Post Purchase Help w/new Drive

[BrettOlbrys]

OK, once I get my new drive, either the Pioneer or the BenQ, what are the next steps? Here are my questions:

- It seems as though everyone is saying to update the firmware on any drive I get. Why is this important?
- What brand of DVD's should I buy and should they be the + or - since these drives burn both? I read somewhere that the brand wasn't as important as something else and a link was posted to a software that identified something on the DVD. What should I be looking for?
- Are there any softwares I should be using to burn that are better then others?
- Anything else I may be missing or need to know?

Thanks,

Brett

[maldb]

OK, once I get my new drive, either the Pioneer or the BenQ, what are the next steps? Here are my questions:

- It seems as though everyone is saying to update the firmware on any drive I get. Why is this important?
- What brand of DVD's should I buy and should they be the + or - since these drives burn both? I read somewhere that the brand wasn't as important as something else and a link was posted to a software that identified something on the DVD. What should I be looking for?
- Are there any softwares I should be using to burn that are better then others?
- Anything else I may be missing or need to know?

Thanks,

Brett

1. Updating your firmware is important because it will update your drive with the latest media information - brand, speed, type, etc.
2. With regard to blank media, you can't go wrong with Taiyo Yuden - they are the best. I use the Pioneer 108 - and the TYs work beautifully with them. With regard to + or - media, you first have to determine what your standalone player (what's connected to your TV) will accept. If you order the TYs from rima.com, you won't have to worry about getting fakes - DVDinfopro (free software) allows you to verify the media to determine who makes it
3. DVD Shrink and DVD Decrypter is all you need. Since you're getting new drives, you'll probably get Nero Express software - this is also good for burning
4. The most important thing is to buy good media - don't be looking to save a buck and buy junk - it'll cost you more heartache and expense in the end.
5. If you want your DVDs to look professional (store bought), I recommend getting white inkjet printable DVDs and the Epson R200 printer - it will allow you to print directly onto the DVDs.

Good luck!

[lordsmurf]

1. It's not. You only upgrade firmware if you see problems. Do not upgrade "just because" like so many techno nerds do.

2. You want good media. Look at www.nomorecoasters.com for a list of good/bad media. Higher quality means less coasters.

3. To say "DVD Shrink and DVD Decrypter is all you need" is truly sad. I cannot burned authored DVD-Video or burn data backups with that software. Some of us actually do more than "backup" the local rental store. NERO 6 has an ever-growing disfavor growing amongst its users of older versions. Newer drives often can only use 2-4 softwares these days. I have converted entirely to the RECORDNOW MAX user base, and have a special DLL file I can add that let's it work with my PIONEER 109. This is covered in this forum and others I use. The software you use really depends on the drive you get.

4. Do not label your DVDs.

[otpw1]

@Lordsmurf Don't you mean "Don't use labels on your DVDs"?

Don't denigrate my Sharpie!

[lordsmurf]

@Lordsmurf Don't you mean "Don't use labels on your DVDs"?

Don't denigrate my Sharpie!

Semantics. :P

Sharpie rules.

[maldb]

1. It's not. You only upgrade firmware if you see problems. Do not upgrade "just because" like so many techno nerds do.

2. You want good media. Look at www.nomorecoasters.com for a list of good/bad media. Higher quality means less coasters.

3. To say "DVD Shrink and DVD Decrypter is all you need" is truly sad. I cannot burned authored DVD-Video or burn data backups with that software. Some of us actually do more than "backup" the local rental store. NERO 6 has an ever-growing disfavor growing amongst its users of older versions. Newer drives often can only use 2-4 softwares these days. I have converted entirely to the RECORDNOW MAX user base, and have a special DLL file I can add that let's it work with my PIONEER 109. This is covered in this forum and others I use. The software you use really depends on the drive you get.

4. Do not label your DVDs.

Smurf, get off your high horse and chill out.

1. Firmware upgrades ARE important if you want to burn at higher speeds, fix a known defect, etc. You don't have to be a "techno nerd" to do it. Manufacturers often state in their own product documentation to check for the latest software updates - are you the only person on the planet who's never seen this?
2. Again, he mentioned he may be getting the Pioneer unit - I advised him I have the 108 and that he wouldn't have problems with Taiyo Yuden media. Does EVERYONE newbie have to go visit your website? Is this an indoctrination process in order to get information on videohelp.com?
3. If you had read my post without the cynicism you would have seen that I mentioned the fact he would most likely get a free copy of Nero Express with his new drive purchase which will allow him to make data backups and such. Nero has the biggest and most satisified user group - esp in comparison with the crap that Roxio put out.

The guy is new to this and you're going off about a "special DLL file" you use, yada yada yada? Give the guy a break!! K.I.S.S.