Need Advice on My New DVD Burner

[TenaciousJP]

I had been having problems with a crappy DVD-ROM drive. See this thread for details:

https://forum.videohelp.com/viewtopic.php?t=292635


I purchased a Pioneer DVR-110D drive today and installed it in place of that crap DVD-ROM. I'm currently testing it and it seems to be working like a champ. I am backing up a DVD that I own, and am seriously impressed with the results. It took about 4 minutes to rip a DVD (single layer), and the speed kept increasing, seeming to get up to 15.2x near the end.

I'm going to burn a disc to see how it performs as a DVD burner.

I'd like some advice on something, though:

I now have two DVD burners in my computer, a Pioneer DVR-108 that I've had and used regularly since I first got the computer (which was in December 2004, if I remember correctly), and the new Pioneer DVR-110D.

Which drive should I use when I am doing the following tasks? I'd like to keep both drives working well and get the best performance. I wouldn't want to place all the workload on one drive, but if that is the best option, I'd like to know.

Ripping DVDs
Ripping CDs
Burning DVDs
Burning CDs
Reading DVDs
Reading CDs
When doing an Exact Disc Copy from 1 drive to the other, which should Read and which should Write?


Also, according to the Device Manager, my burner has Firmware 1.11 installed. Should I look for any upgrades, or just use my burner and see if it works properly and stay where I am (in other words, if it isn't broke...)?

Thank you for your help.


EDIT:

Also, what's the better program for burning my DVD backups? DVD Decrypter or RecordNow? Does it even make a difference?

[redwudz]

I don't think it makes much difference which drive you use for what.

I personally wouldn't upgrade the firmware unless you have a reason to.

Both of those burning programs should work well.

Sorry, but you really answered all your questions yourself.

[TenaciousJP]

I don't think it makes much difference which drive you use for what.

I personally wouldn't upgrade the firmware unless you have a reason to.

Both of those burning programs should work well.

Sorry, but you really answered all your questions yourself.

Well, as long as the questions are answered, I'm happy. Thanks, redwudz.

Burned a 4 GB DVD backup in less than 6 minutes with this new drive. I'm very happy with my purchase.

So, I guess I'll use this new drive for most ripping/burning tasks now, and I'll keep the firmware I have.

[ROF]

My preference is to read and rip from the older drive. Unless it's has a rip-lock or a significantly less stable reading capacity.

Doing this allows me to use the newer burning drive with a variety of blank media and also reduce it's wear and tear by assigning the ripping/reading tasks to another drive.

[soundforbjt]

To extend the life of the new drive, I'd use the 108 for ripping duties and use the 110 for burning only.

[TenaciousJP]

108 for ripping, and 110 for burning. Sounds like a plan. Thanks.