LG DVD writer does not recognize any files on dvd-ram disk

[fredpb]

DVD+/-/RW/CDRW LG|GSA4082B OEM

I got this burner, the LG, from Newegg to use with dvd-ram files burned by my Panasonic E50 Standalone DVD recorder.

I wanted to read them into my PC and edit them.

I have installed the LG into my WIN98SE system. It seems to work with CDs and such.

But it shows a written DVD-RAM as a "CD" on all displays, and does not display any files that I know are on the disks.

This is an OEM version, and just came with the burner, no drivers or software.

Perhaps some one can help me? How can I get the LG to recognize dvd-ram? The specs say it will.

Fred

[JLDVD]

It could be that Win98/SE is the problem as Win98/SE won't be able to access file larger than 2GB (FAT32 limit). E50 will create a DVD-RAM disc with 2.2GB per hour of recording in SP mode.

LG DVDRAM drive will be recognized as CD drive in Win98, and as DVD/CD drive in W2K/XP. This is normal.

Try to record only 1/2 hours of data in SP mode with your E50 so the total file size will be about 1GB on the DVD-RAM disc and try to read it again with your LG DVDRAM drive.

Or upgrade to W2K/XP with NTFS to support larger file size (upto 4 terabytes)

[fredpb]

Thanks for reply. I have two 1/2 hour programs on dvdram.
I don't want to write to the dvdram on my pc, just read on it.
I have a sony dru500a but it's kinda slow.

The LG was only $75, i may keep it anyway.

I should think the LG would recognize the files on the dvdram.

What file type is on the dvdram, do you know?

Upgrading to winxp is not an option, i built this computer mainly for gaming with mechwarrior 4, which works better with 98.

Though xp would really fix some problems with my video editors.

[kcfoulk]

It could be that Win98/SE is the problem as Win98/SE won't be able to access file larger than 2GB (FAT32 limit).

This is totally untrue, I don't even know where you get this misleading info. The file size limit for FAT32 is 4GB, not 2GB, and Panasonic standalone recorders actually make sure the file size never exceeds 4GB.

Upgrading to winxp is not an option, i built this computer mainly for gaming with mechwarrior 4, which works better with 98.

Actually all you need is to install the DVD-RAM drivers, unfortunately they are not available for download at LG's US website, this is the main reason against buying a LG's OEM drive. You may have to contact LG's customer support to find out where you can get them. Good luck!

[JLDVD]

Yup, he was right. FAT32 file size limit is 4GB (actually 1 byte less than 4GB). I haven't used W98 for ages and my brain cells have been recycled

[fredpb]

After much research I found, as mentioned, you need a special device driver to use this drive fully. Since the OEM version does not come with it, and you can't get it from the website, this makes LG a joke. They specify you can use DVDRAM but you can't. My review for it on Newegg.com got only one start out of five.

The good news is a driver for a Panasonic drive works.


http://panasonic.co.jp/pcc/products/en/drive/comb/kxlcb30a/download.html

The drive seems to work otherwise.

I got a recording (dvdram) from my Panny E50 onto my pc, and it works fine with Ulead editor. Of course, as usual, the Studio 8 editor is a useless.

[handyguy]

dvd-ram drives require a dvd-ram driver, this I know as I have one, if you no have one, then it only sees it as cd.

[saftrep]

There is nothing wrong with the 4082. I have one also from newegg. The panasonic recorder uses VRO file extensions. You will have to find a program (I use TMPGDVDAuthor - you can download a free trial) to be able to author a DVD from the Panasonic recorder. The program will bring the VRO file in and let you edit it then create menus and encode it to a structure that will be readable on a DVD player. I am not familiar with win 98 so I can't help you there.