Some questions

[sammyunltd]

Hi!

Maybe it has been posted before but I have some questions here:

I have:

Hewlett Packard P4 1.7 GHz, with a ASUSTeK P4B-LA, 512 MB SDRAM, .... and I wanted to put a DVD Burner on my computer (want to replace that old crappy CD Burner). I thought of the NEC ND-3540A. Is that a good choice? But, is it gonna work on my HP Computer?

Also, I wanted to know what kind of DVD will be better suited for the ND-3540A: DVD+R or DVD-R ? Also, what brand is the best (and not too expensive)? Cause I live in Canada (Quebec to be more specific), and herre, we don't get the same deals as in the USA so..

I thought of RiteKG05, TaiyoYuden, TDK and Maxell DVD+/-R 8X, but I can't take one of these brands. I want a reliable thing and compatible in nearly all the DVD drives (home, PC, PlayStation 2,...).

Thank you very much!

 

[overst33r]

The DVD burner is a good choice and you wont be dissapointed, just make sure you set the jumpers correctly and youll be fine. As for the media, DVD+R is cheaper and more popular, not so sure about which one though...

 

[sammyunltd]

Are you sure that the DVD+R are cheaper? Anyway, I'll probably get Taiyo Yuden (TYG02) or the TDK. I heard they're the most compatible ones.

But I'm not sure of the kind : DVD+R or DVD-R. DVD+R is more expensive (about 5$) but I don't care, I just want to be able to read them on my PlayStation 2, on my computer (of course) and on my "home" DVD drive.

EDIT: What are the jumpers? Where can I find them?

 

[sammyunltd]

Come on, please help me.

What are jumpers??? DVD+R or DVD-R?

 

[furballi]

Jumper on the back of the optical drive. Use Taiyo Yuden DVD+R and set the booktype to DVD ROM.

 

[sammyunltd]

Thank you!

Set the booktype to DVD ROM? Huh? Sorry...

You sure it's better to buy DVD+R?

 

[cscarter]

I'm no expert, but I know that both DVD+R and DVD-R work in my parents $30 DVD player from Wal-Mart. I think DVD+R is the more dominant format of the two, there was a post here or maybe some other forum detailing the different DVD formats.

You should be safe using either format in the DVD player, as for the PS2 I have no idea.. have never owned one...

Edit: Here is the thread detailing the different DVD formats. Was on VR-Zone forums..

 

[nebula]

Setting the booktype to DVD-ROM allows greater compatibility with standalone players. The player sees it as a ROM not a R. Not all firmwares allow this though and it only works on +Rs.

Here's a good page for NEC firmwares.

EDIT: fixed link

 

[sammyunltd]

Okay. Thank you! Now I understand. I'll have to download a firmware that allows this.

I just have now to choose between DVD+R or DVD-R. :S

 

[nebula]

Originally posted by: sammyunltd
Okay. Thank you! Now I understand. I'll have to download a firmware that allows this.

I just have now to choose between DVD+R or DVD-R. :S

You can only bitset with +R

 

[sammyunltd]

Yeah. I know. Is it a big advantage?

I'm so lost in this. Cause to me, it seems like +R or -R is the same thing. What does +R do that -R doesn't do and vice versa?! What are the pros and cons of each (That would be less complicated)?!

 

[furballi]

You can get the Taiyo Yuden at Best Buy under 8X DVD+R Fuji media. Make sure you see Made in Japan near the UPC barcode. If you set the booktype to DVD ROM, then DVD+R will be as compatible as DVD-R media. Some ancient DVD drives will not work with DVD+R unless it is set to DVD ROM.

 

[sammyunltd]

So I should buy +R and put the booktype to DVD ROM. But where do I put the booktype to DVD ROM? On the burner's properties? Sorry, I'm new to all this.

I saw these at BestBuy.ca (Canada, and BTW, there's no BestBuy in my city, and I don't wanna drive over 500 km to buy DVD so):

Fujifilm DVD+R 50 Pack Spindle

I saw the picture, took the code but I can't seem to find Made In Japan... can someone help me (someone that may have an idea)?!

Thank you!

 

[sammyunltd]

Come on, help me!!!

 

[nebula]

You have to see the spindle in person because the web picture/other info may be outdated so you can't go by that. Plus when I was buying Fuji CD-Rs some were made in Japan some weren't.

If you get the NEC drive their is a utility to set it to ROM, WinBType on the utilities page I linked before. OR if you use Nero, when you Choose Recorder, their is an options button, can set it there too. Some of the NEC FWs auto bitset, that is shown in the tables if it does or not.

 

[hurtstotalktoyou]

Originally posted by: sammyunltd
Okay. Thank you! Now I understand. I'll have to download a firmware that allows this.

I just have now to choose between DVD+R or DVD-R. :S

I doubt you'll have to download any firmware, since the drive you're looking at is relatively new. As for DVD+R vs. DVD-R, there is no agreement on which format is better. DVD-R discs seem to have the greatest compatibility, but not by much. However, DVD+R discs have been reported as more reliable.

If DVD-Rs are cheaper, I'd say go with those. If you have any problems, then you can switch to DVD+R.

 

[sammyunltd]

Okay. Thank you.

That sucks, cause there's no BestBuy near. Anyway, I think I'll take +R, cause I've found this (eBay auction) ---> I just hope that I'll have real TY and not fakes (can you confirm it?):

It says, on the auction:

WHY DVD+R is better than DVD-R you ask?
A: Well, if your burner supports Bitsetting feature (i.e. NEC, Liteon, Plextor, etc.) then DVD+R is the most compatible format for you because you can burn DVD+R into DVD-ROM booktype which will allow it to be recognized as an original pressed ROM disc. This provides even better compatibility with all set-top players than the DVD-R format.

Taiyo Yuden DVD-R
Taiyo Yuden DVD+R

 

[furballi]

DO NOT buy from FLEABAY. DO NOT buy the discs unless you see Made in Japan on the box. Also look for Made in Japan on Sony, TDK, or Maxell media.

You can also buy safely on Meritline.

http://www.meritline.com/

 

[sammyunltd]

Sorry man, but your Meritline is quite expensive (40$ of shipping fee to Canada WTF? /// and the DVDs are expensive too).

Why not eBay? In the auction, it was written Genuine TY (with the media code YUDEN000T02). What's wrong?

 

[furballi]

And if it's not, then what? Course it's your $ to burn on Fleabay. Are you telling me that you can't locate Made in Japan media in Canada?

 

[sammyunltd]

Not in Quebec City. It's a big-hole there. Anyway, no problem, I'll figure it out myself. Thank you.

 

[furballi]

I know too many folks who were burned with Fleabay specials.

 

[sammyunltd]

Yeah. I know, eBay sometimes can be... you know... Anyway, thank you for the help!

 

[BOLt]

NEC ND-3540A = good.

 

[furballi]

We have plenty of MIJ DVD+R locally. 50 pack for $20 when on sale. Just don't know how to get them to Canada.