computer dvd-rw vs stanalone recorders

[Solarflair]

i have had 2 optical dvd burners and still using one right now. What i want to know is the difference between an optical burner drive on the computer and a standalone recorder?

What can one do the other cant?
Which is better for what type of projects?

maybe there is a webpage that might explain the whole thing. Ive heard of standalone recorders but know nothing about them. To me they are just like vcr recorders but for dvds.

I can understand the use for them if one wanted to record stuff from tv. but besides that what can they do? can they duplicate dvds?

[doppletwo]

Stand alone burners can't break encryption. So they can only backup backups. ANd that only if it is a two tray model which are rare or one with a harddrive.

You can't backup a Hollywood DVD using the Video inputs because of Macro Vision unless you buy an extra box that removes the Macrovision.

[swallowtail]

I can understand the use for them if one wanted to record stuff from tv. but besides that what can they do?

Standalone recorders are designed mainly to record analog video signals and encode them into DVD MPEG-2 standard. They are appropriate for the following: record TV programs, transfer VHS and LaserDisc into DVD's, and transfer camcorder tapes (digital/analog) into DVD. They are dedicated machines to encode analog video to MPEG-2 in real-time, not suitable for copying commercial DVDs.

[Solarflair]

so in the cases of vhs transfer, tv, etc, you wont be able to make menus and such correct? since you are just recording the anolog input.

[doppletwo]

so in the cases of vhs transfer, tv, etc, you wont be able to make menus and such correct? since you are just recording the anolog input.

this varies from model to model if it has a harddrive and such.

[Frobozz]

What do you want to do? Are you trying to transfer your existing non-copy protected videos to DVD? Are you wanting to create a DVD library from television programs? Are you looking for a quick way to convert your camcorder videos to DVD? Are you wanting to replace your VCR with something that uses rewritable DVD media rather than tapes?

As for making menus, that is one of the final steps in creating a video DVD with a standalone recorder. They are very basic menus that help you select what you want to watch on the DVD.

You might want to download and read a DVD recorder manual to learn more about what they do. There is a link to the manual downloads at the top of this forum.