pioneer DVR-104 and DVR-A04

[duxmaimus]

I know someone asked about the A03 & 103. But I am asking about the newer versions. Are these the same? Or does the "A" in A04 stand authoring?

[duxmaimus]

I dont know if this will help, but I saw the DVR-104 on a computer and there was a web site that said that said the DVR-AO3 was replaced by the DVR-104. Is this correct?


ok found the answer at http://americal.com/

Apple and Compaq have been shipping the A04/104 units in their high end model PCs for quite a while now.)

Thanks---

[mazinz]

my new compaq came with the pioneer dvdr104 (or its full name dvd-rw dvr 104). it works great, although some programs (such as nti) still do not have support for this burner. Also i checked pioneers site and their has been no driver updates or firmwares for it, actually this burner was not yet listed at all on pioneer's site, but it does seem to work quite well

[k1elec]

I have a DVR-104 which seems to be OEM ithink the A03 will be the non OEM version 99.5% sure

[winman42]

The A03 and thre A04 are 2 seaprate units. The Ao3 is being
discontinued, and replaced with the A04 unit. You can read all about
it on these sites...

http://news.com.com/2100-1040-864926.html
http://www.emedialive.com/r6/2002/news0402_04.html

Basically the new unit reads dvd-r and cdr faster, and is smaller.
SUpposedly faster recording times with cdr/cdrw, but nothing about
making is faster with DVD media. Also, it will suggest at about $500,
which would make it much cheaper than the A03, when it was
released.

Winston

[TRILIGHT]

The A04 and the 104 are the same drive. The A04 is the retail version that comes in the retail box and I believe the drive says "Pioneer" on the front of it. The 104 is the OEM version. Comes in a plain box and does not say "Pioneer" on the front. Also, I think the retail A04 comes with more media than the OEM 104 does.

I personally don't care what my drive has printed on the front and don't care what box it comes in. I just placed my order for the DVR-104 at $355 [from http://www.hypermicro.com ] and then ordered a combo pack of media (50 1-sided DVDR's, 5 2-sided DVDR's, and 55 DVD cases) for $144.90 [from http://www.cdrecordable.com ].

[Kusanagi]

Yes, the A04/104 are the same drive. The A in A04 just designates it as the retail package with included software. The DVR-104 usually will come in a static bag/whitebox only with no included software or screws/cables.

My Pioneer A04 (retail box) (and extras I ordered ) came yesterday. As you can see the A04 labeled on the box:

http://www.knightsabers.net/temp/dvd-r/DCP00687.JPG


Kusanagi

/me go burn some dvds!...(been waiting 2 years to say that )

[RimmeR]

Hi,
just a quickie

Kusanagi, how much did the version of Reel DVD cost you?

And where did you purchase it?

I've had enough with DVDit-PE and am looking into reel dvd maybe.

Thx

[resnullius]

you can buy reeldvd off the website www.sonic.com

[Kusanagi]

RimmeR,

I picked up both the A04 and ReelDVD from Videoguys (www.videoguys.com). They offered a A04, ReelDVD, & a 5pk of Pioneer DVD-R in a special bundle kit (which is all in the pic). With their online savings discount I saved an additional $50...(money saved is always a good thing ) which could easily go toward 2 more DVD-R 5 packs.

I've seen ReelDVD offered for $999 (pretty much what I payed with my A04 purchase). After extensive research in DVD authoring packages, I knew what I wanted (ac3 encoding, acceptance of 5.1 dolby digital audio, motion menus, compatibility with Scenarist, etc.) ReelDVD was the one.

If you want more information on ReelDVD I highly recommend you check out the (un)official ReelDVD forum at:

http://www.guygraphics.com/cgi-bin/ib3/ikonboard.cgi?s=3cad060e938fffff;act=SF;f=31

More specifically this post as well: http://www.guygraphics.com/cgi-bin/ib3/ikonboard.cgi?s=3c9fce244a83ffff;act=ST;f=31;t=381

And, be sure to check out James Dailey's highly informative ReelDVD page (and ReelDVD tutorial) at: http://www.daileycreative.com/ReelDVD/

Like I said earlier, I picked up my copy of ReelDVD here: http://www.videoguys.com/reelDVD.html , but Guy Graphics (www.guygraphics.com) also offers ReelDVD (I have ordered from them as well, and I highly recommend them, too):

GuyGraphics: http://198.104.184.48/cgi-bin/webdata_pro.pl?_cgifunction=form&_layout=hardware&keyval...tory.id%3D5684

Or, as resnullius said, you can order it directly from Sonic, but expect to pay Sonic's msrp price (which last I checked was around $1,200). You may be able to qualify for an upgrade price from DVDit PE (you'd have to check with Sonic) but I remember awhile back Sonic offered an upgrade solution to ReelDVD from the DVDit series at a considerably lowered price (not sure if they still offer it and it was still around a few hundred dollars for the upgrade...I'd check with Sonic - I tried to check myself online, but they wanted my DVDit serial number, which I don't have...)

Anyway, hope the info helps and good luck with your decision!


Kusanagi

[RimmeR]

Thanks very much for the info, it is greatly appreciated.

[the_macman]

This might be a bit off topic here, but can somebody provide compatibility info with cnsumer DVD players? I'm particularly interested whether I'll be able to play DVD-R/-RW's burned with A04/104 on my Pioneer DV-444 player?

I'd also be looking for an external (FireWire) version of the drive.

Anyone seen this drive (+ prices) in Singapore?

Thanks in advance!