[Uncle_Meat]

Try writing a couple of normal data DVDs, make sure it's not a fucked DVD writer.

Burning divX to DVD type software, I use ConvertXtoDVD. Dead quick and reliable. Kung Fu Panda took about 25 minutes or thereabouts to convert and burn before.

Anyway...

Are you using different type of blanks? When was the last time you updated the firmware in your DVD drive?

Different discs use different dyes in the production process, and each dye needs its own writing strategy, as they call it, for an efficient burn. The firmware keeps a table of media codes (dye/layer) so the writer knows the max writing speed and the best writing strategy for that particular disc.

So, if you are using a new type of blank disc, your writer may not recognise the media type which will make it use a generic strategy, which can lead to iffy burn quality, or just plain vanilla flavoured fucked at worst.