Info and forum posts by 'DVD novice'

RE: DVD-RW recording

Yes you can FORMAT the disc and re-use it, however, you will erase everything that was previously on the disc. Not much good if you only wanted to erase some of the programmes.

If you are lucky enough your DVD recorder that has UN-FINALISE this will allow you to unfinalize the disc, erase just the titles you want to, then add to it and finalize again.

Sony`s home DVD DL burner/HDD combo, PSP Compatible but just Japan at the moment

Might be of interest but Japan only at the moment!!


http://www.akihabaranews.com/en/news_10210.html

RE: Sony RDR-GX3 DVD Player Recorder

Are you trying to connect a Sky box to Line 3 if so this might help?

I don`t know if its the same type of problem but when I set up my father in law`s Sony RDR GX300 when I connected his Sky Box to Line 3 I maded the mistake of selecting `Decoder` in the set up which caused me similar problems. I solved this by changing line 3 on the setup from `Decoder` to `VCR`.

Hope this helps.

RE: A question about DVD-R & DVD+R discs..........

sj mentions at the end of his reply `Nero`.

I would personally avoid Nero.

I made the mistake of creating DVD`s of camcorder footage using Pinnacle Studio. For the 1st 2 DVD`s I put them on DVD+RW and when I was happy used the free Nero Express that came with my PC Writer to `Copy` to DVD+R for Me / Grandpops etc..

I then brought a Sony DVD Rec and these 2 DVD`s are the only disc`s the Sony won`t play.

People have suggested DVD Shrink and other freeware but none of them work with the disc`s as they seem to say they have invalid menu`s.

Needless to say I long ago erased the original DVD+RW`s.

RE: A question about DVD-R & DVD+R discs..........

As pat-w has said you can easily use this method with any of the DVD Video compliant disc`s (DVD-R / DVD+R / DVD-RW Video Mode / DVD+RW).

I have a Sony DVD Rec and normally record to DVD+RW and should I decide to keep the Disc use the Sony to edits out the Adverts on the disc and copy to disc to +R on the PC. (Of the disc`s above only DVD+RW lets you edit out the adverts).

Although this method is fine for removing adverts it does cause a half a second pause at each edit point so when watching it back you do realize something has been removed. For more detailed edits of programmes / or seemless edits of camcorder footage you will need to use Software on the PC or use a HDD/DVD Recorder.

You can also use DVD-RW VR Mode or DVD-RAM which offer better editing but do require you to buy special software for the PC before you can transfer to +R / -R disc`s.
Please see
http://www.avforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=101191&page=21&pp=15

RE: Sony RDR-GX3

I`ve got a RDR-GXD500 but I don`t need multi region but have seen this post which leads to the others. I have also seen people talking about renting a remote for Sony`s to do the job.

http://forum.digitalspy.co.uk/board/showthread.php?t=188983

http://www.videohelp.com/dvdhacks.php?select=Sony+RDR-GX3

http://www.selen.org/sonydvd.html

RE: 23 INCH LCD WIDESCREEN TV WITH BUILT IN DVD 399 pounds

Do you know what recordable DVD formats it plays?

I`m sure it won`t play DVD-Ram or DVD-RW VR Mode
but does it play DVD+R, DVD+RW, DVD-R and DVD-RW Video Mode?

RE: Which DVD Writer? (LG GSA-4163B, NEC 3540, or Pioneer DVR-109

Do they both allow you to set the book type of DVD+R or DVD+R DL media?

I`ve never used it but it may be a difference if using + media.

RE: Recording formats

I agree with Hamid that it is important that you check to see if the DVD players you will be playing these disc`s on have a preference to + or -.

Also remember to finalize any +R or -R (and also -RW Video) disc`s so they can be played on normal DVD Players.

RE: SKIPPING/FREEZING on & off

Are you able to test the DVD`s on another DVD Player?
If they freeze / skip in the same point in the recording on the other machine it might be the Disc.
However if the Disc`s play fine in the other machine this cheap player might be coming to the end of it life.
I have a cheap Hyundai DVD Player that is about 3 years old but is starting to have a few problems with some disc`s. I have borrowed a friends DVD Laser Cleaner Disc and this made no difference at all.
Good Luck

RE: Specialist Scart Cable?

I have just ordered some cables from www.cableuniverse.co.uk. I haven`t got them yet so no idea if they are any good but they seem well priced.

I have also used www.tvcables.co.uk before and they were very good but they seem to have the more expensive high end cables.

RE: Video_TS files

Do you have a drive on your PC that reads RAM Disc`s?

If you do you could try this. Its a bit of a bodge and doesn`t create `True` Mpeg files but it won`t cost you anything.

Edit on the HDD of your Panasonic to just the bits you want to keep then put it onto a DVD-Ram Disc (Please note that not all drives take the RAM Disks in Caddies.)

If you load your disc in your drive, select the Drive in My Computer and then go into File / Explore.
You should then have the root folder called "DVD_RTAV" in which you will find 3 files "VR_MOVIE.vro","VR_MANGR.ifo" and "VR_MOVIE.bup".

Copy file "VR_MOVIE.vro" to your PC at the same time RENAMING IT and changing the original `.vro` extension to `.mpg`

You should have now resaved your "VR_MOVIE.vro" as "NAMEOFFILM.mpg". This file should now play in Windows Media player 9.

Although this has the file extension .mpg and this is sufficent for Windows Media Player its not a true mpeg file and doesn`t appear to work in my DVD editing software.

I just read this somewhere else put I don`t have Ram so I don`t known how well it will work.

Good Luck

RE: HELP-cant decide

The Pioneer 420 / 520 will only record approx 2hrs 20 mins at full Resolution but the Panasonic will do upto 4hrs.

However I seem to remember reading that the Panasonic will lose any Manual Chapter marks in High Speed Dubbing to disc (so to keep them you have to do realtime Dub) but you will need to check if this is correct.

RE: dvd-ram discs in panny

As to whether you use the Caddies depends where else you might want to play your Ram Disc`s.

Some of Panasonic DVD Players play Ram Disc`s however I think they need to be the bare disc`s. Also not all DVD Writers that can use Ram except Caddies so again you might have to use Bare Disc`s.

I mention the PC Writers because the Panasonic DMR-ES10 can only edit out adverts on Ram Disc`s. So you will need to have a Ram PC Writer + Software (or a Panasonic DVD / HDD Recorder) if you want to transfer to +R / -R disc`s.

However with the Panasonic DMR-EH50 you can save to HDD, edit out the Adverts and put the edited film onto whatever type of disc you want (expect +RW / -RW VR).

If you don`t need to transfer off Ram Disc`s and are only going to play back the recordings on your DMR-ES10 then Caddies might be a good idea as they would last longer and won`t get scratched.

RE: R+ plus or R-minus ?

Please see the attached

www.cdfreaks.com/article/113

Also to quote www.dvdrhelp.com `DVD+R/W has some better features than DVD-R/W such as lossless linking and both CAV and CLV writing.

I have read (sorry can`t remember where) that -R / -RW manufacture of blank disc`s is more difficult as it involves 2 lasers instead of 1 for +R / +RW. In the article this was offered as the reason why +R / +RW is the first format to reach new speeds / dual layer and -R /-RW seems to always follow +.

I assume this more difficult manufacturing process for - R also explains why people had problems with cheap -R disc`s that weren`t up to scratch.

However to be fair I have also read another article to say the quality of dye used on -R has been improved and this is no longer such a problem.

Before choosing one format over another I would suggest you try to play +R / -R finalised disc`s in the DVD Players / DVD Recorders / DVD-Rom / DVD-Writers to see if they have a preference. (For example the Toshiba XS 32 won`t play +R or +RW but the Panasonic`s will)

RE: Are +R or +RW better for long term recordings?

Have you remembered to finalize the +R disc? +RW disc`s don`t need to be finalized so this could be why they work but the +R`s don`t.

I would always try to use the write once disc`s (+R or -R) for permanent recordings. Not only are these more likely to play in most DVD Players (approx 90%) whereas +RW and -RW Video Mode are nearer (70%) and have problems in older DVD Players and can also be accidently be erased.

Also the other thing to taking into account is that in 5 to 10 years we might all have Blue Laser High Definition DVD Players which are more likely to work with the +R / -R discs as they are nearer to DVD-Video than the re-recordable +RW / -RW / RAM.

DVD Recorders - Which format?

If anyone is interested it might be worth reading this. Even though it is just about the Samsung DVD-R100E it offers interesting views on the various formats.


http://www.homecinemachoice.com/cgi-bin/displayreview.php?reviewid=5614

RE: PC-based DVD recording of TV...?

I have a Digital TV card and use it to watch TV on the PC. However transferring to DVD is far from simple. The recorded files are Mpeg2 TS which are slightly different from normal Mpeg2 and with some software causes the sound to go out of sync.

Check before you buy any cards that it comes with software that can convert the files to `DVD-Video` that will play in normal DVD Players. Some cards say that they can `archive to DVD`. Which is completely different as this is just saving the Mpeg2 file to disc which won`t work in most DVD Players.

Even if you do get software to convert it will take several hours before you get a playable disc.

RE: help needed my dvd-rom refuses to play dvds

I had the same problem with one of my PC`s. As well as Cd`s it would still read data (mp3`s jpegs etc) saved on to a DVD+RW.

I came to the conclusion it was the DVD Player software and not the DVD-Rom that was the problem. Assuming you have the DVD Player software on a disc you could do the same as me and Uninstall the software and then reinstall it again. This worked for me.

RE: Help! - which DVD recorder with HDD...?

The Panasonic DMR EH50 is the best if you can afford it. It will record to +R/-R/-RW Video/ RAM. It will play ALL formats and has the best 4 hour mode.

The Pioneer 420 (or 520 if you need the ilink for a camcorder) is a good machine and you should be able to find it much cheaper than the Panasonic.The 420/520 recording quality over approx 2hrs 20mins won`t be as good as the EH50 but will you need to put more than this on a disc? Also the 420/520 won`t play RAM disc`s if you know anyone with RAM that might lend you recordings.

Don`t know much about the Toshiba RD XS34 but the RD XS32 is very fussy about media and won`t play +R/+RW/-RW VR mode disc`s. People`s comments can be found on most websites about these problems. If you want RAM get the Panasonic DMREH50.

Panasonic DMR E85 Although a very good machine only has -R / RAM. If its cheap and you would only watch off the HDD or keep recordings on -R thats fine but you won`t be able to record to -RW.

Playing finalized DVD-RW VR Mode disks in most PC`s that play DVD-Video with Windows Media Player 9

You can play a finalized DVD-RW VR Mode disc in most DVD-Rom / DVD Writers.

This quick guide is for those of you that don`t yet have any VR Mode compatible DVD playing software. This is a basic trick to allow you to play your recording on most recent PC`s / Laptops that play DVD-Video.

Please note that this doesn`t play the Playlist it only plays the Original recording.

If you load your finalized disc in your drive, select the Drive in My Computer and then go into File / Explore.
You should then have the root folder called "DVD_RTAV" in which you will find 3 files "VR_MOVIE.vro","VR_MANGR.ifo" and "VR_MOVIE.bup".

Copy file "VR_MOVIE.vro" to your PC at the same time RENAMING IT and changing the original `.vro` extension to `.mpg`

You should have now resavedyour "VR_MOVIE.vro" as "NAMEOFFILM.mpg". This file should now play in Windows Media player 9.

Although this has the file extension .mpg and this is sufficent for Windows Media Player its not a true mpeg file and doesn`t appear to work in my DVD editing software.

This should also work for DVD-RAM as long as you have a PC Drive that reads RAM. (Please note that not all drives that can read RAM take the RAM Disks in Caddies.)

Please also note that I have copied most of this guide from a post by `Rasczak` Post 38 of the following avforms.com link:

http://www.avforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=101191&page=3&pp=15

This item was edited on Friday, 22nd April 2005, 14:16

Info re Media problems on Toshiba XS32.

If anyone is looking at one of these machine I would suggest you look at this site to select the best media to use.

http://www.avforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=203675

This item was edited on Tuesday, 19th April 2005, 14:00

RE: Need a new telly!

I would also mention weight.

If you get the 36inch CRT just remember it will be more than 10 stones. I got a 32inch JVC which need 2 strong guys to lift it (Well 1 strong guy and me!!)

Good luck and mind your back.

RE: The Paull & phelings dvd recorder argument thread----------READY,,,,,STEADY,,,,,GO-------

I thought I`d join in as well.

Why argue so much. The new Panasonic`s have added -RW Video Recording & Pioneer have added -RAM Playback. Both machines now play all formats (Hopefully Toshiba etc will follow).

For machines with HDD most people will edit / chasing playback on the HDD of either machine then save to -RW Video mode to play back in most Players / Recorders.

Formats only seem to problem on Non-HDD machines where you can`t have it all:

-RW Video - Can erase and rename but can`t edit adverts or Chasing playback.

+RW - Can erase / rename / hide adverts but can`t do chasing playback.

-RW VR Mode - Can do most of the tricks of RAM and when its finalised can be played in most DVD-Rom drives with the right software (PowerDVD etc) but can`t be played in most DVD Players (unless they say VR compatible).

-RAM - Lasts the longest and has the best editing but can only be played in RAM compatible Recorders / RAM PC writers or some Panasonic DVD Players.

I personally think that because +RW can hide the adverts (and still remain compatible with DVD Players) it is superior to -RW Video mode where you have to leave the adverts in (unless you have edited them out on a HDD before putting them to Disc).

I also think that -RW VR mode is superior to -RAM beacuse when finalized they will play in ordinary DVD-Rom or +RW or -RW drives in PC`s. (I can play my finalize -RW VR disc`s on both my PC`s. One has a cheap DVD-Rom the other is a old NEC ND1000 +RW and both have PowerDVD installed to view the recordings).

RE: Where can I find a list of DVD-RW VR mode compatible software?My DVD-Rom can read finalized VR d

Thanks for the reply.

I had brought a Sony DVD Rec and, aIthough I normal used +RW which can edit out the adverts and still be playable on normal DVD Players, I used -RW VR Mode out of interest and was surprised to find both my computers (both have PowerDVD) playing it?

Where can I find a list of DVD-RW VR mode compatible software?My DVD-Rom can read finalized VR discs

I have just found out that my both PC`s (one with NEC 1000 +RW Writer and the other with a cheap DVD-Rom) will read DVD-RW VR Mode disc`s AS LONG AS THEY HAVE BEEN FINALIZED. The one with DVD-Rom has `Power DVD` which plays the VR disc`s.

Is there a list of VR compatible software somewhere? (I have checked the Sony, Pioneer and videohelp.com websites with no luck).

Thanks in advance for the help.

DVD Recorders later this year with DVD+R Dual layer & HDMI Output

http://www.homecinemachoice.com/cgi-bin/shownews.php?id=7660

http://www.cdrinfo.com/Sections/News/Details.aspx?NewsId=12885

RE: Media Centres

I also have a XP machine with a TV card which works fine but not all software will work with it. I think Freeview is transmitted in mpeg2TS which I think is slightly different from ordinary mpeg2.

Media Centres record in a strange format called .dvr-ms. Which most software won`t support.

For more infor see www.thegreenbutton.com

RE: SONY RDRGX300

I was just pointing out that the only disc that the new Panasonic would be able to edit on would be RAM.

This is no good for me with 3 Kids, several DVD Players, DVD-Rom`s and (in the future Playstations etc). None of which play Ram.

Although Ram offers better editing etc but I would only ever bother editing adverts out if I wanted to keep the film. Normally its not worth the effort if I`m just going to watch it once I will just fast forward.

With regards to the Improved Resolution of the Panasonic at 4 hours I agree it will produce a better picture. However with a house full of CRT`s the picture on Sony`s 3 & 4 Hours is fine. (It will be many years before I can afford a good 42inch Flat Screen by which time DVD Rec will have Twin Tuners, all formats, Networking etc).

RE: SONY RDRGX300

Yes my farther in law is very please with his as its very simple to use.

I have used a DVD+RW and edited out the adverts using `A-B erase`. Mark point A when the adverts start fast forward to to end of Adverts (use can use frame by frame if need for more accuracy if need). The edits are pretty good and more importantly can still be played in most DVD Players / DVD-Roms (unlike DVD-RW VR Mode or Ram). Please also note that you can`t edit DVD-RW Video Mode (I don`t think the format allows it). As a matter of interest I managed to transfer the editted DVD+RW to DVD+R on the PC and it kept the edits skipping the adverts.

I have managed to do Chasing Playback using DVD-RW VR Mode. Also from want I understand as my PC`s read DVD-RW Video mode the only thing stopping them from reading VR Mode is the software.

I have suggested that in the short term he uses +RW for most of his programs although in the future he could switch to the more advanced features of -RW VR mode.

I know there is a lot of talk about the new Panasonic but I hope people understand that the only recorded disc that can be edited on that machine will be RAM (you can`t edit -RW (Video mode) or -R or +R. It only PLAYS +RW or -RW VR modes because these are its only other editable rivals!!