Okay, I'm looking to buy a new DVD burner, and I want to be sure I won't run into problems with backing-up any DVD movies I own, due to copyright protection. Q1: Is this something that's limited by HARDWARE or SOFTWARE? (Basically, I'm asking if whether a given drive is an EFM encoding "one-sheep" drive or an EFM encoding "two-sheep" drive makes a difference anymore. Or, these days, does the software and firmware updates make all drives basically equivalent when it comes to copying DVD movies? Maybe this one-sheep/two-sheep thing is just important for copying games? Q2: Assuming hardware STILL plays a major role (which I think it must), which is a better drive: Plextor PX-708 or Pioneer DVR-A06? Sorry to ask a "which is the better drive?" question... as I know they're annoying... But, I CAN'T find reviews of the Plextor PX-708 (please post link if you know of one). By constrast, reviews of the Pioneer DVR-A06 abound -- mostly favorable. In all honesty, I'm leaning towards the Plexor 504)... due to the manufacturer's $30-rebate being offered... If this burner won't give me any trouble backing up my DVD movie collection. Anyone out there that could help shed some light on these questions, so I can make an informed decision. Thanks!
Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but EFM has nothing to do with backing up DVD movies. If your main objective is to back up your DVD collection then any good quality DVD burner will do. If you like the Plextor PX-708 - go for it, the dual-format capability of the 708 is a definite plus as opposed to the single format of the 504. Either way,Plextor (and Pioneer!) has a great rep and quality products. I'm selling my Sony DRU-500A to make room for the new PX-708. When you back up a DVD, you need to use software to decode the copy protection on the disc. As far as I know all DVDs so far use the same standard copy protection. I can personally recommend DVDShrink as a fine program for decoding and compression (if needed) and then use Nero to burn the file to disc. Happy burning!
Thanks... Yeah, after some more reading, I think EFM only deals with CD's and not DVD's. Most DVD writers aren't very good for reading/writing protected CD's. Anyway, after much consideration between the Pioneer, Sony, and Plextor... I decide to go with the Pioneer 106D (The OEM version of the A06). Got it for $150. How could I say no to that price!
Great choice RussReef. I'm sure you'll be very happy with it. I've still got the hots for the new Plextor though!
Hmm... Maybe I'm wrong! After all, I never did figure out that 1-sheep/2-sheep stuff. However, I was under the impression that most DVD writers couldn't rip and/or write CD data as fast as dedicated CD writers, especially if the CDdata in question was write-protected. Yeah, the Plexors DO looked nice... especially the yet-to-be-released dual external burner. IMHO, the dual internal is still too much $$$ when you consider what the Pioneer 106D is going for. Actually, I just finished building my new system (Abit Max3, 2x256 OCZ 4000 Gold memory, Antec Truecontrol 550W power supply [awesome control over 12V/3.3V/5V rails], Intel P4 2.4c, 10K Raptors x2 in RAID 0, old Imation CD/RW 4x4x20, and new Pioneer 106D)! System rocks! I had to do a custom job on the front of my old Dell case with a jig saw (so I could have 3 FULL drive bays: room for DVD drive, CD/RW drive, and Antec voltage adjustment panel [why they had to make it to occupy a full size bay is beyond me... they should have made the control panel fit into a floppy bay- I mean who still uses floppies?). While I was at it I cut a window in the side panel and put in an acrylic window. Also, I mounted a 120mm fan to draw air into the front bottom of case. Remounted the 2 Raptors down there (vertically and turned to the side) right in front of the fan, so that the air flows in-between them and into the case... Anyway, I figured out the hard way to not install old versions of EasyCD Creator or DirectCD [software that came with my old Imation CD/RW drive], onto Windows XP. So, anyway all I need now is: 1) a new video card. I'm looking at ATI's All-In-Wonder 9800 Pro... or maybe the more economical All-In-Wonder 9600 Pro if it ever comes out and is reviewed... All I can find is previews.. I think it's was supposed to ship on 9/15/03. 2) and some burning software. Looking at Nero or Alcohol. Any advice on which is better with the 106D? Also, is it worth actually buying to software, or can I just download trial versions? [Maybe I'll wait to see what software comes with the video card]. Thanks... -Russ
russreef DAM EXCELLANT SYSTEM 15k raptors nice! i too overclock and i looked at those raptors but wanted 80 gig min so just went for serial sata150 but i an envious m8! i used to watercool ehiem pump and innvatech system! i still have the fanbaybus controller from innovatech! the graphics card you want will be a beast! have you any pics of ya system? as mine sounds simarlar! thx....... PS. i have a DVR 106D dual format dvd writer DAM EXCELLANT !! great results and it burns at 4.1 x speed most of the burn process! NOT IN PICTURES BUT ITS AT THE TOP BAY NOW! THERES ALSO AN 80 mm fan just above the window now to cool the 2x maxtors DONT YOU JUST LOVE JIGSAWs for cutting! lol
Yeah... jigsaw is the most *useful* computer tool EVER! Rotary, that's one AWESOME system! Sorry, I don't have any pictures yet, but I will post when I have them. The Raptors are actually only 10K RPM (not 15K RPM). Still damn fast though, since I'm connecting through the Max-III"s southbridge rather than via PCI bus. Yeah the small size was a downer (32gig x 2 = only 64 gig [in RAID 0 array]), but I hear WesternDigital is coming out with a larger version of the Raptor soon. Haven't tried burning with the 106D yet. Need to get Nero first! -Russ
