Mac DVD burners: Please Read

[gf]

Apple Warning Dealers That DVD Patch Could Burn You

Apple Computer's lawyers were working overtime last week when they sent a stern letter of warning to Apple dealers, warning them that a "patch" to Apple's iDVD burning software runs afoul of the 1998 copyright law. The issue surrounds an option in the iDVD software that limits users' rights to burn DVDs only on internal drives that are manufactured by Apple. In iDVD's unmodified form, the software will not allow a user to write to external drives that are built by third parties.

What this means to Apple owners is that if you own an older MAC, or if you choose not to purchase the "Superdrive" option, you will not be able to use the iDVD software to save movies to these devices.

Because so many people were unhappy with this proprietary, write-protected limitation, Other World Computing began offering a product called "DVD Enabler" that patched iDVD, so that the user was able to save completed DVDs to any Firewire device. This was helpful for the Mercury Pro DVD-R/RW Firewire drive that Other World Computing was selling. A press release issued by Other World Computing stated that as of August 12, 2002, Other World will no longer offer the DVD Enabler software.

Apple has chosen the proprietary, closed route for the moment with its iDVD software. Many believe that since Apple is currently in the business of selling hardware, it stands to reason that Apple wants people to purchase Apple-branded products. In reality, Apple wants its buyers and users to see iDVD as value added feature that only works when you buy a system that is iDVD-ready, and that features an internal, compatible iDVD drive.

Other World Computing has reportedly said that this action by Apple is a poor business decision, and we think that it, once again, is indicative of Apple's closed-minded approach that continues to haunt Apple. If Apple wants people to buy and use their products and systems, they cannot continue to lower the boom on third parties that are trying to advance Apple's products platforms and increase Apple's product sales.

[Emes]

Your info explains why Apple tech support, as well as MacWarehouse is trying to sell me a new computer with an iDVD/superdrive rather than enable me to use the computer I already have.
I like the firewire EZ-Quest DVD burner for $400 because I already have a EZ-Quest burner. If I cold find a DVD burner without CD write in the same $400 range I'd like that even better.

There supposedly is no driver utility software to make these drives do their thing....unless you are willing to shell out nearly a $1000 for Apple's DVD Studio Pro.
Shucks, I'm still using iMovie with QuickTime 6 Pro and Toast 5 Titanium to burn VCD's.
Outputting to VHS looks better!

I'm primarily a Photographer/Videogragher, because of finances, and tech newbiness, I'm out of the digital output game for now.

All you violin players, dig this: After switching to the Mac G4 OS9 platform in late 1999, I bought Apple stock at $58/share. I must confess new user loyalty and misplaced optimisim for that judgement. Back then I had a regular wage and some extra dough. If there were an emoticon with an ice cream cone smashing into it's forehead available, I'd place it here.
Well, maybe Apple stock will rise again....

As for now, is there an inexpensive firewire DVD solution to get my new video gig rolling? I'd rather have the flexibililty and software upgradability of an external computer based unit, but how can I get it to run on a Mac? I'm actually thinking about a desktop recorder now.
I like the idea of Panasonic's DSR-HS2 DVD-RAM / DVD-R, version with firewire. Anyone have experience with this unit?

Please Advise,
Emes

[Eug]

Shucks, I'm still using iMovie with QuickTime 6 Pro and Toast 5 Titanium to burn VCD's.

Toast burns DVDs, including on external burners, although you'll need something else to author the DVD. (Toast just burns the finished files to disc.) iMovie with QuickTime 6 Pro will get you most of the way though.

I personally hate iMovie - no proper cross-platform support.

By the way, I use a Panasonic DVD-RAM/-R in a noname brand Firewire case. I do mostly data backup, but -R burning does work fine. I do my video to DVD-R conversions on my Panasonic DMR-E30 set top DVD-RAM/-R recorder. It works great and is painless, but you don't get all the pretty customization you do with DVD Studio Pro or whatever.

As for iDVD, I'd love to be able to use it too, but even being a non-pro myself, it seems too basic for pros, no? Mind you I guess most customers wouldn't care that much I suppose.