DVD-ROM good @ data extraction?

[spiffy]

Hi everyone,

I am trying to backup some badly scratched DVDs, and my Sony DRU510A doesn't seem to cut it. I've tried repairng the media themselves, but haven't had much success. So I'm wondering if there may be a particular barnd/model of DVD-ROM drive that may be better at extracting files off the discs than the 510A?

Any ideas/recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance...

Spiffy

[lordsmurf]

Yes, look for a PIONEER DVD-ROM ... they cost a bit more ($50-70) but are one of the best ones around. I have a PIONEER DVD-116 and DVD-120 because of the quality.

[spiffy]

Thanks LordSmurf. Between the DVD-116 and the DVD-120, which one would you recommend, when my main objective is to extract files off those badly scratched DVDs that the DRU-510A can't read error-free?

Also, should this drive be set as the master or slave if it's going to be on the same chain as the burner?

Again, thanks in advance...

Spiffy

[jtommyj]

Not to jump in, but have had similar experience.
Definitely as slave with the writer as master unless you want to do on the fly copying then set it up as slave on your other IDE channel with your HD.

As far as "quality" , don't expect miracles. We have both the 120 and 116 at work and I have a Lite-On XJ-HD166s at home and on a badly scratched DVD that I had none of them could extract it with DVDX Copy rescue disc. One I could get back with my Lite-On but not the Pioneer.

It really just depends on how badly they are damaged.

[spiffy]

So does that mean if I get this kind of error no reader can help?

[lordsmurf]

So does that mean if I get this kind of error no reader can help?

No, not at all. My crappy old DVD-ROM gave me that error and many more. The Pioneer is purring like a kitten.

The DVD-120 is the current model. It's sold at Best Buy. All of them are equally good.

JUST BE SURE TO GET THE TRAY VERSION, NOT THE SLOT VERSION! The slot ones scratch discs! The tray ones work a LOT better.

If you need a hard data extraction, use DVD Decryptor or ISO Buster. I;d never use anything else, especially not some DVDXCopy thing (sorry man, I really hate and give zero respect to 321 Studios and their bugware/crippleware).

[spiffy]

Will a combination of ISOBuster and the Pioneer drive work better than the software alone? I am trying ISOBuster with the DRU510A as I type this, and the sectors are still not being read...

Bestbuy.com does not list the exact model number of the Pioneer drive. I think I can get an OEM bare drive version of the DVD-120 at a local computer store for a bit less though.

Have you guys ever tried the Plextor DVD-ROMs? I wonder how they are compared to the Pioneer at data extraction?

[spiffy]

OK, I installed a Pioneer DVD-120 last night, and it still didn't read the scratched DVD... Seemed to be stuck on one bad sector and wouldn't go on. I even tried once again to repair the media first, and it didn't help either. Should I look into another brand of DVD-ROM, or if the DVD-120 can't read it, no other ones can?

[ccbadd]

This might suck but, get a btc 1004im or 1008im. They are writers, but they seem to read better than any reader/writer I have ever tried to read bad disc's with.

[spiffy]

Wow, a BTC? Even my local specialized computer stores don't carry this brand any more... Not that I don't believe you; but I can't imagine that any of the bigger names like Plextor/Pioneer/Lite-On would not perform just as well if not better? (I'm not stuck on brand names; it's just I'd rather get a drive locally, so if it doesn't work right I can quickly return it. And BTC will have to be mail-ordered most likely...)

[kirpen]

I found this on the boards.
"If you encounter an error while ripping with DVDDecrypter go to Tools->Settings->Device tab and check(tick) Fast Error Skip,then go to I/O tab and check Ignore Read Errors.
4.If DVDDecrypter doesn't work then try SmartRipper or vice-versa. "

[spiffy]

Unfortunately, SmartRipper seems to screw up my Nero configurations. I have had to do a complete uninstall and then re-install Nero as a result. So I think I want to stick with the hardware route for now...

I've been trying to Pioneer DVD-120 for a couple of days now. And with all due respect to Lordsmurf -- you know your stuff, so I don't doubt you -- I like the Pioneer OK, but I'm not wowed by it. It didn't read the problem DVD I am trying to backup; also, it doesn't support media code reading -- or is that a feature only for DVD writers?

Seems like fewer and fewer retailers are selling a DVD-ROM only drive these days. It's either a DVD writer, or a combo CDRW/DVD-ROM. I feel like I'm kinda back to square one; I don't need the fastest speed, but I need a drive that can rip accurately, yet not so finicky if it encounters a problem disc. Am I hoping the impossible?

Again, any thoughts and suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance...

Spiffy

[lordsmurf]

Your disc is probably beyond repair.