Is there a good reason to get DVD-RAM instead of RW?

[Michelle]

I noticed that Panasonic recorders are quite popular and well regarded. I see that DVD-RAM is considerably more expensive than RW. This makes me lean toward a unit that will record on RW. Is there an advantage to DVD-RAM that I should consider?

[dfluke]

Yes and No.

With DVD-RAM you are able to access more of the features of the recorder, such as "time-slip" (watch the begining of the show while its still recording.) However, in most cases you will not be able to play the DVD-RAM in your dvd player or PC.

I've found RW to be the best, since I don't plan on using those special features. But then its pretty much just a replacement for my VCR.

[Michelle]

I plan on using the recorder as a capture device. I need to be able to transfer to the PC where I will author new discs. So it sounds like RW is not only less expensive but more suitable for my needs.

[edDV]

I plan on using the recorder as a capture device. I need to be able to transfer to the PC where I will author new discs. So it sounds like RW is not only less expensive but more suitable for my needs.

Only problem is the captured material will be in a Video_TS DVD folder and the vobs must be demuxed back to MPeg2 as an additional processing step.

[Michelle]

I realize that. But it won't tie up the computer nearly as long as what I'm doing now.

[elkfir]

I prefer DVD-RAM for the following reasons:

1) It is very easy to transfer from DVD-RAM to PC using TMPGEnc DVD Author for later burning to DVD-R. I do this all the time and never had a problem.
2) Using "Play Lists" on the DVD-RAM you can do some editing before transferring to the PC. For example, let's say I fall asleep while recording Jay Leno, and I accidently record Conan O'Brian and Carson Daly. All I really wanted was Leno's monolog and the Angelina Jolie interview, so I create a "play list" that only includes the monolog and the interview, and then when I transfer to the PC, TDA will recognize the "play list" and only import what I wanted (the monolog and interview.) Then I just erase the DVD-RAM and it's ready for something else.
3) "Time-Slip" as mentioned by dfluke. I use it all the time, it's a great way to monitor what you're recording. Plus you can also watch previous shows you've recorded while making a new recording.

DVD-RAM is my main media for capturing, and I think it's worth the extra cost.

[ejai]

You can use either format DVD-RAM or RW to create a file to author using your PC. You will need a dvd drive on your computer that can read DVD-ram. The dvd-ram has the time slip feature which was mentioned in an earlier post that it really nice to use if you are a person who watches TV alot and hate to watch pictures from the middle.

Also the DVD-ram takes longer to render than the RW. I use the RW more because of the speed (and because the JVC M10 makes a better picture overall than the Panasonic), but I miss the time slip feature alot. I was able to see how the rendering would look before the video was completed.

You win some, you lose some.

[Michelle]

elkfir, I don't see why your first point is an advantage since you can do that with RW.

I like the playlist idea. But I don't use TDA and I'm unlikely to switch at this point.

[elkfir]

elkfir, I don't see why your first point is an advantage since you can do that with RW.

OK, maybe that's not an advantage. Also, there's no finalizing involved with DVD-RAM. Record something you like, plop it in your PC and import it. Then put the DVD-RAM back in your recorder and record something else if you want. I just feel I have a lot more flexibility with DVD-RAM

[Captain Satellite]

I'm going to be one pissed MF if they ever abandon the RAM format.

[lacywest]

I have two [2] DMR E50s

I use the DVD-RAM for ... he he he ... recording X-rated shows. I don't want to record all the BS between the scenes ... so I wait until the action starts. When the action starts I use flex-record to record with.

I started with 2 and a half hours of FR recording time. And as I accumulate time I adjust accordingly. I did this last night but I fell asleep ... the channel I was recording was showing something I already saw and I was going to resume at 2AM but I fell asleep ... so ... I'll just do it again later on a different night.

Once I fill the DVD-RAM disk I will use my Toshiba SD-M1712 to read the DVD-RAM disk and edit/convert/author. And create a DVD Video with it.

The programs I use are Womble mpeg-vcr and TMPGEnc DVD Author.

I then will play it when my g/f comes over ... for some background action.

I buy a 5-Pack of Panasonic DVD-RAM disks at Walmart for $18 bucks.

[stiltman]

I then will play it when my g/f comes over ... for some background action.

You need background action

[lacywest]

I then will play it when my g/f comes over ... for some background action.

You need background action

Uh huh .... I also do it ... with the lights on too

[Michelle]

Once I fill the DVD-RAM disk I will use my Toshiba SD-M1712 to read the DVD-RAM disk and edit/convert/author. And create a DVD Video with it.

What is the convert step?

[Michelle]

How do I find out if my burner will read DVD-RAM?

[lordsmurf]

Panasonic was first. That's really the only thing it had going for it. As time has gone one, in the past 2 years, it's lack of high quality has really shown.

While it varies from model to model, you have these errors: amoeba-like mini-macroblocks. Even in 2-hour mode, but ESPECIALLY anything longer than 2 hours. IRE and brightness issues, as well as interlace anomalies and AC3 corruptions. Not good.

JVC, LiteOn, Pioneer and Sanyo are all better choices.

DVD-RAM is not much use. It is DVD-VR mode, and VRO mode can have issues in editing, takes longer to transfer files than a RW disc, and VR also has odd resolutions in the spec (not DVD-Video compliant).

BEWARE !!!

[Michelle]

JVC, LiteOn, Pioneer and Sanyo are all better choices.

I was considering a Pioneer 310 but I noticed a lot of people complaining about the poor picture quality.

[Captain Satellite]

JVC, LiteOn, Pioneer and Sanyo are all better choices.

I was considering a Pioneer 310 but I noticed a lot of people complaining about the poor picture quality.

I have two Panasonics and can afford anything I want. If I could do better quailty-wise, I would own them. My opinion is based on my own personal experience after owning for almost two years. For what I do, RAM is the best way to go. I have not had any issues whatsoever. Everybody here has their own personal preference. Panasonic does it for me because of the excellent picture quality, RAM capabilities and hard drive.

[DereX888]

major reason for using -RAM instead of -RW (to me) is its durability.
I have some 4 years old TDK -RAM discs, rewritten for probably 1000 times already, and not one have failed yet, while some of my first DVD-RWs (3 years old) show already signs of fatigue like bad sectors etc.

EDIT:
I forgot to add: some of my company's old RAM discs (the cartridge types, 2+GB only, but it doesnt matter since the media inside is same type anyway) are probably 10 years old, or more? (I have no idea how old is some stuff here). Not one of them have crapped out on me yet...

[elkfir]

I just transferred some laserdiscs to DVDR by capturing first to DVD-RAM in SP mode on my Panny DMR-HS2. I'd capture one side of the laserdisc at a time, transfer to PC, then "stitch" the sides together and author with TDA. Looks pretty good to me, almost indistinguishable from the source (except for that damn "black level bug" which is not related to RAM)

[Captain Satellite]

I just transferred some laserdiscs to DVDR by capturing first to DVD-RAM in SP mode on my Panny DMR-HS2. I'd capture one side of the laserdisc at a time, transfer to PC, then "stitch" the sides together and author with TDA. Looks pretty good to me, almost indistinguishable from the source (except for that damn "black level bug" which is not related to RAM)

If you're playing back on the HS2 the bug shouldn't be an issue.

[elkfir]

If you're playing back on the HS2 the bug shouldn't be an issue.

Yes, but it would be nice to play them back on other machines without that faded look.

[Captain Satellite]

If you're playing back on the HS2 the bug shouldn't be an issue.

Yes, but it would be nice to play them back on other machines without that faded look.

I hear you. If you get another Panny, you can set the video output to 'darker' and it will be perfect, I've tried it on my E80H.

[lacywest]

Panasonic was first. That's really the only thing it had going for it. As time has gone one, in the past 2 years, it's lack of high quality has really shown.

While it varies from model to model, you have these errors: amoeba-like mini-macroblocks. Even in 2-hour mode, but ESPECIALLY anything longer than 2 hours. IRE and brightness issues, as well as interlace anomalies and AC3 corruptions. Not good.

JVC, LiteOn, Pioneer and Sanyo are all better choices.

DVD-RAM is not much use. It is DVD-VR mode, and VRO mode can have issues in editing, takes longer to transfer files than a RW disc, and VR also has odd resolutions in the spec (not DVD-Video compliant).

BEWARE !!!

What I do like the most about Panasonic units is the Flex Record.

I'm not stuck to Timer Recording in 5 or 10 minute increments. If the JVC unit was more precise ... I would consider it.

With the Panasonic ... I punch in 2 HRs and 7 minutes and it records for that long .

[elkfir]

If you get another Panny, you can set the video output to 'darker' and it will be perfect

I do have another Panny I use for playback. I will adjust the video output, I actually hadn't tried that before, thanks.

[lordsmurf]

JVC has FR mode too. Put in the minutes, it records that long. Adjusts bitrate, etc to match and fill disc.

[lacywest]

JVC has FR mode too. Put in the minutes, it records that long. Adjusts bitrate, etc to match and fill disc.

Some how I had the impression that the JVC model records in 5 or 10 minute increments ... or is it the Pioneer model that uses that method.

[lordsmurf]

Changes in 4-5 minute increment. Accurate enough.

[lacywest]

JVC has FR mode too. Put in the minutes, it records that long. Adjusts bitrate, etc to match and fill disc.

Okay Smurf ... You've always said good things about the JVC unit but

what is this all about ...

Link >> https://www.videohelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=241001
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samijubal
Member

Joined: 25 Jul 2004

Posted: Oct 21, 2004 07:04

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I'm not too convinced of the quality either, but it's the picture that keeps me from recommending it. Those lines in the background on every recording, no matter how good the input signal is suck. I think I liked the E-20 better myself, those lines are so distracting I can hardly even watch the movies sometimes. The only real advantage is 5 min increment record settings, and using all of an R disc. I don't think that makes up for those lines myself though, very distracting to me, reminds me of cable days a decade ago.
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LacyWest says :

I've been using my two DMR E50s for a year now ... they are both working fine.

There both loaded with DVD-RAMs to record ... Earth Sea Part 1 of 2 ... on Sci-Fi channel at 9PM ... in 34 minutes.

[samijubal]

I'm back to using the first generation E10. The picture is sharper and no lines in the picture ever. 3+ years old and still works like the day I brought it home. The JVC is gone and I haven't looked back, lousy machine.