Rivergate Software

When you create a new job in BluStreak Premaster, a window opens with header information and the output disc contents as a list of directories and files. The files on the final disc, whether burned or replicated, will always appear in the sequence shown. For single-layer discs, (25 GB or less), the sequence will almost always not matter.

The Rules

For dual-layer, the files must be arranged such that both layers are 25 GB or less, and the first layer must be at least as large as the second. This also leads to the restriction that no single file can be larger than 25 GB. The rest of this description assumes that you have selected "Dual Layer" in the media format popup and that your project is larger than 25 GB and less than 50 GB. (Sizes are stated in decimal gigabytes).

The Solution

In Blu-ray, 99% of the disc is taken up by the stream files (.m2ts). So you can pretty much ignore the other files when arranging the files to make a legal layer break, unless you have a large folder of ROM data. (Data not part of the actual Blu-ray disc, like original photos at full resolution).

Premaster always starts by grouping the stream files together. At the very end of the list you will see a "layer break" entry with tiny arrows pointing up and down. Near the lower right corner you will see a red "error" icon. Clicking on this icon will bring up a brief explanation of the error.

In the header portion you will see that the maximum layer size is 12,200 sectors for BD media and replication. So you begin by dragging the layer break in front of the file that has the largest location number that is smaller than the maximum layer size. If this is a legal layer break, the error icon will disappear and you are done.

If the error icon persists, you will need to rearrange the files to meet the size requirements. Usually the easiest way to do this is to move the largest files in size order to the beginning of the stream files. This will most likely satisfy the requirement. If not, you will be able to see which file overlaps the desired layer break. Often you will be able to find a smaller file or files to put in front of this file and get a legal break. Unless you are very close to filling the entire two layers, this process is almost always very easy to do.

It is always better to plan for the layer break before shooting or at least during final editing. Blu-ray is more forgiving than DVD for playing "seamlessly" or with only a very short pause between assets if they are in sequence on the disc.

If you are still having difficulties with your project after reading this tutorial, please feel free to post a question in the forums or send us an email from the contact page.