How to Finalize a Disc on a Sony DVD Camera

DVDs must be finalized on your Sony DVD video camera before you can view them on other DVD devices, such as DVD players or computers.

DVD video cameras allow you to record movie footage directly onto a DVD, thus bypassing the need to download your footage to a computer before saving it on a disc. The DVDs you create with your camcorder, however, are not playable on other DVD devices until you finalize your disc. Finalizing takes only a few minutes using the controls on your camera, though the method will vary depending on your particular model.

Instructions

Touchscreen Models

1. Plug your camera AC adapter into an electrical outlet and place the DVD you want to finalize into the video camera.

2. Touch "P-Menu" on the LCD screen.

3. Press "Finalize" when it appears on the LCD screen.

4. Choose "Set" to change the settings for your DVD.

5. Select "DVD Menu" to change the menu style for your DVD. Scroll through the options using the up and down arrows and click "OK" once you make your selection.

6. Press "Disc Title" and use the letter buttons to compose a title for your DVD. Press "OK" when you are satisfied with your title.

7. Press "Photo-Movie" and select "Yes" if you want to make a slideshow movie that incorporates still photos. Press "No" if you want your DVD to only include video footage.

8. Press the "Return" button to go back to the settings menu, then select "End" to save your settings.

9. Touch "OK" then "Yes" to finalize your DVD. Press "Yes" again when asked to confirm the finalization.

10. Press "OK" when the finalization is complete.

Older Models

1. Plug your video camera into an electrical outlet using the AC adapter. Press "Setup."

2. Scroll through the options on the screen using the up and down arrows to select "Disc Set." Press "Enter."

3. Select "Finalize" using the up and down arrows. Press "Enter."

4. Press the up and down arrows to select "Execute" then press "Enter." Select "Yes" then press "Enter" again.

5. Press "Setup" when the finalization is complete.

Tips & Warnings

• If you choose not to create a photo-movie, your photos will still be available as .JPG files when you insert your DVD into a computer.

• When you finalize a double-sided disc you must finalize each side separately.

• Make sure your camera does not move at all during finalization or your DVD could lose data. Place the camera on a table or other flat surface until "Completed" appears on your LCD screen.

References

• Sony: How to Finalize a DVD Disc Recorded in a Sony DVD Camcorder For Playback on Other DVD Devices
• Sony: How To Finalize a Disc in the DVD Handycam Digital Video Camera
• Sony: DCR-DVD92 Operating Guide

Resources

• SUNY Cortland: Video Cameras & Filming
• CNET: Camcorder Formats: Which One Is Best?