I recently purchased a Dell XPS 200 and the specs say that it's supposed to be an 8X burner (NEC DVD+-RW ND-6500A) but I use DVD Shrink with Nero and when it allows me to pick the burn speeds it says 1.0x, 2.0x, 2.4x and Maximum. My mother has an 8x and she said it only takes her about 22 minutes to encode and burn the movie, it's taking me about 44 minutes, which leads me to believe it is only burning at 4x. She's using DVD Shrink and Nero. How can I check on the burn speed of the burner installed? (oh, and I am using 1-8x JVC DVD-R disks.)
@abswenson, Welcome to afterdawn… If you just purchased it then the firmware is probably out of date… The easiest way to check is with DVDDecrypter (Free) download here: http://home.comcast.net/~bbmayo/software.htm Open Decrypter and go to Tools -> Drive -> Check for firmware updates Download any newer firmware and install. That should take care of the problem.. While you’re at it down load this Guide and read up on the best discs to use. In my openion JVC are far from the best.. http://www.digitalfaq.com/media/dvdmedia.htm Then download this little program to check the disc that you have to see who the real manufacturer is: http://dvd.identifier.cdfreaks.com/ That way you’ll know where your discs fall in the disc food chain.. LOL Happy Burning…
Also, check and make sure your DMA is enabled, here is a guide. http://home.comcast.net/~bbmayo/checking DMA.pdf
Go with the name brands, Sony, Fuji, Maxell or Verbatim all can purchased retail. You can purchase the best media Taiyo Yuden online from reputable online dealers. http://www.rima.com http://www.supermediastore.com http://www.mertiline.com
I am nervous to do this, what it it totally f's up my computer??? Why do I need it to be in DMA??? (I told you I was a newbie)
You want your computer to be in Ultra DMA it makes for a faster rate of data transfer. If there are no updates for your firmware then try using another brand of media and see if your burner will bunr at a faster rate.
