Anyone succeeding in Burning DVD-Rs to an A04 with Primo DVD 2.0??

[Arky]

How come my A04 is not recognised by PrimoDVD2.0??!!:

http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?threadid=22131&highlight=a04+Primo

I presume this must be a firmware or hardware issue, but perhaps I am missing something very simple, in light of the above thread..?

I remember that when the A03 came out, everyone rushed to acquire PrimoDVD to burn their disks with. I don't trust Nero just yet, although I am about to download 5.590, which claims to have an ammended DVD wizard. Obviously the Spruce authoring apps do not support the A04, only the A03. I knew this before I purchased the A04, and even toyed with the idea of still buying the older A03. In the end I bought the A04, and I know many of you have found problems with your finished DVRs unless they were burnt from IMAGES. However, I am unable to find a burning util/app that will accept Spruce image files - can anyone suggest anything, or are all you A04 users simply opting for Nero? I did fluke a playable disk with Nero, but this was not ISO-UDF, it was simply ISO format (from what I can work out, considering I used the NEro wizard from version 5.580, and this is exactly what Ahead Software claim to have fixed in the 5.590 release...). From Aheads own website:

**********************************************************************
http://www.ahead.de/en/content/c1022499813328.html

Nero 5.5 Updates

Nero 5.5.9.0 is the offical Nero version including Nero Express !!! To get more information about the Nero Express features, please click here.

Changes from Nero 5.5.8.2 to 5.5.9.0

Bug Fixes:

Fixed bug, that caused Nero to treat empty directories as files, if they were cut and pasted in an ISO compilation
When creating a DVD-Video compilation using the Nero-Wizard, ISO filesystem was generated instead of ISO/UDF which causes DVD-Video disks not to play on stand alone DVD players
Fixed CD-Extra audio session problems that occured with some recorders
Modified Erase CD-RW/DVD+RW/DVD-RW Dialog
Fixed DVD-RW full erase

Features Added:

Added Nero Express !!! For Nero Express features please see the Nero Express product info page.
Added several new recorders.
Allow MRW-Media to be erased before pre-master burning
Files can be dragged and dropped from a CD or DVD drive into a compilation
Display compilation size and media capacity in the warning dialog for overburning.
Allow switching of the medium type while burning ".iso" images.

Release date: July 4th, 2002


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Changes from Nero 5.5.8.0 to 5.5.8.2

Bug Fixes:

Some very rare CD-Extra copying crashed
Burning DVD UDF/ISO compilations without the Joliet option caused the volume name to get lost and set to "NEW".
Prevent a crash of Nero when terminating in case a not readable DVD+RW media is loaded in a DVD+RW recorder
Fixed non-standard behaviour of compilation views for selecting and deselecting with combinations of shift, ctrl, arrows key, home, end, pgup, pgdn, mouse left click.
Fixed non-expanded folder of 1 character length in the folder tree of the file browser.
Fixed rarely occurring bug of wrong drag'n'drop source if you very quickly drag files from the file browser.
Fixed a problem caused by identical file extensions of UDF and UDF/ISO bridge Nero compilation types.



New:

Added several new recorders.
Added support for Video DVD documents to the Nero Wizard
Turn on DAO and Fixation for Mixed-Mode and CD-Extra on default
Added support dynamic changing of document type (UDF, ISO, UDF/ISO) during multisession

Added auto-expand folder during drag'n'drop to the folder tree of the file browser.
Implemented DVD+R multisession support. Provide Session Info for DVD media.

Release date: May 4th, 2002


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Changes from Nero 5.5.7.8 to 5.5.8.0

Bug Fixes:

If several copies of ISO compilations are written on the image recorder, then there are no more limitations for number of image files
Display full-o-meter in MB for [S]VCD
In file browser track view, avoid endless refresh loop.
Removed possibility to close ISO Compilation while adding files
The maximum read speed has been set while verifying a compilation.



New:

Added several new recorders.
Added code to display the current CD number in the burn status dialog.
Added play audio track capability to track list in file browser.
Added code to allow storing of '.iso' CD image files. If the file extension is '.iso' then the compilation can be written in '.iso' format.

Added support for DVD+R/RW 30mm high-compatibility mode.
Added support for DVD-RW multisession.
DVD-Video format added.

**********************************************************************


Incidentally, I cannot make head nor tail of the "DVDimage tool", downloadable from Doom9's relevant section.

Cheers,


Arky ;o)

[TRILIGHT]

All the disks I burn have been with Nero 5.5.8.0. I don't use any of the wizards. I select DVD Video, ISO Level 1, ISO 9660, take the checkmark off of Joliet, and do not relax any ISO restrictions. I've yet to have a failed burn. The only thing that is annoying is that, regardless of what you set the disc title to, it burns as "NEW". It's been a small price to pay IMHO. After 5.5.8.0, I no longer had the ability to add a JACKET_P folder to the project. Also, Nero started noticing that my IFO files were altered from the original. It would complain when I would run my process of copying a DVD. I went back to 5.5.8.0 and have not used anything else since.

[Arky]

Cheers mate - all above read and duly noted! ;)

I'd still like to know what the score is with PrimoDVD, though, if anyone feels able to enlighten me. I haven't attempted to use RecordMAX, BTW, which, as I understand it, was Primo's successor..


Arky ;o)

[TRILIGHT]

Well, I have not used PrimoDVD but have used RecordNow MAX. They are both essentially the same. You are correct in that RNMAX is the successor to Primo. A few more options and a slightly slicker looking interface. I did not have a problem burning images with it that were created via the imgtool.exe util. I opted to start using Nero since it took way too much time to wait for the image to be created and then burn it. It was faster just to drop the files in Nero. Some people have complained about Nero but, I assure you, it was pre-5.5.8.0. They really didn't have their act together quite yet before that. FYI, I just downloaded and installed Nero 5.5.9.0. Apparently, I am once again able to add the JACKET_P folder to my project but the software still complains when it does not find the same number of VOB files that were in the original. You will receive an error similar to this...

DVD-Video files reallocation started
Required file 'VTS_02_5.VOB' is not present
DVD-Video files reallocation failed

As you can imagine, this is unacceptable with the way I do things. I must be able to reauthor and reintegrate the new VOB files into the original file structure. Whatever checks they've put into the new software prevents this. So far, 5.5.8.0 is the only version that allows me to reauthor and reintegrate the new VOB's.

[mpucoder]

Besides a few more options and a slicker interface, RNMax also adds support for more devices and media (2.4x recording speeds). I don't own an A04 (I burn to + media), but I've heard other people complain about Primo not supporting it. Primo was taken over by Veritas in July of 2001.

[tom para]

I use A04 with PrimoDVD 2.0 instead of RecordNowMAX (d/o trust Nero at all). At first, PrimoDVD on my Dell 420 and W2K d/o recognize it until I tweak the Dell BIOS, and in W2K control panel, change from PIO to DMA.

Warning: A04's got better compatibility than A03. Same Spruce image file burnt on same Mitsui gold 4.7 2x General on both A04 and A03. The disc burnt with A04 plays on my Sharp DV600, but not the one with A03. Strange but I can testify to that. 40 discs tested. Same result.

[jslombar]

I'm 18 for 18 using RecordNow Max. Technically, 0 for 8 with Nero. My Apex 1500 plays the ones burn't with Nero, but my JVC SA75GD doesn't.

[Arky]

Thanks Tom Para - I'm already running the 104/A04 in DMA mode. I am intrigued that you have succeeded in getting Primo2 to acknowledge the drive as a bona-fide DVD-R writer. HOW??!:confused: My BIOS settings look AOK. For anyone wondering why I want to burn an image instead of just dropping folders into Nero - I don't have this on absolute authority, but I'm sure I've read, prior to my ownership of the Pioneer, that images are more reliably played back than "folder-drops". This would actually make a lot of sense since both Maestro and Scenarist can specifically place files ina particular order on a disk, if required to do so. It would be wonderful if someone very skilled in coding could create a patch, orsome kind of mediating--file that would allow applications such as Maestro and Scenarist to "see" the A04 as an A03... :(

Very interested to see your remarks about 5.590, Trilight - I've just downloaded this and installed it myself, but I haven't written a DVD-R with it yet. Perhaps I shall roll back to 5.580 and save myself from making a metallic-purple coaster!


Arky ;o)

[TRILIGHT]

My remarks about 5.5.9.0 are still a "no go" in my book. I'm sticking with 5.5.8.0. I've used it for all the discs I've burned and it doesn't bitch about the IFO and VOB changes I make. The resulting discs have all been playable on 2 different Sony DVD players, and 2 different Panasonic DVD players as well as my Compaq Armada's laptop DVD player. I'd test them on more but everyone I know either has a Sony or a Panasonic DVD player. I would take them to the local chain store and see if they loaded up on the players there but I wouldn't really consider that an accurate test. There could be problems in the playback I wouldn't know about. I guess I've just been content that they work on all of my and my friend's DVD players. Perhaps I should be concerned. I don't know.

[svcdentro]

I'm another one who primo dissapointed, i had heard very good words of it and when i installed and tried to use it it showed me the message "there are no compatible drives on this pc"...
So i never tried it and i won't do it again, i started using nero 5.5.8.0 and it works perfectly, i reccomend it a lot, all my DVD5 i've copied run on every DVD player!!!!!

[gvers]

the A04 should work with primo if you install the px engine update available from the veritas website

[tom para]

Peter A. dear: I'm not sure I "succeeded" anything. Too lazy to change any firmware. Select Auto in Bios, Dell420 id the A04 as "104". Change PIO to DMA in W2K (SP2) control panel > device manager. Reboot twice. Primo sees A03 and I leave it alone.

Settings: Primo DVD 2.0 Build 2.0.749
Pressing F4 in Primo gives me this:
- A04, Firmware 1.20
- A03, Firmware 1.44

I stick with burning w/ Spruce & Scenarist images instead of "folder-drops" (unless I'm in a hurry). No tech reason other than that I figure the scenarist & spruce people have spent tons of $ to make sure their image formatting tricks turn out compliant discs. (Have you wondered why these apps are so expensive ? There must be reasons !)

[cinders]

I've been burning my DVD's using Nero 5.5.8.0, but selecting DVD ISO and creating my own AUDIO_TS & VIDEO_TS directories then dropping the VOBS etc into the VIDEO_TS folder. This was my way around the error message Nero would throw up when it didn't like my compilations (DVD Non-Compliant Error)

Could this cause problems with some standalones?

Why are you supposed to turn Joliet off?

Should a fully compliant DVD be ISO-UDF, or just plain ISO?

By the sound of things I should scrap this idea and using PrimoDVD 2.0 to burn direct from an Image created in Spruceup, is this correct to create the best compliant DVD?

Cheers Guys,
Cinders.

[cinders]

Talking about burning...

I read somewhere that it's a good idea to keep you video DVD's to around 4.0GB, this is due to some dvd media (not being so good quality) starting to cause read errors near the outer edge of the DVD.

I've read a lot of posts about people having problems with the last 20 minutes of their DVD's, is this the answer?

Thanks again,
Cinders.

[ShapeShifterz]

Here is my input based on my experience... I have an A04 with primodvd 2.0 and nero 5.5.8.0.

- A04 wouldnt be recognized by primodvd 2.0 either. Uninstalled and reinstalled primodvd, updated using the px engine from veritas and all is well.

- PrimoDvd burns great, readable by all of my dvd players, 2 panasonic ones and an Xbox.

- Ifoedit'ed rips make Primodvd crash consistently upon 'fixup' right before attempting to burn.

- Nero 5.5.8.0 burns great, never crashes, but has weird compatibility. Windows' explorer shell itself will not read these disks, and it will not give me a directory listing. Using a program like dvddecryptor will rip the disk fine though. These disks do however, play in my panasonic. They won't play in my xbox.

If anyone could help me figure out why windows can't read the nero burned dvds, that would probably fix the xbox problem and all of my burning problems would be solved!!! help! thanks!!!!

[bluespot]

cinders,
If you use generic media, you may well have problems at the outer edge of some discs. You'll probably have a lot of other problems too. Save youself some frustration and get Verbatim or Apple media. Believe me, they ARE worth the extra money, and you do get what you pay for.

About the burning software,
I've been using Gear Pro 6.01 Professional. 6.0 won't accept most movies, it gives some errors when importing the video files. But 6.01 has accepted every single movie that I've thrown at it. And they work on most every player that I've tried. Just don't do too much else while you're burning...the writing engine isn't all that great.

[Ekin]

Ok I've read this thread and did try burning vob from ifo that i created..It came out great !!!!..but haven't test on standalone dvd yet. But I was wondering is there any programs out there that makes a menu for me and use in Nero.

[Arky]

ARGGHHH!!! I #HAD# 5.580, and I've accidentally deleted it (...trying to format a RAID array for NTFS - oh, it's a long story so I won't bore you!).

Now all I have is 5.578 and 5.590 - does anyone have a WORKING link for 5.580? I don't know if Ahead GMBH keep an FTP full of older builds, or only the latest build. Any pointers appreciated.

Oh, and I am VERY much inclined to agree with Tom para, regarding the probable merits of burning Spruce or Daikin (yes DAIKIN, not Sonic - that's just badge-engineering where it isn't deserved!) images. The question is, is there ANY application which is able to burn a bonafide Spruce or Daikin image to an A04? If I had an A03, then of course Maestro or Scenarist would do the job directly, but this is not an option open to me with my A04.

Somebody make me happy - tell me you know of a burning app which can handle this task! :rolleyes:


Arky ;o)

[cinders]

Arky,

My Pioneer 104 works fine under PrimoDVD 2.0 and thats before I've updated the Veritas PX Engine. I've had it working fine on both Win2000 and my current WinXP setup. I can't understand why yours won't see it correctly!?!?....

I read somewhere that you should only use a standard IDE cable (not an UDMA-66) with the Pioneer 104 set to MASTER on it's own IDE Interface (no other devices sharing) - This is how mine is setup.

What OS are you running? Win2K? If not, why not try WinXP, it's the dogs danglies!...

Have you tried updating the PX Engine for PrimoDVD?

What firmware does you Pioneer A04 have? (I updated to v1.20)

Have you made sure you have the correct bus master drivers installed for your onboard IDE?

Also, the latest ASPI drivers from Adaptec? I installed the latest ones from the Adaptec website, then copied the Nero WNASPI32.dll (2.0.1.45) into the System32 dir.

Last thing to check is that DMA is enabled over PIO. Check each IDE controller under device manager for this.


I wrote a DVD using PrimoDVD last night from a Sprucup Disk Image, it worked a treat on my friends DVD player which never recognised any of my older creations. When I checked the format it had created an UDF/ISO format with no Joliet - Perfect!

Hope this if of some use,
Cinders.

[KeithXP]

Arky,

I hope this helps. At first, I had problems with Prassi PrimoDVD. Initially, I had version 2.0.747. I retrieved version 2.0.749 and also updated the prassi engine from Veritas. I also, reinstalled my ASPI layer. One of these things, made it work.

Also, when I made DVDs by simply adding the VIDEO_TS and, optionally, the AUDIO_TS directories, my DVDs would come out slightly altered. I posted a question about this on the forum somewhere. As a result, I now make an image of the DVD thru IFOEdit and ImgTools by Cujo. This .img file can be burned using any number of burn software, but I still use PrassiDVD. It seems to be good so far.

Hope this helps,
KeithXP

...woops forgot to mention I'm using Pioneer DVR-A04 on WindowsXP Pro!

[bbiandov]

Hello,

Would we all agree that this is a proven Nero working settings screen for authoring a set-top payable dvd-r?

Thanks you

Ooops here is the screenshot. To clarify, this question relates to version 5.5.9.0

http://bobo.uptimeusa.com/~aslight/nero.jpg

[Arky]

I don't know about anyone else, bbiandov, but I'm afraid I can't see the image I presume you attempted to attach to your above post. I DO have images and attachment-displaying enabled in my preferences, BTW.

Regards,


Arky ;o)

[cinders]

I can't see anything there either?!?!.....

[Arky]

AHA! A link has now been added to the edited post, above /\


Arky ;o)


BTW, a quick tip for you, bbiandov:

Hold down the "Alt Gr" (Alt Graphics) key, and then, while still holding the "Alt Gr" key down, also press "PrtSc" (Print Screen). Now open your graphics program of choice (i.e. Photoshop, or even just plain old M$ Paint), and, having created a new project, select "paste" from the menu (or alternatively, just press "Ctrl" and "V" at the same time), and voila - the uppermost object which you last selected in Windows, prior to performing my instructions, is now pasted as a graphic, without "HyperSnap licensing banners" all over it! :)

If you wish to do this with the ENTIRE screen, rather than just the uppermost item, then just press "PrtSc" (Print Screen) without using the "Alt Gr" (Alt Graphics) key.

[coldfire]

I've had absoultley no problem with PrimoDVD v2.0 and my Pioneer A04. It worked fine right from the get go.

I use it for burning images made from Maestro, and have had perfect results. I first have burnt RW, to check for errors, then when I find all AOK there, I go with the DVD-R's. I haven't done any tweaking, or file updating, though I do have Veritas software installed prior, to undergoing this, and have had the Veritas updater doing its thing in the background, this is the only variable that I can think of at the moment.

By the way, I am using WinXP Pro, how do I check the firmware in this OS?

TIA

[Bigbucks1959]

Do u still need Nero 5.5.8.0?

I can help u out if u still need it.

Phil K.


Originally posted by Arky
ARGGHHH!!! I #HAD# 5.580, and I've accidentally deleted it (...trying to format a RAID array for NTFS - oh, it's a long story so I won't bore you!).

Now all I have is 5.578 and 5.590 - does anyone have a WORKING link for 5.580? I don't know if Ahead GMBH keep an FTP full of older builds, or only the latest build. Any pointers appreciated.

Oh, and I am VERY much inclined to agree with Tom para, regarding the probable merits of burning Spruce or Daikin (yes DAIKIN, not Sonic - that's just badge-engineering where it isn't deserved!) images. The question is, is there ANY application which is able to burn a bonafide Spruce or Daikin image to an A04? If I had an A03, then of course Maestro or Scenarist would do the job directly, but this is not an option open to me with my A04.

Somebody make me happy - tell me you know of a burning app which can handle this task! :rolleyes:


Arky ;o)

[Arky]

Thanks for the offer Phil. I may get back to you, but I just managed to get PrimoDVD to recognise my A04 using the PSX engine update. My PSU has been playing up of late (well, actually, it turns out it was a BIOS issue preventing the PSU from switching on), so yet again, my authoring has been set back, quite apart from the run of night shifts I have at the moment! :(

Anyway, the offer is much appreciated and if I fail with PrimoDVD the next time I burn, I'll be sure to get in touch with you.

Regards,


Arky ;o)

[Bigbucks1959]

Arky,
No problem..
I also had a problem with Primo until I installed the update engine..

Now I get great DVDR burns..

Phil K.