T&T: boat entertainmen center

[Larry N. Brown]

Alright, alright, this topic doesn't fit the narrow confines of the list but
it is applicable. I do live on my boat and I do need to be entertained. If it
gets too boring for the list, I'd be glad to entertain emails offline.

Several years ago, pre-Katrina, I decided to assemble a DVD collection for
rainy days aboard. I do not have a TV and I don't want one but an old John
Wayne every now and again does not go amiss. So I started burning DVDs from my
friends collections. I must admit I was not completely scrupulous about the
pedigree of the DVDs but I assembled quite a collection.

Then the trouble started. I have a Sony DAV-FC7 all-in-one mini unit and a
flat plate screen. The DVDs began to develop a glitch. They'd stumble,
sometimes not play at all. Seemed to be getting worse. Finally, the other day,
figuring the machine was shot, I bought an outboard DVD player to feed the
system.

It got worse so I suspect the DVDs themselves. Do DVD's have a lifespan? Are
self recorded DVDs worse than store bought ones? Is there a cure? Did I use
inferior media or burner? Some play through, some play half and some don't get
out of the starting gate. Help. Feel like the Ancient Mariner. . .DVD's, DVDs
everywhere but nary a one to watch.

Regards,

Larry and Teri
M/V Cigano, 47' Prairie Sundeck Cruiser
Lying: 64 Cypress Road
          Covington, LA