What do I need to read a DVD-RAM disc?

[Bob W]

Will the Sony DRU500ax or Pioneer 105 burners read that format? How about a DVD-ROM drive will they read it?

[mybook4]

you need a dvd-ram drive to read a dvd-ram. Dvd-rams are discs inside a case. Since the case is too large to fit into a normal dvd-rom drive, the drive could not possibly read it without causing physical damage to the drive.

[Bob W]

you need a dvd-ram drive to read a dvd-ram. Dvd-rams are discs inside a case. Since the case is too large to fit into a normal dvd-rom drive, the drive could not possibly read it without causing physical damage to the drive.

Thanks, but where do I buy that kind of a drive and how much do they cost?

[ncgoldwinger]

BobW,

I use the Toshiba 1712 DVD drive in my systems. Newegg has them for $39 delivered to your door..

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduct.asp?submit=manufactory&catalog=55&manufactory=12...tby=14&order=1

DVD RAM discs come in two flavors - disc alone or in a cartridge. The Toshiba will only accept the disc alone. You can remove a DVD RAM disc from a cartridge type to be read in the Toshiba..

I have a Panny HS2 and use this method to transfer video from it to my PC for further editing..

Regards,
Rick

[MOVIEGEEK]

you need a dvd-ram drive to read a dvd-ram. Dvd-rams are discs inside a case. Since the case is too large to fit into a normal dvd-rom drive, the drive could not possibly read it without causing physical damage to the drive.

Not so,Most $40 DVD-ROM drives(Lite-On,LG,etc) will read DVD-RAM and the disks will work outside of the cartridge(case).

[Bob W]

BobW,

I use the Toshiba 1712 DVD drive in my systems. Newegg has them for $39 delivered to your door..

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduct.asp?submit=manufactory&catalog=55&manufactory=12...tby=14&order=1

DVD RAM discs come in two flavors - disc alone or in a cartridge. The Toshiba will only accept the disc alone. You can remove a DVD RAM disc from a cartridge type to be read in the Toshiba..

I have a Panny HS2 and use this method to transfer video from it to my PC for further editing..

Regards,
Rick

I wonder if my LiteOn 163 or 166s will read a DVD-RAM? Anyway for $39 that's a good deal. I'm trying to decide if I should buy the Panisonic E50s recorder which records to DVD-R and DVD-Ram or the new Sharp recorder which will record to DVD-RW. Like you I want to be able to transfer the files to my computer for any editing.

[ncgoldwinger]

BobW,

According to this site the specs doesn't mention DVD RAM as being a readable format for the LiteOn model you mentioned:

http://www.mwave.com/mwave/doc/A13780.html

Panny vs. Sharp - I can only speak for the Panny unit I have. My unit has the hard drive in it so I record to the hard drive first and then do a high speed copy to DVD RAM. In the slowest recording speed I can record up to 6 hours to the h/d at a time and then do a high speed transfer of the six hour clip to a DVD RAM disc in about 25 mins. I then use my Toshiba to copy the file to my PC's hard drive if needed for further use.

There is a lot of people that talk bad about the DVD RAM format and that it's useless and on it's way out but for this purpose I really like the use of it.

Regards,
Rick

[next]

you need a dvd-ram drive to read a dvd-ram. Dvd-rams are discs inside a case. Since the case is too large to fit into a normal dvd-rom drive, the drive could not possibly read it without causing physical damage to the drive.

It takes a couple of seconds to remove the disc from the cartridge. You can remove or insert the disc back into the cartridge as many times as you would like.

Most DVD-Ram discs than come in cartridges have instructions on how to do this. Look at the sticky label that is provided. Usually on the back of the label (the portion of the label that is discarded - the peel away part) has instructions on how to remove the disc.

It's as simple as screwing in a light bulb. Easier actually.

[next]

Here's a link that may help. Once you remove the lock pin you can remove or insert the disc when ever you would like.

http://www.24p.com/DVDRAM.htm

[andydd]

I use a Toshiba DVD Rom that can read RAM discs n like someone else said..I record with my Panny DMR E30 n then edit in my PC.

Cartridges are only there to keep the disc clean. RAM disc can be a bit picky if they are scratched or dusty so if u have Non-catridges ones look after em. Also try not to pay to much. in the UK ive paid £10 for a Panasonic one, but Ive got unbranded ones for £2-£3.

[next]

I use a Toshiba DVD Rom that can read RAM discs n like someone else said..I record with my Panny DMR E30 n then edit in my PC.

Cartridges are only there to keep the disc clean. RAM disc can be a bit picky if they are scratched or dusty so if u have Non-catridges ones look after em. Also try not to pay to much. in the UK ive paid £10 for a Panasonic one, but Ive got unbranded ones for £2-£3.

This is true. Keep them clean and this is excellent advice for any disc. As far s DVD-Ram it was designed to be a 'workhorse' thus probably the caddy. It was also the first. It has the capabilities to be rewritten many more times then RW. The caddy is a great plus for those who choose to use them. Most of mine I use are not in the cartridge.

Here in the states 'caddy less' DVD-Ram discs are becoming more prevelent. Even Best Buy carries them. Fugi DVD-Ram discs in a jewel case are at Best Buy in packs of five for $30. On sale sometimes for less much less.

I picked up 2 packs for $50 which essentially added almost 50 gigs of removable HD like storage. I felt it was a bargain.