Thinking about the NEC 3500A

[Stapler]

Hey guys. I have been backing up my DVD collection onto regular CDs (svcd) for some time, using 2-3 per movie. Well now I see that the NEC 3500A (http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproductdesc.asp?description=27-152-032&DEPA=0) is only $63, and Taiyo Uden DVD+R media (http://www.rima.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=R&Product_Code=1733-100&Category_Code=TAIYO) is only $55 per 100, it seems like it should switch up. The media would be cheaper, just one or 2 blank DVDs per movie, and of course the quality should be much better.

Here’s my question: what are my options for backing up DVDs with a DVD burner (single layer until DL media comes down in $)? I've heard of reducing a DVD into MiniDVD(?) so it will fit on 1 blank DVD+R. Or i could just split the movie onto 2 DVD+Rs right? Also I’ve seen putting great quality SVCDs onto DVD+Rs too. What do you all recommend for backing up DVDs with a DVD burner (Single Layer). If it helps, I have a Panasonic F85 (http://www.videohelp.com/dvdplayers.php?DVDnameid=2631&Search=Search&#comments) player. Thanks all!

[TheSeeker]

DO you mean what software do we recommend? I personally, and this is just my opinion, use dvd decrypter to rip everything to my hd from original dvd. Then if I can get rid of audio and extras so that compression is only like 75 to 80 percent of the original than I would use dvd shrink to shrink the dvd files down to fit onto a single dvd-r. If the compression required is more than 75 percent than I usually go with DVD Rebuilder to do that backup. I use dvd remake and ifoedit to remove extras, and tweak navigation respectively.

[Stapler]

TheSeeker, thanks for the info. I guess I’m looking for more of a one click option. I currently user dvd2svcd to make my svcd backups, and would like something similar if possible to make dvd+r or dvd-r backups, thanks.

[DK64_MASTER]

DVD Shrink basically is a one click backup solution. You can just have a lot more control (if you desire it) in terms of how compression is distributed. It probably takes 20 mins to learn how to use every feature, and 30 seconds to set up the the dvd each subsequent time you start it up. Then all you do is wait, and burn. www.dvdshrink.info has some good guides if you need help in terms of how to use it. I just picked up the software, and the GUI was self explanatory. I'm sure you will pick it up really fast if you've been using dvd2svcd.

[Stapler]

Thanks DK64_MASTER, i've heard good things about DVD Shrink. I'll check it out.

Do you all recommend DVD+R or DVD-R? I have a Panasonic F85 (http://www.videohelp.com/dvdplayers.php?DVDnameid=2631&Search=Search&#comments) player. And as far as media, what do you like. I have purchased Taiyo Yuden CD-R blanks from www.rima.com before, and they been excellent. Does the same go for these (http://www.rima.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=R&Product_Code=1733-100&Category_Code=TAIYO)? Thanks.

[writersblock29]

@Stapler

I really can't comment on the particular brand you've linked, since I've never used them. I can, however, recommend Ridata (Ritek) disks to you -- and recommend them highly. Many on these threads also seem to smile on them... and why not? They make the blanks that Memorex uses (the only real difference is the name on the package). For those, I'll point you to Newegg.com, which tends to have spindles of 100 for under $40. I've gone through several spindles of these without a single bad burn, and never have clients of mine (I'm a videographer) complain about playback issues. Here's the link:

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=17-132-344&depa=0

As far as + vs. - media... that's kind of a Ford-verses-Chevy debate in the DVD community. I myself use +R media, and highly recommend them.

Newegg.com. Good place to browse! Good service, as well.

[TheSeeker]

I have heard numbers quoted as such: DVD-R have a 90% compatibility, whereas DVD+R has only like 75 or 78% compatibility. DVD-R was the first standard made. Who knows how accurate that info is though.

[writersblock29]

If you're careful to format your +R disk as a DVD-ROM, you shouldn't have any sort of playback problems. At the very least, any playback issues I've ever had disappeared once I started doing so. *Some* burners allow for this (sometimes referred to as "bitsetting")in conjunction with the burning software used, such as Nero. DVD Shrink offers a check-off option for DVD-ROM formatting, which is greyed out if your drive doesn't offer this feature. I believe I've read that NEC allows bitsetting... but I'm unsure as to where I'd heard it.

If one's drive doesn't allow bitsetting of +R media, it's usually not much of an issue since more and more newer set tops are now able to recognize +R-formatted media. Older players, on the other hand, are hit-and-miss... sometimes even with -R media.

For more information on DVD+R: http://www.dvdrw.com/

On bitsetting and compatibility: http://www.signvideo.com/btst-d.htm

[markrb]

I have that drive and love it. I use DVDShrink most of the time now, but on some disks I use DVD2SVCD in DVD2DVD mode.
Personally I prefer the -R discs since they are more compatible out of the box, but since flashing a special firmware on the drive I can bitset all +R discs to DVD-ROM and so far all the players that refused to play the +R disks before work fine now.
My only complaint is the ripping speed that even with the rip lock shut off is not that great. I just use a Lite-ON DVD-ROM drive for ripping.

I use TY and Ritek as much as possible. Never had an issue with either.
I can't say that about other brands though.

I have DVDShrink create an ISO image and then use DVDDecrypter to burn it. I guess I could just have Shrink burn it, but I am a creature of habit and I like Decrypter.

Mark