Does anyone have the HP DVD200i???

[Tez12345]

I am thinking of buying one in the next couple of days and want to know how it is performing so far. I heard that Microsoft has decided to side with HP and Sony in going with the DVD+RW/+R standard. That was the main reason I want to buy one. Also how long does it take you to make a backup of a dvd from start to finish. Thanks

[Kusanagi]

I heard that Microsoft has decided to side with HP and Sony in going with the DVD+RW/+R standard. That was the main reason I want to buy one.

If that is the main reason you are buying one, then well, it's a pretty stupid reason to get one. I'd suggest you do some more research...start here --

http://www.dvddemystified.com/dvdfaq.html


Kusanagi

[Tez12345]

Kusanagi did you bother to even read the damn messege. The reason I said that is because right now their are various dvd format standards (dvd-r, dvd-rw, dvd+r,dvd+rw). Microsoft sided with the dvd+r and dvd+rw formats. I have done my research and sources say that Microsoft's decision probably sway the the universal standard to dvd+r and dvd+rw. You are probably one of the dumb asses who still looks at Beta instead of VHS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Kusanagi]

Kusanagi did you bother to even read the damn messege...sources say that Microsoft's decision probably sway the the universal standard to dvd+r and dvd+rw. You are probably one of the dumb asses who still looks at Beta instead of VHS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Whoa, easy there tough guy.

Those must be some sources you have there...

I was going to help you, but your lack of intelligence and immaturity here tells me otherwise. At this point, it would just be a waste of my time...


Kusanagi

[ktnwin]

One thing I know is DVD-R is more popular and also compatible with most DVD players (90%) while DVD+RW is compatible with only 70% of the DVD players out there.
DVD+RW is currently more expensive too.

I thought about buying the HP DVD200i too (just because it is cheaper than the Pioneer A03/A04), however, when I ask myself the question: why it is cheaper ? The answer happens to be this DVD+RW media thing

If I based my purchase because Microsoft endorsed the new format, then I have to wait for many more years.

Saving 300$? or have it a few years earlier?

The answer is clear: TIME IS MONEY.

[nemethmik]

DVD-RAM support is built in XP today.
Be warned, DVD+R and +RW discs are much more expensive than DVD-R discs.
Have you noticed that only Ricoh manufactures DVD+RW drives, and these drives are OEMed by Sony, HP, Philips?
Have you noticed that Sony builds DVD-R/RW drives (not +R/RW) in its multimedia desktop systems?
I would not say that DVD+R/RW is not a superior technology, but DVD-R is much more popular and well-established technology, which definitely cannot be ignored. The newcomer DVD+R/RW will have hard job to keep-up with the mature DVD-R technology.

[peteus]

HP DVD200i is working perfectly.

DVD+RW is as (or bit more) compatible then DVD-RW. DVD+R first tests are performed and show equal or better compatibility with stand-alone players in comparation with DVD-R media.

DVD+RW discs are $4.99, DVD+R are around $6.50. Prices will automatically change when supply grow, what is eminent.

DVD200i drive is not cheaper, it just came out so it is not to expect to cost less then A04. Right now it is minimum $427.


My opinion is that Panasonic/Pioneer DVD-R/-RW/-RAM format is as of today obsolete. It came so long ago on market but never “catch on”. It is by itself decrease to call DVD-RAM something so incompatible with stand-alone DVD players. DVD-RW format is useless.

It is important that Microsoft stay behind DVD+R/+RW format. Using Mt. Rainer DVD+MRW file format is practical and fast. It is “pocket writing” which is compatible with all PC’s. You will definitely want to have a drive that can be used as HD (but be really compatible with other PC's) or not?

DVD+RW/+R specifications are far more advanced then DVD-RW/-R. We all agree on that. I am not going to go over this specifications, as it is to many of them.

Number of companies distributing the DVD+ drives is higher then number of companies distributing DVD- drives.

Best Buy, Circuit City, CompUSA and other big stores are supplied mostly with DVD+RW/+R drives.

Those are few reasons to go with DVD+ drives, if you wish to find out more about + visit:

www.dvdplusrw.com

[Kusanagi]

My opinion is that Panasonic/Pioneer DVD-R/-RW/-RAM format is as of today obsolete.

LOL! What a n00b!

Those are few reasons to go with DVD+ drives, if you wish to find out more about + visit:

www.dvdplusrw.com

I'd suggest if your really looking at getting a DVD burner (either it be + or -) to do some additional research from other sources. dvdplusrw.org offers alot of sketchy consumer info and is so full of dvd+ bias it's not even funny.

Using Mt. Rainer DVD+MRW file format is practical and fast. It is “pocket writing”

oh yea, btw - wtf is "pocket writing" ? lol


Kusanagi

[peteus]

It is cool to see some bullies posting here which assume they know all about DVD- and +. I had made my research (last 3 years) and know most (if not all) facts about it. I sad it is all my opinion and you don’t need to share it with me.

-dvdplusrw.org is forum site and you can chat with owners of + drives. It is independent site.

-“Pocket writing”, I meant Packet Writing is the same as DirectCD or similar software. It allows you to use your DVD+RW drive as floppy disc. Comparable with DVD-RAM but faster and more compatible with other PC’s. If you need more abut this, go to: www.mt-rainier.org/ or this interesting post at: http://www.dvdplusrw.org/cgi/ikonboard/topic.cgi?forum=2&topic=882

BTW fy

[Kusanagi]

It allows you to use your DVD+RW drive as floppy disc. Comparable with DVD-RAM but faster and more compatible with other PC’s.

I hope you know that Mt. Rainer support WON'T be available in the current DVD+RW drives (not the 100i nor the 200i), not until the 3rd generation drives are available. Also, Mt. Rainer support won't be available until the release of the 'Longhorn' OS, so don't expect to be using Mt. Rainer packet writing anytime soon.


Kusanagi

[peteus]

Yes I knew that, it’s I sad news for + side, isn’t it? However, there will be no Mt Rainer for – front ever, except… they become +!? Mt Rainer support will be integrated in Win2000 and WinXP, date is October this year.

[MOVIEGEEK]

Read this non-biased article and come to your own conclusion about -or+:
http://www.tech-report.com/reviews/2002q1/dvdrw/index.x?pg=8

[nemethmik]

I had made my research (last 3 years) and know most (if not all) facts about it.

If you like facts than you should update some of your records .
> Number of companies distributing the DVD+ drives
> is higher then number of companies
> distributing DVD- drives.
... distributing the only two models available, which are manufactured only by Ricoh, one of which does not support DVD+R at all.
Moreover, only HP builds DVD+ drives in its PCs. Sony, Apple, Compaq builds DVD-R/RW drives in its multimedia PCs today.
> Best Buy, Circuit City, CompUSA and other
> big stores are supplied mostly with DVD+RW/+R drives.
In San Diego these shops (plus Fry's) sell all types of drives.

I'm not at all against DVD+R/RW (I'm considering buying such a drive myself), but I hate "marketing" crap from the pens of fundamentalists on these free forums. Or, may these DVD+ fanatics be paid by HP

[LanceSteel]

Since this is becoming more of a DVD- vs DVD+ debate, I would like to view my opinion on the subject...

I recently purchased a pioneer-a04 and I have to say that I love it. I was looking for a writer that would allow me to make video dvd's that would play on my stand-alone player. I also wanted to be able to test my video creations on my player before burning them on to a dvd permanently. I also wanted cheap writable media. Currently, the dvd-r/-rw standard does/has all those things. It does what I want it to do for a reasonable price.

I don't understand why people are going with the +RW drives even after the whole fiasco with +R non-firmware upgrade issue. I would tell these companies to go f themselves. With all this talk about who is backing which standard is pointless. Apple and Sony ships DVD-R/-RW with their computers now (they are fairly big names.) My DVD-R/-RW's work now in windows and on my stand-alone player (as well as many other people I know stand-alone players) now. Which standard is more established?

MOVIEGEEK's link shows a non-biased compatability test of the DVD-R/-RW/+RW video disks. DVD-R played in 24 of 25 (95%) standalone players. -RW/+RW had only a 35% success rate. When the +R standard/drives are released and tested then maybe they will be able to compete.

But I could be wrong too...

[Kusanagi]

If we are going over the whole -R vs +R again (ugh), I'll just point out this thread - draw your own conclusions from the posts there...:

http://www.dv-info.net/cgi-bin/ib/ikonboard.cgi?s=3cd153421c4dffff;act=ST;f=5;t=1;st=0


Kusanagi

[peteus]

MOVIEGEEK,
I sow that test long ago, they did not compare DVD+R which is as compatible as DVD-R.

Nemethmik,
Number of companies selling DVD+RW/+R drives is higher then number of companies selling DVD-W/RW. Consumers does not care how many facilities produce + drives. It might be that one + fab can produce equal numbers in same time as 3 – fabs.

Kusanagi,
You have right. I was in at least 50 fights over + and - formats and I have enough of it! I will not comment any more.

BTW guys, I need more DVD media so, where can I find cheapest DVD-R media which is able to write 2x on A04? Which silver unbranded DVD-R is the best & cheapest?

[peteus]

Ha, ha, ha… I knew this board is going to “close up” after we change thematic. No problem, I will keep using the “RMC” one from
http://www.cdrecordable.com/

BTW, I have HP200i too. Have fun.

[Tez12345]

Kusanagi I didn't mean any harm, I am just frustrated with everyone telling what type of drive to buy. All I want is a good drive to backup my dvd's and a drive that supports media that will play in most dvd players.
These dvd drives are expensive and the media is also and I don't want to waste my money. I meant no disrepect.

[Stansell]

I just purchased a 200i on Sunday. I started looking into DVD writers after a friend of mine bought the 100i last month, then found out he couldn't play the discs on his Apex DVD player. He was able to return it and get his money back.

My first thought was to go with the A04. The DVD-R media was cheeper and I guess I have a bit of brand loyalty with Pioneer since I've had great results with their stand-alone dvd products.

I started reading about the competing +/- standards and came to the conclusion that the + format was a better product. My reasoning is not based on what companies back the format, or what the stores sell. The simple fact of the matter is that the + discs have addressing information stored in the "wobble" of the track. This means the writer knows where it is as it writes the data and can resume writing at the exact spot it left off. It can also replace data at the block level. I think that down the road, with DVD camcorders and stand-alone units, this will be a big advantage to the + format over the -.

So weighing those factors and making the assumption that the media prices will fall in line with the DVD-R prices as more drives are sold, I decided to get the 200i (sorry Pioneer).

So far my experience has been good and bad. For whatever reason (and techical support couldn't help me) I can't get the Sonic MyDVD software that came with the unit to work. I can create projects, but I get an error when I try to save them. I'm going to re-load my OS (Win 2K) this weekend (for other reasons) and I hope that it fixes the problem.

I have been able to create video DVD's with Ulead Movie Factory and was even able to write a DVD with Dolby Digital sound using SpruceUp. i had to use Nero to write the SpruceUp files. SpruceUp would error trying to write to the drive. Each video I made on the +RW discs played flawlessly on my Pioneer C603 and Toshiba DVD ROM drive. I haven't tried the DVD+R media yet.

I was able to write data DVD's with no problem using Nero. The drive is quick and takes about 30 minutes for a full disc. The buffer undrerun protection works well and I've had no problems with coasters. Erasing a DVD+RW disc is very quick, only takes a minute or two (haven't timed it)

The writer works well with CD-R's as well. The buffer underrun protection works well enought that I was able to create and print a CD label while writing the CD. I've got to get used to not worrying about doing other things on the computer while writing CD's.

So, overall, except with the MyDVD problems, I have been very happy with my 200i. It is quick (even the drawer) and I feel pretty confident the format will become pretty popular.

Not sure why the debate about this gets so heated. I guess no one wants to have spent a lot of money on the wrong format.

However, unlike the VHS/Beta wars of the past, the final products created with these drive will play just about anywhere (provided DVD+R is as compatible as DVD-R). The question is the availability of the media at a reasonable price.

[Tez12345]

Stansell what format did you use in Nero? I use the DVD-Video format and I can't get it to work on my Apex or my other dvd-rom drive. Even though I am having problems with compatibility, the drive itself is excellent. I can burn an entire dvd in about 30 minutes and erase a dvd+rw disk in about 25 minutes. As long as the compatibility problem is tied to something I'm doing and not the drive itself, I think it is excellent and would recommend it to anyone.

[Stansell]

I just use the DVD / Video template from Nero and drag the files into the video folder. Nothing special, just the default settings.

25 minutes to erase a +RW? You should be able to do it in just a minute or so with the quick erase feature in Nero.

What type of Apex do you have? Some of them have trouble reading +RW DVD's as well as some older computer DVD ROMS

Have you tried writing a DVD using a +R disc? Your Apex should be able to read that better.

[peteus]

You need 5 sec to erase DVD+RW disc.
Some Apex stand-alone players are not compatible with - or + RW/R

Now...
Let me tell you what I wrote somewhere else:

If you want to use your drive to burn videos or data on ONCE-writable medium for archiving purposes you will pass cheaper if you choose minus format.

In that case, this is your drive for fanatic $331 at:

http://store.yahoo.com/spectraimpex1/piondvdrecdr.html

Do not try to find it cheaper, you will not! Pick up some DVD-RW disc for $5 just to have it to be able to check your projects before burning on DVD-R, which you can find at:

http://www.cdrecordable.com/

I know, you know, there is DVD-R media for les then $1.50 dollars but, don’t, please don’t go there! This media is not reliable in any way and you would regret it.


Now, if you need FAST 2.4x drive for writing and rewriting DVD media and 12x CD-r and 10x CD-rw, need fast and most reliable system of rewriting files on RW discs (to get feeling of having 4.5 gb additional HD in your PC) you must go with HP200i or other models of second generation DVD+RW/+R drives. In that case you need to pay bit more $427 at:

http://www.pcnation.com/asp/details.asp?item=974023

Small warning here, DVD+ drives of third generation (October 2002) will be Mt Rainer format compatible, but not sec-gen drives! You can find more here: http://www.mt-rainier.org/ BTW, DVD-R/RW drives will never be Mt Rainer compatible.

DVD+R media from HP ($3.86) and RW for $6 at:

http://www.thenerds.net/


I can bet you cannot find better prices!

[kabanero]

Check out this post.

http://www.dvdplusrw.org/cgi/ikonboard/topic.cgi?forum=2&topic=1241

[Kusanagi]

Check out this post.

http://www.dvdplusrw.org/cgi/ikonboard/topic.cgi?forum=2&topic=1241

Ugh...dvdplurw.org link...brace yourselves


Kusanagi

[xiaNaix]

The DVD Forum is made up of hundreds of companies and was established to set standards the for DVD media. DVD-R/-RW is backed by the DVD Forum. +R/+RW, which was created by a handful of companies, is not. That's why there is no DVD logo on any of the +R/+RW drives or discs. So, technically, -R/-RW is the standard writeable DVD format!

Of course, people will still buy the +R/+RW, assuming it's better, since plus must be better than minus, right? So who knows which format will end up on top. My guess is that consumer ignorance will sell alot of +R/+RW drives. Eat what they feed you.

As for Microsoft adding +R/+RW support to windows... BIG DEAL! Of course they're going to support ANY format they can. They've been supporting -R/-RW for a while now but everybody seems to forget that. Adding "support" and "backing" one format over another are two different things. What you've got here is MS keeping all their bases covered, nothing more.

Personally, I'll keep my Pioneer A04. The discs are cheaper and the media is just as compatible (no matter you read on the + propaganda sites). If you want to go with +R/+RW then good for you. We're all taking a calculated risk by purchasing these drives knowing that the two formats are incompatible. Either way, they both WORK, right? You end up with a disc that will play in your DVD-ROM or set-top DVD player and that's what matters.

[Kusanagi]

That's why there is no DVD logo on any of the +R/+RW drives or discs. So, technically, -R/-RW is the standard writeable DVD format!

Yep, thus the 'warning' from the DVD Forum on the whole +R/W format. See here -- http://www.dvdfllc.co.jp/mess.htm#notice


Kusanagi

[shardison]

Buy an HP200i

Don't be scared off by the counter-propaganda band that have of late taken it upon themselves to "protect" the -R/-RW drives.

[Stansell]

Man, what is the deal with this topic? Why do people get so defensive about these things. Just a disk format for goodness sake. Each has it's advantage, each has it's weekness. One may win, both may win, both may fail. Just get what works for you.

Next thing you know, people are going to have window stickers on their car with a little "Calvin" character peeing on a DVD+RW logo!
(and others with "Calvin" peeing on the DVD-RW logo).


The debates go on:
Intel vs. AMD
PC vs. Mac
MS vs. Linux
Ford vs. Chevy
Coke vs. Pepsi
Tates Great vs. Less Filling
ect... vs ect...

[xiaNaix]

Next thing you know, people are going to have window stickers on their car with a little "Calvin" character peeing on a DVD+RW logo!
(and others with "Calvin" peeing on the DVD-RW logo).

That's the best idea I've heard all week. I suggest running down to the copyright office before someone beats you to it. ;)

[ChrisX]

Hello everyone,

There is a lawsuit against HP over DVD+R issue. click link:

http://www.dvdplusrw.org/cgi/ikonboard/topic.cgi?forum=2&topic=1123&start=0

There seem to be compatibility problems with the less expensive DVD+R discs. The discs aren't writable using the HP DVD100i. The consumers of the HP 100i would have to fork out an extra $99.00 to get the features of DVD+RW+R capability.

Why should a consumer have to pay the extra $99.00 no fault of the purchaser. HP is to blame - BAD MARKETING.

I am not going to purchase any DVD burner with the plus - compatibility problems. Not 100% with every DVD player and DVD-ROM.