DVD Burners

loxxr6 · 14-01-2005, 03:58 PM

Can anyone recommend a good DVD Burner.

I was offered an LG GSA-4160B for $105 but I'm not too sure if its any good ?

Any help here guys ?

niko · 14-01-2005, 04:23 PM

pioneer 108's i think is what the model was, cheapest and best quality

EA2BA · 14-01-2005, 04:26 PM

Get a dual layer, 16 speed DVD burner if you are serious.

b2tf · 14-01-2005, 04:30 PM

Ok, now here's a question for you.

Is there any kind of DVD burner where i can go buy it, get it fitted and do straight copies of DVDs? I have looked into it before but i think you need a few programs to compress them etc etc, i dont wanna do that if possible.

EA2BA · 14-01-2005, 04:40 PM

copy protection is the problem that stops copying.

shrinkdvd is a great one to get around it.

GT 8888 · 14-01-2005, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by back2thefutura

Ok, now here's a question for you.

Is there any kind of DVD burner where i can go buy it, get it fitted and do straight copies of DVDs? I have looked into it before but i think you need a few programs to compress them etc etc, i dont wanna do that if possible.

Mate I think you will struggle to find a burner and the bundled software that will copy DVD's because of security encryption (spelling).

Download DVD Shrink and DVD Decrypter from the net...both are free and you will be able to copy most DVD's....a "good" friend of mine does that and has had no problems

_2:

Cheers

loxxr6 · 14-01-2005, 05:16 PM

So are there any other models I should look into ?

I'm going to suss out the 108 now.

MickyB · 14-01-2005, 05:35 PM

When you guys copy movies, can you copy the Dolby Digital 5.1 or DTS soundtrack too? I heard that you can only copy the PCM stereo tracks, if I am mistaken then I will be buying one tomorrow.

EA2BA · 14-01-2005, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MickyB

When you guys copy movies, can you copy the Dolby Digital 5.1 or DTS soundtrack too? I heard that you can only copy the PCM stereo tracks, if I am mistaken then I will be buying one tomorrow.

now to copy a movie would be just wrong and illegal wouldnt it, backups, it used to make *cough* backups *cough*

:

XW 393 · 14-01-2005, 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MickyB

When you guys copy movies, can you copy the Dolby Digital 5.1 or DTS soundtrack too? I heard that you can only copy the PCM stereo tracks, if I am mistaken then I will be buying one tomorrow.

Yes it will "back up" all surround sound, so go and buy one !!!!!!!

4.0i_SiX · 14-01-2005, 06:11 PM

The LG 4160B and Pioneer DVR108 are by far the most popular drives we sell, The only real advantage of the LG is that is does DVD- RAM and is generally a little quieter. The Pioneer has better support ( firmware updates )

You'd honestly be happy with either drive

Duffman · 14-01-2005, 07:25 PM

I got the pioneer as every pc shop I went to suggested it. The front pannel isn't as flashy as the LG one but the thing is dam quite can't even here a noise from it. I have a lg cd burner and that thing is a fair bit louder.

I use DVD shrink to copy movies works just fine then burn the ISO using nero.

In the way of media everyone suggested DVD-R then DVD+R everyone said more dvd player support it blah blah but whats everyone elses take on it? I tried copying dvd movies onto it and playing them works just fine same with files.

4.01_SiX whats this with the pioneer having better support (ie frimware updates) how do you do this?

BlueRaven · 14-01-2005, 07:43 PM

I'd recommend that panasonic as I have it and 3 our guys at work bought one within the same month.

GT 8888 · 14-01-2005, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MickyB

When you guys copy movies, can you copy the Dolby Digital 5.1 or DTS soundtrack too? I heard that you can only copy the PCM stereo tracks, if I am mistaken then I will be buying one tomorrow.

When my "friend" burns his films it will reproduce in Dolby Digital 5.1 but not DTS. Mind you I would say that only approx 10% of DVD's are in DTS. So yes...you can record 5.1....now go and buy one

:

Cheers

Brad

eb_5litre · 14-01-2005, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by loxxr6

Can anyone recommend a good DVD Burner.

I was offered an LG GSA-4160B for $105 but I'm not too sure if its any good ?

Any help here guys ?

I've got the LG GSA-4120B and its been very reliable and handy. Ive never had a dud copy and I have "backed up" over 150 discs. I use DvdShrink mostly with Nero and yes you can "backup" DTS 5.1.

I picked mine up from the markets about 4 months ago for $140.

GT 8888 · 14-01-2005, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eb_5litre

I've got the LG GSA-4120B and its been very reliable and handy. Ive never had a dud copy and I have "backed up" over 150 discs. I use DvdShrink mostly with Nero and yes you can "backup" DTS 5.1.

I picked mine up from the markets about 4 months ago for $140.

How do you do the DTS...is that via shrink or nero ?

Thanks

MAD · 14-01-2005, 08:10 PM

DVD Xcopy xpress is a very good, simple 'backup' utility, thats what my 'friend' uses all the time for his backups.

The pioneer DVR-108 seems to be the most popular one atm, with dual layer and 16x for around $130 its awesome.

rodderz · 14-01-2005, 08:12 PM

I got a dual layer 16x speed burner a few months back, it's a LiteOn brand, which i'm told is the same unit as the LG. Payed about $150 for it last year, works terrific!

eb_5litre · 14-01-2005, 08:15 PM

Yeah I choose what I want through dvdshrink.... it uses nero in the background. You can remove the menus, extras or different languages to reduce the size of compression.

rodderz · 14-01-2005, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eb_5litre

Yeah I choose what I want through dvdshrink.... it uses nero in the background. You can remove the menus, extras or different languages to reduce the size of compression.

DVD Shrink is fantastic and easy to use, and yes it's good you can remove all the menu's, credits and subtitles to reduce the size and improve the quality. Even copied at 65% quality it still comes out spot on.

Does anyone know when the dual layer blank DVD's are on sale here...or are they already available?

GT 8888 · 14-01-2005, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xr8888

How do you do the DTS...is that via shrink or nero ?

Thanks

Don't worry...figured it out..

Here is a good forum for help on copying if required.

Cheers

Brad
http://forum.digital-digest.com/foru...?s=&forumid=48

eb_5litre · 14-01-2005, 08:28 PM

I think you can get dual discs but theyre expensive.... may aswell buy the genuine article.

loxxr6 · 14-01-2005, 08:30 PM

pioneer 108's

It seems the Pioneer is the model a mate has and he reckons its sweet. I can grab one of these for like $116.

http://umart.net/au/contact_us.php

These guys are meant to be real cheap.

4.01_SiX whats this with the pioneer having better support (ie frimware updates) how do you do this?

My understanding of firmware is its just like downloading drivers to update your hardware. If anyone wants to correct me on this please feel free.

EA2BA · 14-01-2005, 08:32 PM

firmware is downloading software that will 'flash' a chip in a device to a newer spec and/or possibly correct a fault - it works 99.9% of the time, when it stuffs up the device is screwed and will need manufacturer restore (sorry to scare you but it happens)

It alot like the capa edit on the ba's for an easy comparison

Quasi · 14-01-2005, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by loxxr6

So are there any other models I should look into ?

I'm going to suss out the 108 now.

Either the Pioneer 108, or the Sony 710. I have the Sony 700A, but check their website for any updated models.

Sony DVD Website

Both these burners are dual-format and double-layer.

For some good prices check here:
Pioneer 108

For the Sony go here

lv619 · 14-01-2005, 09:25 PM

yeah, i've got the Pioneer dvd-rw dvr-108 pretty sweet for burning cd's dvd etc.

more info on it here:
http://www.pioneeraus.com.au/compute...riters/dvr108/

4.0i_SiX · 14-01-2005, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dellboy999

firmware is downloading software that will 'flash' a chip in a device to a newer spec and/or possibly correct a fault - it works 99.9% of the time, when it stuffs up the device is screwed and will need manufacturer restore (sorry to scare you but it happens)

It alot like the capa edit on the ba's for an easy comparison

100% correct, the risk of causing any damage is minimal, except if your power goes out while its flashing :P

The Pioneer DVR108 is actually now obsolete, stores will be selling the last of them to make way for the 109 ( basically the same drive, apparently has 6x Dual layer speed, all else remains unchanged )

The sony is overpriced for what it is, the samsungs are a good buy..

I use the 108 myself with the latest firmware, nice drive...considering swapping it for a 4160B as they are quieter and generally recognise a disc faster than the pioneer.

I use DVD-R for my "backups" and DVD shrink 3.2

Schmaigz · 15-01-2005, 05:03 AM

The reason you need to compress them is, Bought DVDs are usually about 6-8 gigabytes. They are dual layer. You would need to get a dual layer blank disk, which i think are about $16 each......PFFT.
Use DVD Decrypter to get the files on your hard drive
Dvd shrink to automatically resise and delete some unwanted extras
Nero to Burn......Simple

I also recommend a Pioneer drive, i think you could get a dual layer 16x pioneer for around $120

Quasi · 15-01-2005, 10:28 AM

Dual-Layer blank DVDs are between $9 and $13 now, but I wouldn't use one for this purpose. For a start, the copy protection would prevent straight copying. Also, In all my years in the IT industry I'm always astounded at the roundabout way some people do things.

If using DVD Shrink, why would he need DVD Decrypter? No offense mate, but DVD Shrink does all that anyway. In fact DVD Shrink will do it all, including ripping to the hard drive, whilst compressing the files. I have version 3.1 (cause that was what I had on my server) and it reported a problem with copy protection, yet completed the burn, with the disc testing fine

The alternative is to use DVD Shrink to rip the files to the hard drive, then burn them to DVD in Nero, as a DVD-Video.

XW 393 · 15-01-2005, 10:37 AM

Exactly man, Shrink does all that and you can even edit by frames when you want to start and finish burning. This is great because I just want the movie no extra features or credits just the movie !! It is amazing how much space you can save by removing all the start up companies advertising and the end credits.
Shrink should open nero automatically and continue on to burn a copy.