DVD/R/RW, etc

[jbbrown211]

Thanks. Stupid question: Can you simply make a copy of a DVD video using these drives. (Example if I wanted to copy my DVD of Fellowship of the Ring for my friend)

[Xayd]

It's not that simple.

There are 2 formats for pressed DVDs. DVD-5 (max capacity just over 4.3 gigs) and DVD-9 (max capacity about 8 gigs).

The vast majority of newer DVDs are DVD-9. There will likely never be a DVD-9 home burner, you'll be limited to 4.3 gigs per blank DVD.

So you're looking at having to break down the movie, re-encode the video at a lower bitrate, and put it all back together afterwards.

If that sounds like a fun hobby, go ahead and get one. If you want a point and click solution to copy DVD to DVD you'll probably be disappointed.

[jbbrown211]

Sounds a little too complicated for me.
So basically, you can't copy a full length retail DVD movie to a blank DVD via a computer drive? The reason for this is basically the sheer size of most of the newer DVD videos; the blank ones that are available don't have enough space?

[RJ]

But this is still your opinion, right?

No, when I said that all players of my friends played DVD+R it's a fact, not a wish. And it's also fact that the easiness of recording with a standalone isn't possible with DVD-R/-RW. But of course it's my opinion that such complicated recorders like DVD-R/-RW recorders will fail, as that's not the device a normal home user wants. I own a DVD+R/+RW drive and I have experiences with it when it comes to DVD video, and it is very compatible. What else can I say than DVD+R played everywhere, and DVD+RW failed on 3 devices.

And nope, you can't just copy video DVD to blank DVD (no matter if it's + or -) if it's a DVD-9
As said, most video DVDs are dual layer, carrying 7.95 GB, whereas a DVD-5 is single layer, carrying 4.38 GB.

Sony DRU500A is the only dualformat burner. NEC wanted to release one, but delayed it two times already. It's now expected for March. So either it'll finally appear in march or delayed further. Currently NEC makes only DVD+R/+RW burners.

RJ

[jbbrown211]

If I was primarily interested in creating backups for my DVD videos, and knew how to rip and record it at the lower bitrate, would the "+" format be better. The pricetag for Sony's DRU500A is a bit too hefty for me. For video purposes, I want to make sure that the "+" would be better suited for that application.

[jbbrown211]

Anyone have some concrete info to help me with my post above? Looking at the "+" format for DVD burners, want to make sure I don't get the wrong format and regret it.

[Xayd]

If your only use is backing up DVD video the - format has better compatibility with existing standalones. Yes the plus format has some additional functionality when only used with a PC, but more compatible in standalones it is not.

There are tests and stats at http://www.vcdhelp.com

Roughly 83 percent of the existing standalones play +R versus 89 percent of -R.

[jbbrown211]

Thanks for the link. I would probably use it for some additional things, but primarily for backing up DVD video.

[RJ]

When I have more time I will finally look for the other statistic where DVD-R has a compatibility of about 70% and DVD+R of about 90%.

So much for statistics. DVD-R is *NOT* more compatible than DVD+R. That's just not true. Period.

RJ

[bailey]

SONY DRU-500AX

DVD+-RW+-R/CD

comp usa has several on the shelf here in kc, just bought one last week $289.00

[jbbrown211]

If you had one of these Sony burners that support both, does it automatically write both, or do you have to let it know which format you want to use?

[glc]

JB: Forum usage guideline #9:

Members are not permitted to use this forum as a means to share or distribute copyrighted software, licenses, license numbers, registration information, warez software, cracks, key generators, viruses, DVD ripping information, or any information which promotes or instructs on any of these activities. Any material which in any way aids in the destruction of property, property rights, or causes harm, damage, loss of time or work, or allows entry into computer hardware, software or networks is strictly prohibited.

Copying a commercial DVD to give to someone else is a definite copyright violation.

[Tuf]

Every time I think I'm about ready to purchase a DVD Burner this same issue is debated here. Then I'm confused again and decide to wait. I'm not entirely sure I could go wrong with either one because I would mostly use it for data. But I'm sure the day would come I would like to make a Video DVD. From what I have read and the arguements that have been made I think I am leaning towards the "-" format.

I have no experience with the "+" format. The only experience I have with the "-" format is I have played three discs my brother inlaw made on all three of our home DVD players and they worked just fine. One is a Panasonic that seems to play anything you put in it. One is a Toshiba that is nearly as good. The last one is a relatively cheap GE model that is a little touchier about what it will play. All three played the burned discs without a hitch.

They also worked fine in the PC DVD drives we have. So I think the compatibility issue is fine at least as far as we are concerned. My only concern is I don't want to buy a drive and burn a bunch of discs in a format that may become obsolete very soon. That's why I'm not a proud DVD burner owner at this point.

[TwoRails]

Jumping in very late here.... but, Tuf, that's why I just got the Sony. Now I don't have to worry if I made the right choice or not. Seems like the "-" and the "+" thing is as bad as the AMD / Intel thing. Haven't burned any movies yet, but it sure works good as a very, very, very large floppy!!! LOL

TwoRails

[Tuf]

That Sony is nice I just haven't seen one in stock anywhere since they came off of that $350 price.

[RJ]

OK, first statistic that I found:

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/Pi...,92226,00.html

That one shows DVD+R and DVD-R have the same compatibility and DVD+RW is more compatible than DVD-R
Now everyone can decide which statistic to believe. I'll look for a couple more, don't worry

Also just for info for anyone who believes a statistic too much: Comopatibility also depends on the media used. When a player does not play back a low quality DVD+R it's not said that it won't play back DVD+R at all.

And there are 2 more companies who announced "+" burners, Atrec and another one I can't remember the name. They will introduce 4x DVD+R and 4x DVD+RW burners, whereas DVD-RW is still at 2x only.
Also Philips showed a Serial ATA DVD+R/+RW burner. No native S-ATA yet (only with a bridge), but well, DVD-R/-RW has nothing so far. . .

RJ