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Dead: Pioneer DVR-109 BLK $48 (Newegg) - $50 now

Argh. Just bought this for $56.

Edit: This is the branded superdrive in the current Apple G5 towers.
 
does a firmware exist for this drive that automatically bitsets DVD+R SL media to DVD-ROM? I have the DVR-108 which can use the Piodata firmware with this function.
 
i got a dvr 108 from newegg. it broke, i sent it back, and they gave me a 109 🙂 great drive, but cant rip dvds.
 
I ordered one 2 weeks ago from NewEgg for $58.99 w/free shipping. That was the best price around then, and at $47.00 w/$0.99 shipping, this deal is smokin!

I also own two Pioneer DVR-108BK burners, and the new 109 I recently bought is quieter than my 108's and the tray in the 109 is noticeably quieter when opening than both of my 108's. I highly recommend the Pioneer DVR-109. It's a great drive,
 
Originally posted by: shadow9d9
What do you guys use as software to burn from these dvd-r drives?
Click to expand...


DVD Decrypter (free and has burning capability)
DVD Shrink (free)

I also use Nero (by Ahead software) OEM Suite 3 (upgradeable to current version 6.X). Can be purchased for less than $10.00 shipped.

Steps I use to copy my DVDs:
1. Run DVD Decrypter
2. Run DVD Shrink - which I have my preference set to burn using Nero.

That's it. Works great.

(edited to add)
I also have DVD X-Copy Platinum I bought when I was new to copying my own DVDs. I could have saved myself some dollars by just buying Nero and using the free programs listed above. That's what I do now. I no longer use my X-Copy program.
 
Originally posted by: l3ored
i got a dvr 108 from newegg. it broke, i sent it back, and they gave me a 109 🙂 great drive, but cant rip dvds.
Click to expand...

this drive CANT rip dvds?
 
Originally posted by: buck
Originally posted by: l3ored
i got a dvr 108 from newegg. it broke, i sent it back, and they gave me a 109 🙂 great drive, but cant rip dvds.
Click to expand...

this drive CANT rip dvds?
Click to expand...

B.S. It rips DVDs very well. Up to 16x - depending on the media. I've ripped approximately 70 DVDs since I've had my Pioneer DVR-109BK. I've ripped/burned about 200 DVDs on my two Pioneer DVR-108's. I'm backing up my extensive DVD collection with these drives. Use the software I posted above and you'll be in business.

Link to latest firmware for the Pioneer DVR-109. You can also download free DVD ripping/shrinking and burning software at VideoHelp.com (the link above). DVD Shrink and DVD Decrypter are the two most popular programs and all you need to rip and burn. I still like using Nero for burning though.
 
I think the question at hand is that the Pioneer DVR-109BK is a Dual Layer DVD writer, why would you not be able to rip any commercial DVD straight without shrinking it first? Isnt that the entire premace behind Dual Layer?
 
Originally posted by: onefew
I think the question at hand is that the Pioneer DVR-109BK is a Dual Layer DVD writer, why would you not be able to rip any commercial DVD straight without shrinking it first? Isnt that the entire premace behind Dual Layer?
Click to expand...


Yes, you can rip a full movie without shrinking - if you use dual layer media (very expensive). It is far more economical to use single layer (4.7GB) media - which would require the movie to be shrunk to fit. Dual layer media costs about $2.00 per disk and single layer (decent media) costs about $0.40 per disk. That is why shrinking is common. The drive is capable of burning both types of disks. Let your wallet be your guide.
 
if thats the case, then why not buy a cheaper single-layer drive for less than half the price in the first place?
 
Originally posted by: onefew
if thats the case, then why not buy a cheaper single-layer drive for less than half the price in the first place?
Click to expand...

I give up. Why? My guess would be that you are not going to get a quality burner for the $20 to $25 you allude to. The Pioneer DVR-109BK is a great value. It is a good balance of value plus quality. Why buy a $20,000+ automobile when you can buy a <$10,000 KIA? Why pay $100.00 for a Gig of RAM when you can get a Gig for half that?
 
Just bought a NEC 3502A myself 🙂 ..... However, on the "shrinking" issue, there are many downsides. Most importantly for me, you lose quality. I have an optoma H30 projecting on a 96' 16:9 screen. Shrunk DVD's look ALOT less detailed in some instances, depending on the scene and movie. To each their own I suppose ...

sm0kes
 
The NEC 3502A is a good drive/burner. Without going into too much detail on the shrinking topic here, I will state that you do lose image quality by shrinking. You can control the compression rate with most shrinking programs, but if I was playing my DVDs on a Hi-Res system, I'd spring for the dual layer media so I wouldn't lose image quality when burning.

When I rip and burn my movies, I look at the compression rate. I usually compress the menus or burn just the movie - without the menus and extras. That usually compresses my movie about 25% - depending on the length of the movie. Again, if I were concerned about playback on Hi Definition video equipment, I wouldn't shrink the movie at all. Just my opinion.

Also, another option is to burn the movie on two or more single layer disks (two disks would be enough for regular length movies). You could avoid shrinking the video, but you would have to change disks during the movie playback. Some opt for this method - to avoid shrinking and the high cost of dual layer media.
 
sorry, tried ripping 2 retail dvds and neither of them worked after mounting the images and trying to play in powerdvd. i forget what i used to rip, but apparently it wasnt the right thing, i'll try your methods.
 
Originally posted by: l3ored
sorry, tried ripping 2 retail dvds and neither of them worked after mounting the images and trying to play in powerdvd. i forget what i used to rip, but apparently it wasnt the right thing, i'll try your methods.
Click to expand...


I stumbled around the 'Net looking for how to rip and burn DVDs for some time and finally came across two of the best sites around for knowledge, support and downloads. Check out these two sites and check out the user forums ? in particular. That will help get you started in the right direction. If you run into problems or something you don't understand, please feel free to PM or email me. I'd be happy to help you.

CDFreaks.com - Great site

VideoHelp.com - another great site.

 
Originally posted by: corinthos
how does this compare to the NEC 3520?
Click to expand...

I would like more answers on this as well.

As far as I have read (with no personal experience myself), the pioneers tend to have a slight edge when it comes to quality of burns (less errors), although both are pretty good. Please feel free to tell me wrong, again because I have no personal experience.

The NEC seems to have better aftermarket firmware support.. including ones allowing for bitsetting and DVD rip speed unlock, which allows ripping at greater than the standard 2x or 4x speed on commercial dvds. Again if there are stable pioneer firmwares that does this also, please let us know.
 
Dual layer media costs about $2.00 per disk and single layer (decent media) costs about $0.40 per disk. That is why shrinking is common. The drive is capable of burning both types of disks. Let your wallet be your guide.
Click to expand...

DL disks for $2.00? Where can you get that? I only see them for $5.00 a disc.
 
Originally posted by: superflysocal
Originally posted by: corinthos
how does this compare to the NEC 3520?
Click to expand...

I would like more answers on this as well.

As far as I have read (with no personal experience myself), the pioneers tend to have a slight edge when it comes to quality of burns (less errors), although both are pretty good. Please feel free to tell me wrong, again because I have no personal experience.

The NEC seems to have better aftermarket firmware support.. including ones allowing for bitsetting and DVD rip speed unlock, which allows ripping at greater than the standard 2x or 4x speed on commercial dvds. Again if there are stable pioneer firmwares that does this also, please let us know.
Click to expand...


Also looking for opinions on this. I'm going to pick up the NEC or pioneer, must decide....
 
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