DVD-RAM - a dead duck?

[fourthquark]

Researching multi-format writers and came across this opinion piece at

http://www.whatcamcorder.net/articles/viewpoint/200106.shtml


Is there any reason to go out of my way to get a multi-format dvd-writer that also writes DVD-RAM in addition to DVD-R/RW and DVD+R/RW?

[rilles]

I have DVD-RAM on my LG - I didn't go looking for it, but now that I have it - its GREAT!
Its like one massive slow floppy disk - no need to erase,burn - it acks like a drive D:

Nice for quck backups or transferred large files.

[gmatov]

Rilles,

Is yours the brand new one I just got a mail from CNET about, +/- and RAM?
The GSA 4040B, 4X?

How does it do on Video burns. Looks as though it may be the one I finally buy.

Thanks.

[The village idiot]

I use my -RAM for many different data needs. Bigger and faster than a ZIP drive. I don't think I will ever buy another DVD burner that does not support -RAM. My next stand alone player will also support -RAM.

[poopyhead]

think of it as a much bigger and more reliable zip disk...so you can store important info...

for video applications, it may not be as suitable...but for safekeeping important DATA, it's very, very useful.

[MOVIEGEEK]

Iomega will be releasing their "Super DVD" writer in Sept for around $300USD.4x DVD-/+R and 3x DVD-RAM,CeBIT liked it so much they gave it "best new product award" for 2003.

[Greenspock]

I have DVD-RAM on my LG - I didn't go looking for it, but now that I have it - its GREAT!
Its like one massive slow floppy disk - no need to erase,burn - it acks like a drive D:

Nice for quck backups or transferred large files.

Same here. Its a 3x DVD-RAM and any data that needs backing up goes right on 'em. Love my LG. The IOMEGA sounds good too. Whatever drive you get, if its in your budget grab, one with DVD-RAM.

Cheers.

[-jsl-]

The Iomega is just a rebadged Hitachi-LG drive.

[gmatov]

A question.

Will a DVD-ROM read a DVD-RAM disk, particularly a LiteOn 48 or 52X?

Or do you need a DVD-RAM per machine?

edit: This was stupid!! I meant LiteOn 163, which I have, not my CD devices.
I'm gonna go to bed earlier, sound less stupid.

[Bob W]

A question.

Will a DVD-ROM read a DVD-RAM disk, particularly a LiteOn 48 or 52X?

Or do you need a DVD-RAM per machine?

Chances are it won't read a DVD-RAM disc, my LiteON 166 and 163 drive don't. I had to buy another DVD drive to be able to read them. Here is the drive I bought.
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduct.asp?submit=manufactory&catalog=55&manufactory=12...tby=14&order=1

[dcsos]

DVD RAM has a big boost from the HOME SET TOP MARKET TOO!
..so its no dead duck

many DVD-ROMs read the
naked-removable from cartridge
TYPE 2 DVD RAMS now

Many=7 or 8 different models
look in the DVD DRIVES GUIDE
toshiba and panny make drives that are dvd-rom's but read naked ram also

[Philbiker]

DVD-RAM absolutely rules for data.

The piece you linked to referred to the camcorder market only, I don't see the relevance to the PC market.

Once you've used DVD-RAM for data transfer and backup you'll never want to be without it. If you plan on using your PC DVD writable drive for data at all you want DVD-RAM IMO. I love it.

[handyguy]

They have a data rate twice that of dvd-r & also, you can rewrite them 100,000 times, so you can edit right on them.

[PhilipL]

Withdrawn

[Tearren]

fourthquark

Is there any reason to go out of my way to get a multi-format dvd-writer that also writes DVD-RAM in addition to DVD-R/RW and DVD+R/RW?

2 reasons you may won't to consider DVD-RAM:

1) As mentioned above, it is good for backing up DATA. You don't have to delete the WHOLE disk as you would with a DVD+-RW

2) If you might be inclined to get a standalone in the future, one that supports DVD-RAM.

If you have no use for either of these, then just get a DVD+-R/W burner.

gmatov

How does it do on Video burns. Looks as though it may be the one I finally buy.

Have an LG 4040b Super DVD and my video burns work very well and at 2x also. I have used ACCU (From meritline.com) and Ritek DVD-R. Haven't tried any 4x media yet. Also have used Memorex DVD-RW successfully.

Later,
Tearren

[PhilipL]

Withdrawn

[troggg]

While I realize this site is primarily used by people copying movies, I am looking for a DVD burner primarily to backup data (large audio file produced by my recording studio).

I'm a bit confused by exactly what DVD-RAM is and isn't.

Can I not copy Win XP directories onto a disk unless I have DVD-RAM capability?

Can someone explain the advantages of DVD-RAM or point me to a thread elsewhere?

By the way, I do want to be able to copy movies as well, but data copying is more important for me.

Thanks in advance.

[CHAOS]

Chances are it won't read a DVD-RAM disc, my LiteON 166 and 163 drive don't. I had to buy another DVD drive to be able to read them. Here is the drive I bought.
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduct.asp?submit=manufactory&catalog=55&manufactory=12...tby=14&order=1

Yep,
ncgoldwinger Turned me on to this drive also, works great, reads "+" "-" "rw" & ram. Plus i like it because i can record on my standalone and edit it before transfering it to my pc to burn to dvd+r.

[TuxOmatic]

troggg-
I started using DVD-Ram when I bought Panasonic's DMR-HS2. I use the double-sided cartridge style as well as the single-sided disc without the cartridge shell. Later I bought Panasonic's PC burner SW-9571, which supports both styles of DVD-Ram. When I installed the burner, a special driver was installed so I can use the discs like a hard drive. If you buy a burner that can read and write to DVD-Ram, it should come with this driver. If you just get the bare drive you will have to download the driver (not sure where). When I record a movie or TV show on my DMR-HS2, I can put the disc into the PC burner and have access to the file (view it, edit it, convert it, etc.) I could also drag a folder from one of my hard drives and copy it onto the DVD-Ram. In that regard it works just like a slow hard drive and would be great to store large audio files. From what I read, DVD-Ram has a high level of data integrity because was developed for that application. I store my most important video projects, photos, etc., on DVD-Ram and put regular stuff on the DVD-R's (including movies, of course). Please note that DVD-Ram discs are much more expensive than DVD-R blanks. The big thing is the option to use either format, which is important to me. Also, I waited for Panasonic to finally release a low priced DVD player with DVD-Ram capabilities (DVD-S35K) and bought it so I can reduce the duties of my expensive DMR-HS2, although it doesn’t accept the cartridges.

If you want to know more about DVD-Ram, go to the Panasonic website. They have invested lots of money and products into that format, so they have lots of hype, eh, I mean specifications, to dazzle and inform you.

Hope that helps.

[negon]

i'd say it's more like a duck that has 'passed away'

[The village idiot]

http://panasonic.jp/dvdram/english/

[Greenspock]

As an additional reference...

http://www.dvddemystified.com/dvdfaq.html#4.3.4

(I love this FAQ)

[LanEvo7]

I think DVD-Ram will remain around for professional use. Its really a great idea, just not really as practical as the DVD for movies. It'll just be like the minidisc format or beta.

[seymouru]

If you're looking for cheap, reliable DVD-RAM media, newegg.com is the place to go. For instance, they have a cakebox of 25 Optodisc 9.4GB two-sided DVD-RAM for $129.99 with free shipping. That's only $2.60 for each 4.7GB side -- pretty good for 100,000 burns.

I've burned dozens of these over the past year in my Panasonic DMR-HS2 with no problems. I just got their DMR-E80H and the LG GSA-4040B drive, so I'll be using a lot more of them. This bulk price is pretty hard to beat.

Link to DVD-RAM cakebox on newegg.com

(scroll down the page when you get there)

[kamuixtv]

I forgot these functions of RAM... I envy you guys LG4040B is affordable compare to Sony (Even though Sony adds RAM on their drives the price is still high) but 4040 is not yet out in our place

[Gil T Pleasure]

According to a CDR-Info.com article, Thomson will be adding DVD-RAM format playback capability to its future DVD players starting in 2004. Isn't Thomson a charter member of the DVD+RW Alliance?

[trhouse]

I would not count dvd-ram out. Here are the industry sales figures for all media types.

"Ritek estimates that in 2003, there will be over 320 million blank discs sold worldwide, DVD-R being the leader with appx. 160 million units sold, while other formats; DVD+R, DVD-RW, DVD+RW and DVD-RAM; will sell appx. 40M units each. "

[Greenspock]

They haven't gotten rid of the floppy drive yet, there's no suitable replacement! DVD-RAM disks act like a giant floppy drives. Maybe if we keep RAM around long enough, the old legacy floppy will finally disappear.

[RabidDog]

Large capacity usb dongle is replacement for floppy, could even be the replacement for the Cdr if capacity and price keep moving up and down. RAm sounds like a very good plus .. as long as price is right.

[The village idiot]

Ram disk... Larger and cheaper than Jaz 2GB disks. 'nuff said.