwing the disk at the wall. Played the SD DVD version I had to finish the movie. No sense in keeping a crap disk! :-(