Page 1 of Need help! Just about to purchase external DVD writer and then...

Hi guys,

Need a hand with this one, I`m afraid. ;)

Just now I was about to purchase a DVD writer and an external case withall the relevant cables, when I remembered that to transfer the data from the hard disk to the external writer, you really need USB 2.0. Which is the snag. :/

After checking here I am pretty sure that my 3 or 4 year old PC does NOT support USB 2.0, making the idea of buying said DVD writer very much less attractive.

NB. Just to check, I think I am correct in saying that USB 1.x cables/inputs look like the first example, and that USB 2.0 cables/inputs look resemble the second example:




My PC has the first example`s USB ports.

So now, I`m wondering what my options are. I would really prefer an external writer - although I COULD live with an internal one - as I can`t trust other people in the family not to break the damn thing, and I`m not totally convinced by stand-along DVD recorders yet.

Any suggestions or advice would be tremendously appreciated!


Cheers,


EVH



NB. USB images taken from Microsoft.com

This item was edited on Tuesday, 23rd November 2004, 01:26

Those pics are two common types of usb connection, the "A" and the "B"

Usually you will find the A connector on the hosting unit (the PC in this case) and the B on the external unit (DVD writer, ext. HDD, Sanner/Printer etc) although sometimes the other.
There`s no real difference other than the connecting end, you buy the cable to suit.

The DVD/HDD external case that SVP sell with Firewire/USB2 connections comes complete with both cables, so no need to worry there, and you can simply buy an internal DVD writer to put inside the casing.

Now, USB 1.1 has a lower transfer rate. It should still work ok, but at around 1x burning speed (1hour for 4.7 Gig)
Firewire is faster, and I think uses less system resources (if it`s an older PC might be the best option!), and should allow up to around 8x (my 16x Pioneer reports higher, but I have a P4 3.06HTT machine with firewire/USB 2 etc all on board)

USB 2 faster transfer rate, but higher load on the PC.

Don`t be put off by your lack of either high speed connection, a simple PCi plug in card for either is only about a tenner tops, and will allow you the full glorious use of either choice (but I`d still recommend firewire for yours....)

BTW, Firewire is also known as:
IEEE1394 (PC`s), Firewire (Apple?), iLink (Sony...jezuz they can`t do anything without their own name on it....), DV (Camcorder manufacturers.)

The SVP one comes with a DV connector on the PC end, and an A to B plug for the USB 2, A being the PC side.

If that aint too clear, quote me back on the confusing bit and I`ll try to explain more :D

Jimbo : oÞ

Thanks for the reply Jimbo! Just to let you know my PC`s specs:

Pentium 4 1.6GHz
40 Gb HDD
256 MB RAM

If it is also an issue, I would not be multi-tasking whilst trying to burn a DVD, so the full system resources would go to the burning.

Preferably, of course, I would like to go with USB 2.0, but if you still think that Firewire is the best option for me, I`d be happy to go with that.

The only thing I didn`t quite get in your reply was one of the last lines: Quote:
The SVP one comes with a DV connector on the PC end, and an A to B plug for the USB 2, A being the PC side. .

If you can point out a good PCi plug that I can grab for a tenner - from SVP? - then I`ll more or less go straight on & buy the whole deal. ;)


Cheers dude! 8)


EVH

This item was edited on Tuesday, 23rd November 2004, 07:55

You can buy a USB2 PCI card for a few quid - well worth it for the increased transfer rate. I see that SVP have one for £9.99 on their website - {AC 5056} SumVision 6 Port USB - they also do a Firewire version.

That`s almost certainly what I`ll go for, RichardH, as long as you guys are confident that my PC is up to the kicking that running the USB 2.0 would give it. I`m pretty sure that there would be no difficulty. ;)

Is there anything else that I need to have to achieve USB 2.0 compatability? Just the USB 2.0 PCi card? Along, of course, with the drive itself, external case and connecting cables, and discs!


EVH

I have the extrenal case and a NEC 2510A from SVP running on a 2.0Ghz Celeron toshiba laptop through a USB 1 conection, and I can watch dvds and surf the net while backing up.
You should have no problem

Hodgie

Quote:
Pentium 4 1.6GHz
40 Gb HDD
256 MB RAM
Christ, when you said 4 years old, I was expecting an early Celeron or a P2 etc!
Your system will run either USB 2 or Firewire fine.
Both will work happoly and allow whatever you wanna do.

Although, one thing to consider:

If you want to get into using high speed usb devices, then go USB2
If you have, or might in the future buy, a Digital camcorder or DVD recorder with DV in/out.....go Firewire.

Or say sod it and buy both cards :D

Jimbo : oÞ

Quote:
Or say sod it and buy both cards

Or be flash and buy one card with both USB2 & firewire on :D

For example

Cheers

Si



Our Collection (including the ones that belong to the kids!)

`I have something to say. It`s better to burn out than to fade away.`

Cheers folks,

Gonna go home and order myself all the kit...we are going re-writable baby! ;)


EVH