DVD-R Iincopatability?

"For example, finalizing isn't always the same thing for all formats."

Except that the manual that was linked above clearly states on page 23 that discs recorded on the unit should be playable on regular DVD machines.

From the manual:

Finalize
Finalizing ‘fixes’ the recordings in place so that the disc can be played on a regular DVD player or computer equipped with a suitable DVD-ROM drive. Finalizing a Video mode disc creates a menu screen for navigating the disc. This is accessed by pressing DISC MENU/LIST or TITLE.

"Except that the manual that was linked above clearly states on page 23 that discs recorded on the unit should be playable on regular DVD machines."

I agree. But that's not what's happening. lol. Also, don't read too much into my last post. When you said you were baffled, and this should be straightforward, I was just listing some of the odd, fine points with regards to the formats were talking about.

I think I did come up with something that I'm pretty sure no one else has mentioned. Dual layer (DL) disc's. They're so common now that support for them on an older player could be easily overlooked.

Yeah. I've never used a dual layer disc so I'm not sure how they would act.