Sometimes it doesn't seem to pick it up right away.  Try putting it in for a bit then opening the profile and seeing if it appears under the drive.  That's the only thing I can think of, because obviously it is reading data if you can watch a DVD.

Quoting pdf256:

Quote:
Check that the DVDProfiler setting has the correct drive letter for the DVD drive.  This can be found under Tools - Options - System.

That has to be it!  It didn't have a drive associated with it.  Didn't even think to go up there after I installed Profiler on the new system.  Thanks!

No,
but since this came around more often (at least 3 cases that I can recall), it's probably best to open a support ticket at Invelos. Possibly a glitch in the program.

As a test, try the DVDPca tool (based on DVDInfo). It can be run both as a standalone tool and as a plugin. It uses similar code as DVD Profiler to read the disc ID, and it also pulls other metadata from the disc to assist in submitting a new profile. Regardless of whether you decide to use the tool, it could provide some clues about the problem. I have yet to get any report of it not reading the disc ID of a DVD (Blu-Rays are another matter).

Quoting mediadogg:

Quote:
Another point. Sometimes programs will "block" each other from accessing certain devices. Think about other programs that you have installed that use the DVD drive. It is a "first come - first served" world. That could explain why it doesn't happen all the time. Close down any other media programs (players, rippers, etc.) that access the DVD drive, and then try DVD Profiler.

I'm not sure what "rippers" and the like are. I don't use my computer for much - emails, invelos, dvdcollectorsonline.com and my collection.

I'm not sure what you mean by "media players" - the only thing I use that might qualify is Cyberlink PowerDVD - but I've never added anything else because I watch my movies on TV.

Quoting Kathy:

Quote:
Quoting mediadogg:

Quote:
Another point. Sometimes programs will "block" each other from accessing certain devices. Think about other programs that you have installed that use the DVD drive. It is a "first come - first served" world. That could explain why it doesn't happen all the time. Close down any other media programs (players, rippers, etc.) that access the DVD drive, and then try DVD Profiler.

I'm not sure what "rippers" and the like are. I don't use my computer for much - emails, invelos, dvdcollectorsonline.com and my collection.

I'm not sure what you mean by "media players" - the only thing I use that might qualify is Cyberlink PowerDVD - but I've never added anything else because I watch my movies on TV.

I think you have the correct understanding on what I mean.

But what is often missed, is that not all software is explicitly installed. Sometimes things get installed without your knowledge. Even Microsoft is notorious for running software in the background, such as Windows Media Player for gathering media library entries. Nero has a "scout" program. Verizon has a Media Manager. And the list goes on. Older versions of the program AnyDVD were rumored to conflict with DVDP, but recent versions work OK - I use them myself.  I know of one DVD Player that almost invariably installed itself whenever you put a DVD in your computer - don't remember its name at the moment. I'll come back and update this post later. (Edit: I think InterVideo or Ulead or WinDVD).

So, it is no wonder that strange things can happen sometimes. In your case, it seems you have devised a strategy that suits your needs. So I wouldn't sweat it, but for anybody who has more serious or persistent issues, they will have to do the painful analysis of their system software, perhaps with the help of a tech-savvy friend.

(Ha! I see deejay has given some similar advice.  )

I have kind of a follow up to this question-- is there a way to add blu-ray child profiles if you don't have a blu-ray drive in your computer? I have a few BD TV series I'd like to add the discs to, but nothing to read the disc IDs with.  Also, thanks for the above tips-- I was having the same issue with intermitten disc IDs or none at all.

I don't think there is a way. In fact, even with a drive, I could not find a way to get the BD Disc ID that Invelos uses without using a plugin. So DVDPca cannot get a BD Disc ID in standalone mode, even if there is a BD drive available.